Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 21

March 12, 2021

WHAT IS YOUR PHYSICAL BODY FOR: SEX, FOOD, OR GOD'S PURPOSE?

ESTABLISHING BODY BOUNDARIES

AN USEFUL VESSEL

“... Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in [good]...health, even as thy soul prospereth...” (3 John 1:2 KJV).“… If you love me, you will (not might, maybe, sometimes, when I feel like it, or occasional, etc.) keep my commandments… ” (John 14:15). “...Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well...”(3 John 1:2 NIV).

The LACK of DILIGENCE can become the problem. When you are moving, creating, developing, or following a NEW lifestyle it is important to be diligent in order for that lifestyle to BECOME a “FIRM” way of life. Diligence ATTACHES desired boundaries to the NEW lifestyle. Being diligent about body boundaries is what HELPS you set guidelines in regard to how you CARE for or treat your own physical body.

Being diligent about your body boundaries will assist in establishing your behaviors about eating, exercising, emotional care, and rest. Body boundaries will ensure that your body will also be mutually GOOD to you by staying healthy, energetic, and useful during your earthly visit.

Putting into place CLEAR body boundaries is the FOUNDATION for keeping and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between you and your physical life. Body boundaries are linked to self-esteem and reveals how you personally CARE about your physical life.

You will establish your OWN body boundaries, which will reveal, even to yourself, what behaviors you have put into place that SAYS I care about my physical life. If YOU are uncomfortable about your physical life, it may be time to establish some body boundaries that will make you feel more comfortable with your physical life.

No or weak body boundaries leave you vulnerable to sickness, weight gain, lack of muscles, increased fat cells, unhealthy eating, uncontrollable eating, emotional eating, habitual eating, and disrespect, loathing, disdain, criticism, judgment, and disappointment toward your physical life. You have chosen to take your physical life for granted and you have chosen to damage it in the way you have.

Your physical life is a GIFT from God and deserves to be TREATED with kindness and respect. Body boundaries will PROTECT you and anyone else from exploiting your physical life through mistreatment, misuse, or abuse. Body boundaries help establish behaviors that ACT or DO things that are in the BEST interest of your physical life. To establish body boundaries, with God’s help, God’s people need to KNOW the importance and purpose of their physical life. When Jesus came to earth a BODY was prepared for him. “...But You have prepared a body for Me...” (Hebrews 10:5-7 NASB).

Jesus needed the BODY in order to carry out God’s purpose, for his life, upon earth. “...The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations...” (Jeremiah 1:4-5 NASB). God KNEW each SOUL before they came into the WORLD or before they were FORMED in their mother’s womb. That soul was ALREADY sanctified and SET APART for God’s purpose. Thus, the BODY is just a VESSEL for the SOUL to USE to carry out their God-given assignments upon earth.

When a person is SAVED then their BODY also becomes a TEMPLE for the Holy Spirit and the anointing that NOW dwells within them. “What? Know ye not that your bodyis the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). The BODY of God’s people belong to Him, the indwelling Holy Spirit and God USES that BODY, while they’re upon the earth, to DISPLAY his GLORY by revealing his presence, his goodnesses, and his working POWER through them.

“...Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).

The BODY, thus, is a vessel for God, the Holy Spirit and the soul, which becomes a LIVING SOUL when reconciled to one another through Jesus, is able to EXPRESS, REVEAL, and DEMONSTRATE God’s attributes to the world in order to RECONCILE mankind BACK into a loving, covenant relationship with HIM.

“...You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies...” (1 Corinthians 6:13 NASB). “...You know the old saying, “First you eat to live, and then you live to eat”? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!...” (1 Corinthians 6:13 NLT). Without the BODY being in GOOD shape and USABLE the purpose of God CAN NOT be fulfilled or achieved. BODY boundaries HELP God’s people take CARE of their physical life and the God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus, his WORD, will HELP them do it.

Body boundaries help God’s people preserve their physical life in order to fulfill HIS purpose and give HIM GLORY! Once you UNDERSTAND the body’s purpose is NOT sexual immorality or improper eating behavior you can start deciding on what guidelines need to be established to set BODY boundaries NECESSARY for your physical care. Ask yourself what are the things you personally do to SABATAGE your efforts. Make a list and take action. Line each of those actions up with God’s WORD. For instance, if you notice you eat uncontrollably and need limits, but can’t stop.

The Word of God encourages you to ...resist the devil and he will flee from you...” “....walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh...” or “....bring your BODY under submission...” to God’s WORD. This does not require SELF-EFFORT, but making a CHOICE to TRUST and DEPEND upon God to do these things “in” and “through” you. “…Now GOD GIVES[his people] many kinds of special abilities … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The ... Holy Spirit ... is the source of ... all ... [special abilities]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [his people]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGHeach [new creation]… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [his people]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [Because of God’s presence, God’s people are] ... ...NEW creature[s] …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…old things are passed away…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…God has given [his people] HIS [HOLY] ...Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [them]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD of God, who is SPIRIT) “INTO” [their]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in [his people. They are reconciled to God, restored to his SPIRIT, and made WHOLE again)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… [The SPIRIT]... liveth in [his people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[Therefore, his people]... can do all things through Christ (the word of God) which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened with might by his [holy] ... Spirit in the inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…NOW UNTO [THE WORD OF GOD, who is SPIRIT]... THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the [HOLY]... POWER that worketh in [his people]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God will HELP his people succeed in making BODY boundaries and KEEPING them in order to be in GOOD, EXCELLENT health. God’s people have God’s WORD, God’s indwelling POWER, and human will to choose to TRUST and DEPEND upon HIM. Once God OPENS up the WAY to HELP you with KEEPING your physical health it is up to you to BE DILIGENT about keeping the commandments he gives you.

“...The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness...” (Proverbs 21:5 NASB). Diligence is PERSISTENT, careful, energetic work or effort. Diligent people DON’T QUIT. They are faithful even when it hurts. “...the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. …Such people will stand firm forever…” (Psalms 15 NLT). God’s people persistently TRUST and DEPEND upon his HOLY WORD daily in order to serve God’s purpose, to be strengthened with his might, and enabled to continually keep his commandments.

Getting LAZY about TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon God, daily, derails and sabotages the diligent work it takes to KEEP and MAINTAIN body boundaries. Diligence shows a person takes full responsibility in keeping and putting their VESSEL or BODY in God’s loving care. Without being diligence about body boundaries, the care for the physical life is NOT served, has no direction, and disrupts its God-given purpose.

Body boundaries to KEEP the physical life in GOOD SHAPE should be intentional in order to serve the DIVINE purposes that God’s people sent them to earth TO DO. Diligence is a GOOD practice for God’s people on a daily basis period, but especially for body boundaries. Becoming diligent in body boundaries will have GOOD, POSITIVE and ADVANTAGED results.

“...the hand of the diligent maketh rich...” (Proverbs 10:4 NASB). “...Diligence makes wealth...” (Proverbs 10:4 MSG). “...hard workers get rich...” (Proverbs 10:4 MSG). “...the soul of the diligent shall be made fat...” (Proverbs 13:4 NASB). “...the energetic have something to show for their lives...” (Proverbs 13:4 MSG). “... those who work hard will prosper...” (Proverbs 13:4 NLT). “...The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness...” (Proverbs 21:5 NASB). “...Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity...” (Proverbs 21:5 NLT). “...Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run...” (Proverbs 21:5 MSG).

Diligent people are the ones who will WORK HARD at putting and keeping their BODY boundaries in place by TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon God, the Holy Spirit to HELP them each and every day.

Without diligent a person is left with LAZINESS and laziness means a person hasn’t planned ahead, didn’t provide for what they would need, quit, decided it was easier NOT to do the work, went back to their old ways, or simply choose not to see the work through to the end result.

The bible tells God’s people to GUARD their HEARTS with diligence. “..Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.

Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust...” (Proverbs 4:23 MSG). “...Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life...” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). “...Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life...” (Proverbs 4:23 KJV).

Out of the human heart COME thoughts, but God’s people are to GUARD those thoughts against lies, manipulations, evil thoughts, lustful desires, laziness, bad habits, old ways of living, rebellions, and disobedience. Diligence keeps God’s people being intentional about NOT letting the enemy take advantage of them in ANY way and thus, guard their hearts with God’s WORD!

God’s people can’t PASSIVELY accept anything that comes into their hearts and minds that would sabotage their BODY boundaries. God’s people CHOOSE to diligently CAST “...down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled...” (2 Corinthians 10:5-6 KJV).

“...The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity...” (2 Corinthians 10:5-6 MSG).

When God’s people are DILIGENT about keeping their BODY boundaries they will personally WITNESS the RESULTS of their HARD WORK!! Their HEALTH will get better and better and REVEAL their diligence just like the covenant relationship with God will CONFORM each of his children, progressively, into the IMAGE of his SON, Jesus Christ.

Being lackadaisical about BODY boundaries is reflected in one’s physical life. This is NOT merely about being fat or thin; big or small, a 5 or a size 20, but about being a USEFUL or NON-USEFUL vessel of God, the Holy Spirit, who is upon earth SERVING “his” purpose. It requires a DILIGENCE approach in order to KEEP BODY boundaries or FAILURE is a guarantee. It is VERY appealing and EASY to throw DILIGENCE to the wind and find another excuse for DESTROYING your God-given temples, vessels, or BODIES.

God wants his people ABOVE ALL ELSE to be prosperous and in GOOD HEALTH. “... Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in [good]...health, even as thy soul prospereth...” (3 John 1:2 KJV).“…If you love me, you will (not might, maybe, sometimes, when I feel like it, or occasional, etc.) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). “...Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well...”(3 John 1:2 NIV).

When God’s people truly LOVE him they will KEEP “ALL” his commandments. Being DILIGENT about your BODY boundaries helps establish behaviors that will KEEP your physical life in GOOD SHAPE so that it can, continually, be USEFUL in helping YOU “DO” the works of God, the Holy Spirit. Let DILIGENCE PROPEL your BODY boundaries for the excellency of HIS GLORY in Jesus Name I pray!

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Published on March 12, 2021 10:51

March 11, 2021

INSIDE THE STORM: DANIEL'S LIONS DEN & VICTORY BIBLE STUDY, PART 2

CHAPTER 3:

INSIDE THE STORMS: THE LION’S DEN

WHERE DANIEL PRAYED

“… It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Darius put the decree in writing. Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. THREE TIMES A DAY HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PRAYED, GIVING THANKS TO HIS GOD, JUST AS HE HAD DONE BEFORE. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help...” (Acts 6:1-11 NIV).

scriptures: “...The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den... Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. THREE TIMES A DAY HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PRAYED, GIVING THANKS TO HIS GOD, JUST AS HE HAD DONE BEFORE. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help...” (Acts 6:1-11 NIV). “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV).

