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Fidelity To God's Word - Avoiding Satan's Designs
Feb 3, 2022 03:16:51   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
God's Word exposes the works of the devil, forewarning His people in order that they may no longer perish from lack of knowledge, - ignorance of Satan's schemes (2nd Corinthians 2:11).

The Bible teaches that there is such a thing as doctrines of demons (1st Timothy 4:1).
This implies that demons, under Satan's command, will attempt to influence people, especially Bible believing and church going Christians, terms which are not mutually inclusive.
Jesus identified the devil as a liar and the father of lies and liars, for whom it is impossible to abide in the Truth (John 8:43-44).
The apostle Paul taught that Satanic strongholds are thoughts, arguments, and imaginations that set themselves up against the revealed knowledge of God (2nd Corinthians 10:5).
Hence, the main tactic of the devil is to deceive people into believing his lie(s). (A lie is any thought or concept that contradicts, opposes or denies God's Biblical truth).

Following are effective lies the devil impresses upon believers - even when one is, in fact, in a biblically sound church (not a perfect church, but a church that is preaching the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

There are now "other gospels" infiltrating our Churches, & ministers who are preaching these other gospels. We must be Bereans, always testing the written word against that which has been told us, Acts 17:1-15.

There are churches from which we should depart, & unfortunately this includes the church family with whom we have interacted as a functioning member.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in these tumultuous times, realizing that you should leave is a wise decision.

If, however, a minister leaves not only his ministry, but the body of Christ, God reveals that person was never "called" into the ministry by God.

"They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us." (1st John 2:19)

Faithful ministers need our prayers for God's protection that they may be able to stand in these evil days!

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say?

Satan always convinces that the Bible contains errors, but without saying where the errors are to be found... leaving gullible people free to deconstruct any part of the Bible they choose.

1. Avoiding the Light

Satan operates in the dark. He doesn't want his deeds exposed to the light. All temptation to sin begins in secret (Proverbs 9:17). When a believer is offended or struggling with temptation in the dark, he or she creates the perfect ecosystem for satanic deception.
This is one reason Jesus urged offended people to go to the offender before going to others with their issue (Matthew 18:15-18).
Most offenses and resultant demonic activity can be stopped within the church whose people follow this principle.
Walking in the light exposes and renders useless the hidden agenda of Satan. It also enables Christians to enjoy genuine fellowship with each other and with God (1st John 1:7).
Satan greatly opposes the principle of walking in the light he despises, in order that his deceptive agenda may continue in the dark - unimpeded.

2. Losing your shepherd.

God has ordained trustworthy leaders in each local church to serve His people. They are to protect and nurture their souls (Hebrews 13:7,17). Satan will do anything within his power to separate God's sheep from their earthly shepherd. A common demonic method is unfounded accusations and slander against their spiritual authority. If the devil successfully isolates the sheep, pulling them away from their congregation of fellow believers, they become more susceptible to devouring wolves. (John 10:12).

If your shepherd turns away from Biblical truth to follow deceiving spirits, look for the nearest exit. Jesus will await you outside the camp.

3. Leaving your church congregation.

People who attend a local church, become convicted and are subsequently saved, and mature in the faith, may even then be pulled out by demonic deception. Consequently, they may stop growing and fall away! A good church functions as a family, utilizing all their members, according to their spiritual gifts. Depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fit yourself into another home church.
Satan will, in any way he can, impede believers from successfully transferring to a new branch of the body of Christ, or of maturing and bearing fruit (Psalm 92:13-14).

4. Sundering Marriage Vows

Self-sacrifice is a vital and necessary component of any successful marriage.

Americans, including church members, are giving in on #4... although there is no perfect marriage and no perfect husband or wife. After the initial whirlwind emotions of love begin to wane, conflicts within the marriage are human and natural.
Personal commitment to their marriage vow should now direct both husband and wife.

There are biblical reasons for divorce, but, breaking this sacred covenant should never be an expression of uncontrolled selfish desire (Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:8-9)and its occurrence is with increasing frequency
(1st Corinthians 7:15).
Because God hates divorce, Satan loves divorce and will promulgate it within the Church congregation to destroy the nuclear family unit of human civilization.

