❤️THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF INSPIRATION, THE EXTENT OF INSPIRATION. ❤️ THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF INSPIRATION. The biblical view of inspiration is called the Dynamic View. The Scriptures are the result of a divine-human relationship, as set forth in Hebrews 1:1. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets." God did the speaking, but He did it through the prophets or through His instruments. Inspiration is a supernatural work of God in man, involving both divine and human elements, which produced an infallible record of the divine revelation. The Dynamic View holds all the elements together. God did the speaking, but He did it through His chosen vessels and their personalities. Their individualism is as clearly seen as their inspiration. The Holy Spirit moved on the writers in a dynamic way in harmony with their personalities but not completely suppressing them. God created men as it pleased Him, each man having traits of his own; and through these vessels He spoke His Word, using their lips, their minds, their gifts, their temperaments, and their personalities. Then, He breathed out to them His infallible Word. Another example is Nehemiah 9:30. "Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy Spirit in thy prophets." Nehemiah was saying that God spoke out against Israel in judgment by His Spirit in the prophets. In conclusion to this view it should be noted that the inspired Word, the Bible, can be compared to the incarnate Word, Jesus. In the incarnation of Christ the divine and human elements are blended; in the inspiration and the writing of Scripture the divine and human elements also come together into one. ❤️ THE EXTENT OF INSPIRATION. In speaking of the extent of inspiration, this does not refer to how much of the Bible is inspired, because there are no degrees of inspiration. It is all inspired! The genealogy of chapter one of Matthew is as inspired as the account of Jesus' birth in chapter two. Chapter one shows Him to be a son of Abraham coming through the line of David; in chapter two, the birth narrative, He is seen to be the Son of God. Some believe that only the thoughts were inspired, and that God left the writers of Scripture completely free to choose their own words, their own ideas, and their own expressions. This view is incorrect because it is unrealistic. God reveals His thoughts to man through the media of words, just as man does in communicating with others. If God wished to convey His will and His Word to man in such a way that it could not be twisted and misinterpreted, He would have to inspire the very words. If He merely inspires thoughts, the writers would have to choose what they would say. The Scriptural view is the plenary verbal inspiration view. The term "plenary" means full, complete, entire, or absolute. This means that the entire Scriptures are inspired, not just a part; all Scripture is God-breathed (II Timothy 3:16). "Verbal" means that which is expressed in words; therefore, verbal inspiration means that God inspired the very words of the Bible and not merely the thoughts. Thus, plenary verbal inspiration means that the Scriptures in their entirety are the words of God; therefore, they are infallible and inerrant in the original autographs or manuscripts. God said to Jeremiah, "Go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.... I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:7-9). He said the same thing to Moses in Exodus 4:10-12, "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." In Exodus 34:27-28 God told Moses to write the Ten Commandments. In Revelation 1:11 Jesus said to John, "What thou seest, write in a book." God told Ezekiel, "Speak my words" to the people (Ezekiel 2-3). Isaiah 2:1 and Amos 1:1 both speak of the words which the prophets saw. In II Samuel 23:1-2 David claimed to have been anointed and inspired with the very words of God. He said, "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." Critics deny the plenary verbal inspiration view by saying that human agents wrote the Scriptures. Their contention is that all men are fallible; men wrote the Bible; so the Bible is fallible and is not inerrant in all of its words. In reply, one must distinguish between the prophet and his prophecy, between the writer and his writings. When the Bible speaks concerning inspiration, the emphasis is on the Scriptures themselves, on the writings and not on the writer. For instance, II Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is God-breathed, but it does not say a thing about the writer. Paul truly was inspired, but the thrust is upon the Scripture and not the author. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man" (II Peter 1:20-21). The emphasis is on prophecy. While the writers were sometimes inspired, their writings were always inspired. Yes, they were fallible men who could (and did) make mistakes; but their writings were God-breathed and, therefore, infallible. For example, when Peter denied the Lord, he certainly was not inspired of God; but he was inspired when he wrote his epistles. In summary, the Bible shows that all Scripture is God-breathed; consequently, when a man was writing Scripture, he was motivated and inspired by the Lord and recorded what God said to write. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 1 of 2. I would like to address one of the most puzzling and perplexing problems confronting the Christian today and that is why do the righteous suffer? In order to deal with this adequately, we're going to be looking at the book of Job. We read in Job Chapter 1:1f There was a man in the Land of Oz whose name is Job and that man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and turned away from evil. We continue to read in the book of Job how he lost everything, his family, his property, his possessions, and then lost his health with a loathsome disease. The universal problem of whether or not suffering is a sign of divine displeasure, and thus presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer, is the theme of the book of Job. The central problem of the book of Job is the central problem of humanity. Why do men suffer the way they do, and especially, why do the righteous suffer? Why are not godly, righteous, faithful obedient men and women always blessed? Why does it seem many of the ungodly prosper and are never in trouble? A Christian wonders why must I suffer this or that, or why must I go through this trial, or why do I have to experience all of this pain and adversity? I'm a Christian, I study the Bible, I love the Lord. I feel that I'm obedient, so why do I go through such long trials, hardships, and personal attacks? To make things even worse, many times there is no immediate answer and it's a real test of your faith as with Job. Is all adversity and suffering the direct result of sin? What is the basis upon which prosperity and adversity, blessing and misfortune, affliction and health happen to people? What is the basis upon which these things are distributed to men in this life? The principal aim of the book of Job is to disprove the popular theory that was held by many of the Jews and it's still popular today, that all suffering is a sign of God's displeasure and presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer. Inseparably related to the problem of suffering is the greater problem of evil and to consider one necessitates the consideration of the other. The problem of evil results from the clear fact that within the world that God created good according to Genesis 1, it was created very good! Within this world that God created good there is much that is now imperfect. It has become a