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN THAT GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST JESUS AND HAVE BEEN GIFTED WITH THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT

APPLICATION OF LESSON: GOD’S PEOPLE CAN WILLINGLY CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER THEM TO DISPLAY RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW COSTLY IT WAS, FOR DANIEL, TO CHOOSE TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS AMONG COLLEAGUES WHO CHOSE NOT TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS.

QUESTIONS FROM YESTERDAY'S BIBLE STUDY!

THE EXCELLENT INDWELLING SPIRIT

1. GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS WHO BECOME WITNESSES OF HIS GLORY, WHICH IS HIS PRESENCE, GOODNESS, AND POWER, UPON EARTH. HOW DO YOU KNOW GOD’S DISCIPLES? WHO PRODUCES THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT “IN” AND “THROUGH” GOD’S PEOPLE? “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in ...[“HIS” PEOPLE’S]... lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his (PEOPLE)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…[Other people will]… know (witness) that everything [HIS PEOPLE]… have IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). MANKIND WAS ORIGINALLY MADE FROM THE DUST OF THE GROUND, YET WHERE DID GOD PUT HIS EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT? “ …We have this treasure (the EXCELLENT, indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).DANIEL WAS A WITNESS FOR GOD’S GLORY. WHY WAS HE CHOSEN OVER ALL THE OTHER PRESIDENTS AND PRINCES? “...Then this Daniel was preferredabove the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV).

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2. WHAT POSITION IN KING DARIUS’ KINGDOM DID DANIEL HAVE? “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV). WHAT SPECIFIC REASON IS GIVEN FOR GIVING DANIEL THE POSITION AS CHIEF? “...Then this Daniel was preferredabove the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). WHAT WAS THE ATTITUDE, AMONG HIS COLLEAGUES? WHAT DID HIS COLLEAGUES DECIDE TO DO, BECAUSE THEY COULD FIND NO FAULT IN HIM? “...Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV).

3. DOES GOD GIFT “ALL” OF HIS PEOPLE WITH HIS EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? “…God has given [you] HIS ...[excellent indwelling Holy]... Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [YOU]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT (Jesus, the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV). DOES GOD’S EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE? “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “ …We have this treasure (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). WILL OTHER PEOPLE “KNOW” YOU HAVE THIS SPECIAL GIFT WITHIN? “…[People will]… know (WITNESS) that everything [YOU have]… (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN TO THEM BY GOD’S _ _ _ _ _? “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…It is God (the Holy Spirit) who works in you to will(to want to do righteous) and to act (to actually become righteous) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good (an indwelling and excellent spirit) for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

4. MOST PEOPLE ARE PREFERRED FOR A POSITION BECAUSE OF THEIR SKILLS, FIRST AND FOREMOST, BUT DANIEL WAS PREFERRED FOR HIS WHAT? “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES WERE JEALOUS, SO WHAT DID THEY SEEK TO DO? “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO BE A WITNESS THROUGH RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT? “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). DID DANIEL GIVE GLORY TO GOD BECAUSE HE WAS NEGLIGENT AND CORRUPT OR BECAUSE HE WAS TRUSTWORTHY? “... Daniel was preferredabove the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). IT GOD TRUSTWORTHY? “…All he does (God, the Holy Spirit) is just and good, and all his [WORDS] are TRUSTWORTHY….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO BE TRUSTWORTHY IN THEIR WORKS UPON EARTH? “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

5. WAS DANIEL ABLE TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD AND TO HIS GOVERNMENT DUTIES TOO? “...[And[... they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). WHO PRODUCES FAITHFULNESS IN THE LIVES OF GOD’S PEOPLE? “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). ONE OF GOD’S DIVINE CHARACTERISTICS IS FAITHFULNESS AND HE PRODUCES IT “IN” AND “THROUGH” HIS PEOPLE. WHAT SPIRITUAL FRUIT DID DANIEL DISPLAY THAT WITNESSED HE WAS ONE OF GOD’S PEOPLE? “...he was faithful...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV. “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

6. WHY ARE GOD’S PEOPLE ABLE TO BE A WITNESS OF GOD’S SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS? WHAT DOES THE WITNESS OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT PROVE? “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). "…[When]...“YOU” bear much fruit, [you]... PROVE to be [God’s] ...disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE THE GIFT OF GOD’S EXCELLENT HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN. DANIEL WASN’T A PERFECT MAN, BUT HE HAD A PERFECT SPIRIT WITHIN. WHAT COULDN’T HIS COLLEAGUES FIND? “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). Daniel wasn’t perfect, but he had an EXCELLENT Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...They could find no corruption in him...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES LOOKED FOR WAYS TO DISCREDIT HIM, BUT HE CHOOSE TO BE LED BY THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT?“...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). “... if through the power of the Spirit (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

THE SINFUL NATURE WANTS TO DO EVIL

7. What was evident about the other presidents and princes that could be witnessed by their deeds? “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22 NASB). “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts(thoughts that command behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make their behavior unclean)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart, however, “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). "…Offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35). WHAT DID THE SINFUL NATURE OF THE OTHER PRESIDENTS AND PRINCES INFLUENCE THEM TO DO? “... Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). IS THE SINFUL NATURE, OF MANKIND, ALWAYS HOSTILE TOWARD GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

8. DANIEL WAS SUCH A WITNESS TO GOD, HIS OTHER COLLEAGUES WERE AWARE OF HIS DEVOTION TO GOD. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE SINFUL NATURE IS HOSTILE TO GOD, THOSE WITHOUT THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT WILL CARRY OUT THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH. TRUE OR FALSE? “… the deeds of the flesh are evident, ... enmities, strife, jealousy ....envying ... and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22 NASB). “...All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). WHAT “NEW LAW” DID DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES PLOT TO ESTABLISH TO DISCREDIT HIM? “...whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). DID DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO DISCREDIT HIM? “...All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree ... king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). ALL the GOVERNMENT RULERS were able to consult and establish this NEW LAW, except DANIEL. If ONE sinner can destroy MUCH GOOD, what can a GROUP of sinners do? “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “...whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). WHAT DOES THE BEHAVIOR OF DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES REVEAL ABOUT THE SINFUL NATURE? “…The sinful nature wants to do evil…” (Galatians 5 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that DIRECT unclean behavior and)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make a person unclean)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). "...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35).

9. DID DANIEL’S COLLEAGUES ABUSE THE POWER THEY HAD BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH AGAINST HIM? “...whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT, BUT WITHOUT THE EXCELLENT SPIRIT THE SINFUL NATURE IS “TOTALLY” IN CHARGE. WHAT DOES THE SINFUL NATURE WANT TO DO? “…The sinful nature wants to do evil…” (Galatians 5 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants …” (Galatians 5 NLT). WHAT MADE DANIEL DIFFERENT FROM HIS COLLEAGUES? COULD DANIEL HAVE HAD AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT WITHOUT GOD? “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin...[because of the sinful nature] ...I want to do what is good, but I don’t...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “...there is“NONE” good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… [ALL (every human being) have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV). “... APART FROM [the Holy Spirit]... [mankind]... can do nothing [good] …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions. … ” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God (and his excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

10. DANIEL WAS NOT PREFERRED TO BE CHIEF OF PRESIDENTS BECAUSE OF HIS SINFUL NATURE, BUT FOR HIS WHAT? “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and prince...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). DANIEL COULD HAVE CHOSEN TO FIT IN WITH THE MAJORITY, BUT HE CHOSE TO DO WHAT INSTEAD? “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE STAND FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS IT IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT WHAT THEY DO, BUT WHO THEY HAVE BECOME, WHICH IS WHAT? “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ... we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT)."… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

11. GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT WHAT GIFT HAVE THEY BEEN GIVEN TO EMPOWER THEM TO LIVE A RIGHTEOUS LIFE? “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). SPIRITUAL FRUIT IS PRODUCED AND DEVELOPED OVER TIME. THEREFORE, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HANG OUT AND SPEND TIME WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? “... Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character...” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).“…he that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... and man (woman) ...[becomes]... a living soul(AGAIN)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise...” (Proverbs 13:20 KJV). HOW ARE GOD’S PEOPLE TRANSFORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST? “…abidein me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “..in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity) ...we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). WHO HELPS GOD’S PEOPLE BECOME LIKE JESUS? “…It is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “...The same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). CAN GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT WITHOUT GOD? “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Apart from [the excellent, indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

12. DANIEL HAD AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT. HE LET HIS LIGHT SHINE. HE STOOD FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT WHERE DID HE END UP? “... Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him ...Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions...” (Daniel 6:10-16 KJV).

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Published on March 11, 2021 12:38

March 10, 2021

INSIDE THE STORM: DANIEL AND THE LION'S DEN BIBLE STUDY, PART 1

CHAPTER 3:

INSIDE THE STORMS: THE LION’S DEN

WHERE DANIEL PRAYED

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN THAT GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST JESUS AND HAVE BEEN GIFTED WITH THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT

APPLICATION OF LESSON: GOD’S PEOPLE CAN WILLINGLY CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON THE EXCELLENT, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER THEM TO DISPLAY RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW COSTLY IT WAS, FOR DANIEL, TO CHOOSE TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS AMONG COLLEAGUES WHO CHOSE NOT TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS. Daniel had a top position in King Darius’ kingdom. He was chief of presidents. “...It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first:that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage...” (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV). Not only did Daniel have the top position, but he was preferred over all others, because of his excellent character and spirit. “...Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). Because of his righteous character and spirit, the other presidents and princes decided to conspire against him. “...Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). God gives HIS PEOPLE “his” excellent Holy Spirit. “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God (the Holy Spirit) who works in you to will (to want to do righteous) and to act (to actually become righteous) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good (an indwelling and excellent spirit) for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). God’s excellent Holy Spirit DWELLS within HIS PEOPLE. “…God has given [you] HIS ...[excellent indwelling Holy]... Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [YOU]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT (Jesus, the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV). “ …We have this treasure (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…[People will]… know (WITNESS) that everything [YOU have]… (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). The bible TELLS all of God’s PEOPLE to LET their excellent SpiritSHINE brightly through their conduct. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and glorify your Father (SEE THE WITNESS OF HIS PRESENCE, GOODNESS, AND POWER) which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). Daniel’s conduct, in his government position, reflected the EXCELLENT Spirit God had given to him. It made Daniel PREFERABLE above ALL others, because he wasn’t corrupt or negligent in his duties, but was found trustworthy! “... Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes...because an excellent spirit was in him...” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). The others SAW Daniel’s GOOD works through his conduct. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works …” (Matthew 5:16 KJV). Daniel was faithful in his duties to the King and his was faithful in his covenant relationship with God. “... [And]... they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). Daniel’s faithfulness was a virtue and a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV)."…[When]...“YOU” bear much fruit, [you]... PROVE to be [God’s] ...disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “...They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). Daniel wasn’t perfect, but he had an EXCELLENT Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness ... [faithfulness]...Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [excellent] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...They could find no corruption in him...” (Daniel 6:4 NIV). The other presidents and princes looked and searched until they could find another way to discredit Daniel. The other presidents and princes were looking and searching for a particular way to discredit Daniel that would be plausible and strongly supported in pretext that would get rid of their rival. “...the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom...” (Daniel 6:4 KJV). Why did the other presidents and princes want to do Daniel this way? Their HEARTS were NOT right, which made them jealous and envious. “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22 NASB). “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (evil thoughts that command evil behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make their behavior unclean)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart, however, “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). "…Offspring of vipers, howcan you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35). The other presidents and princes literally plotted together to find a way to “FIND FAULT” in Daniel’s duties as a government official. They could find NONE in his conduct, which is a POWERFUL testimony of WHO he chose to be as God’s child. So they went after Daniel, by creating a conflict between his faith and his government duties. Even though there was no fault found or detected in Daniel’s conduct or in his duties as chief, they attempted to create one of their OWN. “... Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree...” (Daniel 6:5-10 KJV). It is NATURAL for the sinful flesh to HATE or be HOSTILE toward God and his people, who carry his Holy Spirit. “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). Daniel served his government faithfully, but he was first and foremost devoted to serving the LIVING God amidst a gaggle of Babylonian deities, gods, and idols.

