STANDING IN THE DOMAIN OF DARKNESS

The god of this age is involved in the Christian race; however, his mission is to cause stumbling, preventing every runner from winning the promise of eternal life. He targets not only those who place effort behind winning, due to their faith, but also those who do not care to win due to their lack of faith in themselves and God. Satan wills to keep all people from trusting, seeing, and living the promises of God. He desires that all people dwell with him in eternal torment. He wants to be God, doesn't want anyone else to be like God, wants to destroy everything that testifies about God, and is created by God; he has strong hatred for God. There is nothing about Satan that believers or nonbelievers should love about him. He certainly doesn't love anything about people, whether they choose to follow him or not; not your typical Twitter fan. The only thing Satan desires from man is to allow him to rule over them; not because he has any intentions of making promises to them, but to reaffirm his ignorance and arrogance in believing that he is more supreme than God.

Before anyone became a believer; they served Satan. Satan blinded their eyes from seeing the truth, by deafening their ears to hearing about the truth. Let's face it; sin is fun!!! There is no greater pleasure in doing what we want to do, whether it makes sense or not. The gratification received behind the results of our lust and flesh is very satisfying; at least for that moment, until the consequences come to seek compensation. For God's Word says, "For he that soweth to his flesh, shall reap of his flesh" (Galatians 6:7-8). We all bear responsibility to our actions, for we are all sinners by nature, and our actions (Romans 5:12,19 and 3:23). A frightening reality about our nature is that some people love the side of us that rebels against God, so they do not desire nor will to change their behavior, because of its gratification, which leads them deeper and deeper into sin; Satan's greatest glee. Nonbelievers are under Satan's power and influence, subjecting themselves to his eternal kingdom; the kingdom of darkness. His power works through all people that stand in opposition to God and His Word; yet, we should not cast them off as hopeless, simply because we were once like them. Satan enticed, seduced, and lured our hearts into temptations that once delighted us, and kept us in bondage to its continuous dark deed. Nonetheless, we all felt at one time or another that we were still connected to God through the spirit because we were still breathing, going to church occasionally, practicing religious rituals when in need, and feeling self-sufficient about all the good that we had done compared to the bad, inviting others to live like us; yet, we were all dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). God says, "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way to death' (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25). The Good News is that although there stands the domain of darkness; it is impossible for darkness to prevail over light (John 1:5). All people have been given an open door to walk away from darkness, and embrace the light. Without Jesus's resurrection from death; we would all be left hopeless, and subjects to Satan's dark kingdom. God gives us grace everyday that we awake to face a new day; for, time is what gives nonbelievers the opportunity to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness, be forgiven of their sins, and inherit the eternal promises of God, due to their faith. God will rescue every person from the domain of darkness if they accept His Son; Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. We must pray without hesitation nor haste for those we know are under Satan's control. We want to lead them to the opportunity of repentance, just as we were given the opportunity. God loves all people for they are His creation, whether they accept Him or not. We must pray hard for their deliverance because Satan works hard at keeping them in his stronghold; although, he is no competition for God, and His might. Praying for others is a part of our Helmet of Salvation. Not only should we be on guard to love God with our own actions and words, by rejecting darkness and evil deeds, praying, studying, and trusting Him, but also by reaching out to protect others through Christ like example, prayer, and sharing the gospel of His glory. By doing so, we reinforce breaking the curse of separation between God and His people, leading them out of the darkness, and into the light, where they see and hear clearly, that Jesus has set the captives free.

THE BOOK OF DESTINY IS OPENED (REV 5)

Who alone is worthy to be recorded in the Book of Life? By man's own righteousness; everyone falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Not one person: famous, infamous, or unknown, dead or alive, has done enough in their lives, while they were still living, to earn the right to stand in the presence of God. However, there is One, just One, that paid the price to save all men from the eternal death within the clutches of Hell. That One has not only set all the captives free, but came to fulfill prophecy that there would be One called; Worthy, to stand at the right hand of God and His Throne. This One would come, and live upon the earth, being born from a virgin, free from being formed from the passions and lust of a man's seed, but being called into life from God Himself. He would be born as a miracle, to live as a miracle, and to die as a martyr, to bring about the miracle of eternal life for all men from all nations, languages, economic status, famous, infamous, unknown, black, white, yellow, red, Jew and gentile. He would do what was impossible for man; to live righteous, without sin, so that they could save themselves from an eternal separation from God through death. This One is the world's Lord, Savior, and Messiah, whether one accepts Him or not; their fate has been left in His hands.