5. Leaving your ministry

During the COVID pandemic, there have been pastors who have resigned, seeking other fields of work. Every Christian has a ministry, needed more now than at any time in this nation's history. When times get really tough, the devil will tempt you to quit your assigned ministry, whatever it may be. When Peter attempted to talk Jesus out of going to the cross, Jesus addressed him as Satan and rebuked him (Mark 8:33).

Sufficiently humbling oneself to serve as Christ 's minister is difficult and the position, sometimes dangerous... as Paul (2nd Corinthians 4:7-12) witnesses. However, as difficult as it is to serve, it may well be more difficult for those who willfully abandon their post - Judas serves as the prime example (Acts 1:15-20); Jonah a second consideration (Jonah 1:17).

6. Self Isolation.

When things are difficult, the Bible says we are to encourage one another lest we fall into the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13). Hence, we need even more to stay connected to the body of Christ when undergoing temptations and challenging times. The devil desires the opposite and will attempt to influence believers to separate and isolate themselves from the church under the guise of working out their issues in solitude.
Isolation is the perfect environment for satanic deception, partially because in isolation, the likelihood of receiving truth and encouragement from other Christians has been removed.

7. Never Quit Trying.

Finally, the word of God admonishes believers to look unto Jesus for endurance amid challenges, while resisting sin (Hebrews 12:1-4). If, and when, we experience failure, we will be tempted to give up due to shame, self-doubt, and feelings of condemnation. The devil feeds off condemnation and worldly sorrow, while attempting to lead us to physical death and separation from God, whereas the Holy Spirit brings conviction when we sin, leading us back to the safety of God's comforting arms through repentance (2nd Corinthians 7:10).

With God, there is perpetual hope and internal peace, awaiting an eternal destiny made sure.


Resources:
Dr. Joseph Mattera, Resurrection Church
Lion and Lamb Ministries
The Evangelistic Dictionary

Reply
Feb 3, 2022 17:41:22   #
manning5 Loc: Richmond, VA
 
Zemirah wrote:
God's Word exposes the works of the devil, forewarning His people in order that they may no longer perish from lack of knowledge, - ignorance of Satan's schemes (2nd Corinthians 2:11).

The Bible teaches that there is such a thing as doctrines of demons (1st Timothy 4:1).
This implies that demons, under Satan's command, will attempt to influence people, especially Bible believing and church going Christians, terms which are not mutually inclusive.
Jesus identified the devil as a liar and the father of lies and liars, for whom it is impossible to abide in the Truth (John 8:43-44).
The apostle Paul taught that Satanic strongholds are thoughts, arguments, and imaginations that set themselves up against the revealed knowledge of God (2nd Corinthians 10:5).
Hence, the main tactic of the devil is to deceive people into believing his lie(s). (A lie is any thought or concept that contradicts, opposes or denies God's Biblical truth).

Following are effective lies the devil impresses upon believers - even when one is, in fact, in a biblically sound church (not a perfect church, but a church that is preaching the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

There are now "other gospels" infiltrating our Churches, & ministers who are preaching these other gospels. We must be Bereans, always testing the written word against that which has been told us, Acts 17:1-15.

There are churches from which we should depart, & unfortunately this includes the church family with whom we have interacted as a functioning member.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in these tumultuous times, realizing that you should leave is a wise decision.

If, however, a minister leaves not only his ministry, but the body of Christ, God reveals that person was never "called" into the ministry by God.

"They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us." (1st John 2:19)

Faithful ministers need our prayers for God's protection that they may be able to stand in these evil days!

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say?

Satan always convinces that the Bible contains errors, but without saying where the errors are to be found... leaving gullible people free to deconstruct any part of the Bible they choose.

1. Avoiding the Light

Satan operates in the dark. He doesn't want his deeds exposed to the light. All temptation to sin begins in secret (Proverbs 9:17). When a believer is offended or struggling with temptation in the dark, he or she creates the perfect ecosystem for satanic deception.
This is one reason Jesus urged offended people to go to the offender before going to others with their issue (Matthew 18:15-18).
Most offenses and resultant demonic activity can be stopped within the church whose people follow this principle.
Walking in the light exposes and renders useless the hidden agenda of Satan. It also enables Christians to enjoy genuine fellowship with each other and with God (1st John 1:7).
Satan greatly opposes the principle of walking in the light he despises, in order that his deceptive agenda may continue in the dark - unimpeded.