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Published on March 10, 2021 11:41

March 9, 2021

PETER'S OVERWHELMING VICTORY BIBLE STUDY, PART 1

CHAPTER 2:

INSIDE THE STORMS: herod’s dungeon

PeteR’S OVERWHELMING VICTORY

“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPINGBETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS..[IN A DUNGEON OR ANCIENT PRISON], BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE...” (ACTS 12:6 NIV).

“...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

“...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

SCRIPTURE: “...Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “... overwhelming victory is ours (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO ASSURE GOD’S PEOPLE THAT OVERWHELMING VICTORY IS THEIRS NO MATTER THE SITUATION OR CIRCUMSTANCE LOOKS LIKE.

APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON SPECIFIC PROMISES OF OVERWHELMING VICTORY, FOUNDED UPON GOD’S LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE, IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE HIS INDWELLING GIFT OF PEACE DURING TROUBLED TIMES.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW PETER WAS EMPOWERED TO SLEEP DURING SUCH A SERIOUS TRIAL THAT COULD RESULT IN HIS DEATH. YET HE ENDED UP EXPERIENCING OVERWHELMING VICTORY. Peter is INSIDE the STORM and in the coming morning he would go to trial, which typically would end in his death by the sword. He was aware that other fellow disciples had already been arrested, persecuted, and put to death for belonging to the church. “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). Peter was INSIDE a STORM. Though Peter was redeemed and had a strong faith in Christ it would not have been surprising if he was TERRIFIED about what he was about to FACE at his trial the following morning. We see this TERROR in King Jehoshaphat. “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). When going through the STORMS of LIFE, God will find a WAY to strengthen and encourage, his people, by empowering them to continue to trust in and depend upon his sovereign love and care for them. “…Great is his lovetoward us...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lordfor guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT). God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). The STORMS OF LIFE that concern God’s people are ALL under God’s sovereign control and they are promised “overwhelming victory.” “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). Peter trusted in and depended upon God, the Holy Spirit, and CHOSE to entrust the STORM to HIM. Thus, “...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). Peter’s VICTORY from THE STORM is a WITNESS of the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE. It also REVEALS God’s LOVE and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB). “…You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “...overwhelming victory is ours (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). While Peter SLEPT God took care of his concerns. “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [me]…” (John 14:31 NASB). Thus, “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). “…The LORD “will” BLESS his people with peace…” (Psalm 29:11 KJV). “...my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV).“...my peace...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). “…We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). Therefore, “...overwhelming victory ...[was peter’s]... through Christ, who loved ... [him]...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). Thus, “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). “...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). Suddenly, right in the MIDST of Peter’s STORM, God sent a ministering angel. Peter was in a DARK place, a dungeon, which commonly did not have ANY type of LIGHT. The LIGHT, itself, represented the GLORY of God or his presence, goodness, and POWER. “…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock,in whom [you can] … take refuge; Yourshield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). God’s showed himself as Peter’s REFUGE and STRENGTH. “...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “...O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, ...my strength, in whom I will trust ... so shall I be saved from mine enemies (my adversities inside the storms)…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV). “...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “...Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation...”(Psalm 91 KJV). “...There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angelscharge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “...Because he (Peter) hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him ...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “…[GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WAS peter’s]... rock and ...[peter’s]...fortress, ...[peter’s]... deliverer ...[Peter’s]....GOD... in whom [he could] … take refuge.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).

FAITH OVER FEELINGS

1. WHAT HAPPENED TO JAMES, the brother of john, THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED PETER TO BE AFRAID OF WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO HIM the next morning? “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). TO “FEEL” AFRAID OR TERRIFIED DURING A STORM IS A NORMAL HUMAN response. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY KING JEHOSPHAT FELT WHEN HE WAS FACED WITH TROUBLE? “…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). IT IS ONE THING TO “FEEL” THE EXPERIENCE, BUT WHY SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE CONTINUE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON INSPITE OF THEIR EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO THEIR TROUBLES? “…Great is his love toward us...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). KING JEHOSHAPHAT REACTED TO HIS TROUBLES, WHICH MADE HIM “FEEL” TERRIFIED, BUT DID HE ACT UPON HIS FEELINGS OR DID HE ACT IN FAITH? DESCRIBE WHAT HE DID BY FAITH. “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). PEOPLE “ACT” IN FEAR WHEN THEY FOLLOW THEIR “FEELINGS” OF FEAR, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY FOLLOW GOD’S TRUTH INSTEAD? “...Jesus saith…I am THE ...TRUTH…” (John 14:6 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…Your WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 NASB). “… The Spirit of truth (the indwelling Spirit) …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [GOD GUIDES HIS PEOPLE] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).“...The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God ….which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go….” (Isaiah 48:17 KJV).

2. WHAT DOES THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES TELL GOD’S PEOPLE ABOUT GOD’S TRUTH? “...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). GOD’S PEOPLE, SUCH AS KING JEHOSHAPHAT, FACE MANY TRIALS AND SORROWS. EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY REACT WITH FEELINGS OF FEAR; WHAT SHOULD THEY AVOID LETTING THEIR HEARTS BECOME? WHY? “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). WHAT DID PETER DO TO DEMONSTRATE HIS HEART WAS NOT TROUBLED OR AFRAID? “...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).

3. GOD LOVES HIS PEOPLE. WHAT DOES THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES SAY TO ENCOURAGE GOD’S PEOPLE DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB). “…You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “...overwhelming victory is ours (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). PETER LEARNED WHAT APOSTLE LEARNED; WHAT WAS IT? “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). WHAT WEAPON CAN THE ENEMY USE AGAINST GOD’S PEOPLE THAT WILL DEFEAT THEM? “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). WILL GOD TAKE CARE OF THE THINGS THAT CONCERN HIS PEOPLE DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [me]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The LORD “will” BLESS his people with peace…” (Psalm 29:11 KJV). WHILE GOD IS TAKING CARE OF THE THINGS THAT CONCERN HIS PEOPLE, WHAT DOES HE GIVE THEM UNTIL IT MANIFESTS IN THE NATURAL? “...my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV). HE GIVES “HIS” PEOPLE PEACE. WHO ARE “HIS” PEOPLE? WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THE TRIALS AND SORROWS OF GOD’S PEOPLE. “…We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). Therefore, “...overwhelming victory ...[was peter’s]... through Christ, who loved ... [him]...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). Thus, “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).

4. WHILE PETER RESTED, PEACEFULLY, IN THE LOVING CARE OF GOD, WHAT HAPPENED? “...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). WHO IS PETER’S GOD AND YOUR GOD? “…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock,in whom [you can] … take refuge; Yourshield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “...O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, ...my strength, in whom I will trust ... so shall I be saved from mine enemies (my adversities inside the storms)…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV). “...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “...Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation...”(Psalm 91 KJV).“...There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet...” (Psalm 91 KJV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE “CALL” UPON HIM, DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE, WHAT WILL GOD DO FOR THEM? “...Because he (Peter) hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him ...” (Psalm 91 KJV). “…[GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WAS peter’s]... rock and ...[peter’s]...fortress, ...[peter’s]... deliverer ...[Peter’s]....GOD... in whom [he could] … take refuge.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “... PETER WAS SLEEPING... (ACTS 12:6 NIV).

5. THE ANGEL WAS A WILLING VESSEL FOR GOD’S GLORY. DID GOD WORK “IN” AND “THROUGH THE ANGEL TO DELIVER PETER? DOES THE BIBLE TELL US THAT GOD WORKS THROUGH WILLING HUMAN VESSELS TOO? “…God …works in you TO WILL (to “want” to do his works)and TO ACT (to “actually” do the works) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God … work [within you].... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of deliverance) IN and THROUGH [his people or his willing vessels]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to deliver) THROUGH each of us (through each willing vessel)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). The ministering angel WOKE Peter up that he may see the GLORY of God with his OWN eyes. WHY DID GOD WANT PETER TO “SEE” HIS PRESENCE, GOODNESS, AND POWER THROUGH THE MINISTERING ANGEL? “...[peter]... saw His glory...” (John 1:14 NASB). “…This...[made]... it clear that ...[the]... great power ...[to deliver]...is from God, not from [man]…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB). Peter WOKE up, out of his sleep, and followed the instructions of God’s ministering angel. WHAT HAPPENED In the MIDST of his obedience TO GOD’S MINISTERING ANGEL? “...Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me”...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “... “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). WHO WAS PETER PUTTING HIS TRUST IN? PETER WAS TRUSTING God, the Holy Spirit, WHO WAS DELIVERING HIM THROUGH THE angel, whom HE SENT. “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “...Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

VICTORY IS PROMISED

6. PETER’S DELIVERANCE WAS MIRACULOUS. WHY WAS IT HARD FOR PETER TO KNOW WHETHER IT WAS REAL OR A VISION? “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). LOOKING AT PETER’S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE WHAT IS GOD ABLE TO DO FOR HIS PEOPLE DURING TROUBLED TIMES? “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power …to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT). AS PETER OBEYED GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS, THROUGH THE MINISTERING ANGEL, WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? “... the chains fell off Peter’s wrists....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). WHO DOES THE BIBLE SAY ORDERS THE STEPS OF THE RIGHTEOUS? “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).“ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…he shall direct thy paths”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…I will instructthee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel…”(Psalms 73:74 KJV). “… Teach me the way in which I should walk …” (Psalms 143:8 NASB). “…come and follow me…” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him, I am the way …” (John 15:5- 6 KJV). “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