Our fate does not just concern the Book of Life, but also The Book of Destiny. As John the Baptist was called up from earth by Jesus to be given the vision of the Throne of God; He witnessed seeing God as a marvel of brilliant light sitting upon His Throne, headed by a glorious Emerald rainbow, footed by a translucent, crystal clear, Sapphire river, surrounded by four creatures that gave the likeness of a lion of supremacy, an ox of strength, a man of intelligence, and the swiftness of an eagle, whom praised and worshiped Him, day and night continuously, along with 24 Elders (ministers), clothed in white robes, with gold crowns upon their heads, sitting upon their own thrones. Astounded, John witnessed another figure, that stood at the right hand of God; the One called; Worthy, Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus stood with a scroll that had seven seals within His right hand. The scroll is known as; The Book of Destiny. It is the book that has our every secret, every event, and every fate, of our world today. It is the Book of our entire end times. Every single detail of our history to come were and are contained within the scroll and it's seven seals. No one in Heaven, not even the four creatures, the thousands upon thousands of angels, nor the 24 elders, were worthy of enough to open the scroll; only Jesus Christ. For God's greatness, majesty, and  glory is far above all other living creatures so, there stands Jesus Christ in God's own likeness to superiority, with our fate in His right hand, with the seven seals representing: secrecy, fullness, completeness, and perfection. The seven seals are God's final Will and Testament for the world. Its size speaks of volumes for it contains every detail of our current events, future events, great tribulation, apocalypse, and the new Heaven and earth, to the very end. God's people will be redeemed, and those who chose to live their own way of life, full of corruption will meet their doom, through judgment and eternal death. For not one person alive or dead are counted worthy, without Jesus Christ; therefore, all mankind should live in reverence, fear, and worship of Him. Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah; the supremacy of the strongest tribe of Israel. Jesus Christ alone conquered sin, death, the evil world, Satan, all evil forces, dominion, authority, power, and Hell. Jesus Christ has all power of the universe; the symbolism of His seven horns: perfect power and strength. He holds all knowledge of everything; nothing is kept from Him. Jesus Christ has all perfect knowledge and wisdom, nothing escapes His sight; for, He is symbolized with the seven eyes of perfection. He is everywhere as like the Holy Spirit for He is the Spirit. The Spirit of fear, understanding, wisdom, counsel, power, might, and knowledge rest within Jesus Christ (Isa 11:2). Jesus Christ is to be praised for He is Majestic, rich, wise, all knowing, powerful, honorable as the Son of God, glorious, supreme, perfect, and full of giving blessings, with our fate in His hands.

HEARING GOD SPEAK

Hearing God Speak is a continuation of our study of Ephesians 6; The Armor of God. Our last studies focused on The Belt of Truth; knowing, living, and sharing the gospel of truth. And The Breastplate of Righteousness; placing God first in everything we do because it is the right thing to do whether we agree or disagree with what God is expecting us to do. A precursor towards our obedience; is having FAITH.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now Faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen", goes much deeper than what appears in words. In order to have a deeper understanding of scripture; one must go beyond one verse and interconnect with another verse in reference, called Cross-referencing. When studying God's Word it is imperative to not stop at just one verse, taking in the assumption that that's all there is to that one verse. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study the scriptures to show yourself approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth", which tells us that the scriptures go beyond just the words we see in one verse, and will be found in deeper context if we take the time to study by cross-referencing, defining terms, and observing how the verse is applied in different situations amongst the people recorded in the Bible; God shared the circumstances surrounding those people in history for a reason which is vital to us. There is room for error when studying and applying God's Word to our lives, and to the lives of others. That is why it is critical that you take time to carefully study God's Word for yourself with the support of references, notes, commentaries, and well seasoned Pastors (those who have a gift in the knowledge or enlightenment of God's Word; not to say how long someone has been preaching, because some have been preaching incorrectly for a long time). Also, use caution when using references, notes, or commentaries; if they do not line up with the Word of God by omitting or adding words, denying Christ deity or/and power, integrating science and man-made philosophy, suggesting that there is another way to enter Salvation other than Jesus Christ, or saying only what you want to hear without revelation or conviction just for entertainment purposes, then do as God says, "Do not touch what is unclean",(2 Corinth 6:17). God says that His Word is sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joint and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). Your soul is way too valuable just to be entertained, misguided, or given false security; the rest of your life gravely depends on knowing, living, and sharing the gospel to others!!! Therefore, also pray and ask the Counselor; The Holy Spirit, which as been given to us as a gift from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to give you discernment concerning any support, or article that is used to give you the understanding of God's Word. The Holy Spirit will be quick to guide you in the right direction, removing you from harms way.

