Spiritual Virtues: Discernment

Develop the ability to clearly obtain GOD’s direction; do not plot your own course.

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of GOD but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” 1Co 2:14

Most people are familiar with intellectual and experiential knowledge.  We have all received from these sources many tidbits of information that shape our lives.  If you are reading this writing, for example, you have used your intellect to study and learned to read.  You also have the experience of being with others while learning to read that no doubt added to your knowledge of interacting socially.  Less widely known is a third type of knowledge; spiritual.  While intellectual knowledge comes through study, and experiential knowledge by exposure, spiritual knowledge comes by revelation from the spiritual realm.  Discernment is the tool used to receive this information. 

There are many different things in this world that we can and should discern; such as true or false information, right or wrong actions, good or bad intentions, even holy or evil spirits, but none of these are our focus regarding the Spiritual Virtue of discernment.  For our purpose discernment refers to hearing the voice of GOD, following HIS lead, feeling HIS prompting, basically receiving whatever HE wants to reveal.  This can come through different methods such as visions, dreams, spoken words, thoughts, feelings, as well as simply pictures in your mind.  Learning to connect with the Spirit of GOD within us, and probably more importantly, trusting that we can hear HIM as HE wants us to, is essential.  “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

The bible is our absolute foundation of truth.  GOD will NEVER speak in conflict with HIS word.  Neither will HE speak new doctrinal revelation, because HIS word is perfect and complete.  However, we cannot receive specific personal instruction such as “Stop!”, “Go this way.”, or “Avoid that person!” from reading the bible.  JESUS said HE could only do what HE “sees HIS FATHER doing”…that didn’t come to HIM from reading scripture.  Paul, discussing his intentions, also said such things as, “If the LORD permits” and “If it be the LORD’s will”, again, not read from a book.  They followed the direct leading, prompting, and personal instructions of the spoken word of GOD.  While maturing Christians need diminishing step by step instructions, we are soon entering a season that this need will be even greater than it was in the very beginning.

There is no biblical formula for learning HIS voice.  As with anyone else, it takes spending time together for us to learn personal things about HIM.  However, I do not believe it is by accident that GOD had me put the spiritual virtue of discernment hot on the heels of faith and humility. “Without faith it is impossible to please GOD”, “GOD opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”; clearly it is out of favor that HE reveals anything to us. 

Sin in our lives can interfere with our ability to discern HIS voice, so be sure to confess, repent, renounce as necessary as a preparation.  Worship music may be helpful, praying in tongues (if you do that) may be a good preparation, but I believe more than anything else, expect that you will hear from HIM.  People learn to discern GOD’s voice through different practices.  Most suggest it includes quieting themselves and scheduling intentional time to listen.  Having a pad of paper to write on can be helpful.  Not as much for writing down what you hear, but writing down distracting thoughts that will keep your mind busy otherwise.  Once written down, it seems we have our mind’s permission to stop thinking about it. 

Assignment:

Schedule some time to briefly talk, but then to listen.  Try some of the things listed above to help.  When this begins to get comfortable, ask HIM to also speak to you throughout your day with the small things of life, “Which way should I go home; Which line should I get into; What should I say to this person?”  See if you begin to notice GOD opportunities that you may have otherwise missed.

Spiritual Virtues: Humility

Understand the universal equality of each person’s worth; do not be prideful.

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

After spending time focusing on our faith in GOD and who HE is, it is pretty easy for us to find our appropriate place of humility as we compare ourselves to HIM.  The more common problem we have with humility as it relates to GOD is understanding our roles.  God invites us to partner with HIM in supernatural ministry.  HE provides the “super” and we provide the “natural”.  When we are confused about our roles in this partnership we place too much emphasis on ourselves and what we need to be able to accomplish; we become fearful, knowing we cannot perform supernaturally.  We become too intimidated to even show up to do our natural part in healing, casting-out demons, evangelizing, or anything else supernatural.  Apart from Christ we have no ability to accomplish HIS call.  We must have faith that HE will provide the supernatural power when we are obedient to step into situations that are beyond our natural abilities.  Avoiding stepping into supernatural work because of fear of failure is a lack of humility; thinking our role is bigger than it actually is.