7. It is normal to react with “feelings” of fear, but god’s people are encouraged to “act” in faith. What happens when god’s people choose to act in faith instead of fear? “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalms 34:6 KJV). God alone “…. delivered [you] ... out of all [your] ... trouble…” (Psalms 54:7 KJV). “….all things work together for good to them that love God…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PUT YOUR TRUST AND DEPENDENCY UPON GOD DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? “…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). PETER EXPERIENCED, FIRST HAND, GOD’S OVERWHELMING VICTORY FROM THE CLUTCHES OF HEROD. did GOD DO GREAT THINGS FOR PETER? “…The LORD has done great things for us …” (Psalms 126:3 NIV). “…Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things…” (Joel 2:21 NASB). “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

8. HEROD PLOTTED TO PUT PETER TO DEATH BY THE SWORD. HE HAD THE WEAPONS, THE SOLDERS, AND THE CROWD, BUT WHY DIDN’T HEROD PROSPER IN HIS PLANS against peter? “…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). WAS PETER DISAPPOINTED BY PUTTING HIS TRUST IN GOD? “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). WHY CAN GOD’S PEOPLE TRUST AND DEPEND UPON HIM WITH ALL THEIR HEART? “…TRUST in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). WHY WILL “NONE” OF THE DEVIL’S WORKS OR WEAPONtRY PROSPER AGAINST GOD’S PEOPLE? “... The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “...overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

9. WHAT ATTITUDE SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE toward PEOPLE WHO PLOT AND DO EVIL? “...Fret notthyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and [continue to]…do good, so shalt thou dwell in the lands, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy ways unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth they righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, FRET NOT thyself because of him [or her]…who prospereth in his[or her]… way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; FRET NOT thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be CUT OFF; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).

10. PETER DID NOT FRET. WHILE HE RESTED UPON THE TRUSTING AND DEPENDABLE PROMISES OF GOD’S HELP, HOW DID GOD DELIVER HIM? “...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). WHAT KIND OF VICTORY IS PROMISED TO GOD’S PEOPLE “IN” CHRIST JESUS? “...overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

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Published on March 09, 2021 09:47

March 7, 2021

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE SINFUL NATURE: BIBLE STUDY, PART 1

CHAPTER 1: BIBLE STUDY, PART 1

THE SINFUL NATURE: ACCUSTOMED TO DOING EVIL

“…The ...[flesh]... nature...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil…” (Jeremiah 13:23 NIV). “...I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

SCRIPTURE: “…Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil…” (Jeremiah 13:23 NIV). “...I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO SEE THE SINFUL NATURE FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO BECOME AWARE THAT BEING A SINNER IS NOT BASED ON WHAT YOU DO OR DON’T DO. IT IS BASED ON BEING BORN WITH A NATURE SEPARATED FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT AND ONLY HAS A PROCLIVITY TO SIN.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: TO DISCUSS TRUTHS ABOUT BEING A SINNER AND THE SINFUL NATURE THAT IS RARELY TALKED ABOUT from this perspective. Sinful behaviors learned from the body of flesh through the senses are developed and practiced to the point they become automatic behaviorsthat are skillfully performed with little or no thought. Automatic behaviors can be done or performed without conscious knowledge, or fully thinking about them, or independent of the heart and mind. The one doing the automatic behaviorsmay not be able to explain HOW they did it. Automatic behaviors are so well practiced by the body of flesh, through the senses, that these automatic behaviors are second nature to the ones performing them. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).“…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT). SINFUL CONDITIONING done by the body of flesh, through the SENSES is when a lifetime of training, practice, exposure, and shaping become habitual responses, for the SOUL, that are continually sustained, through LONGTIME information within the heart (mind) which affect thoughts and direct behaviors. “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil ... so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT). THE SOUL is one’s very BEING (life, personhood, self). It is the immaterial self that HOUSES the EMOTIONS, AFFECTIONS, HEART, MIND, conscience, personality, and human will. The heart and mind are interchangeable or closely linked and can be considered the information centers of the soul. The heart(brain) informs the mind. The mind takes the information, from the heart and forms the thoughts. The thoughts, that are formed, from the information from the heart, command behavior. The heart(brain) of the soul, where INFORMATION is stored, is either influenced by the body of flesh, through the senses, on how to live, choose, or make decisions. Or the soul - where the INFORMATION has been RENEWED is NOW stored - is influenced by the indwelling Holy Spirit on how to live, choose, and make decisions. The HEART (brain) of the SOUL is the information center and influences everything from the emotions, to the appetites, to orientations to life, and of course, the thoughts. The heart will glean its information from one or more of the five senses, through the body of flesh, or the indwelling Holy Spirit. If there is NO indwelling Holy Spirit, the heart (brain) has received ALL its information from the five senses through the body of flesh. Everything they say, know, do, believe, feel, model after, become, or don’t become are all dictated by the five senses through the body of flesh. The soul was created to dominate, rule, be blessed, multiply, and be free to make choices, but it is NOW imprisoned by the dictatorship of the senses through the body of flesh. “…keep (guard) thy heart (brain), with all diligence; for out of it are the issues (informational influences) of life…” (Proverbs 4:23 KJV). All behaviors, that mankind displays outwardly, originate from information within the heart(brain).It is “… from within, out of the heart(brain) of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts(thoughts that command or direct behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (taint them by commanding or directing evil behavior)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart (brain), however, “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). "…Offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart(brain) the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35). LET’S LOOK AT THE BODY OF FLESH, THE SOUL, AND THE INDWELLING SPIRIT THROUGH ADAM AND EVE. GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT SAID: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). THE SERPENT APPEALED TO ONE OR MORE OF THE WOMAN’S SENSES, USING THE BODY OF FLESH. “…The woman [became] ... convinced (THROUGH SOUND) [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw (SIGHT) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (SIGHT) delicious (TASTE), and she wanted (LUST of the EYES or FLESH) the wisdom (PRIDE of LIFE) it would give her. So she took (TOUCH and EXPERIENCE) some of the fruit and ate it (TASTE)...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “….She [choose to take (HUMAN WILL)] ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT.Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). Thus, “…through [the behavior of one man(woman)] ... sin (transgression against God’s holy command) entered (was given ACCESS through disobedience) into the world, and [spiritual] ...death through sin, and so (spiritual) death passed to all men (women)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “… One sinner (transgressor of God’s holy law) destroy[ed]… MUCH good…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). Three things happened: 1. They became separated from God. 2. They died spiritually; immediately. 3. They became enslaved to the body of flesh through their SENSES. Adam and Eve had a body of flesh, a soul, and the Spirit, but the Spirit separated from them and thus, they died spiritually. “….let us make man in our image (SPIRIT), after our likeness (SPIRIT)…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…..God created man in his own image (SPIRIT)...male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “….let us make man in our image (SPIRIT), after our likeness(SPIRIT)…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). They were originally created in God’s “image”, which is SPIRIT. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). However, they became SEPARATED from the SPIRIT and were left with ONLY the soul and the body of flesh. Mankind was missing or FELL short of the glory of God (his presence) or was separated from the indwelling Holy Spirit or BREATHE OF LIFE. NOW all humanity is born with the same problem. “…the wages of sin (the payment for having a sin nature only) is death (spiritual death)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…[Now]... all have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born missing or WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). Adam and Eve had NOTHING to pass down to their descendants, but the flesh nature. Every soul is a dead soul born, into the world without spiritual life, and trapped within the prison of the body of flesh, which is NOW a totally SINFUL NATURE. The BODY of FLESH, without the indwelling Holy Spirit, can ONLY be a SINFUL NATURE, because it was NOT created to OBEY God. “…The ...[flesh]... nature...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). Thus, all of mankind is “…DEAD “IN”trespasses and sin (within the body of flesh or sin nature)...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). All of mankind is born spiritually DEAD. THE BODY OF FLESH CAN’T OBEY GOD, BECAUSE IT WASN’T CREATED TO OBEY GOD, BUT IT WAS CREATED TO BE A VESSEL AND SERVANT FOR THE “LIVING SOUL.” A FORK, BOWL, PLATE, COUCH, COAT, TELEVISION WAS CREATED TO SERVE ITS PURPOSE “ONLY.” THESE THINGS WILL DO “ONLY” WHAT THEY WERE CREATED TO DO AND WILL NOT OBEY OR SERVE ANY OTHER PURPOSE APPROPRIATELY.IF YOU WERE TRAPPED INSIDE A FORK, BOWL, PLATE, COUCH, COAT, OR TELEVISION YOU COULD NOT MAKE THEM OBEY YOU OR GOD. THEY ARE WHAT THEY ARE. THE BODY OF FLESH “IS” WHAT IT IS! All of mankind is born“…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives (spiritual) LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). Before sinners are SAVED “…[THEY are] ... DEAD in [their]... transgressions and sins (spiritually dead within the sinful nature)…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV). “…[The redeemed]... were [once]... dead in [their] sins and ... [NOW]…God made [them]... ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….made [the redeemed]… ALIVE with Christ …when [the redeemed]… were DEAD in transgressions…” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [THEY were]…. DEAD and [have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [they were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). If the redeemed were made “ALIVE AGAIN” it implies they were DEAD. The soul was a DEAD soul. “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Spirit); and man became a living soul(soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). Adam and Eve BECAME a “LIVING” soul AFTER God breathed into mankind’s nostrils the “breath of LIFE.”Spiritually DEAD souls are under the power of the evil one through the body of flesh and the dictates of the senses, which influences them to sin. “…The sin of my SOUL…” (Micah 6:7 KJV). “......I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

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Published on March 07, 2021 08:00

March 2, 2021

THE GOLDEN CALF OF EXODUS CHAPTER 20

“...And he took the calf which they had made (the offense toward God), and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder (the destruction of the idol), and strawed it upon the water (drinking the powdered idol), and made the children of Israel drink of it (the FAIR payment of sin is death)...” (Exodus 32:20 KJV).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

THE OFFENSE TOWARD GOD

1. SHOWED their folly in worshipping that which could not save itself;

2. DEMONSTRATED their disobedience and abandonment of God

3. EXPRESSED the actions of IDOL worship and APOSTASY

4. REVEALS why they deserved the curse of God to enter into them, as oil into their bowels, as that water did, and be utterly destroyed

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE IDOL

1. To suppress the idolatry, the first step was to destroy the idol. Moses ordered its immediate destruction. It was probably hollow, and possibly of no great size. He might easily break it to pieces. Burnt it and ground it to powder.