world of suffering, sin, hate, warfare, oppression, evil and death. Now even a superficial observer will note that these two facts present somewhat of a dilemma. On the one hand Genesis 1 shows that God created all things good and he hates evil. On the other hand, we've seen the widespread evil and suffering that's in this world of imperfection. Now how can we explain this: what has happened? Some suggest that either God cannot remove evil nor could he have prevented its entrance into his world. Others say God does not will to prevent it and did not will to prevent its entrance into the Garden of Eden. Now the first conclusion will be rejected by all who believe in the Sovereign God of the Bible but neither is the second alternative any help in solving the apparent dilemma. It doesn't give us a satisfactory solution and so believers and Christians have always sought a third alternative to explain the problem of evil in a good universe. Now the book of Job is in reality the source material for a study of some of the most profound theological questions of the Bible- the problem of the righteous suffering adversity and the meaning of the presence of evil in a world God created good. It gives us the source of sickness and adversity. It's not God as some think and is often implied today. It's Satan who is behind the scenes doing this. No book in the Bible gives more insight into the problem of why the righteous suffer and the meaning and purpose of evil in the world. Now we will examine that question. There are three basic solutions that have been given to the problem of evil. First there's a denial of its existence. We're told all evil is only an illusion. This is fundamentally the doctrinal position of the Christian Scientists. All evil experienced, meaning sin, suffering, pain, and the like are purely subjective, existing only in the mind of the observer. They have no objective reality. Christian science teaches that since God is good, he could not permit evil to exist and therefore evil is not real. Suffering, evil, sin, and Satan and death are the imagination of man's finite mind. They're only an illusion. They have no reality and would disappear if man would by faith and self-discipline deny their existence. Of course, the objections to this hypothesis are almost self-evident. Even if this hypothesis were accepted as valid, which it isn't, one is still faced with the question of how the appearance of evil and suffering is to be explained. I mean what's the origin and meaning of the illusion of pain and suffering and death? The illusion of pain and suffering is as real to the sufferer as real pain and suffering. A world in which the majority of its inhabitants are deceived with respect to the presence of suffering needs as much explaining as one in which evil is a genuine reality. It doesn't solve the problem, it only changes the terminology from reality to illusion. The suffering and the evil remain. It is quite obvious that this view is unbiblical and is out of harmony with the facts of experience. I mean Christian Scientists yell just as loudly as anyone else when they mashed their finger with a hammer. They go right on dying like the rest of humanity. Another suggested solution is the error is finitism. We're told God's power is limited. The doctrine of the finite God is the solution that we must choose, we are told. The fact that God is not completely good and that he is not omnipotent is an unscriptural attempt to explain the presence of moral and natural evil. The limitation doctrine argues that God made the best kind of world that he could but that even God could not prevent the presence of evil. Finitism, we are told, preserves the goodness of God and recognizes that God is not the source of all things. He is the source of all that is good and He is an opposition to all that is evil. Finitism seems to be a solution to some people. But again, this theory is unbiblical. The doctrine of a finite God cannot stand in view of the testimony of Scripture. See Daniel 4:35 Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Romans 9, Job 1 and 2. We're told that God is in control of all events and governments in heaven and earth. Nothing is too hard for God and with God nothing is impossible. As we read Job chapters 1 & 2 we see that Satan had to get God's permission to afflict Job. The concept of an eternal principle of evil against which God is engaged in some cosmic struggle and the outcome of which is by no means certain is platonic dualism pure and simple. It's not Biblical. The doctrine of finitism is no solution at all to the problem but simply a sophisticated shortcut to avoid what appears to be a dilemma. It results from the fallacy that one must either give up the goodness of God or His omnipotence and power since there appears to be an alleged conflict. The only solution seems to be to sacrifice his omnipotence according to this unscriptural view. Now a third solution which we believe to be the biblical one, is that a moral world involves the possibility of evil. In a moral universe of free creatures, the possibility of moral development involves the possibility of the entrance of moral evil and its consequences into the world. For example, we see in the narratives of Genesis that God did not intend to compel moral obedience, but that a holy moral character could only be developed by voluntary free choice on Adam's part. Hence, a world without the possibility of disobeying God would not present the necessary means of developing moral character. Adam was not born with a holy moral character, but he was innocent. He was pure, but you're not born with character. This must develop and grow as you respond to the experiences of life. Trials, adversities, and so forth are designed to shape one's character. Someone has pointed out that these sufferings sometimes crush the person who experiences it. There are times when the final result is more glorious than would be conceivable in any other kind of universe. Therefore, this view does give us a workable solution to the problem of evil and helps explain the purpose of suffering. It is the suffering of the righteous and the allowance of the entrance of sin into the world. This view involves a possibility of the entrance of evil and also helps explain God's self-imposed limitations. Now those terms are important. We see God is presented in Scripture as omnipotent and all-powerful. But it is also true that, at the moment He created something outside himself, man who is a free moral creature, who could have the power at least temporarily to say no to God, that there was to some degree a self-imposed limitation which God placed upon Himself. This does not mean that God has limited His sovereignty, power, or His rule by creating a being in his own image who had the power to rebel against him. But it does mean that God chose to exercise his sovereignty in a universe filled with creatures who could temporarily rebel against that sovereignty. Notice it's only temporary, and so we see a moral world involves the possibility of the entrance and presence of moral evil. This brings us to the basic question that we're going to discuss. The perplexing problem of why the righteous suffer and biblical solutions. It's not unusual that trials and sufferings of the child of God may involve several purposes. We shall explore these next. Part 2.) First, we see that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We will see from this study that the righteous suffering trial and affliction is not always evidence that they have sinned or evidence that God is displeased with them. There may be some deeper purpose in God allowing it and that is to bring them into conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Examining these purposes is necessary because the Christian goes through trials and sufferings of many kinds. Therefore, they need to know whether or not these are chastisements, are things to be resisted as from the devil, or if these things are from the hand of God! This way we will not be resisting when we should be submitting so we will benefit from our trials and testings. We mentioned that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We see Job's misfortunes and sufferings at first of all as a teaching and educational purpose. We see spiritual wisdom and discernment do not automatically come to the believer but they are gained through the times of hardship and suffering and of trial and testing. Job learned the meaning of an abiding faith in God. He received an education along the line of an abiding and steadfast faith. See chapter 13 in verses 15-18. Job said though he slay me yet will I trust him. He came to know what genuine faith was and he was willing to trust God in spite of circumstances and appearances. He came to know in a more meaningful way God as his Redeemer in chapter 19. He has come through a great valley of testing and trial and affliction and there's one thing he says. I don't understand all of this, but I do know my redeemer lives and then he became confident in his future of vindication. We see that in chapter 9 verses 32-35, chapter 16 verse 19, chapter 13 verse 18. He said I know that I will be justified and this suffering of mine is not the result of sin, but I will be vindicated. Almost beside himself from grief and suffering, he came into a deeper assurance of a future life beyond the grave and this present world of inequality, injustice, and affliction. He came into a deeper understanding of the sovereignty of God. In chapters 38 to 41 where the Lord addresses him in two discourses of speeches, Job said, I've heard of You in the hearing of the ear and now my eye has seen You. I abhor myself and I repent in dust and in ashes. He said, I lay my hand over my mouth and I'll not speak again. I've spoken once, I've spoken twice but now, he says I'll not speak again. God revealed to him his sovereignty. God doesn't answer job's perplexities or questions. He just reminds him that He is God and that whatever he does is righteous. So, the educational purpose and significance of suffering is evident throughout the Bible especially in the book of Job as Job progressively moves from one valley of doubt and mystery to another. Each time climbing to a mountain peak of faith as he conquers his fears and his doubts and he comes to a new understanding and appreciation of the promises of God. The meaning of suffering is first and foremost of all for the express purpose of developing within the heart of the saint the assurance and understanding of his trust in God. In psalm 119 verses 65-72. The psalmist said there that he praises the Lord for afflicting him because then he came to know how to obey the Lord as he should. He said I thank You for the correction of my affliction because now I've come to understand better how to obey your precepts and your law. Our trials and tests, persecutions and the like have an educational purpose. When Jesus saves you, he sends you to His school. That is the school of the trial of your faith. Sadly, most Christians have not been taught this. They do not profit from their lessons so they keep taking the same course over and over. This is because they're flunking the tests. They've not been taught to submit to the trials but instead resist them. They think trials are something to be avoided at all costs. The Bible says we are to rejoice in our trials, James 1, because it is working in us the steadfast endurance we need to mature. Jesus told us that trials are to be a cause of rejoicing in Matthew 5, because when we're persecuted he said, rejoice because great is your reward in heaven. We are not to resist these things. Again, in Acts 14:22, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. If you're trying to get off the pathway of trial and if you're trying to get out of that school, then you are on the wrong path. Realize you will not be able to graduate because you're flunking the course or you become a spiritual dropout from the school of the trial of your faith. Trials and sufferings are designed by God because He loves you and desires to educate you in an abiding faith in knowing that He is able to deliver and protect you keeping you to the end. You come to trust Him in spite of circumstances as Job. You come to the place where you can say though He slay me yet will I trust Him. That doesn't make any sense to your head or your intellect, but if you stay in God's school and learn your lessons as you should, it will make sense to your spirit and to your heart. Trials and sufferings of the believer for righteousness' sake have an educational purpose. Stay in God's school long enough for him to teach you something and you'll find you'll be blessed for it with a mature faith and trust in the plans and purposes of God in your life! Part 3.) Next, we see that sometimes sufferings and trials have a punitive purpose. This is the solution, by the way, to the problem suggested by Job's friends. You'll notice this as you read the book and although it is by no means the whole answer, yet it does have its place in the total picture. This is the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7 - for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. There are natural consequences of sin and so sometimes trials and sufferings have a punitive purpose. Punitive means punishment. Some of these things we endure and suffer are because we've not heeded the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7. We see this throughout the Bible that this works for the saint as well as the sinner. We have to obey this law. If we don't sow to the Spirit and sow to the flesh, we're going to reap the consequences. We see this in the case of David. He had to reap what he sowed in his sin with Bathsheba. We read the sword never departed from his house, although he did receive forgiveness. We also see this in the New Testament in 1st Corinthians 5 and 1st Corinthians 11. Some of the Christians were not partaking of the communion the Lord's Supper as they should. Therefore, Paul says you don't discern the Lord's body, you're not eating this supper worthily, and therefore some of you are sick and some of you are dying prematurely. This is the law of sowing and reaping. For example, if a Christian girl allows herself to get into trouble and becomes pregnant, she may repent of that sin and be forgiven but she'll still suffer the stigma of bearing an illegitimate child. She's still going to suffer the consequences of what she sowed, for whatsoever you sow you reap. Galatians 6:7. So there's no way to get around the fact that you're going to reap what you sow. This is why sometimes we suffer trials and afflictions. We should examine our lives to see whether or not God is judging us because of something we have disobeyed him about or not getting our lives corrected about some matter. Now what's the significance of Job's suffering in relation to the punitive purpose? Remember this is the suggested solution of Job's three friends. The principle upon which all suffering is based they said is this- that suffering is a direct result of sin and a just recompense for it. Job's sufferings, they insisted, were a sign of divine displeasure and presupposed sin on his part. Now of course the Bible does set forth this principle. It's the law of sowing and reaping where righteousness will bring prosperity and blessing, disobedience and wickedness will