Our struggle with comparative humility is much more common as we look at our peers.  Pride is an obvious problem that often leads to arrogance.  Scripture cautions, “Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought…” and “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom”.  Pride is a lie that convinces us we have more worth than another because of who we are or what we have accomplished.  Worth is intrinsically equal in all human beings as each of us has been created in the image of GOD.  This is completely true in GOD’s eyes and it needs to become completely true in ours.  The opposite of true humility is most certainly pride, but so also is false humility.  Similar to pride false humility also is a lie.  It is used to manipulate others into boasting on our behalf.  By utilizing false humility one can often present an image of humility while setting others up to sing their prideful praises for them.  True humility is an honest assessment of our worth and our value at the same time.

  Contrary to our unchanging worth, value can change based on what GOD pours into each of us as well as what we do with it.  We can make choices that will vary how valuable we are in certain circumstances.  The more talents, gifts, blessings, and anointing HE pours into us, the more HE expects from us, but these things do not change our worth.  GOD knows exactly what HE has poured into each of us and what HE reasonably expects as a return on HIS investment.  If GOD expects a double return, the one entrusted with $100 returning $250, did much better than the one entrusted with $1,000 returning $1,500.  We do not know GOD’s investment or expectation of anyone and therefore are unqualified to judge the value of another.  “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.”  Ro 14:4  While we can acknowledge value, our assessment of each other should be based on worth which is always exactly equal to our own.

Humility is not about having a lack of confidence, presenting yourself as incapable or incompetent, it’s about an honest assessment of where your confidence should be placed.  You can be humble and be bold.  Have a bold confidence that you can do what Christ has called you to because of what HE has poured into you.

Assignment:

Practice stepping where GOD is calling you beyond your natural ability, humbly trusting your part is much smaller than HIS.  “Be willing to associate with people of low position.” Ro 12:16, humbly understanding their great worth.  In truth, recognize that GOD’s unknown investment and expectation varies from one child to the next, but the ultimate price having been paid for each one is the same.

Spiritual Virtues: Faith

Spiritual Virtues-Faith Know that HE is GOD; fear nothing else.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Heb 11:1

Faith and Hope are often confused one for the other, but they are kind of like twin sisters.  They look similar because they are of the same family, but are completely unique from each other at the same time.  The “family resemblance” is that both faith and hope are expressions of our relationship with the unseen reality (the supernatural). However, hope describes our desire for something to be a certain way; while faith describes our confident expectation and belief that it actually is a certain way.  Very often faith begins as hope (We “hope” GOD is real, for example).  As evidence emerges and experiences grow our hope converts to an unshakable personal faith (I KNOW GOD is real).  Others may not be able to understand how or why we have faith where they at best have hope, but it often comes down to personal experiences.  If you are seeking to convert your hope in GOD to a faith in HIM, reposition yourself to be fully open to an experience of HIM (Sitting in a church pew with arms crossed during worship is not a posture inviting experience as walking up front with arms raised would be, for example).

We are free to have faith in anything we choose.  The trouble with this is most things are not worthy of faith.  The bible describes the most common of these unworthy things as “the deceitfulness of wealth” and says, “You cannot serve both GOD and money”.  Bible believing Christians everywhere will say, “Amen!” while at the same time struggling with even the simple principal of tithing to say nothing of a truly sacrificial life-style.  There are many things in which we can place our faith inappropriately.  My intention here is only to list some examples… some trust is money for provision, doctors for healing, friends for encouragement, intellect for knowledge, experience for wisdom, intimidation for protection, volume for influence, muscles for strength, and pets for unconditional love.  Many of these are wonderful things, but each of them can fail us.  GOD will not fail us and HE should be our first trusted resource.  HE will often send us to utilize good things HE has put into our lives, but when they take HIS place of faith, it is misplaced.

HE is holy, all knowing, all powerful, perfectly just, truthful, completely loving, and trustworthy.