2. The IDOL was thrown INTO the fire, whereby its form was destroyed, and the material calcined (converted to a powder residue).

3. The process of destruction took some time, but its followers SAW IT for themselves.

4. The gold of the Calf was EASILY ruined and can never be recovered, without scavenging through cemetery (the DEAD) and latrine (the WASTE)

Possible PURPOSES OF DRINKING THE GOLDEN POWDER

1. So the Levites COULD identify those who ought to be killed. “…The wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

2. A purifying ritual - the "abomination" (the flesh that created the idolatry) was removed and destroyed. “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB). “...whatever a person sows, this he (she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).

3. This calcined material reduced to a fine powder WARNS that people shall or “WILL” swallow their own sin. “...they shall eat of the fruit of their own way...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). They swallowed or DRANK particles of their own idol (the idol was their SIN). “...And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB).

4. Mixing this powder with their drink also, signified that the backslider in heart should be filled with his (her) own ways. “...The backslider in heart shall be filled with his (her) own ways...” (Proverbs 14:14 KJV). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).

5. Eventually the powdered idol came through the Israelites' bodies as waste (the end result of their worship).

THE GUILTY

1. whoever gave any golden vessel towards the making of the calf, there was a sign appeared in his countenance. “…remember that those who do nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

2. whoever followed after the FLESH. “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22 NASB). “… Everything in the world—...comes NOT from the Father but from the world…” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT). “…The [flesh]... is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...The one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).

3. whoever were guilty of this idolatry, as soon as they drank of the water their beards became yellow as gold, whereby the Levites knew who were guilty, and slew them; “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law (violation of God’s instruction)….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

4. whoever kissed the calf with his whole heart, his lips became golden. “...And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served ... the idols; so wrath came upon ...[them[... for this guilt of theirs....” (2 Chronicles 24:18-19 NASB). “...the wrathof the Lordrose against His people, until there was no remedy...”(2 Chronicles 36:15-16 NASB). “...Therefore the Lord heard and was full of wrath ... Becausethey did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation...” (Psalm 78:21-22 NASB). “... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:18 NASB). “...But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God...” (Romans 2:5 NASB). “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their ...[own]...sin...” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

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Published on March 02, 2021 03:56

February 28, 2021

CHAPTER 13 THE LIFE OF LUKE WARM: EPILOGUE 2021

CHAPTER 13

LUKE ISSACHAR WARM:

EPILOGUE 2021

“…And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.…” (John 3:16 KJV). *

Issachar and Virtuous returned from taking their second Covid-19 shots. Issachar went up to his study to work on his live-stream bible study for later that evening.

He put his N95 mask in a plastic bag and turned on his computer. Going through this pandemic and all the other issues had been challenging. On top of that he was doing a LOT of soul-searching.

Discovering himself has been and is a painful journey, but it had also improved his life, his marriage, his ministry, and many other things. Issachar had actually been and felt real happiness lately. His self-discovery had improved ALL the different entities of his life.

He was amazed at how self-deluded he was about his self-invented Christianity. He had made BAD CHOICES as a result of his self-delusion. His pride, rebellion, and stubbornness truly BLINDED him and it made him make decisions that weren’t in HIS best interest or nobody else’s.

He thought he was a SUCCESSFUL Christian, but he was a SUCCESSFUL delusion of a Christian. He had contributed to alienating people from having a genuine “covenant” relationship with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit.

He THOUGHT he could be a Christian without God. He was PROUD about it too, but it was REALLY in denial.

Since his conversion, he had become more forgiving, compassionate, empathy, and understanding as he unfolded the truths about his unrepentant past.

He NOW cared how he represented God and how his behavior impacted his witness. He had been so self-delusional he no longer trusted his OWN opinion about himself. He relied upon God’s Word to self-reflect, because it was effective and transforming. God had forgiven him, but Issachar constantly wondered: How much of Christianity’s bad reputation did I contribute.

During the pandemic, civil unrest, political issues and everything else Issachar watched people who “proclaimed” to be of the Christian faith.

He SAW what - so-called PUBLIC, “proclaiming” Christians, on MEDIA sights everywhere, who had HIGHJACKED Christianity, IT SEEMED - was doing to the REPUTATION of the faith.

The perception of CHRISTIANITY had drastically changed and because of THOSE WHO were PUBICALLY “proclaiming” to represent the FAITH, their VIEWS were, unfortunately, correct.

Nonetheless, it was a FALSE representation of God’s authentic, followers, WHO kept God’s commandments and truly lived to give HIM glory!

He SAW the PUBLIC, “proclaiming,” self-invented CHRISTIANS who SAID they were followers of Jesus Christ, but OBVIOUSLY they were willfully walking in DARKNESS. He read: “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT). “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (without the GLORY of spiritual fruit), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22 NASB).

God’s people PROMOTED God’s agenda while upon earth; not man’s "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).

The DUKE MOVEMENT he’d started with the youth, years ago, had DWINDLED considerably. Other young people were threatening to leave the church too. They said CHRISTIANITY wasn’t the trusted FAITH it used to be and most people CARED little or NOTHING about genuinely following the lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

This hurt and broke Issachar’s heart. He felt DEEPLY that he’d contributed to this perception. Son City Ministries, like everyone else, was impacted by the lack of physical church attendance, but if the truth be told it had been declining for years.

Most churches had turned to live-streaming, but COVID-19 seems to have accelerated the decline even more. All mission work or bible messages are taking place, totally, outside the church walls.

Issachar wondered when things went back to the NEW NORMAL would those engaging at home COUNT as much as those attending in person.

Since 2020 everything had shifted to the HOMEFRONT: jobs, school, shopping, even fitness, and of course, church fellowship.

Issachar felt the PUBLIC, “proclaiming” CHRISTIANS who had blatantly HIGHJACKED the faith had become merely political and ideological followers, but LOST and spiritually dead souls are NOT LOOKING for the CULTURE, in Christian people or fellowships, they are SEEKING Jesus Christ.

If the CHRISTIAN CHURCH isn’t the PLACE to find Jesus Christ, but are serving as just another POLITICAL and IDEOLOGICAL part of the societal culture, Christianity’s relevancy will eventually FADE AWAY.

Issachar PRAYED for a REVIVAL among God’s true FOLLOWERS so people who came LOOKING for Jesus would FIND HIM!

In order to lead others to JESUS, who is THE WAY, God’s “proclaimed” people NEEDED to first, genuinely and authentically, FIND HIM for themselves.

He knew that truth TOO WELL.

Before he TRULY converted Issachar was AMONG those, such as atheists, agnostics, and the spiritual, who had NO SPECIFIC belief.

He helped DRIVE the trend of a self-invented CHRISTIAN identity, without CHRIST. He was NO DIFFERENT than the “no belief” group of people.

Whether he liked it or not, he had HELPED shift people AWAY from the DOMINANT figure (Jesus Christ) and the true leader of the, once, DOMINANT faith.

Secular society was starting to believe that LIFE would be BETTER off and more BENEFICIAL without the hateful, polarized effect that PUBLIC, “proclaiming” CHRISTIANS, who’d HIGHJACKED the faith, were presenting.

Because of the WRONG perception, people were MOVING away from CHRISTIANTY rapidly. 35% of people were UNCHURCHED. People were focusing on higher education, critical thinking, science, and liberal politics as A WAY to progress toward UNITY and JUSTICE; not Christianity.

Issachar had WONDERED how MANY self-invented, “self-proclaimed” Christians, like he was, were NOT willing to COMMIT themselves to Jesus Christ.

If self-invented, “self-proclaimed,” and so-called Christians are NOT willing to commit their lives to Jesus what will become of Christianity in the world?

It was once a FAITH of LOVE and HOPE, but some people were representing CHRISTIANITY as a FAITH of HATE and DISCOURAGEMENT.

It seemed like SUCH a big task. CHRISTIANITY was INFESTED with self-invented, “self-proclaiming” and misrepresenting CHRISTIANS without CHRIST or his internal qualities such as SPIRITUAL FRUIT.

Issachar KNEW why God had SAVED him and GIVEN him another chance. He KNEW what his responsibility was and he had already starting using his influences to RECONCILE, RESTORE, and MAKE WHOLE God’s people FIRST.

The world needed a new perspective of CHRISTIANITY that WITNESSED God’s GLORY through the lifestyle of Jesus Christ BYWAY of his REAL followers. This was Issachar’s MISSION.

When Issachar began to encourage a close bond and connection with Jesus Christ as a WAY to improve the CHRISTIAN IMAGE he got a LOT of BACKLASH.

Famous evangelicals turned against him, because he no longer supported their politics or ideology. He wanted to KEEP the focus upon Jesus Christ. They didn’t understand why he WANTED out and didn’t want to hear his explanation.

Issachar could not SAY he was more Christian than his fellow-evangelicals, but he couldn’t, many of them truly and passionately believed they were fighting for the cause of Christ.

Many of his fellow-evangelicals decided to CUT him OFF, but he wasn’t offended or bothered, his MISSION was to PROMOTE Jesus’ agenda first and foremost.

He wasn’t doing this for them or anyone else, but he was shocked at HOW MANY turned their backs on his new proposed agenda. He had asked many of them to join him in focusing on SAVING Christian values in society through conversion rather than human laws.

Many folded their arms and DID nothing. Yet, he had to DO what he was SPARED to do before God and God alone.

Politics and ideology made him LEAN too much toward prejudice, his OWN or man’s agenda, the lust for power and approval, and it made him succumb to unjust behaviors toward others.

When asked which side was he on - conservative or progressive - he said NEITHER. He was accused of NOT supporting Christian concerns and Christian values. Yet, he had supported and defended Christian liberties for years and owed no explanation. He would not be bullied.

He was also working with God, the Holy Spirit, toward a government and a culture that would be emboldened and empowered with Christian principles and values, except it wouldn’t done by human laws, but through the POWERFUL working POWER of God’s SPIRIT.

His fellow-evangelicals had ACCUSED him of abandoning the CAUSE at a critical moment, but he STOOD HIS GROUND. This time he was using his stubbornness for God's GLORY and not his own!

He told them they had LONG AGO abandoned the CAUSE when they abandoned the REASON and PERSON which was supposed to be the FOCUS of the cause: JESUS CHRIST.

He told them CHRISTIANITY will NEVER be the DOMINANT force EVER again UNTIL Jesus Christ RETURNS to the HELM.

The CHRISTIAN ethic will NEVER return to INFLUENCE society for the GOOD until it RETURNS to first INFLUENCE the HEARTS of God’s “own” PEOPLE through his INDWELLING and his POWERFUL Word.

They spoke to HIM about their FREEDOMS being curtailed and their communities deteriorating. Yet, Jesus had ALREADY set his people FREE and God, the Holy SpiritPROMISES if HIS PEOPLE would pray, turn from “their” wicked ways, and humble themselves he HEAL the whole country.