bring adversity. This is a principle set forth throughout the Bible as Deuteronomy 28 which is a good example of that. Psalm 1 is another example. But what of the righteous individual who often is the victim of misfortune and suffering, and why so often do the ungodly seem to prosper? What's the explanation for the suffering of the innocent and the prosperity of the wicked? Was the popular notion that the innocent do not suffer and the wicked are always afflicted contrary to the facts, even as Bildad and Zophar dogmatically insisted it was true? They insisted the principle was immutable and that Job, though outwardly righteous, nevertheless must be guilty of some heinous secret sins. Their philosophy was this, that all sin causes suffering. Job is suffering. The conclusion, Job must be a sinner! Job's sufferings, they argue, convict him implicitly of some grave sin and they plead with him to acknowledge it and repent. Job protests his innocence throughout the book and so we still are faced with the perplexing question. Why then is Job suffering? Remember he didn't have chapters 1 and 2 which give us the explanation. He had to endure this experience before the answer came. What then is the explanation for those instances which seemed by the Scriptures, show the moral principle of cause and effect, sowing and reaping, that they could not always be forced into a neat logical system? The laws governing society did not guarantee that in some individual cases the innocent might not suffer and that wickedness might not elude temporary judgment. No, throughout the scriptures we see that suffering is not necessarily the direct result of prior sins. This is proven in many passages as Jeremiah 19, Ezekiel 21, Amos chapter 2, In John 9, the case of the blind man, Jesus said this man was not blind because of his parent's sin or his own sin but that God might be glorified in his healing. So, also, in the case of Job, we see he suffered innocently. What the Scriptures do teach is this - that in the light of eternity it is the righteous who will be blessed and the wicked who will suffer. We should not judge too soon. The conclusion is this, suffering and adversity may sometimes be the result of sin and therefore the purpose is punitive, but this is not always the case. Don't follow Job's friends' rigid thinking in condemning someone when you do not have all the facts. Part 4.) Sometimes trials and suffering have a disciplinary purpose. There are times afflictions are the chastisements of a loving Father. This is in harmony with Hebrews 12, 1st Corinthians 5, 1st Corinthians 11 and proverbs 3 verses 11-12. Who the Lord loves He chastens. The Scriptures tell us in Job chapter 33, that God speaks to man and the purpose for that is he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man. He keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed and the multitude of his bones with strong pain. God chastens his children because he doesn't want His children going on a path of destruction from disobedience to His Word and will for their lives. We read in Hebrews 12 that who the Lord loves He chastens and He scourges every son He receives. Job 33 speaks of one form of chastisement being sickness. In Hebrews 12 it doesn't say anything about sickness being a form of chastisement. God has many ways to chasten His children. Sometimes he just withholds his blessings. Testing has a way of humbling man's pride. You see, many of Job's utterances under the weight of his afflictions gave indication that his trials had not yet fully accomplished their purpose. You will see this as you read the book of Job. Job sometimes questions God's purposes and in his questioning of God's purpose and his control of human affairs, it implied that Job knew more than God. Sometimes Christians, under the weight of their trials and afflictions, will cry out to God in such a way and try to use their logic and reason to such an extent that they even question God's wisdom in allowing them the trials and afflictions. To be Continued. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 6 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. In both instances, what we experience by-passes the mind or intellect. Both the witness within our spirits, and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit may at times go contrary to our personal feelings and emotions" regarding some matter but we will know, nevertheless, what God's will is concerning the situation and what we should do. Feelings and emotions can deceive or confuse us if we rely entirely upon them, for this is the realm in which both Satan and the intellect reign; whereas the enlightened spirit of a Christian, and the voice of God's Spirit within will always guide us correctly if we will listen to them (Jn. 16:13) 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27). Of course, usually what we feel about a situation will be in harmony with what we are inwardly impressed to do, but it is not our feelings or emotions through which God's will is imparted to us. Inasmuch as God frequently desires to alert us to some spiritual or physical danger, prepare us with regarding some event that is about to occur, or inform us concerning His will about some present or future matter, then it is imperative that we become sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit if we are to hear Him when He speaks. It is a real blessing to be so sensitive to the Spirit's voice that you know when you are moving in the will of God. Being yielded to the Spirit is the secret of being "fruitful in every good work." When we are fully yielded to Him, and sensitive to His voice, then we can always move with Him, fulfilling God's will, and we will not have to waste time planning and scheming, or running all over the place hoping that we are doing God's will and fulfilling His purpose. By Prophecy Occasionally God will inform us of His will regarding some matter, or concerning some problem about which we are praying, through prophecy or the ministry gift of the prophet. Generally, this will be a confirmation of what He has already been speaking inwardly to us about, and not the giving of guidance by prophecy as such. It cannot be overemphasized that it is God's purpose to lead the Christian inwardly by His Spirit or the inward witness (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Christians are not to seek guidance through prophecy or visions, inasmuch as some people have been misdirected or led astray, sometimes with serious consequences, on the basis of an alleged prophecy or revelation given to them by some overzealous individual who felt that he (or she) had an anointing to "prophesy" to them. In one case a minister who was sure that he had been led of the Spirit to leave a certain church to minister in another place was then prophesied to by a self-appointed prophetess and told that the Lord wanted him to return to the former church which he had recently left. This left him thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do, not knowing which of the two conflicting "revelations" was from the Lord. In two other instances, certain individuals who were seeking guidance were informed by overzealous Christians with an "anointing" that they were to move to a certain city and state as this was God's will for them. In neither case was the guidance from the Lord. Some Christians have actually been appointed to some office such as prophet, teacher, elder, or evangelist, and some Christian groups have been set in "divine order" by misguided individuals who interpret emotional feeling, spiritual enthusiasm, or actual delusion by Satan, as an anointing to prophesy. In other instances, a genuine anointing to