Assignment:

Practice turning to GOD first for all of your wants, needs, and desires because HE alone is most worthy of your faith.  This is NOT a test to see if HE will give you everything you want in the way and time you want; because quite frankly HE will NOT.  You see, HE is GOD and you are not.  HE knows much better than you do and HE loves you.  HIS timing, HIS ways, HIS answers are always better for you than what you want.  Trusting this to be true is the true test of YOUR FAITH, not HIS faithfulness. 

Practice this until it becomes a part of who you are…and then move on to humility.

Spiritual Virtues

GOD directed me to put together a list of “Christian Virtues”.  HIS message was that each of HIS children should study, meditate on, commit to, and master each one until it becomes an inseparable part of our lives.  Through much prayer and effort, I did.  I felt a confirmation in my spirit that it was good.  The list included…

Faith

Humility

Thankfulness

Constraint

Compassion

Honesty

Forgiveness

Patience

Perseverance

Trustworthiness

The next morning GOD instructed me to throw it away.  HE said that was the list for the past 2,000 years.  HE said the times are changing and it is time for a new list, a list of “Spiritual Virtues”.  He instructed me to make a list that will safely guide HIS children into and through the coming age and to teach all who will listen to study, meditate on, commit to, and master each one, in its proper order.  Through much prayer and effort, I did.  I feel a confirmation in my spirit that the following list is good.

Faith:  Know that HE is GOD; fear nothing else.

Humility:  Understand the universal equality of each person’s worth; do not be prideful.

Discernment:  Develop the ability to clearly obtain GOD’s direction; do not plot your own course.

Wisdom:  Couple GOD’s direction with proper application; resist rash actions.

Courage:  Be willing to face difficulty and danger for GOD’s purposes; do not be intimidated.

Perseverance:  Continue on despite discouragement or delayed success; do not be overcome.

Encouragement:  Elevate others with confidence and faith in GOD’s plan; avoid doubt.

(I am putting together a teaching for each of these that can be used for study and meditation.  Please pray GOD directs my efforts in doing so.)

The Meaning of Life: Why am I here?

            What is the meaning of life?  Before accepting Christ at age 32, I had never given this question a second thought; my time was fully given to simply living my life.  However, since that life changing event I have considered it many times.  It seems when eternity gained my attention as significant, this life too gained more meaning.

            Using “Bible” as an acronym for the cutesy phrase “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” is an accurate description of the Word of God.  It is full of the best information that exists about this life.  It truly is like having an owner’s manual written by the manufacturer. We gain understanding from a manual how to care for, protect, repair, and even enjoy a product, but not necessarily why we have it in the first place. God’s Word is multifaceted; He certainly instructs HOW to live this life and while there is not a verse “X” of book “Y” that says the meaning of life is:  “A-B-C”, we have no better resource than the Bible from which to gain insight as to WHY we are here as well.

            We have been intentionally created in the image of God.  Similar to a man and a woman being designed to accommodate their “coming together” as one, mankind has been uniquely designed to join spiritually with our Creator.  It is clear from Scripture that God loves us (Jn 3:16 for one example of many).  It is just as clear that He is interested in an intimate relationship with us; we are invited to become sons of God (Jn 1:12), a bride to Christ (Rev 19:7-9), co-heirs with Jesus (Ro 8:17), a temple for The Holy Spirit (1Co 6:19).  These invitations require more than a casual response.  This cannot be accomplished without an authentic choice to love.  It is impossible to truly choose to love unless you have a real option to choose not to. This life, with all of its distractions and temptations, provides the opportunity to choose between acceptance of His invitation and rejection of the truth He offers.

           The most important, most significant purpose this life holds is Accepting God’s relationship invitation.  Without this purpose realized everything we could hope to accomplish is fleeting at best; making a possible mark on human history, but leaving eternity untouched.  While salvation through Jesus is the doorway to eternity it is not the ONLY reason we are here.  Too many people dismiss Godly instruction on how to live life, based on the fact that salvation is by faith alone, not by works; concluding that works are somehow insignificant.  Ironically, the verse they are recalling is immediately followed by:  “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” Eph 2:10. They tend to overlook that not everything in the New Testament has to do with salvation.