His fellow-evangelicals had a HOST of other political concerns, which they felt JUSTIFIED their support for a PERSON whose CONDUCT contradicted the LIFESTYLE of JESUS CHRIST.

They believed a MERE, finite human being, without spiritual fruit, could ADVANCE their CHRISTIAN values instead of God, the Holy Spirit, that “supposedly” dwelled within each of HIS PEOPLE.

They willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to CONDONE the rhetoric of someone who possessed NONE of the spiritual fruit and PROVED his was NOT one of Jesus’ disciples.

It proved the self-invented Christian clergy or leader that promotes outward conformity had BLINDED the minds of “self-claiming” Christians. “...A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump...” (Galatians 5:9 KJV).

It is spiritual fruit that is PRODUCED by the indwelling SPIRIT that PROVES someone is one of Jesus’ disciples. Instead his fellow-evangelicals BELIEVED this “MERE, finite HUMAN” not JESUS CHRIST had the POWER to USHER in the GREATER GOOD for the society.

It was a SAD state, but God’s people could trust God to turn it around by letting God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus, within them, SAVE one soul at a time.

Nothing is too hard for God and nothing IMPOSSIBLE. God’s people just needed to REFOCUS and WIN SOULS. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“...the Son of man (God’s living Word) is come to seek and to save that which was lost...” (Luke 19:10 KJV). ). “....receive... the ...word (Jesus), which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...And one who is wise gains souls...” (Proverbs 11:30 NASB). “...souls of men(women)...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV).

Issachar thought if one group of disciples added thousands to the church daily. Imagine if in all 50 states thousands of people accepted Christ daily. That would be over a million+ souls a month. “...Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved...” (Acts 2 MSG).

Issachar was reading Acts chapter 2. Converting the heart whether than changing the human law would have MORE of an impact on Christian concerns and values than ANYTHING ELSE. “...Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls...” (Acts 2:38-42 KJV)

“...they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved...” (Acts 2:46-27 KJV).

“...That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers .... Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved...” (Acts 2 MSG).

THIS EXCITED ISSACHAR!!

God had GIVEN Issachar, through his MERCY, another chance by SAVING his LOST SOUL and in return, he would give God, the Holy Spirit, the rest of his earthly life to make his appeal through him. The bible says: “...We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God...” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).

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Published on February 28, 2021 08:17

CHAPTER 12 THE LIFE OF LUKE WARM: LIFE CHANGING MERCY

CHAPTER 12

LUKE WARM:

LIFE-CHANGING MERCY

“... God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

Issachar hadn’t preached or taught anything since last year it was almost April and they wanted him to bring the Easter message. He’d been keeping a journal, which he started in REHAB. What should he preach about?

Miraculously, his doppelganger, David Anderson was dead and so was his wife, Sheila Anderson. The accident had changed him and Broad Street no longer appealed to his appetites. Why had God given him a fresh start? Who does that?

He and Virtuous were talking and connecting again or maybe for the first time, ever. She’d even let him kiss her on the lips the other day, but he’d hurt her really bad and she was a slow thaw. Nonetheless, for some reason, she had shown and was still showing him nothing but kindness

Issachar had sent her through many problems. She’d SUFFERED from some serious heart-break and he wasn’t worthy of her. He was surprised and grateful she was still with him. Why did she bother?

Both as Issachar L Warm and David Anderson he’d been OUT of control, disrupted her life, negated her feelings, and turned her dreams UPSIDE down. I don’t deserve to even be in her presence.

He’d caused his wife GREAT harm. His behavior had IMPACTED her spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally life, but she took “good” care of him anyway.

Issachar faced his mistakes, wrongs, asinine behaviors, and his inflexible pride, stubbornness, and rebellion, but it was hard to face what he’d done to Virty. If she left him he wouldn’t blame her.

In addition, it was hard to face what he’d done to the church body. The only thing he’d done genuinely was play an active role as a parent. He provided for them. He protected them. He disciplined them. He was dependable when it came to their sports games, recitals, and any other school events. He tried his hardest to plan his ministry trips around his family and not the other way around.

During last Christmas, together, his children told him how they appreciated how he stuck with them through thick and thin. They liked how he got involved with their many shenanigans, showed compassion, valued their mother, was empathetic through their awkward stages, expressed his love, and demonstrated his care. I don’t deserve their love or praise either.

Plus, he felt a tinge of guilt when they said he’d valued their mother, but Virty had NEVER told them different. She felt a good father made a difference in a child’s life. Issachar did fatherhood well. He was a pillar of strength, support, happiness for their children. In spite of all the negative things she knew and had experienced with Issachar, he WAS a good father.

He had been a lost soul for most of their marriage, their family life, and his private life. Now Jesus had come into his life to SEEK and SAVE “...that which was lost...,” which was Issachar. As he read the words he’d read so many times before, they became MORE than words, but LIFE. “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus].... came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “ ...receive the word (Jesus) implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world, and lose his (her) own soul (LIFE, person)?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “...And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life (soul, person)...” (Job 2:6 KJV). “...you must spare his life..." (Job 2:6 NIV).

The SOUL, Issachar, was learning was who he was or that immaterial part of him. It is the SOUL that is SAVED and set free. The bible says: “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV).

When Issachar surrendered and accepted Christ as his Savior, he didn’t think he’d be interested in Christianity any more. Why was God interested in a USER LOSER like him anyway?

Issachar had only come to the Christian faith for its RICHES and ADVANTAGES. He was “NO” Job. “...Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

Job had a genuine heart for God and he OPENLY expressed his opinion about his personal “trials and tribulations”. “…Shall we (God’s children) accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). Many of God’s people can say: “…‘We’ve GIVEN up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

It seemed, to Issachar, that no MATTER what was LOST or GAINED, God’s children continue to LOVE and TRUST HIM will ALL THEIR SOUL. “…[They are to]...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

Virty said, she knew, through it all, “…he [God, the Holy Spirit would remain]... faithful,for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). The bible says: “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…[Thus,]...a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV). “…Anyone who wants to be [God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus’]... follower must love [him] far morethan he (she) does his (her) own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his (her) own life —otherwise he (she) cannot be my disciple...” (Luke 14:26 NLT).“.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

Amazingly, King David said: “... I desire you more than anything on earth...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). “….everything else (people you treasure, material wealth, the earthen vessel, etc.,) is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [God’s children’s]… Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...I ...belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you?I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

Virty had experienced so much with him and life period, but she STAYED dependent upon God through them ALL. She said she’d struggled like any other human being, but eventually she would come to a place of rest, because she believed her LIFE was SAFE in God’s hands. “…I have learned to be CONTENT whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“… I can do (be CONTENT in the midst of) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL not want. … …”(Psalms 23 KJV). “…All things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “….all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “[God] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).

“...Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 MSG). “...For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?...”(Matthew 16:25-26 NIV).

Satan told God, the Holy Spirit: “…strike everything [Job]... has, and he will surely curse you to your face?…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). I am no job.

Virty said God may have allowed adversity into her life, but HE wasn’t trying to HURT her or HARM her. “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).

“...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Satan “…intended to harm, but God intended it for ...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

“…The plans [God has]…for [his children are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Virty didn’t always like the journey, but she knew God was allowing her to be tested. He was also disciplining some of her lingering, unrighteous behavior. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).

Virty LEARNED to PRAY. God, the Holy Spirit SAYS: “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you...” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB).

Virty LEARNED to be CONTENT and PATIENT while she WAITED on God’s PERFECT timing. “… [So]...let patience have her perfect (maturing) work, that [God’s people] may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing...”(James 1:2-6 KJV). “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust ...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...God is the strength of [his people’s]... heart, and [their]... portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shallbe thy shieldand buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

God will “…never leave nor forsake you… …” (Hebrews 13:5).

King David was becoming Issachar’s favorite biblical character. “... I (King David) said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

King David expressed that HIS LIFE and his WHOLE WORLD was made up of and attached to God, the Holy Spirit, who was his PORTION. “... my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

After all he’d done, God, the Holy Spirit, was King David’s INHERITANCE. God through Jesus GIVES each of his children, which included Issachar now, “this” INHERITANCE, equally. “… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). Why would he give to me? I’ve been a wretched, pathetic thief, phony, and a stubborn hypocrite.

God through Jesus Christ was also Issachar’s INHERITANCE. Undeservingly he’d been GIVEN “ALL” the RICHES of his GLORY through Jesus Christ too. “… the richesof the glory (PRESENCE, GOODNESSES, and POWER of God)…” (Colossians 1:27 NASB).

For years Issachar STOLE and tried to STEAL God’s RICHES, when God gave them to his children for FREE.

Issachar went after the WRONG part of God’s RICHES. He’d discovered, there is “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). “…He is “SO” RICHin kindness…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “…the riches of his glorious inheritance (bountiful spiritual blessings)…” (Ephesian 1:18 NIV).“... RICH IN MERCY (debt of sin, paid in full)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).“… the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … [revelation]...knowledge…” (Roman 11:33-34). “…He is “SO” RICH ...that he purchased [mankind’s]... freedom [from sin]...with the blood of his Son and forgave [“all” their]... sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “... the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering...” (Romans 2:4 ASV). “… HIDDEN RICHES of SECRET PLACES…” (ISAIAH 45:3). “…[God] …will generously (RICHLY) PROVIDE all … [mankind’s] need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God is the SOURCE of RICHES and FREELY supplies ALL his people’s NEED.“…My God WILL SUPPLY ALL[your need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).“…The LORD will perfect (take care of) that which concerneth [his people]…” (PSALM 138:8). God’s children, no matter what they lose, while upon earth, are NEVER destitute.

Issachar had treasured his pride, his stubbornness, his rebellions, his WAY, and his self-invented Christianity. NONE of those things were EVER as VALUABLE as the inheritance he’d received through Jesus Christ, who was now WITHIN his heart. “...My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “...Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB).God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

Issachar THOUGHT: I know what my Easter sermon will be about...GOD’S MERCY.

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Published on February 28, 2021 08:07

February 27, 2021

CHAPTER 11 THE LIFE OF LUKE WARM: REPENTANCE

CHAPTER 11

LUKE WARM:

REPENTANCE

“….God …now commandeth all men every where to REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV). "…REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “… [I]…kept declaring ….that they should REPENT and TURN TO God…” (Acts 26: 20 NASB). "…REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).

Issachar opened his bible to Luke chapter 16 and read the passage for umpteenth time. “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

When he was in the coma and went to hell, Jesus was on the other side of the DARKNESS and GREAT FLAMES with HIS people.