speak in tongues or to minister the simple gift of prophecy to the church for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3) was misdirected to some particular individual and ended up as personal guidance coming forth from their own spirits instead of the Holy Spirit. In another instance, a woman "prophesied" to the leader of a group that it was time to discontinue teaching them, as God wanted them to begin to stand on their own feet without teaching. Shortly after his ministry was terminated, the leader of the group realized the mistake and contacted him three times wanting to know if he thought the prophecy had been genuine, inasmuch as it was obvious to all that they had not reached such a place of spiritual maturity where they no longer needed Biblical teaching. Christians should not seek guidance by prophecy or visions. We have reference here only to the attempt to seek or give guidance by means of personal prophecy or revelation through some over zealous individual, not to prophecy and visions in general which God does give to His Church for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3; Joel 2:28-29). Occasionally, God Himself chooses to speak to us through prophecy and vision in order to lead us, but in every case it will be in harmony with His Word, and it will authenticated by the fact that it is usually a confirmation of what the Spirit has already shown to us personally. Also, occasionally, prophecy becomes the means by which God leads us in order to fulfill His will about some important matter. By Scriptural Teaching; One of the most important channels through which God desires to speak to His people and reveal His will to them is one that few people recognize and appreciate as they should, and that is through the ministry of biblical teaching. Frequently, in a meeting people will come and ask for an appointment for spiritual counseling concerning some question or problem confronting them. Instead, they should first plan to attend all the teaching sessions, inasmuch as God has sent this ministry into their midst at this time to help solve such problems as this for which they feel they need counseling, and that He often gives the necessary guidance through the teaching. On several occasions people who have taken such advice have come afterward and stated that they no longer were in need of counseling as God had given them the answers they needed through the teaching ministry. Certainly God knows the various problems and needs of His people, and that it would be impossible for any one minister to deal with everyone individually who requests counseling and help. Therefore, through the teaching ministry He provides the solution for those who are willing to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things to avail themselves of it. Sadly, there are some individuals who will not do this. They will insist that you give them individual attention and special time, as they believe that their problems are of such a nature to warrant it, but at the same time they will not avail themselves of the ministry God has sent into their midst to help them. It is useless to expect God to give you special guidance and revelation about some matter when you do not avail yourself of the biblical ministry that He is sending into your locality for precisely this purpose. Your problems and the decisions you must make are not really much different from those of most other Christians. It is only because they affect you personally that you think this. And even if your problems were unusually different, nevertheless, there are certain spiritual principles set forth in God's Word which can be brought forth through teaching which will show you how to deal with your situation and what your responsibility is with regard to it. We have found this to be true time and again. For example, some faith principle which can be applied for healing a disease can also be used to solve a financial or marital problem, if you know what it is and how to apply it. But one must be willing to avail himself of the teaching ministry and literature available in order to learn these truths, for "faith cometh by hearing the Word" (Rom. 10:17). For instance, such passages as Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:22-24; John 14:14; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:19, and Psalm 37:4 have almost limitless potential for fulfilling practically any need of every description when the believer knows how to apply them and accepts their validity for today. For the thousands who accept the responsibility of learning how to live and walk by faith themselves, they discover that they are able, not only to help themselves, but also liberate others from their problems and oppression. God desires for us to mature to the place where we do not constantly need to be ministered to, but can minister to others and their needs. Through Circumstances; Sometimes God confirms His will to us through circumstances, controlling or changing events in such a way that we are able to recognize His providential hand at work to fulfill His purpose in our lives. God informed Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in Egypt before He would bring them forth to inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15). At the time God told him this, Abraham did not have a single descendant, for as yet Isaac had not been born. From this time, we see God beginning to bring His will for Israel to pass through the providential control of circumstances and events. Twenty-five years later Isaac is born by a miracle to Sarah, who is barren. His son Jacob in turn has twelve sons, one of whom is Joseph, his favorite. Because of envy his brothers sell him into slavery into Egypt, which begins a new phase of the fulfillment of God's plan to get Abraham's descendants into Egypt, a famine later compelling Jacob and all of his descendants to migrate there to live. After several years of hardship and adversity, Joseph had been miraculously elevated to a high position in Egypt by Pharaoh, a divine foresight to prepare the way for the Israelites. Thus, their arrival in Egypt was no accident, nor were they merely victims of circumstances, but we are clearly shown the providential control of God throughout, a fact which Joseph himself discerned (Gen. 50:20). The fulfillment of God's plan for our lives often depends, to some degree at least, upon our awareness of His providential working and controlling our daily affairs and experiences. As stated previously, God's plan for your life did not begin when you were born or when you were converted, but the Scriptures declare that the believer was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and called to fulfill His glorious plan and purpose (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6), Moreover, God has often been working in the circumstances of your life for months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. We are not to seek guidance by asking God to reveal His will to us through outward circumstances generally, but as we pray for His leading, usually He will impress upon us what course of action to take. Frequently, He will then confirm this inward leading through circumstances and events in our lives, which, if we are spiritually observant enough, can be discerned. CONCLUSION. We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9) The Apostle prays. It is not sufficient just to have a knowledge of God's will, but as the quotation above indicates, we must also have spiritual wisdom and understanding to be able to apply it and profit from it. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly and effectively. Solomon knew God's will for his life - he was chosen to be the King of Israel. But he was also aware that if he was to succeed in this task and fulfill God's will as he should, then he would need more than mere human wisdom and the limited understanding man acquires through study and by experience so he prayed for the impartation of divine wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Thus, it is one thing to know God's will; it is another to have the wisdom and understanding to apply it. A man may know a very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Occasionally, for example, we see a student who graduates from college with a high academic standing sometimes fail completely in some career or profession which he has chosen, simply because he lacks the wisdom to apply his knowledge in a practical way to his life. A wise Christian, therefore, is not just one who knows His Lord's will, but he is one who also understands how to use this knowledge in the proper place, in the proper way, and at the proper time. For instance, every believer knows, on the basis of Jesus' clear teaching in John 15, that the Christian is called to "bear fruit." But the mere possession of the knowledge of this fact does not impart to the believer the wisdom to accomplish it, for the churches are literally exhausting themselves in all manner of religious programs and activities in an effort to accomplish God's will in this regard, without any significant achievement. It is one thing for the Christian to know that he has been called to bear fruit, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to him the understanding that it is not in doing, but in dying that we bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Paul's prayer is that "you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10), revealing, thereby, that fruitfulness does not lie merely in knowing God's will, but also in possessing the spiritual wisdom and understanding to apply it. As was shown earlier, fruitfulness is not merely religious activity, such as serving in two or three offices in the church, visiting as many homes as possible in the community to invite people to church, giving out tracts, busyness with churchwork, attending all the services, reading the Bible through at least once a year, and so on. Fruitfulness does not come by religious commotion, but through crucifixion; not by doing, but by dying. God calls no one to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This truth is not something one can discern with reason or intellect, but comes as a result of the impartation of divine wisdom and understanding to those who ask for it, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6 ). Again, it is one thing to know that the believer is called to experience a measure of trials and tests of his faith (1 Pet. 2:19f; Jam. 1:2-4), but human wisdom will never help him to see the eternal purpose in those trials, nor enable him to respond in such a way that he will profit and not lose by such sufferings and testing. It requires divine wisdom and understanding to meet temptations, and to bear trials, so that such testing, instead of depressing and defeating the believer, will be able to accomplish God's will and purpose in his life. It requires divine understanding for him to see that Romans 8:28 is valid for him in time of trial and adversity, as well as in time of prosperity and blessing. Thus, when you seek a knowledge of God's will for your life, and for making decisions in important matters, also ask Him for wisdom and spiritual understanding to apply the knowledge He imparts to you, for the Scriptures tell us– Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4:7). Amen and amen! Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 5 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. God is under no obligation to fulfill the promise in James 1:5 to give us wisdom unless we are willing to meet the conditions for obtaining it. Moreover, God declares that He only answers prayer when the motive is right, and that mere asking is not sufficient (Jam. 4:3). Frequently the Christian prays for guidance, or a revelation of God's will about some matter, but already has his mind made up as to what he wants to do, or how he would like for God to answer. Some people have been known to lie awake all night pleading with God to answer their prayer with no higher motive than the desire to persuade Him to come over to their side and give them their own way. Therefore, it is just as great a fallacy to emphasize the notion which is so popular today that prayer is the solution to all our problems, as it is to neglect prayer, using it only in an emergency. That is to say, we find the unscriptural idea being promoted on every hand that mere prayer is supposed to be the panacea for all our needs. In every time of crisis, when problems or troubles arise, when a difficult or seemingly impossible situation confronts us, the first thing most people advise is prayer. "Have you tried prayer?" they will ask. Or we are told, quite sincerely, "Did you know, prayer changes things?" They do not tell us, of course, just how prayer will change things, nor do they teach us how to pray about the problem confronting us. We are not advised, furthermore, as to whether or not God requires anything from us in the matter. "Just pray" we are told, "for prayer usually helps." However, as we have seen, God clearly states that He does not answer every prayer, in fact, He emphatically declares that He does not even hear our prayers unless they meet the conditions He has set forth in His Word. One of the most important conditions we must meet when asking for divine wisdom and guidance is that we must ask in faith, believing, without any reservations, that God will answer our request. This is clearly stated in James 1:5-7: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But how? Let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubts is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." The prayer of faith is simply a prayer of expectation. What God tells us here in James 1:5-7 is that when we ask for divine wisdom and guidance we should pray expecting Him to grant our desire. Moreover, the prayer of faith is to be offered but once, for Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24, 'What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." Faith asks but once for God to fulfill a promise. To continue to pray, pleading with God to answer, is our confession that I do not really believe that He has answered when we pray as He tells us to do (Mark 11:24). In view of this fact, if we pray ten times for the same promise, we have prayed nine times in unbelief, for faith knows when to stop praying about the promise and start praising God for the answer. There is a time to stop praying or you will pray yourself out of faith. When is this? You should always stop praying for a promise when you believe you have received the answer. Since Jesus tells us to believe we have received when we pray, quite obviously we should do our believing and receiving when we pray. Then we should cease praying for the answer and begin praising God that the manifestation of the answer is on the way. Jesus does not say in Mark 11:24 that the symptoms will improve immediately when we pray, or that the circumstances will show immediate change, but that we are to believe that He has both heard and granted our petition when we pray and that we shall have it. Faith keeps a distinction between accepting the answer and receiving it to our sight. We are to accept the answer when we pray (believe that God has granted our petition), and we shall have it (manifested to our sight). Merely because we do not see it immediately does not mean that