            Everyone who is “born-again” as Jesus put it (Jn 3:3); will be welcomed into their eternal home in heaven after this life.  But just as the phrase itself implies, being “born”-again is a beginning, not a completion.  Three different writers of the New Testament compare new Christians to babies needing milk, not yet able to handle meat: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” 1Co 3:1&2 (see also Heb 5:12&13 &1Pe 2:1&2); these texts strongly imply there is an expectation of a maturing process; we are not to stay spiritual newborns. In Philippians 2 we are counseled to “work out your salvation”.  From the context it is clear there is much work to be done here on Earth by those of us who have already received salvation through faith in Jesus, not by works.  In four different books we are encouraged to live this life for Christ as if we are running a race.  Paul says to, “Run in such a way as to get the prize” 1Co 9:24.   Also, in four different places Paul writes of approaching this life as a fight, “fight the good fight” he says.  Even Jesus gave us the great commission to, “go and make disciples of all nations” Mt 28:19&20, but many people question: “WHY?  I’ve got mine.  The Bible gives me assurances that I am saved by belief alone in Jesus.”  Why do the New Testament and Paul in particular, take such an aggressive approach to life in Christ?  The short answer is: Our works will be judged.

            In this day and age of political correctness, universal acceptance, and “live and let live” mentality (which are total hogwash by the way) there are few words hated more than judgment.  But did you know that there is a judgment reserved only for Christians?  That’s right: “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1Co 3:12-15.  Notice it is the SAVED ones’ WORK that will be judged.  There are rewards as well as losses to be had when works are judged.  Paul, James, and Peter write of eternal crowns being earned.  These may be literal crowns, or they could be representative of the rewards from the judgment of works.  Do our works really matter?  If not, why will they be judged? 

            Apart from the fact that Jesus instructs us to, and that a true loving relationship will include self-sacrifice and obedience to our Lord, not everyone who finds eternal life will be eternally equal.  There is nothing in Scripture to indicate heaven is a great big room where everyone who accepted Jesus will have a chair and a harp of their own on which to pluck; quite the contrary.

            All in heaven will not have the same authority or standing.  We will not have access to all the same areas, same privileges, or responsibilities.  There are many places in the Bible that indicate all is not equal in the kingdom of heaven.  Based on how well we follow and teach commands in this world, for example, some will be called “least” while others will be called “great” (Mt 5:19).  Humility is significant: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 18:4; positions are granted: “These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” Mt 20:23b; privileges and duties earned: “…so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Lk22:30; use of wealth in this world will affect eternal access: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Lk 16:9.  Jesus also told many parables teaching faithfulness and trustworthiness now will have great impact for eternity.

            When we leave this world we will be put into the exact position of trustworthiness, responsibility, and privilege as we deserve.  God knows us better than we know ourselves: “He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.’” Lk16:15.  He will not be deceived by a sales pitch as our earthy bosses, companions, and even we ourselves can be.  Success in this world looks very different to God than it does to us.  His ways are not our ways.  Considering all of this, we have an amazing opportunity in this world to dramatically affect our eternal standing.  This purpose gives meaning to this life. 

            Before you start claiming (as I have), “If God would simply tell me clearly what He wants me to do, I would do it”, consider this: God is very pleased with faith; in fact it is impossible to please Him without it (Heb 11:6).  It seems living obediently out of faith is more highly respected in the Kingdom of God than being obedient once you have seen God face to face, or heard His voice undeniably.  Apart from Jesus, no one has interacted more personally with God than Moses; and no one has been held to a higher expectation of obedience.  After four decades of faithful service leading God’s people, Moses was denied the privilege of entering the Promised Land because he struck a rock with his staff to bring forth water as he had done previously, instead of simply speaking to it as God had instructed on this particular occasion.  Similarly, James gives caution to the church: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Jas 3:1. With greater privilege comes much greater expectation. As always, be careful what you ask for, presume, or demand; you just might get it. 