Issachar remembered always feeling HOT and THIRSTY. He TRIED numerous times to get to the other SIDE, but he couldn’t. There REALLY was a BARRIER between heaven and hell. He could SEE his wife and children, but they couldn’t hear or see him. “...And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB). They didn’t even LOOK in his direction.

“…[God, the Holy Spirit] cannot look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “... APART FROM [Christ]... you (soul) can do nothing (the lost soul cannot UNITE with the HOLY God) …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

“… I AM HOLY(completely, entirely, wholly without sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT.“... between us...[there is]... a great chasm …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Light was shining from all the people over on the side of heaven, but Issachar was ALWAYS a sinner and had NO LIGHT. He had lived among LIGHT, but had NEVER become a true Christian within his heart.

HELL was as REAL as heaven. The bible teaches that HELL is a real place where the unrepentant will spend all of eternity after physical death upon earth. Issachar studied relentlessly. “...Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels...:” (Matthew 25:41 NASB).

“... [where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell, [where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. “For everyone will be salted with fire...” (Mark 9:44-49 NASB).

“...They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power...” (2 Thessalonians 1:9 NLT).

“...the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever...”(Revelations 20:10 NASB).

“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

Issachar THOUGHT, because he was a good person a LOVING God wouldn’t send him to hell. God’s didn’t send him to hell, he had come on his own.

No matter what Issachar DID, he was NOT basically good, because he REMAINED “basically” an unrepentant sinful nature God hadn’t sent him to hell. He’d done it HIS WAY instead of God’s established way and had CHOSEN to come to hell on his OWN.

The LOVING God had PROVIDED a way for him to escape HELL, but he had rejected it.

No matter what Issachar “stubbornly” WANTED, to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus was THE established WAY.

Being a good person, according to mankind, was not equivalent with being a SAVED person. Every single human being, upon earth, is BORN a sinner, with a sin nature. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…[Therefore,]... all have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

“... When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought [spiritual] ... death, so [spiritual] ... death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned (is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) ... But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought [spiritual] death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God (being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again), even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (SAVES, RESTORES , AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm (enduring) and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).

In HELL Issachar heard a voice speak to him. The voice told Issachar he didn’t have to accept Jesus into his heart. It was his DECISION, but the consequence of that decision was God’s choice.

The voice told him he could continue to follow his OWN way back upon earth. It was his CHOICE and he would never be controlled or forced to OBEY God or follow HIS WAYS.

The voice also told Issachar he could continue to do Christianity through his self-invented way, but the results would be the same. Again, it was his CHOICE.

God, however, is the Sovereign God and HE SAYS the punishment for sin IS DEATH. HELL is the DEATH God is talking about.

God hadn’t PUT Issachar into HELL, but he’d stubbornly and willfully CHOSEN to GO there on his OWN. “... Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire...” (Jude 1:7 KJV).

After Issachar came out of the coma, he had that “HELL DREAM” multiple times. The first few times he STILL tried to BARGAIN his way into heaven, but God’s WORD STOOD!

It took weeks before he finally accepted he was NOT “getting” into heaven. For the first, in years, he COULDN’T and DIDN’T get his way. He was TRAPPED in HELL.

His decision to go to HELL was iron-clad, in his dream, and it was always too late to change it,

The dream turned into a nightmare and it left him feeling afraid, panicky, desperate, anxious, quilt-ridden, and sad for weeks and weeks. He had the nightmares so often he wasn’t sleeping well or even able to go back to sleep if he woke up in the middle of the night.

For a while, his psychiatrist, who was also his neuro-counselor, thought he was suffering from PTSD. Thus, she prescribed him some medication, but it had NO effect.

Eventually, he quit talking about the nightmares and told EVERYONE he was over them. He SAW he didn’t have ONE single lifestyle habit that would normally trigger nightmares and NOT ONE of the techniques worked for him. Issachar knew what the problem was and it wasn’t physical.

Issachar was a LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead soul on his way to HELL. For some reason God gave him another chance. He had to face the fact that he WAS’T a GOOD Christian, but was a GOOD performer. He wasn’t created ANEW he was a self-invention through his “own” sinful nature. He had gotten to his Christian identity through carnal process and NOT through the sanctification of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

There was only ONE WAY out of “this” nightmare and that’s “if” he chose to make it right on the inside.

He had made people, for years, believe he was the persona of a “real” Christian. It was EASY to sneak into God’s sheepfold, without the sheep noticing, because he APPEARED or LOOKED the part.

He was so GOOD he’d started a movement and he HAD a following, but he was CHRIST-less.

When it came to spiritual gifts, spiritual powers, or the display of spiritual fruit, Issachar was a PRO at deflecting. HE didn’t have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and he made SURE nobody could SEE he didn’t.

Issachar was BRILLIANT at hiding his mistakes and shortcomings. He blamed the LACK of spiritual DISPLAYS, EVIDENCE, or WITNESS of God’s presence by telling people miracles had stopped, miraculous gifts had ceased as well as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues.

Issachar told God’s people, all those things CEASED with the apostles, but every now and then God MIGHT do something supernatural.

That LIE had protected Issachar and controlled what HIS followers believed. Again, he was REJECTING God’s WORD, because he, himself, was in DENIAL of the TRUTH.

In reality, when it comes to signs, wonders, and miracles, God’s people PRAY, DEPEND UPON HIM, and EXPECT him to DO special FAVORS in their LIVES and on their behalf. “…Lord … Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be donethrough the name of your holy servant Jesus. After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness…” (Acts 4:28-30 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God’s people DEPEND UPON him to confirm his OWN WORD by DOING the WORK of his promises through signs, wonders, and miracles. “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…The disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs…” (Mark 16:20 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [signs, wonders, and miracles]. … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake…” (John 14:11 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (supernatural WORKS and PERFORMANCES) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Issachar had studied the scriptures inside and out with some of the BEST theological scholars and have FOUND “NO” scriptural support to the CEASATION of signs, wonders, or miracles.

God DOES not CHANGE. HE is the SAME yesterday, today, and ALWAYS. Mankind’s FLESH is LIMITED and can’t do SPIRITUAL or SUPERNATURAL things, but God, the Holy Spirit is NOT.

In order to ELEVATE himself as a CHRISTIAN “ICON” he had to REDUCED God to one who NO LONGER does miracles, gives spiritual gifts, produces spiritual “in” and “through” his people, and empowers them through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Issachar, along, with other self-invented CLERGY and so-called Christians leader had HIGHJACKED the Christian Faith for their OWN selfish reasons and NOT those of Jesus Christ.

God’s people were called to DEPEND UPON God and HIS WORD. Instead, many started depending upon self-invented CLERGY leaders and “THEIR” words. Thus, they SEE no or very FEW signs, wonders, or miracles. “…… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). ). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“… “I AM WHO I AM’ …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).

“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

“… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Yourshield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“…God [is[ with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…[HE IS] WITH… [YOU] and … [HE] WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…I will do whatever you ask in my name…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen, [and] it will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV).

God LOVES his people. “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “… the Lordloved youand kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers…” (Deuteronomy 7:8 NASB). “… Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel (his people) forever…” (1 Kings 10:9 NASB). “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “ … your God loved Israel (his people) establishing them forever …”(2 Chronicles 9:8 NASB). In “… His love and in His mercy He redeemed them…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “… I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “… Even as the Lordloves the sons of Israel (his people)…” (Hosea 3:1 NASB). “ … I led them … with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down andfed them…” (Hosea 11:4 NASB). “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).

God STILL does signs, wonders, and miracles among HIS people, but the TRUTH is being obscured from them. “…The Fatherthat dwelleth in [you], HE DOETH the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT “DISPLAYS” God’s power (supernatural WORKS or PERFORMANCES) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

HIS “real” people and not the self-invented ones are commanded to DEPEND UPON God to do the sign, wonder, or miracle? “…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [DO] NOT DOUBT in [your] heart but [believe and depend upon me and) …what [you] say will happen, [and] it will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

“…[God] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

Self-invented Christians, like Issachar, ARE NOT one of God’s people. It is ONLY God’s people who are blessed and privileged to display, witness, demonstrate, or personally experience the true signs, wonders, and miraculous works of God. “… How blessed you are [people of God!] Who else is like you, a people saved(through the miraculous redemptive work) by the Lord? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword...” (Deuteronomy 33:29 NLT). “… I and the children the Lord has given me serve as signs … from the Lordof Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…I will save youthat you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV).

“…you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).“…you will be a blessing…” (Genesis 12:2 NIV).

“….God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…THY BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE [your people] “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous (God’s people)…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB). “…You surround [them] WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

SALVATION, all by itself, IS a SIGN, a WONDER, and a MIRACLE!!

“… [God’s SAVED people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us (the SAVED) with all spiritual blessingsin heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

. “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (signs, wonders, and miracles) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [God’s people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV). “ …We have this treasure “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…[People will]… know (witness through signs, wonders, and miracles) that everything [you]… have IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

“…by the GRACE of God [people are]…what [they are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“… [God’s people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT). For instance, “…God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles…” (Acts 19:11 NLT). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…The Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

Signs, wonders, and miracles are acts of God that he DISPLAYS “IN” and “THROUGH” his people by the POWER of his indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

These ACTS of God are displayed as EVIDENCE that God is STILL working and demonstrating signs, wonders, and miracles upon the earth.

No matter what self-invented LEADERS, like Issachar, have SAID or DONE, God has NOT changed. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

This means THERE are “STILL” SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES today, but among the SELF-INVENTED Christians they are being OPPRESSED by the DEVIL’S LIE that they have somehow STOPPED or CEASED. “…I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me (depends upon me) will do the same works I have done, and even greater works (not different, but more global and expansive), because I am going to be with the Father…” (JOHN 14:12 NLT).

After studying all of this with NEW eyes, Issachar knew what he had to DO. He was a wretched sinner, a lost soul, spiritually dead, and unrepentant.

But after weeks in REHAB, he finally humbled himself and asked God for help. Like King David Issachar acknowledge his sins. “…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

“...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

“…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

Issachar wept and cried out to God from the deepest part of his heart and soul. He confessed his sins to God. “...If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness...” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “….mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).“…My GRACEis sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

Issachar OPENLY acknowledged every sin, transgression, or iniquity he could think of and an indescribable CALM and PEACE engulfed him as his BURDENS slipped away.

God’s MERCY was richly demonstrated, expressed, and displayed toward a wretched SINNER like him.

Issachar KNEW, without a doubt, God had forgiven him for his sins. He didn’t want to continue to choose to go to HELL and so he wholeheartedly REPENTED. He heard God’s voice: “...Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon...” (Isaiah 55:7 KJV).

Issachar decided, with God’s help, he would choose to dedicate the rest of his time upon earth in FREEDOM from his sinful nature. He FULLY REPENTED.