God has not heard our petition and granted the answer, but only that He has not manifested the answer as yet. The question often arises concerning the widow and the judge in Luke 18, as to whether or not Jesus here approves of repetition in prayer for the same thing. This is not, however, an instance of repetition prayer, for Jesus would not contradict Himself elsewhere, but here He is stressing the need of persistence and perseverance in prayer; that is, holding onto a promise by faith, reaffirming daily, by praise and thanksgiving, that we believe that He has heard and granted our petition. In Matthew 6:7-8, Jesus condemns repetition prayer as typical of the prayers of the heathen, saying, "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking," but "when you pray believe that you receive" (Mk. 11:24). Our first concern, therefore, when guidance from heaven is needed is not merely to resort to the shallow suggestion we so often hear today that one should "try prayer" as it may help, but it should be a time of searching the Word, and then our hearts, to see if we are fulfilling the conditions for God hearing our prayers and granting our petitions. As A. W. Tower once remarked, the popular notion that God always answers prayer (with "yes" or "no") is a device of Satan to deceive the carnal or indifferent Christian whose request was not answered because of his failure to meet God's conditions. To think that God always answers prayer, even if He says "no," is to take God's refusal to answer a disobedient Christian as the answer itself, contending, "Well, after all, God did answer me - He said 'no'." Such a view of prayer is contrary to Scripture, for God clearly states that He does not even hear those prayers which are not in harmony with His will (1 Jn 5:14-15; Ps. 66:18). Moreover, if an individual erroneously believes the popular notion that God always answers any prayer, and that "no" can also be an answer, then this person is never challenged to face the fact that his failure to receive an answer was due to his disobedience, lack of faith, or his failure to meet some other condition. I can personally testify to the fact that when we are careful to meet the scriptural requirements, then God delights in directing our steps, giving divine guidance and wisdom concerning those matters we place before Him. Thank God it is true, if any man lacks wisdom he may ask of God and it shall be given to him. Do you need wisdom or guidance in some important matter? Have you tried asking God, and in faith expecting Him to answer you? You are invited to do so in James 1:5. By Direct Revelation; As stated at the beginning of Chapter 2, there are eight scriptural methods by which God's will is revealed - three are active, in which we take the initiative, and five are passive, whereby we become the recipients of divine revelation concerning God's will for us. Passive revelation always comes to us unsought. Direct revelation may be either by vision, as in the case of Paul's vision in Acts 16 which was revelation of God's will for him to carry the Gospel into Europe; by direct voice, as seen in the case of God's call of Samuel (1 Sam. 3); by angelic visitation, as, for example, in the angel's visit to Mary and his revelation to her of the birth of Christ; or by dream, as we find, for instance in God's revelation to Daniel of the establishment of His Kingdom (Dan. 7). Jesus promised to continue revelation to the Church after His ascension, saying, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come (Jn. 16:13). When the Church lost the experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, she closed the channel and source of revelation. As a consequence, the Church changed her theology to conform with her experience, and there arose the erroneous concept that God purposed that all revelation was to cease with the apostles in the first century. It is interesting that there is not a word in the Scriptures to support this theory, but, on the contrary, God clearly states in 2 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4:11 that He has set in the church the gifts and ministries of revelation. In Romans 12:3-6 and 1 Corinthians 14 He admonishes us to ask for and use the gift of prophecy. In Joel 2 He clearly promises that in the last days "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (2:17); While He promised in John 16:13, quoted above, to continue revelation to the Church through the Holy Spirit whom He would send. The various methods by which He would give His people direct revelation are stated to be by means of prophecy, vision and dream (Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17-18; 1Cor. 12; 14), by direct voice and vision (Jn. 16:13), "speak"' and "show" and on occasion, by angelic visitation (e.g. Luke 1; Acts 10:12; 27:23-24; cf. Heb. 13:2). It is important that we understand that although God occasionally uses each of the passive methods of revelation to unveil His will to us when He so chooses, we should not seek guidance by these means. Why does God choose the direct means of revelation, as, for example, through visions and dreams as a method of communication of His will and purpose? Why does He not merely illumine our minds as to His will as we pray or read His Word seeking guidance? Among other reasons, occasionally He must speak directly to us because of the urgency of the matter about which we are seeking guidance which must be dealt with immediately, or in a certain way, often contrary to what our wisdom and logic might tell us to do. At other times He speaks directly, imparting instruction or guidance, not concerning some matter about which we are praying, but about some important purpose which He wants to accomplish in or through us, which could only be made known to us by direct revelation. Again He speaks to us in visions for the obvious reason that one picture is worth a thousand words. God sometimes communicates His will to us through dreams, inasmuch as the state of sleep has certain definite advantages. At this time the conscious mind is at rest and is free from distractions. The spirit, of course, remains awake and can accept without analyzing and questioning what God desires to impart to us. Moreover, through the medium of vision and dream God can impress upon us revelation which transcends the sense realm and the ability of the intellect alone to comprehend. In some instances, God speaks directly in an audible voice in order to instruct us or reveal His will in some matter. By Indirect Revelation: God speaks to us occasionally by direct means, but generally He communicates His will to us indirectly. It may in the form of an inward knowing or witness in our spirit, or it may come as an inner witness to our spirit, or it may come as an inner witness from the Holy Spirit. At other times the Holy Spirit may give the guidance we need by the illumination of our minds to understand and interpret some portions of scripture which He will direct us to, or by giving the necessary wisdom and insight we require to make the correct decision concerning some matter about which we have prayed for direction. It is in the realm of indirect revelation that the importance of being completely yielded to the Holy Spirit is so evident, as was pointed out in the first chapter. To the extent one is yielded to the Spirit will he be sensitive to His voice when He speaks, and to the extent one is sensitive to His voice will he be able to respond. Moreover, there are many voices seeking to influence the believer, some of which are from God and some are not. Unless one is fully yielded he may be insensitive to the voice of the Spirit, or be deceived and ensnared by that which is false. A