2. Losing your shepherd.

God has ordained trustworthy leaders in each local church to serve His people. They are to protect and nurture their souls (Hebrews 13:7,17). Satan will do anything within his power to separate God's sheep from their earthly shepherd. A common demonic method is unfounded accusations and slander against their spiritual authority. If the devil successfully isolates the sheep, pulling them away from their congregation of fellow believers, they become more susceptible to devouring wolves. (John 10:12).

If your shepherd turns away from Biblical truth to follow deceiving spirits, look for the nearest exit. Jesus will await you outside the camp.

3. Leaving your church congregation.

People who attend a local church, become convicted and are subsequently saved, and mature in the faith, may even then be pulled out by demonic deception. Consequently, they may stop growing and fall away! A good church functions as a family, utilizing all their members, according to their spiritual gifts. Depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fit yourself into another home church.
Satan will, in any way he can, impede believers from successfully transferring to a new branch of the body of Christ, or of maturing and bearing fruit (Psalm 92:13-14).

4. Sundering Marriage Vows

Self-sacrifice is a vital and necessary component of any successful marriage.

Americans, including church members, are giving in on #4... although there is no perfect marriage and no perfect husband or wife. After the initial whirlwind emotions of love begin to wane, conflicts within the marriage are human and natural.
Personal commitment to their marriage vow should now direct both husband and wife.

There are biblical reasons for divorce, but, breaking this sacred covenant should never be an expression of uncontrolled selfish desire (Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:8-9)and its occurrence is with increasing frequency
(1st Corinthians 7:15).
Because God hates divorce, Satan loves divorce and will promulgate it within the Church congregation to destroy the nuclear family unit of human civilization.

5. Leaving your ministry

During the COVID pandemic, there have been pastors who have resigned, seeking other fields of work. Every Christian has a ministry, needed more now than at any time in this nation's history. When times get really tough, the devil will tempt you to quit your assigned ministry, whatever it may be. When Peter attempted to talk Jesus out of going to the cross, Jesus addressed him as Satan and rebuked him (Mark 8:33).

Sufficiently humbling oneself to serve as Christ 's minister is difficult and the position, sometimes dangerous... as Paul (2nd Corinthians 4:7-12) witnesses. However, as difficult as it is to serve, it may well be more difficult for those who willfully abandon their post - Judas serves as the prime example (Acts 1:15-20); Jonah a second consideration (Jonah 1:17).

6. Self Isolation.

When things are difficult, the Bible says we are to encourage one another lest we fall into the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13). Hence, we need even more to stay connected to the body of Christ when undergoing temptations and challenging times. The devil desires the opposite and will attempt to influence believers to separate and isolate themselves from the church under the guise of working out their issues in solitude.
Isolation is the perfect environment for satanic deception, partially because in isolation, the likelihood of receiving truth and encouragement from other Christians has been removed.

7. Never Quit Trying.

Finally, the word of God admonishes believers to look unto Jesus for endurance amid challenges, while resisting sin (Hebrews 12:1-4). If, and when, we experience failure, we will be tempted to give up due to shame, self-doubt, and feelings of condemnation. The devil feeds off condemnation and worldly sorrow, while attempting to lead us to physical death and separation from God, whereas the Holy Spirit brings conviction when we sin, leading us back to the safety of God's comforting arms through repentance (2nd Corinthians 7:10).

With God, there is perpetual hope and internal peace, awaiting an eternal destiny made sure.


Resources:
Dr. Joseph Mattera, Resurrection Church
Lion and Lamb Ministries
The Evangelistic Dictionary
God's Word exposes the works of the devil, forewar... (show quote)


======================================

This is reassuring to me!

I see no violation or sin in what our group is planning.

All three of us are Christians.

My Voice saw no problem with it. The Holy Spirit has no objection! He had cautions which I take seriously.

I, for one, am consulting my Bible and Concordance every step of the way, and saying prayers that will protect me, I believe.

We are, or at least I am, mindful of the revealed knowledge of God, but my knowledge of the Bible is admittedly weak. This effort is a great opportunity to strengthen that knowledge.

Now this post says such things as do your work in the light, with openness, which we are doing.

I know of no disruption of my relationship with the church or God. If there is any, I would cease!