Without knowing how to hear from God; Faith will be nonexistent. Faith cannot exist without knowing God's Word. Think of a time when you went minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years without reading God's Word or remaining in consistent prayer and worship with Him to hear from the Holy Spirit; when trials and suffering came... you were lost, confused, and desperate in trying to believe that everything would be alright. You struggled with finding hope behind the situation, not knowing if God was with you, or interested in hearing or helping you, because you had strayed away for so long. The Word of God and His promises to you were vague, and fleeting, barely remembered if remembered at all. You may have hesitated at praying, reaching for the Bible, while feeling overwhelmed in despair, and guilt; you allowed the enemy to deafen your ears, and blind your sight, where you could not hear from God, nor see where you had left the path.  You had lost your Faith. Without Faith we cannot please God. Faith is more than hope, more than not seeing evidence; it is hearing God through His Words. God's Word came to Abram in Genesis 15:1, "Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield, your reward shall be very great". Without Abram trusting God's Word; He would not have had faith. God promises many rewards to you; do you know what they are??? Do you know your other rewards beyond receiving Heaven and eternal life??? Did you know that Abram's great reward included YOU??? If not, then take time to study so that the Holy Spirit has more to remind you of when you are in need of hearing from God. Don't seek to increase your Faith only when times of  trouble come, and they will; for, God has also promised that times of trouble will come, but that He will be with us through them all, never forsaking us. Through Faith, we receive His peace through all circumstances, because we lean and trust in His Word that we have learned to hear, even if we cannot see the evidence

THE THRONE OF GOD: REVELATIONS 4

In the last series of posts, our focus was the seven churches mentioned in Revelations from the visions given to Apostle John from our Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ. The seven churches which are symbolized as stars held in Jesus hands are again; Ephesus, the church that lacked love and dedication towards Jesus Christ, but was committed to the church and its functions; Smyrna, the dedicated church which suffered much persecution while remaining faithful to the service of God; Pergamum, the sightly beautiful church that allowed members without true repentance to be baptized, and allowed false and corrupted teachers to teach false doctrine, and known by the name given to them by Jesus Christ as Satan's Throne;Thyatira, the corrupted church which compromised their relationship with God, in order to gain worldly position, influence, and money; Sardis, the church full of bustling activities, entertainment, and admiration for the Pastor, committing to its programs, activities, and functions for the communities and its members versus placing their focus on Jesus Christ (which was later completely destroyed by God through an earthquake, while preserving the church of Philadelphia); Philadelphia, the church fully commended and praised by Jesus Christ for their devotion, dedication, perseverance through persecution, consistent commitment, and love for other people ... and last; Laodicea, the lukewarm and half-committed church that was neither hot nor cold, but served God half-halfheartedly in prayer, study, church, and lifestyle, living a double life in sin. As before, these churches are given to us in Revelation as a wake up call to our churches today; it is God's urgent message and warning that the Pastors and his members find repentance in their ways in the church before it is too late. For we live in the end times, as Revelation is not only placed in the end of the Bible as symbolism, but also pertains to our history, at present, the future that is here, and still to come.

Our next journey in faith; we will be focusing on the Throne of God, and The Book of Destiny that contains the Seven Seals to our world's future, revealed to Apostle John through the visions given to him from Jesus Christ. We will also continue to focus on the teachings of the Armor of God, which God shares with us in Ephesians 6, and how we can effectively use the Armor against our enemy and adversary; Lucifer, that we may win our Christian race that is set before us, receiving the eternal promises of God, as our inheritance, and share with Jesus Christ.