            Jesus is our perfect example of how to live this life with the greatest possible meaning and purpose for eternity.  His life does not paint a picture of the comforts, acceptance, or ease this world has to offer.  He lived as the ultimate self-sacrificing servant with eternity always in perfect focus, at times ignoring the rules, protocols, and even natural laws of the world around Him.  He was nobody’s pansy, patsy, or politically correct puppet, but He was always lovingly interested in other’s needs.  Obedience and submission to our Father in heaven ruled His life, even unto death.  He was perfectly balanced and uncompromising in truth.  There were times to teach, heal, feed, rebuke, laugh, cry, and even die, as well as times to NOT do each of these.

            The priorities we set, integrity we keep, love and forgiveness we extend will impact our eternity.  How we live, is the meaning of life.

Spiritual Warfare: Am I under attack?

            I often tell people we live on a battlefield.  As we go about our everyday lives there is a spiritual battle raging about us, as well as very often within us.  Similar to gravity, you don’t have to see it, understand it, or even believe in it; it continues uninterrupted by our ignorance.  The evidence of the battle is just as clear as the evidence for gravity, if you know what to look for.

            Spiritual warfare is the clash of good and evil in the spirit realm, which has profound effects on the natural, physical realm.  While the Bible tells us the war has been won (1Co 15:55&56), the battle rages on with very real consequences and casualties.  We, my friends, are the spoils of this war. (Jn 8:10)

 

            God’s love for us is at the very heart of this conflict.  Although they are timeless, angels existed before physical creation which makes up our universe; they were given foreknowledge of God’s plan for our existence.  The thought of serving man, an inferior being with superior opportunity, was completely repulsive to Lucifer.  When he learned of God’s plan to incarnate, to become man Himself, it was too much for him.  In a jealous fit of prideful rage he snapped and rebelled against the thought of it, as well as ultimately God Himself, taking a third of his brothers with him.  There began his goal of keeping mankind from the love of God.

 

            Since all of mankind has the potential to receive God’s love, His salvation, and become what Lucifer, or Satan, could not, we are all the target of this warfare. (1Pe 5:8)  Those among us who do not know Jesus are of great interest to our enemy, but require little attention because they are at this time his; Christians, however, are of great interest and attention.  Even though it is too late for him to “possess” us, meaning to own us, he relishes the thought of killing, stealing from, and destroying our lives.  He and his fallen angels attack us continually using people they control; as well as directly from around, on, and WITHIN us; while invisible to our natural eyes.

 

            A very common question that comes up on this topic is, “Can a demon indwell (be within) a Christian?”  Many Christians say, they, as well as other true believers cannot have evil spirits within them because of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit; HOGWASH!  I deny anyone the ability to find one actual deliverance minister who holds this view.  This view is only held by those with no firsthand personal face to face experience with an indwelling demon, but only theological opinion.  Let me be clear here to believers who hold this view:  You need to stop theorizing and actually engage in the battle your Lord has called you into, use the powerful authority He has given you, and you will soon exchange this view that keeps you feeling safe and comfortable for the truth.  You might even find yourself useful in the fight instead of advancing the work of our enemy.  Stop allowing fear to rule you; it is likely a demon within.

 

            The only verse I ever hear quoted to support this “none-within” view is: “What fellowship does light have with darkness?” 2Co 6:14b  This verse is actually instructing us to use wisdom is choosing partners because we do not think the same as non-believers.  If the none-within view of this verse were correct believers would not be able to sit on a bus next to a non-believer without one of the two bursting into flames, and evil would cease to exist because God is Omni-present.  What I see in scripture is that deliverance (or exorcism for our catholic friends) is ONLY for followers of Jesus.  In chapter 12 of Matthew, Jesus teaches, when a demon is cast out of someone who does not have the presence of the Holy Spirit within them, it will return with friends and make the person worse off than before.  So if you dare to expel demons from anyone who is NOT a Christian, you need to be certain you can “fill their house” with the Holy Spirit before you start.