We are quite explicitly not entertaining alternative worshiping, rituals, incantations, seances, Ouija boards, or the like. I do not see where we are going against Biblical teachings.

We are merely looking at (not participating in) the experiences we have had and those of others.

Plus, when it comes to thinking about the UM, at least I will approach it, when ready and I make my preparations, as God's Mind. The others will do as they wish, but I fully believe they will do exactly the same. A UM that is not God's must be avoided!

As for marriage, mine is at 65 years now, and still going.

Reply
Feb 3, 2022 17:47:23   #
manning5 Loc: Richmond, VA
 
manning5 wrote:
======================================

This is reassuring to me!

I see no violation or sin in what our group is planning.

All three of us are Christians.

My Voice saw no problem with it. The Holy Spirit has no objection! He had cautions which I take seriously.

I, for one, am consulting my Bible and Concordance every step of the way, and saying prayers that will protect me, I believe.

We are, or at least I am, mindful of the revealed knowledge of God, but my knowledge of the Bible is admittedly weak. This effort is a great opportunity to strengthen that knowledge.

Now this post says such things as do your work in the light, with openness, which we are doing.

I know of no disruption of my relationship with the church or God. If there is any, I would cease!

We are quite explicitly not entertaining alternative worshiping, rituals, incantations, seances, Ouija boards, or the like. I do not see where we are going against Biblical teachings.

We are merely looking at (not participating in) the experiences we have had and those of others.

Plus, when it comes to thinking about the UM, at least I will approach it, when ready and I make my preparations, as God's Mind. The others will do as they wish, but I fully believe they will do exactly the same. A UM that is not God's must be avoided!

As for marriage, mine is at 65 years now, and still going.
====================================== br br This... (show quote)

Reply
 
 
Feb 4, 2022 10:37:49   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
Good morning, manning,

You sound as if you've been called out.

My post was a general message to anyone online.

Otherwise, I would have PM'd it, - or if to you, I would have posted it to your thread.

ADDENDUM: Let me insert this in my response to your last message:

God used His mind (that same mind you say your project is seeking to find), over a period of 1,500 years during which He chose forty different O. T. Prophets, and then N.T. Apostles to reveal the message He wished to convey to mankind.

In God's Revelation, which man calls the Bible, He said, "If any man lacks knowledge, let Him asked of the Lord, and it will be granted Him."

Your stated objective in locating God's "Universal Mind," is to see if you can communicate with "it", and somehow make use of it. ?????

https://www.onepoliticalplaza.com/t-236828-1.html

God is spirit, but He is a person,i.e., with personality; you are depersonalizing Him to the state of an "it."


That was my impression when I first read your declaration of purpose, but found it hard to believe.

You'all think God has somehow lost possession of His own mind, and if you are successful in "discovering" it, you may somehow be able to make use of it.

I would not associate myself with such a pursuit on my foggiest day.

In your response to me, you practically paraphrase a story Jesus told in Luke: 18th chapter:

Luke 18:9 "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:

10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed.

Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’

14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will

be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”


However you intend your search for God's "Universal Mind," - from your mouth to God's ear.


manning5 wrote:
======================================

This is reassuring to me!

I see no violation or sin in what our group is planning.

All three of us are Christians.

My Voice saw no problem with it. The Holy Spirit has no objection! He had cautions which I take seriously.

I, for one, am consulting my Bible and Concordance every step of the way, and saying prayers that will protect me, I believe.

We are, or at least I am, mindful of the revealed knowledge of God, but my knowledge of the Bible is admittedly weak. This effort is a great opportunity to strengthen that knowledge.

Now this post says such things as do your work in the light, with openness, which we are doing.

I know of no disruption of my relationship with the church or God. If there is any, I would cease!

We are quite explicitly not entertaining alternative worshiping, rituals, incantations, seances, Ouija boards, or the like. I do not see where we are going against Biblical teachings.

We are merely looking at (not participating in) the experiences we have had and those of others.

Plus, when it comes to thinking about the UM, at least I will approach it, when ready and I make my preparations, as God's Mind. The others will do as they wish, but I fully believe they will do exactly the same. A UM that is not God's must be avoided!

As for marriage, mine is at 65 years now, and still going.
====================================== br br This... (show quote)

Reply
Feb 4, 2022 11:09:47   #
manning5 Loc: Richmond, VA
 
Zemirah wrote:
Good morning, manning,

You sound as if you've been called out.