God not only holds The Book of Life which contains all the names of true believers who will one day enter Heaven upon their death, but He also holds The Book of Destiny which foretells our future upon the earth, while we are still yet living. The only person worthy and authorized to open The Book of Destiny is Jesus Christ for He is without sin, and the slain Lamb for the atonement of all sinners. Being that God is perfect, pure, holy, and without darkness; no one else fits His description except Jesus Christ, whom is able to open the Book. This revelation is revealed to Apostle John as he takes sight of what Jesus unfolds before him, as the doors of Heaven are opened to Him, through his vision. All that John witnessed were given to him from God Himself, which assures us that all that was revealed to John, to be revealed to us, was not of his own imagination, and will surely happen as it is recorded.

There are three doors mentioned in Revelations 4: The door for evangelism and missions, the door of the human heart, and the door of revelation. The door to evangelism and missions is the door of the churches; to bear as witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through its teachings, and through the lifestyle of one that walks in truth. All believers are to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to their families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, associates, communities, states, and even other countries. Those who follow Christ are to share to anyone that will openly receive  hearing about Jesus Christ. They are to be the light and the salt of the earth, which leads to the second door; the human heart. When believers share the gospel of Jesus Christ to others; it is up to the person who openly receives the message to open their heart to the truth, allowing Jesus Christ to enter their lives. By doing so, the person permits God to work within in them, bringing about a rebirth in their body, soul, and spirit. They are gradually conformed to the image of Christ, living righteous lives, and committed to the service of God by helping to further God's Kingdom by sharing the gospel of truth, and assisting the less fortunate, grief stricken, addicted, the sick and shut in, widows, orphaned, abused, and spiritually lost. As the reborn believer continues to grow in Christ, they are brought to the third door; the door of revelation. The promises, goodness, and the love of God begins to be revealed to them beyond what is written in scripture; the Words become LIVE. The believer actually experiences more revelation about God Himself, themselves, others, and the world with its events, that surround the return of the Savior Jesus Christ. A believer learns that the events that they see everyday are not in man's control, by circumstance, nor by chance, but by God's Will, given in the book of Revelations, as history that must happen. Although, believers become aware of the events to happen; they are left with the security in knowing that God will rescue them from the trials, hardships, sufferings, and the great tribulation to come. They understand that God is sovereign, in control of everything, and will not stop the events from occurring, but will be there with His children through the process.

It is revealed to all people that God is so glorious and majestic that is impossible to describe Him, through the vision that was given by Apostle John; for, he saw God sitting upon His throne. Yet, God is describe as being in terms of a magnificent pure, translucent, bright, clear, brilliant, sparkling light, beyond the most precious stones and gems that we have here upon earth. This reveals to all people that God is to be valued likewise to the most precious, as the most divine, and purest of pure that is beyond or comprehension and imagination; He is an indescribable glory. God's smile and countenance is described as beyond the Jasper of today; shining brightly as of the concentrated light of a laser, penetrating nothing but absolute purity to the point where one cast their own eyes down in shame; reaffirmation that they are indeed far short of His glory, for there is no darkness found within Him. Above His throne rests a radiant emerald green rainbow, representing the grace of God. Beneath His feet rests a transparent sea of glass resembling Sapphire, stretching out before His throne, representing God's value and purity, and His ability to clearly see all things through his attribute of being omniscience, where from Him, nothing is hidden. Surrounding Him stands four angelic creatures that reminds one of an lion, ox, eagle, and man in essence to their power, supremacy, strength, swiftness, and intelligence. The creatures stand near Him day and night, never leaving their position, as they sang out to God, how glorious, wonderful, deserving of praise and worship He is, from amongst all His creations in the Heavens, earth, and earth beneath. Surrounding Him was also twenty-four elders (ministers), sitting upon thrones, wearing white robes, and crowns of gold, representing those who came out of the great tribulation, serving God. The voice of God is majestic; described as a combination of lightning, rumbling, and thunder. John also witnesses the burning of seven torches that represent the fullness and completeness of the Holy Spirit.

From John's vision whether one chooses to believe or not believe; it does not change that God is the first being of the universe, the Creator of all things, the beginning and the end, the controller of all events, the Savior of the world of all things He created at Will, and the author of the Holy Bible, and the Judge that sits upon the throne in Heaven, one day having all His creation to worship Him, and knowledge Him by name, power, truth, and worth.