 

            As I am sure you can imagine, having a home on a battlefield makes all of us vulnerable to attacks to some degree.  In a physical battle, bullets are flying, bombs are going off; even if you are not personally in someone’s sights you may be wounded.  In the spirit realm there is what I refer to as “opportunistic demons”.  They don’t have a specific mission or target; they simply look for opportunities to disrupt someone’s life. They would be similar to unarmed invisible enemy soldiers roaming randomly through the ranks looking for whom they might strike.  We all get affected by these.  Once you know they are there and the cause of a problem, they are not particularly difficult to deal with.  Headaches, nagging thoughts, or temptation are often signs of their work.  Our bigger problems come from those on a mission, with a specific target.

 

            Nothing paints a target on our lives bigger, better, or faster than sin.  When we disagree with God in our choices we are cooperating with our enemy.  Its like we leave our doors and windows unlocked inviting our enemy to come in and take control.  “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.’” Jn 8:34  Often it is someone else’s sin that gives our enemy access to our house.  We might even inherit our houses with the windows broken and doors left open from our parents; this would be a generational curse.  While we were not personally responsible for the cause of the vulnerable house, it is our problem to resolve.  Another way someone else’s sin can cause vulnerability to our safety is when someone has authority in our lives.  It doesn’t matter if it is permissive, someone to whom we gave authority, like a pastor; or positional, someone who has authority just because of the nature of their role in our lives, like our parents for example.  If they use their authority inappropriately or irresponsibly they can make our house vulnerable.  All of these are pictures of our enemy having access to us through rights of some kind.  It’s as if they have a set of keys to our house that they can come and go as they please.  Evil spirits do not fight fair.  It does not matter if you are responsible, only if you are vulnerable.  They will enter if able and take you captive.  Appeasing, or cooperating with them for temporary relief only empowers them, strengthening their hold on you.  A battle is never easy, but cooperating with the enemy is never a good strategy.

 

            Some sin carries with it at least different, if not more severe, consequences than others: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Eph 4:26&27  Not all anger is sin, but apparently “old” anger gives the devil a foothold; “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Mt 6:15  The sin of unforgiveness works very powerfully against us.  This verse from the Word of God challenges a lot of men’s theology; “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” 1Co 6:18  Here, sexual sin is set apart as different from all other.  Experientially we know that EVERY act of sexual intimacy creates what is known as a “soul-tie”, whether it is honorably between a husband and wife, dishonorably (sinfully) in any other form, or even by force.  This fact is indicated in Scripture: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Gen 2:24  Becoming “one flesh”, or having a soul-tie creates a connection between those involved that goes way beyond the physical act.  There is a spiritual connection made that allows open access one to the other.  Using the house analogy, it is like an open tunnel is dug from one house to another creating a permanent connection.  When a tunnel is dug to a sexual partner’s house, you are then connected by this tunnel system to every sexual partner they have ever, or will ever, have.  Demons can easily and legally travel from one person to another through the network of soul-ties, or tunnels.

 

           Some sin seems especially offensive to God, such as someone who: “practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,  or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.  Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD” Duet 18:10-12;  These are forms of idolatry and are directly cooperating with demons who are very quick to perform powerful and deceptive acts by which they entrap those who do not pay attention to God’s warning of these dangerous practices

 

            Unfortunately those who do not know Christ as their Savior have no power with which to fight these many attacks.  However, for Christians it is different, “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Lk 10:17-19  While it is the power of freewill, our choosing to sin, that creates most of our spiritual vulnerability, it is the power of Christ, and His authority given to us that is the solution.  No matter what our problem, Jesus is the answer.  Jesus is Truth.  When lies are destroying our lives, we need to seek Him for truth.  When our sin is the problem, we need the power of His forgiveness through the cross by repenting and confessing.  When other’s sin affects us, we need His authority to break soul-ties, and His strength to choose to forgive.  Through Jesus we are able to repair broken windows, lock the open doors, and even dig up tunnels and fill them in.