My post was a general message to anyone online.

Otherwise, I would have PM'd it, - or if to you, I would have posted it to your thread.

You paraphrase a Bible story which Jesus told in Luke 18th chapter,

10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people —

cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!

12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed.

Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’

14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
!
However you intended it, from your mouth to God's ear.
Good morning, manning, br br You sound as if you'... (show quote)

===================================

How dare you to compare me to that Pharisee! You read into my words something that I never intended.
I put my faith in the voice of the Holy Spirit, and the prayers I speak to Jesus or in His name, yes, most reverently and humbly. Long since, I have confessed my sins to Jesus, and give him updates every so often as and if I stumble. It is not clear to me what you intend by the words "from your mouth to God's ear'. That is always true, and the Holy Spirit has not chastised me for my words, which he would do, most certainly. You are simply wrong, and you owe me an apology.

Of course, I knew that your post was not directed to me alone. Henceforth, I will leave all of your posts alone.

Reply
Feb 4, 2022 11:23:14   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
manning,

my response was low key, soft spoken, and sincerely seeking your logic in your belief you must search for God's mind as if he had lost it...

Your response is your own - I quote you: "How dare you!" -you're now mirroring Greta Thunberg.


manning5 wrote:
===================================

How dare you to compare me to that Pharisee! You read into my words something that I never intended.
I put my faith in the voice of the Holy Spirit, and the prayers I speak to Jesus or in His name, yes, most reverently and humbly. Long since, I have confessed my sins to Jesus, and give him updates every so often as and if I stumble. It is not clear to me what you intend by the words "from your mouth to God's ear'. That is always true, and the Holy Spirit has not chastised me for my words, which he would do, most certainly. You are simply wrong, and you owe me an apology.

Of course, I knew that your post was not directed to me alone. Henceforth, I will leave all of your posts alone.
=================================== br br How dar... (show quote)

Reply
Feb 7, 2022 09:32:38   #
Rose42
 
Zemirah wrote:
God's Word exposes the works of the devil, forewarning His people in order that they may no longer perish from lack of knowledge, - ignorance of Satan's schemes (2nd Corinthians 2:11).

The Bible teaches that there is such a thing as doctrines of demons (1st Timothy 4:1).
This implies that demons, under Satan's command, will attempt to influence people, especially Bible believing and church going Christians, terms which are not mutually inclusive.
Jesus identified the devil as a liar and the father of lies and liars, for whom it is impossible to abide in the Truth (John 8:43-44).
The apostle Paul taught that Satanic strongholds are thoughts, arguments, and imaginations that set themselves up against the revealed knowledge of God (2nd Corinthians 10:5).
Hence, the main tactic of the devil is to deceive people into believing his lie(s). (A lie is any thought or concept that contradicts, opposes or denies God's Biblical truth).

Following are effective lies the devil impresses upon believers - even when one is, in fact, in a biblically sound church (not a perfect church, but a church that is preaching the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

There are now "other gospels" infiltrating our Churches, & ministers who are preaching these other gospels. We must be Bereans, always testing the written word against that which has been told us, Acts 17:1-15.

There are churches from which we should depart, & unfortunately this includes the church family with whom we have interacted as a functioning member.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in these tumultuous times, realizing that you should leave is a wise decision.

If, however, a minister leaves not only his ministry, but the body of Christ, God reveals that person was never "called" into the ministry by God.

"They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us." (1st John 2:19)

Faithful ministers need our prayers for God's protection that they may be able to stand in these evil days!

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say?

Satan always convinces that the Bible contains errors, but without saying where the errors are to be found... leaving gullible people free to deconstruct any part of the Bible they choose.

1. Avoiding the Light

Satan operates in the dark. He doesn't want his deeds exposed to the light. All temptation to sin begins in secret (Proverbs 9:17). When a believer is offended or struggling with temptation in the dark, he or she creates the perfect ecosystem for satanic deception.
This is one reason Jesus urged offended people to go to the offender before going to others with their issue (Matthew 18:15-18).
Most offenses and resultant demonic activity can be stopped within the church whose people follow this principle.
Walking in the light exposes and renders useless the hidden agenda of Satan. It also enables Christians to enjoy genuine fellowship with each other and with God (1st John 1:7).
Satan greatly opposes the principle of walking in the light he despises, in order that his deceptive agenda may continue in the dark - unimpeded.