IN THE BEGINNING YOU LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS

PSALMS 102:25

YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD. YOU MADE THE HEAVENS, EVEN THE HIGHEST OF HEAVENS, AND ALL THEIR STARRY HOST, THE EARTH AND ALL THAT IS ON IT, THE SEAS AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM. YOU GIVE LIFE TO EVERYTHING, AND THE MULTITUDES OF HEAVEN WORSHIP YOU.

NEHEMIAH 9:6

THE SEVENTH CHURCH OF REVELATIONS: LUKEWARM LAODICEA (REV 3)

Some people will admit that they are not always following the commands of God, while others will profess that it is impossible to be counted unrighteous or mediocre when they hold themselves to the title of being a Christian. However, being identified as a Christian, or any other religious name, ritual, or ceremony, has no power when it comes to God's approval  concerning Salvation. God has shared with man that all come SHORT of His glory (Romans 3:23). Falling short of His glory has some to do with who a person chooses to identify themselves as being, or following, but overall, it isn't the only criteria. One could very well consider themselves to be a Christ follower while God considers them to being a child of darkness. A child of darkness is anyone that falls short of His glory, being counted as God's enemy, refusing to follow in obedience to His commands, living their lives as a son of perdition (one who belongs to Satan being cast out into hell).

Laodicea, the last church mentioned in book of Revelations, given to John in a vision, through the prophetic words of Jesus Christ is identified as the worse church amongst: Sardis, Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Laodicea lived life neither hot nor cold when it came to serving God; they were half-hearted, self-centered, boasting, blind people, who were considered, worthless and useless in the sight of God. Therefore, God views any person that neglects or ignores His Words, choosing their own will at life to be as Laodicea; choosing at their own cost and loss.  One is considered foolish to look towards the church and its rituals of baptism, membership, ordinances, services, functions, ceremonies, fellowship, volunteering, and attendance to be confirmation that they are secured in the eternal life. Choosing to believe that church participation has power to save, leads a person to grave danger!!! God isn't seeking perfect or imperfect dedication towards a Pastor or Church; but instead, those who worship Him personally, outside of the church, in truth and faithfulness. Christ Spirit does not rest in all churches; Christ has removed His Spirit from some, because they are like Laodicea... lukewarm and half-committed. Churches that appear dead, dry, desolate, without peace or purpose, and  confusion; whether they are bustling with activities, entertainment, or admiration for the Pastor, in the sight of God are seen without His Spirit and with no count. God's Spirit rest in churches like Philadelphia; churches that preach the truth as a warning, leaving people uncomfortable in conviction, celebrating righteousness, and having no tolerance for unrighteous living, bearing forgiveness, peace, hope, and support, not just from the Pastor, but from the members in whole, who are considered the church. Church support should go beyond  times of our own personal crisis, but in times when we need to be reminded of the truth, and urged to live according to what is acceptable to Jesus Christ. God is the source of all good that people experience; all wealth, purpose, meaning, significance in life, love, joy, peace, and our trust in Him.  In return for God's good; we should not be half-hearted people, desiring our own way of life, acknowledging God only in time of droughts and heartaches, neglecting His mission of spreading His good news to others concerning Salvation and the life after, being sanctified in church while living impure and unholy out of church, halfway supporting the church but seeking the church to always support us, being ineffective witnesses before unbelievers through our behavior, along with ignoring the need for prayer, Bible Study, and devotion. It is better to be cold than to be lukewarm for God has said that He will vomit out the lukewarm; for, it is better to have absolutely no commitment towards Christ than to mock God in being lukewarm. A lukewarm person wavers back and forth, not aware that they have a problem.  Attending church to save our conscience from guilt adds nothing to the approval from God towards our Salvation. We who say that we follow Christ, should live life as if we are one body with Christ, operating as a counterpart to His body, supplying nourishment for growth, to the rest of His body, that we are held accountable to being an overseer. Our life here on earth is more than money and materials things, passion, desire, and lust, human knowledge, effort, and ability. We are spiritual beings first, with the need for a spiritual relationship, with the Creator of all spirits, before the need of being human, which will one day perish with all other things; our spirit will live on. As spirits we have an urgent need to connect with other spirits, sharing the good news of our Creator's gift for eternal wellness. We need not grumble or complain that we may offend others by sharing the truth of the gospel; those who do not share His gospel to excuses, deny Christ, and for that, He will consider them lukewarm.  God holds us accountable, not out of anger towards us, but out of His love for all people so, that all may know their errors, correcting themselves, saving themselves from eternal doom (John 5:14).  Our obedience in how we live bear witness to the truth we share, and also lead others towards being spiritually born again, spiritually imperishable, in fellowship with Jesus Christ, receiving His care, strength, provisions, love, joy, peace, goodness, and hope, with the added promises of one day sitting upon a throne, ruling, and reigning with Christ forever.

