- Satan is a real person who wants to deceive and destroy us.
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about ,seeking whom he may devour
- Be serious and aware
- Be vigilant – on your guard
- Devil is our adversary – enemy.
- Like a lion on the prowl. Lions always use the element of surprise.
- Purpose – devour, kill, destroy.
- John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly
- Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
- Dragon
- Serpent
- Deceives the whole world
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about ,seeking whom he may devour
- As Christians there is to be a difference between us and those who are unbelievers.
- We are to abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thess. 5:22)
- We have been called out of darkness into light. (1 Peter 2:9)
- We cannot have fellowship with God if we walk in darkness. (1 John 1:5-6)
- Ephesians 5:7-12
- Not to be partakers of the children of disobedience
- Used to be in darkness, but now we are in the light, so we should act like children of the light.
- The Holy Spirit in us will produce goodness, righteousness, and truth.
- As Christians we should want to know what is acceptable to the Lord.
- We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.
- Works only end up on death and fruitlessness.
- We are to reprove these works.
- Reprove = rebuke and express disapproval
- It is shameful to even speak of those things done of them in secret.
- The light will show what things are really right and true.
Halloween Question 4: Are Witchcraft and Demons All Just Harmless Fun?
31 October, 2008 at 10:00 am (Halloween)
Hallloween Question 3: Do the Dead Come Back to Life?
30 October, 2008 at 10:00 am (Halloween)
- There is no evidence from the Bible to suggest that you can see dead people again until the resurrection at the end of the world.
- While there is nothing that directly says you can’t, there are passages that seem to hint that the dead don’t reappear on earth.
- In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul went to a woman who claimed to be a medium. He asked her to speak to Samuel, who was dead. When Samuel actually appeared to give Saul a message from God, the woman was genuinely shocked. It was almost like she had been faking it all her life, and couldn’t believe that it was actually happening. That, of course, was a special case.
- In Luke 16 Jesus told the story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. When the rich man, in torment, asked Abraham to send someone back to earth to warn his brothers, Abraham answered that even something as unusual as someone coming back from the dead would not convince them.
- Finally, after Jesus died, “the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection.” (Matthew 27:52-53) It took something as powerful as the resurrection of Jesus to cause others to be raised as well.
- In all of these cases, though, it was a resurrection of the bodies of the dead.
- There is no evidence that the dead can come back in any other form, or that they could do so today. Some people under stress claim to “see” their dead relatives, but this often appears to be their own mind working, and not the dead actually appearing.
Breaking the Bonds of Pornography
30 October, 2008 at 1:15 am (Growth)
In an age that is rampant with immorality, I thought this article would be very helpful for those who struggle with pornography and for those who are trying to help those who struggle with pornography.
Have you ever said anything like this?
- “I’ve tried to stop so many times, but somehow I still end up in front of the computer surfing websites.”
- “Cold showers, prayer, avoiding situations—I’ve tried everything. Is there any hope for me?”
- “I know I should get help, but I am too ashamed.”
- “I thought only men struggled with pornography, but I spend way too much time in my own little fantasy world.”
If you have, it’s likely that you are feeling trapped by an addiction to pornography and sexual fantasies. You feel guilty and ashamed, but you just can’t seem to stop. Maybe you are starting to notice that your relationships with the real people in your life are being affected by your struggle.
There is no magic bullet to free you from your addiction, but when you ask Jesus for help, he will come to you mercifully and firmly. Jesus welcomes all kinds of strugglers into his kingdom, and his Spirit will provide the deep-down change you long for.
Change happens when you face your behavior honestly, understand the roots of your behavior, and then go to God to work true change in your life. The true change that comes from God will affect not only your behavior, but also your imagination and desires in life. Do you believe God can do this? Take a step of faith; read this article, and ask God to use it to begin to change you.
What is Pornography?
The first part of the word pornography, “porné,” means immorality and the second part, “graph,” means to write, draw, or portray. Pornography is about picturing, imagining, and fantasizing about immorality.
Pornography has been around for centuries. But the widespread availability of pornography means the problem touches more people than ever before. Soft core pornography is everywhere you look: television, movies, magazines, billboards, and even posters at bus stops. And it’s not just in the media. In our world, both men and women dress to attract attention and to elicit romantic or erotic feelings in others. We are all bombarded with pornography every day—it’s the atmosphere we live in.
And pornography isn’t just a male problem. Both sexes have immoral fantasies. Women might be more captured by romantic literature and men by erotic pictures, but the end result is the same—you are committing adultery in your thought life.
Halloween Question 2: Are psychic experiences of talking with the dead real?
30 October, 2008 at 12:25 am (Halloween)
- They can be very real experiences, but not of truly talking with dead people. The Bible considers these experiences to be associated with deceiving spirits, demonic forces, angels of light or counterfeits for the true Spirit of God.
- In the last days, people will be deceived by demons. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)
- Satan and his demons can disguise themselves. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
- Satan’s greatest characteristic is deception and lying.
- And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 )
- Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)
Can We Live In A Continual Carnal State
30 October, 2008 at 12:04 am (Growth)
by Paul Washer
source
And if they live without growth even in the context of a church without growth in continued carnality, no fear. We blame it on the lack of personal discipleship and we write it off as the doctrine of the carnal Christian.