 

            Renouncing all cooperation with our enemy; repenting (change the way we think) of sin through confession; rejecting our enemy in every form; recanting (take back something spoken) all vowels, commitments, promises, oaths, or rites; forgiving all, including self; as well as breaking all unhealthy soul-ties in Jesus name; are all acts of shutting off access of our enemy to our house.  Once the house is locked down, we need to KICK HIM OUT!  Expelling, or casting out our enemy from us is an act of authority, not prayer.  God will not do for us what He has empowered us to do.  Jesus said He GAVE US authority to overcome all the power of the enemy.  Speak out loud whatever is appropriate to your situation, “I command the spirit of addiction gone to judgment in Jesus name!”; NOT “Jesus will you remove the spirit of addiction”.  Repeat as necessary, get help if necessary, contact me if necessary, they can be stubborn.  If you feel weird things, that’s good; keep going.  When finished invite the Holy Spirit to fill up every place that has been vacated.

False Teachings: Have I been mislead?

           There is a lot of false teaching in this world.  Even if we narrow the conversation only to the arena of God and religion we could fill numerous books with the material.  For the sake of space I will simply be refuting false teaching as it pertains to Biblical salvation.

The Truth:

            The Bible states, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life” Jn 3:36a.  Eternal life is here referring to a right relationship with God which brings with it many benefits, such as: becoming a new creation as an accepted child of God, having a home in heaven for eternity, sins forgiven, authority over our enemy, indwelling Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and even access to God Himself, all through belief in Jesus. This is what the Bible says we are to believe about the Son: “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” 1Co 15:3&4.  The Bible also states very clearly that salvation is: “the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast” Eph 2:8b&9 Confusion comes to the topic of salvation when a “necessary” action (or work) is added to the simple gospel message.  By far, the most frequent offenders of this “adding” are simple misunderstanding and religion.

Universalism:

            The most common misunderstandings are almost universally accepted.  “Good people go to heaven (or are saved) and bad people go to hell.”  This seems to make sense, after all, this is what most are told from cradle to grave in every TV show, movie, book, and story we ever experience.  The all important questions that need to accompany this belief seem to remain forever unasked and unanswered:  “How good earns heaven?”  “How bad warrants hell?”  “Who decides?”

            Without these answers, most default to the next most common misunderstanding:  “God  grades on the curve.”  If asked, “Who do you think will go to hell?” most would respond, “Hitler”, “mass murderers”, or “child molesters”, something like that, but will almost always indicate someone or some group worse in their eyes than themselves.  While looking around to see if we are better than those around us is often comforting, that is not God’s plan.  Contrary to this belief the Bible tells us that ALL have sinned and fall short (Ro 3:23) and that this sin has earned us death (hell) apart from the gift of God through faith in Jesus. (Ro 6:23)  The most dangerous thing about these misunderstandings is the belief that most people are automatically saved and look forward to heaven when they die, when in fact the Bible tells us that many more people will go to their destruction than those who find life. (Mt 7:13&14)

Religion:

            “Religion”, as used here, is defined as man’s attempt to make himself right with God.  Just like the Old Testament law, it consists of a set of rules universally applied to all, requiring no relationship with God.  However, the grace and truth that Jesus introduced is all about relationship, unique with each of us.  While there are still absolutes for all, believing in Jesus and being known by Him personally is at the heart of salvation.  We cannot fix the problem we have created through sin; we cannot make ourselves right with God.  Jesus did not talk about helping us or offer a plan of assistance.  The Bible teaches we actually need to be completely saved by Him from our condition of lost and spiritually dead. 

            Some denominations claim their leaders and traditions have a higher authority than that of the Bible, without offering a reasonable explanation as to why that should be. This gives them great latitude to create their own plan of salvation apart from Scripture. (If you are not familiar with the reasons we have to trust the Bible above all else, please read the post The Bible in this series.)  Religion is based on works, or deeds; performing acts of sacrifice; ritual, or ceremony in order to earn God’s favor.  As we have already read, however, “works” don’t work.  Jesus has done all the work that needs to be done; He has finished the sacrificing necessary (Heb 10).  To say we need to help Him save us implies what He did was not enough; God says it was, and we simply need to believe in Jesus.  Those who teach that we need to “purge” ourselves of certain types of sin have  used this teaching to control and manipulate through fear, those who believe their heresy. 