2. Losing your shepherd.

God has ordained trustworthy leaders in each local church to serve His people. They are to protect and nurture their souls (Hebrews 13:7,17). Satan will do anything within his power to separate God's sheep from their earthly shepherd. A common demonic method is unfounded accusations and slander against their spiritual authority. If the devil successfully isolates the sheep, pulling them away from their congregation of fellow believers, they become more susceptible to devouring wolves. (John 10:12).

If your shepherd turns away from Biblical truth to follow deceiving spirits, look for the nearest exit. Jesus will await you outside the camp.

3. Leaving your church congregation.

People who attend a local church, become convicted and are subsequently saved, and mature in the faith, may even then be pulled out by demonic deception. Consequently, they may stop growing and fall away! A good church functions as a family, utilizing all their members, according to their spiritual gifts. Depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fit yourself into another home church.
Satan will, in any way he can, impede believers from successfully transferring to a new branch of the body of Christ, or of maturing and bearing fruit (Psalm 92:13-14).

4. Sundering Marriage Vows

Self-sacrifice is a vital and necessary component of any successful marriage.

Americans, including church members, are giving in on #4... although there is no perfect marriage and no perfect husband or wife. After the initial whirlwind emotions of love begin to wane, conflicts within the marriage are human and natural.
Personal commitment to their marriage vow should now direct both husband and wife.

There are biblical reasons for divorce, but, breaking this sacred covenant should never be an expression of uncontrolled selfish desire (Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:8-9)and its occurrence is with increasing frequency
(1st Corinthians 7:15).
Because God hates divorce, Satan loves divorce and will promulgate it within the Church congregation to destroy the nuclear family unit of human civilization.

5. Leaving your ministry

During the COVID pandemic, there have been pastors who have resigned, seeking other fields of work. Every Christian has a ministry, needed more now than at any time in this nation's history. When times get really tough, the devil will tempt you to quit your assigned ministry, whatever it may be. When Peter attempted to talk Jesus out of going to the cross, Jesus addressed him as Satan and rebuked him (Mark 8:33).

Sufficiently humbling oneself to serve as Christ 's minister is difficult and the position, sometimes dangerous... as Paul (2nd Corinthians 4:7-12) witnesses. However, as difficult as it is to serve, it may well be more difficult for those who willfully abandon their post - Judas serves as the prime example (Acts 1:15-20); Jonah a second consideration (Jonah 1:17).

6. Self Isolation.

When things are difficult, the Bible says we are to encourage one another lest we fall into the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13). Hence, we need even more to stay connected to the body of Christ when undergoing temptations and challenging times. The devil desires the opposite and will attempt to influence believers to separate and isolate themselves from the church under the guise of working out their issues in solitude.
Isolation is the perfect environment for satanic deception, partially because in isolation, the likelihood of receiving truth and encouragement from other Christians has been removed.

7. Never Quit Trying.

Finally, the word of God admonishes believers to look unto Jesus for endurance amid challenges, while resisting sin (Hebrews 12:1-4). If, and when, we experience failure, we will be tempted to give up due to shame, self-doubt, and feelings of condemnation. The devil feeds off condemnation and worldly sorrow, while attempting to lead us to physical death and separation from God, whereas the Holy Spirit brings conviction when we sin, leading us back to the safety of God's comforting arms through repentance (2nd Corinthians 7:10).

With God, there is perpetual hope and internal peace, awaiting an eternal destiny made sure.


Resources:
Dr. Joseph Mattera, Resurrection Church
Lion and Lamb Ministries
The Evangelistic Dictionary
God's Word exposes the works of the devil, forewar... (show quote)


Great post. Thanks!

Reply
 
 
Feb 7, 2022 14:35:05   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
Hi Rose, Thank you.

It is increasingly obvious that only through sticking to God's word like glue, (humanly impossible to do), - only through the power that He provides, will we ever avoid all the tempting new entrances into that "wide gate" against which Jesus specifically warned us.

[Jesus said] "enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to hell, and those who choose to enter by it are many." (Matthew 7:13)


Rose42 wrote:
Great post. Thanks!

Reply
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