The doctrine of the carnal Christian has destroyed more lives and sent more people to hell. Do Christians struggle with sin? Yes. Can a Christian fall into sin? Absolutely. Can a Christian live in a continuous state of carnality all the days of his life not bearing fruit and truly be Christian? Absolutely not or every promise in the Old Testament regarding the New Testament covenant has failed and everything God said about discipline in Hebrews is a lie.
A tree is known by its fruit.
A good Way at Look at Sickness and Trails
29 October, 2008 at 11:51 am (Growth)
No storms, assaults, sieges, or pestilences
(Letters of John Newton)
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God–to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
September 28, 1774.
My dear friend,
Certainly, if my ability was equal to my inclination–I would remove your tumor with a word or a touch–I would exempt you instantly and constantly from every inconvenience and pain! But you are in the hands of One who could do all this and more, and who loves you infinitely better than I can do–and yet He is pleased to permit you to suffer! What is the plain lesson? Certainly, that at the present juncture, He, to whom all events and their consequences are present in one view–sees it better for you to have this tumor than to be without it! There is a cause, a need-be for it!
The promise is express, and literally true–that all things, universally and without exception, shall work together for good to those who love God. But they work together! The smallest as well as the greatest events have their place and use–like the movement of a watch, where, though some pieces have a greater comparative importance than others–yet the smallest pieces have their place and use, and are so far equally important, that the whole design of the machine would be obstructed for lack of them.
Some workings and turns of Divine Providence have a more visible, sensible, and determining influence upon the whole tenor of our lives. But the more ordinary occurrences of every day are adjusted, timed, and suited with equal accuracy–by the hand of the same great Artist who planned and executes the whole! We are sometimes surprised to see how much more depends and turns upon these minor events, than we were aware of. Then we admire His skill, and say, “He has done all things well!”
Such thoughts as these, when I am enabled to realize them, in some measure reconcile me to whatever He allots for myself or my friends; and convinces me of the propriety of that verse, which speaks the language of love, as well as authority, “Be still–and know that I am God!”
I sympathize with you in your severe trial, and pray and trust that your Shepherd will be your Physician. No storms, assaults, sieges, or pestilences, can hurt us–until we have filled up His appointed measure of service! And when our work is done, and He has ripened us for glory–it is no great matter by what means He is pleased to call us home to himself!
Halloween Question 1: Should we get involved with fortune tellers, witchcraft, sorcery, mediums, and spiritists?
27 October, 2008 at 12:10 pm (Halloween)
Here is a series of posts from Sunday evening’s message that deals with questions that arise at Halloween Time:
- Is there such as thing as a sixth sense? Is it possible to communicate with the spirit world? Popular television shows like Ghost Whisperer, Medium and John Edward Cross Country all seem to suggest that talking to the dead and communicating with spirits is quite possible. But what does the Bible say about talking to the dead?
- The Old Testament warns against consulting with mediums and psychics in several instances. These practices are considered abominable (detestable) to the Lord.
- God says, we are not to regard mediums or seek out spiritists such as fortune-tellers because they will defile us. (Lev. 10:31)
- Under the law of Moses, a medium (person who communicated with the dead) was to be put to death. (Lev. 20:27) Shows God did not approve of it.
- Deuteronomy 18:9-13 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
- God killed Saul and turned his kingdom over to David because of his disobedience to the Lord for asking counsel of a lady who communicated with the dead. (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)
- Manasseh did much evil in the eyes of the Lord and angered the Lord when he practiced sorcery and communicated with the dead. (2 Chronicles 33:6)
- Spiritual guidance comes from God alone. The Bible teaches that spiritual guidance should be sought in God alone through Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit. He has provided everything we need for this life in his Word.
- The Holy Spirit is to be our teacher and guide.
- Will teach us all things (John 14:26
- Will guide us into all truth. (John 16:13
- The Word of God is all we need. (2 Tim. 3:16-17
- Isaiah 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
- Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. (1 Tim. 2:5)
- 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
God’s Blessings Yesterday
27 October, 2008 at 12:04 pm (Update)
God was very good to us yesterday in the both churches. At Northwest Baptist Church, we had 23 in the morning and 24 in the evening with one first time visitor in the evening service.
At Roe Valley Baptist Church, God blessed with 17 in the morning and 20 in the evening. Bro. Don Randall, Sr. preached a great message in the evening service on “What is Life?” from James 4. After the service, he led a 14 year-old young man named Andrew to the Lord, so praise the Lord for His great blessings on us!
The Bible and Halloween
25 October, 2008 at 10:25 pm (Church)
I hope that you will make plans to be with us tomorrow. In the morning, we are looking at “Power to Overcome Our Fear and Foes” from Joshua 11. In the evening, we will be looking at “The Bible and Halloween” which will deal with some of the questions that come up this time of the year such as…
- Should we get involved with witchcraft, fortune-tellers, sorcery, mediums, and spiritists?
- Can we talk with the dead?
- Do the dead come back to the earth?
- Is witchcraft and halloween all just harmless fun?
- Is there life after death?
Also, we will observe the Lord’s supper together in the evening service. I hope that you will join us at 12.30 PM and 6.00 PM. Also, don’t forget our Sunday School and Bible classes at 5.00 PM.
Good Day at Daleview House
25 October, 2008 at 10:21 pm (Update)
We took the gifts bags that our ladies put together to the residents of Daleview House. They really appreciated them, and I think they felt loved and cared for. It was amazing how everyone in the home knew Bobby (who lives there and and goes to our church) was a Christian and about the church he goes to. He is a 65 year old man who was saved a few months ago, but he is definitely bold in his witness for Christ.