Good Deeds:

            Some argue that “good works” are a part of the plan of salvation.  They generally point to the verse in James that reads: “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” Jas 2:24  If we only had this verse I could concede an apparent contradiction, but a contradiction at best.  Having this verse in the Bible does not make void the verse quoted earlier, “the gift of God—not by works”.  I’ve come to learn that whenever there is an apparent contradiction in the Bible, I’m about to learn something, because a little more digging will reveal my misunderstanding.  Looking further at the context of the James verse above clarifies what is not obvious from the one verse. 

            Any person can claim to have saving faith in Jesus; it only takes a few words, but making a claim does not save any more than simply knowing how to spell “Jesus” saves.  Understanding and accepting in your heart who Jesus is and what He did for you is “believing in Him”; and this WILL NOTICEABLY CHANGE you.  The Bible says we actually become a new creation (2Co 5:17).  A person’s claim to have accepted Jesus can be justified or not by judging their works.  James is not saying that faith in conjunction with works is necessary to save, but that a faith that saves will always produce good works that are evident.  In verse 14 of that same chapter we read: “Can such faith save him?”  and in verse 18: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”  In context, there is no contradiction at all.  Our faith can be and should be judged, or observed.  We are saved by faith alone and once changed by that faith, we will then produce good works.

Baptism:

            Another popular teaching is that you are not actually saved until you are submerged in water, baptized.  Ironically this is not a doctrine of the “Baptists”.  To my knowledge, there are three scriptures that are generally referenced to defend the “necessity” of baptism for salvation.  “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” MK 16:16  This could just as easily say, “Whoever believes and shops at Kroger will be saved” because the second half of the verse clarifies “believing” as the key to avoiding condemnation.  I am not at all trying to diminish the importance of being baptized as the proper response to receiving the gift of salvation; even Jesus, though He had no sin, was baptized out of obedience.  The point is, not all things that are important are a part of the gospel message.

            “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you” AC 2:37&38a This group of people believed what they had just heard from Peter, “they were cut to the heart”.  When wondering how to respond after just accepting the message of Christ, the only appropriate response for Peter to give would be, “Repent and be baptized”.

“…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1PE 3:21  It is very clear throughout the New Testament that physical baptism in water is not the only baptism that there is.  Many verses contrast John’s water baptism with the baptism of the Spirit, of fire, power, among others.  It seems apparent to me that Peter is talking about a spiritual baptism when he emphasizes, “not the removal of dirt from the body” which to me says, “not the physical” but rather, “It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” which is spiritual.

I don’t mean to be rude here, but some that teach this doctrine see water baptism every time the Bible mentions moisture of any kind.  I’ve even heard it taught that Jesus was including water baptism in the gospel message while talking with Nicodemus because He said, “no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”  Jn 3:5  Even though He immediately continues by clarifying, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Jn 3:6  They seem to miss the main point He is making about being “born again”, not just into this world of flesh made of water, but coming alive spiritually as well.  Baptism is our appropriate response to God after accepting what He has done; it is not our act to do, which obligates His respond to us.

Speaking in Tongues:
           Some in Pentecostal denominations believe and teach that unless one has the evidence of “speaking in tongues”, they are not truly saved.  I have never heard a good Biblical argument that supports this teaching so I will simply address the little I have heard.  Let’s go back to that same conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3.  After Jesus says is verse 7, “You must be born again.” He continues by giving an analogy of the Spirit, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  From this verse, some say that since Jesus referred to recognizing the wind by its sound, He must have meant that we would also recognize the coming of the Spirit by His sound.  In order to reconcile this belief with scripture that clearly contradicts it; they have taken this supposed initial sounding of the Spirit and transformed it into a unique speaking, which is NEVER actually mentioned in scripture.

            Once again, Biblical “speaking in tongues” has much value and benefit, but it is simply ONE of the many spiritual gifts that the Spirit gives as He chooses (1Co 12:7-11), not a necessary action to authenticate the presence of the Holy Spirit who comes to all who believe.