GOD ARE YOU THERE??? ...STILL MY FAITH.



In the still of the night you find yourself tossing and turning, peace in the night stolen. In the light of the day which should brighten our dark spaces of our minds; nothing is found but yesterdays old news of worries, fear, and doubt. Believers are left wondering; God what have I done wrong to deserve what I am going through? Lord, are you saying I can bear this? Father, why test me so severely? Have I lost my mind to vain imaginations that there is more out there that will pull me through this than my own efforts??! Am I being made a fool of that one would laugh, mock, ridicule, and try me, because I believe, when surely I am ... alone???

All believers have been here. Believe it or not; so have nonbelievers.

What is it that takes us to this point of scare in depths, widths, and heights?

God???

People???

Satan???

Is fear an indication that we truly aren't believer's because we contradict God's Word that He has not given us a spirit of fear??? (Timothy 1:7)

Mankind is naturally drawn to fear when we face obstacles bigger than ourselves which seem to always come at the most unexpected time.

Why?

Because we somehow feel that we are self-sufficient; that we are in control of everything that surrounds us. We place a false assumption upon ourselves that we possess more power than God upon the earth because human power appears to be what is most resourceful in a human world... besides, didn't we create the theories behind science? Build fast forms of transportation, communication? Create a way to have our own everlasting light at our own disposal with the flick of a switch? Did we not create ways in controlling and manipulating people, electronics, appliances??? Did we not create ways for enforcement with ammunition, destroyers, tanks, and bombs??? Although, we are gifted with ways of innovations in a human world; we don't war with each other (Ephesians 6). It may appear that we do because of what we see with our eyes; however, the real threat is unseen. Peter reminds us saying, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if it was something strange was happening to you, but rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ so, that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed" (1Peter4:12-13)

Ever wonder why trials, crisis, or the robbing of your peace comes from out of no where??? You cannot see all there is to see; you were not created to have all power and all control over everything...YOU NEED GOD.

God has enemies and if you are a believer; God's enemies are also yours, just as Jesus inheritance is yours. God's enemy does not just consist of Satan and his fiends, but people who refuse righteousness; the children of the prince of power in the air, the children of disobedience. There will always be war as long as there are those of righteousness and those of unrighteousness. Righteousness is used against unrighteousness, as unrighteousness is used against righteousness, as it was with Jezebel and Elijah. Jezebel was for all unrighteousness, in every form, whilst Elijah was for every form of righteousness; they were the opposite of each other in all aspects. Just think of it; what does Jesus have in common with Satan??? We can list some things only because Satan mimics Christ, not because He is an equal to Christ. In the end time, Satan will try to mimic Christ's resurrection by resurrecting the pope that will be known as the Chief Son of Perdition, Satan will come riding on a white horse likewise to Christ, he will perform miracles causing statues to even cry (Revelations). Believers are under a constant war, just as we are assigned angels from God to protect us, we are assigned demons to torment us from Hades. With that said; we are to not live by the faith of yesterday, but renew our faith daily, for our enemies lurk to steal, kill, and destroy us daily. We can fall into the traps of doubt, worry, and fear, when we try to apply our former faith to present circumstances. Doubt, worry, and fear are not indications that we are not believers; instead, it tells us that our belief is imperfect, and in order for it to be refined, we must hold on to our sword in the spirit for daily blood baths of our enemies by speaking and believing the Word of God to be true in our lives. Mark 9:14-27 tells us of the story of a man that had a demon possessed son; the man speaks to Jesus, "It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief. Through this man's time of trial; he acknowledged that he was a believer although his belief needed some tweaking. And because Jesus saw that the man admitted to his weakness and yet, professed to being a believer in the power of God... his son was healed. Believers, it only takes faith as small as a mustard seed to win the approval of God; however, not trusting that God will make a way through your circumstance, does absolutely nothing for God, your faith, and your circumstance... in that case, your enemies will always win. God has spoken that trials will come against us while we are on this earth; therefore, He promises to be there with us THROUGH IT. Through it, tells us that God Wills not to take our trials from us, but to give us the strength and power to overcome the test, if we only trust in him despite how things appear to us (John 16:33, James 1:1-13, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Isaiah 43:2).