Issachar was FINALLY a “real” disciple of Jesus Christ. He “knew,” without a doubt, REPENTANCE would be the greatest decision he’d EVER MAKE!

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Published on February 27, 2021 09:25

CHAPTER 10 THE LIFE OF LUKE WARM: THE CONFESSION

CHAPTER 10

LUKE WARM:

THE CONFESSION

God “….is ... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). However, “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

Virtuous couldn’t believe Issachar’s recovery. He was doing great and would be home in a few days. He’d been in rehab for months doing physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

He was doing very well in speech therapy, but he wasn’t talking much outside of his sessions, so the doctor recommended psychiatric care and a social support group.

Every doctor and therapist said Issachar was recovering fine and there was no medical reason for unusual silence. Issachar smiled, embraced her, answered her questions with as few words as possible, and asked how she and the children were doing, but THAT’S IT!

Something had changed, but she couldn’t figure out what it was. The doctor said there could be personality changes, but he didn’t think Issachar’s lack of conversation had anything to do with his brain trauma or surgery. Something else was bothering Issachar.

Issachar was coming home in early-December and the children would be home a few days later on Christmas break until after the first of the year. It would give him a few days to get settled. She was looking forward to their family reunion.

They were empty-nesters now. Hope was a Junior in college, Faith was a Sophomore, and the twins had just entered their Freshman year. Where had the time gone?

Issachar’s accident was in early May, so he’d missed their 25th anniversary, the boys High School graduation, class of 2017, and his September 15th birthday. Issachar turned 59 years old.

Virtuous had been alone, in the house, for months now. She felt a little sad and a sense of loss over her husband and her children.

Not only did she have to let the last of the children go and live their own lives, but it felt as if she had to let Issachar go too. He was so different. It was a painful period for her. She had NO ONE, at home to care for. All her constant companions, children and husband, were gone at the same time.

She was worried about the children’s safety and whether they were ready to take care of themselves on their own. She was also worried about Issachar’s recovery and whether he’d ever be the same again.

Virtuous felt a sense of loss even though the children and her husband would be home again. She had no one to clean up after, no one to cook for, no games, sermons, or recitals to attend, and no arguments to quall.

Years ago, she dreamt of this moment when she and Issachar would be alone again. They could reconnect, travel, do ministry together, rekindle their interest for one another, and empower their marital bond, but that wasn’t happening.

She loved Issachar with her whole heart, but she had ZERO romantic interest in him anymore. He had turned her OFF, in so many ways, for the rest of her life.

She was going to take good care of Issachar, but she was nervous. He would need help with everything for a while; bathing, dressing, grooming, ministry, appointments, and shopping.

Issachar was much stronger, but he would still be in a wheelchair, which meant she be responsible for transporting him in and out of places, to and fro, or up and down. But more importantly, what about his emotional care. This accident had changed him and she wondered would that put an additional strain on their relationship.

Nonetheless, Virtuous did everything she could to understand Issachar’s physical health needs. She learned what all she needed to do to contribute to a positive prognosis. She gathered all the information she could and planned for his homecoming to the very last detail. She wanted his transition to be smooth so he had everything he needed to get better.

A few days later, everything was ready. The house looked nice, clean, warm, and inviting. In spite of it all, she was excited for Issachar to come home.

When she entered his room, his eyes lit up and he reached out his arms to embrace her. All his thing were already packed and the aide rolled him out to the curb. He was able to stand, turn around like they’d taught him, and twist himself into the passenger seat. Virtuous opened the truck to put away the wheelchair.

Issachar kissed her on the cheek, thanked her for coming for him, and said he was happy to be coming home. Afterwards they drove in silence. This is the part I’m going to struggle with....Issachar’s silence.

They got home. She got him into the house with no problem and settled Issachar into their bedroom. It was December 3rd. The silence continued and Virtuous decided to put the Christmas tree up before the children came home, which was the weekend before Christmas.

As she sat untangling the Christmas lights Issachar entered the room using his walker. “...We need to talk Virty...” Her heart dropped. OMG, he was going to ask her for a divorce.

“...Okay” She patted the seat next to her.

“...There is something I need to confess to you...”

“...Oh no, you want a divorce don’t you...”

“...OMG, Virty, it’s nothing like that...” She clutched her heart in relief. “What is it Izzy?...”

“...There is something I’ve never told another soul yet. I’m too ashamed...” He paused for the longest moment, but she waited. “... While I was in coma I went to hell ....”

“...Izzy!!!?..”

“...It’s true, Virty. I know what you meany when you say you SAW me...”

“...I didn’t say what I SAW. That doesn’t mean I was right! ...” Issachar held up his hand for her to stop.

“...You said I had no spiritual fruit...”

“...but Izzy you’ve done so much good...”

“...Have I?...”

“...You know you have. You’ve fed the sick, found shelter for the homeless, and visited the sick....”

“... that’s means nothing...”

“...It meant something to the people you did it for...”

“...but it didn’t mean anything to God. I still went to hell...”

“...It meant something to God too, Izzy. But what you DO, for God, is not what SAVES you...”

“...I know that now, but there is something else I learned while I was in Hell.

“...What?...” He asked her to get the bible. She bought him the Message bible and the King James Version. He read outloud:“...I’ve had it with you! You’re hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God’s kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won’t let anyone else in either. “You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned...“...” (Matthew 23:13-15 MSG). “...Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?...” (Matthew 23:34 KJV). “...A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump...” (Galatians 5:9 KJV).

Issachar said he preached the Gospel, but he spread his OWN brand of religion whether than that of Christ.

He had resorted to the art of persuasion, entertainment, performance, human effort, or any means necessary when trying to join a heathen to the Christian community.

Thus, it was possible that many of the so-called converted heathens were NOT really converted at all...just LIKE him.

Issachar was active in the work of converting the heathen, but he was a BLIND leader. And like they say, he was the blind leading the blind.

His VICES were inadvertently engrafted onto his heathen converts.“...to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves...” (Matthew 23:15 KJV). A proselyte,to him, was, nothing more, than a new, untrustworthy or questionable convert.

Issachar, was a proselyte leader, who, himself, had sought to secure outward conformity whether than inward piety that came through the indwelling Holy Spirit. He pushed for external religion and not for a true change of heart through Jesus Christ.

He had no love or wisdom for the saving of souls, no zeal for salvation through Jesus, and no empowerment of the indwelling to produce spiritual fruit.

Issachar was PROMPTED, throughout his whole “Christian” ministry, by selfishness, vain glory, covetousness, and carnal motives.

He had converted men and women through his “OWN” self-invented Christianity and not the POWER of God through Jesus, his WORD.

Because his righteousness was self-invented piety all he could truly offer others were false beliefs, gross externalism, and human morality. He had added these converted heathens into the Christian community making them into self-invented Christians too! What else did he have? He was a so-called Christian without Christ or his indwelling Spirit. “...ye make [them]... twofold more the child of hell than yourselves...” (Matthew 23:15 KJV).

While in the coma, Issachar had gone to hell...had he doubled the chances for his heathen converts to become children of hell too? “...stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejectedthe word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king...” (1 Samuel 15:23 KJV).

He had rejected God’s truth and his stubbornness was an iniquity in God’s sight. With ALL his bigshot knowledge he had taught his heathen converts an evil lesson by transferring his self-invented Christianity onto them.

How many of Issachar’s heathen converts had disregarded God’s way too and self-invented their own way to be a Christian....just like he’d done.

He, along with other so-called clergy leaders like him, had SHIPWRECKED the SPIRITUAL lives of the Christian community by teaching and preaching the Gospel, yet denying the POWER and leaving Christ or the SPIRIT OUT.

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his POWERFUL word, brings the spiritual fruit, the gifts, the blessings, the multiple goodnesses, his presence, his glory, his indwelling, his salvation to the Church body.

Without God or his indwelling the so-called church body is NOTHING more than a group of self-invented Christians going through the carnal processes where there is no healing, no souls saved, no spiritual growth, no miracles, no display of spiritual fruit, or anything that demonstrates God, the Holy Spirit, is in the MIDST.

“...A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump...” (Galatians 5:9 KJV). Virtuous heard the regret in her husband’s words. He felt, people like him, had gone into the Christian community and RUINED the whole church.

There was NOTHING wrong with the GOSPEL or “real” Christians, but it was the “little leaven” or those who had withdrawn from the established WAY, which was Jesus (his WORD), that CONTAMINATED the Christian faith!

Though this verse was based on an old proverb where the “leaven” represents a “little evil” one could see its DEADLY effect on a MASS body.

Self-invented Christianity was the LEAVEN and if the Christian community tolerated such iniquity it would certainly impregnate the whole community.

Issachar had ushered into the Christian community ANOTHER WAY to be a CHRISTIAN through one’s OWN self-invention and man had READILY accepted his practices of an outward conformity ONLY.

He was the LEAVEN. His self-invented Christianity had manifested itself in some form through the repetition and practice of outward conformity or external religiosity.

Issachar and those like him were instrumental in SPREADING this self-invented Christianity and it was EVERYWHERE.

The Christian community’s relevance had been reduced by an overload of hypocrisy, being too political, or being too judgmental, or polarized, or anti-homosexual, or limited to American nationalism.

Issachar remembered when a young man said he’d decided to leave Christianity because they seemed to push right-wing politics instead of Jesus Christ. The young man said to him, “...You are no different, Minister Warm I’ve heard you tell people to FOLLOW their Christian principles when it came to politics, but “NOT” Jesus. Had you to told THEM to FOLLOW Jesus, people that Christ died for, wouldn’t be so demonized by so-called Christians....” Issachar had ignored him, but the young man had been right.

God’s people are not perfect, and they strive to be Christlike every day. These are not the ones that are concerning to the Christian community. It is those who are drawn and attracted by the revered kind of outward piety that is developed by the carnal processes of self-invention.

The whole Christian community is currently JUDGED as being merely an outward SHOW of sainthood or true piety. “...A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump...” (Galatians 5:9 KJV).

The DANGER of SPREADING the kind of LEAVEN Issachar had SPREAD through his self-invented Christianity is that it depended upon the sinful nature and not the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The antidote to this PROBLEM of “LEAVEN” is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the genuine acceptance of Salvation, and the indwelling Holy Spirit that empowers true obedience and produces true spiritual “in” and “through” those who are authentically NEW CREATIONS.

Issachar finished. “...it is this kind of widespread moral and spiritual corruption that I’ve helped bring into the Christian community, Virty. It is the SNEAKY, slick, tricky nature of the self-invented Christian, who chooses to live outside of God’s established doctrine. I refused to accept Jesus, who is THE “only” WAY to salvation and righteous living. That makes me nothing more than the CHIEF HERETIC... This is my CONFESSION...”

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Published on February 27, 2021 09:21

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