Believers is okay to ask God for help, realizing that you are nothing on your own without Him, if you are truly standing in faith, you will be able to rest a night, focus during the day, remain calm with the knowledge that God's peace includes conflict, but HE IS WORKING IT OUT!!! YOU DON'T NEED TO SEE EVERYTHING... THAT'S THE DEFINITION OF FAITH...


YOU ARE NEVER ALONE; PEACE BE STILL.

THE DEDICATED AND EXUBERANT CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA (REV 3)

What would the churches of today be like if they were faithful in focusing on Jesus Christ in their ministries, programs, and activities, and requiring and helping members to walk in the ways of the commands of the Lord, preserving holiness, purity, and love one another, reaching out in missionary support in local and distant: neighborhoods, public areas, homes, and workplaces, by being a doer in helps than just listening to and ignoring the cries of the people? ... If churches were committed and focused on Christ; they would be like the well loved church of Philadelphia, the sixth church mentioned in the book of Revelations 3.

Philadelphia is the model church in which Jesus Christ desires all churches to be. They never wavered in their love for Him by compromising, becoming sluggish or inactive, worshipping the church and its functions, neglecting and ignoring: true worship, prayer, praise, study, obedience to God's commands, and fellowship, living a life of immorality or mediocrity, participation in idolatry or false doctrine, nor preaching to please the people; instead, they did all that was required of them, which in turn, moved God to protect and provide for all their needs. The church of Philadelphia was known to be a small church with limited resources; yet, never complained, grumbled, or murmured about helping those less fortunate. Due to their faithfulness and love for the people; God ensured that their resources never ran short of itself.

Philadelphia bordered three other cities: Lydia, Mysia, and Phrygia. They were very generous and welcoming to their neighbors, doing all that they could in support of their needs, while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. Philadelphia was found to be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with whom ever they came in contact with in and out of their border; living up to the meaning of their name... brotherly love. Jesus Christ marveled the church of Philadelphia to the point of opening doors to them that no man was capable of shutting. Although, the church was established in a area of periodic earthquakes, suffering major destruction, they were kept from being totally destroyed, whereas, the bustling church of Sardis, that also neighbored Philadelphia, was completely wiped out. Philadelphia likewise to their aid to others, was given aid from Emperor Tiberius, in the rebuilding of their church, and later renamed themselves; Neoceasarea, The New City of Caesar.

Jesus Christ and His inheritance is the promise to all believers; therefore, believers in return should be marked with the fruits that identify them to Christ. Christ seeks for every believer to study the truth, live the truth, and speak the truth, amongst taking on the persecution of mocking, backbiting, rejection, cursing, abuse, imprisonment, attacks, temptations, misuse, and even death that will come with following Him (Matthew 10:22).  Some believers of today, weigh out their options before deciding to do what they know is right to do or before deciding to share the gospel of truth with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, associates, or strangers. Think of times when you may have decided it's not the right time to pray, study, worship, share the gospel, or stand in protection of the Word of God through: defending the Word, living holy and pure, helping others where you are capable of helping. When we stop to second guess doing the Will of God; we lose focus of Jesus Christ, relying on our own strength, interests, and desires. God commands of believers that want to share in His inheritance to do His Will, not their own. The only way to prove that one is truly a believer, not just a professor of Christ, deceiving themselves to be saved, is to study, live, and speak the truth as Philadelphia; any other way is considered without life, vain, and unfaithful. God promises to protect and provide for all those He considers His chosen people. Any person that follows after the heart and Will of God through faith, are His chosen nation, and  will inherit His Kingdom, be given the crown of life, a new name, and dwell with Him one day again in the promised land of Jerusalem (Romans 9:25-26). God warns believers to remained focused on Jesus Christ because the day of Christ's return is rapidly approaching; one does not want to be found where they have fallen from grace, blotted from the Book Of Life, because they were distracted or lead away from the truth (Revelations 3:11).