small puppy will respond to anyone who calls or offers it a crust of bread, but a well trained mature dog will not do so. It is sensitive only to the voice of its owner. It did not get this way by spending all its time running and playing with the other dogs, but it is the result of devoting long hours in discipline and training, learning to obey and respond to the voice of its master. We become sensitive to the influence and leading of the Spirit in the same manner. God is preparing His children for spiritual warfare ahead which will consist of men and women who will be so sensitive to the voice of the Spirit they will respond immediately and obey without question. Like a computer, they will be able to filter out that which is false and sense any error immediately. They will not have to call the pastor and ask if this or that doctrine is scriptural, or whether the prophecy which they heard is true or false, or whether or not some task they feel led to undertake is from God, the flesh, or the devil. However, the only way the believer will become sensitive will be through total consecration to Jesus and fully yielding to the Spirit. At present we find Christians so untrained in the Scriptures and so insensitive to the voice of the Spirit that many frequently will reject what God is saying and allow themselves to be deceived by that which is false and unscriptural, just as Jesus predicted would occur in these last days (Matt 24; 2 Tim 4:1-4). Again and again we are hearing of those who are falling victim to various errors, such as ultimate reconciliation where God will save everyone regardless if they repent or not including the devil and his demons, false hyper-grace gospel where a Christian does not need to confess sin after he is saved or does not need repentance to stay in fellowship with God, errors on the Godhead where they deny that the Father, Son, Holy Spirit are co-eternal and co-equal, once saved always saved that it does not matter how a person lives his life after salvation, we are all sinners even after salvation and no need to live a consecrated life, the give to get carnal prosperity gospel where you give me money and 100 fold comes back so you will be rich. Or the heresy taught by some that Jesus had to become a sinner on the cross to redeem us and suffered three days in hell tormented by demons. We find others, in a time where we are witnessing the revival of all forms of the occult, being deluded by believing everything supernatural is from heaven, and everyone who prophesies, has a vision, or predicts the future is from God. We find men and women calling themselves Apostles and Prophets commonly now who were never appointed or anointed from heaven but self-appointed deceiving many. As Jesus said, take heed lest YOU be deceived. (Matt 24:4) DISCERNING THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND RECOGNIZING THE WITNESS WITHIN; In order to mature in faith and become effective instruments in God's hands so that we will be in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing, it is necessary for us to learn how to recognize the inner witness of the Spirit, as well as discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. These are the two basic ways by which God leads and directs His people, whether in answer to some prayer for guidance, or in order to fulfill His will and purpose in their lives. We find that God frequently endeavors to speak to His people by means of the voice of His Spirit in order to direct guide, teach, or influence them along some line, but since they have not been taught how to discern His voice He often goes unheeded. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me" Jn. 10:27). How can they follow Him if they do not know how to discern His voice? He certainly did not mean that He intended to shout down out of heaven in order to direct them, but He did promise that He would speak to them by His Spirit which would be within them: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you in all truth" (John 16:13), and "he shall teach you in all things" (14:26). Some Christians are waiting for God to give them a revelation through a vision or prophecy concerning His will for them, or regarding some important matter about which they are praying, when, if they only realized it, God is already trying to communicate His will to them by His Spirit within them. If they would spend a little more time in His Word and in prayer, and be willing to get still before Him for a while, then they would begin to discern His voice and hear Him speaking inwardly to their spirits. The inner voice of the Holy Spirit is the voice of God speaking directly to your spirit in order to guide, admonish, teach, warn, or influence you concerning some matter (about which you may or may not be praying). God also enables us to know His will regarding some matter about which we are praying, or about some question which concerns us, by means of a witness within. This is an inward knowing in your spirit that a certain contemplated action on your part, or some doctrine, or revelation, for example, is right or wrong. Not only is the Christian the temple of the Holy Spirit, Who abides within to speak the direct revelation of God's will to him (Jn 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-13), but he also has, by virtue of the new birth, a new heart to discern spiritual things himself, and know the will of God intuitively by his own spirit (1 Cor. 2:14-16). He has received an anointing which abides in him and teaches him all things (1 Jn. 2:27). Thus, we find that it is also through his own enlightened spirit that the Christian is able by an inward knowing or witness to discern whether or not something is right or wrong. Let us say, for example, that you are praying about some matter about which you must make a decision, such as whether or not to buy a certain piece of property, marry a particular individual, or accept an invitation to speak to some religious group. If after thinking and praying about the question you find that inwardly there is a positive confirmation in your spirit to go ahead in the matter, or, you find that you experience a sense of uncertainty, reluctance, or heaviness of spirit, then this is an inner witness in your spirit informing you of God's will in the matter. In the former instance, your spirit was witnessing to you to go ahead, and in the latter, it was a warning not to take the proposed action. The witness within is an inward knowing intuitively, through the enlightened spirit of a Christian, that a certain contemplated action, a doctrine, some individual, or a ministry, for instance, is right or wrong, whereas the inner voice of the Holy Spirit is God speaking directly by His Spirit within you concerning some matter. It must be stressed, however, that the inward witness and the inner voice of the Spirit are not merely some "feeling" we may have about a matter. They have nothing to do with what one feels either with the physical senses or the emotions. It is either an inward knowing (inner witness) that something is right or wrong, or it is an inner awareness that the Spirit of God is speaking directly to our spirit about some matter (inner voice of the Spirit). Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 4 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. This is, in the final analysis, merely an attempt to sanctify doubt and unbelief about healing, as well as an attempt to place the responsibility back on God for the healing. However, if those who attempt to do this knew the Word as they should they would know that God has already placed the responsibility for receiving anything from Him on them, saying, "all things whatsoever YOU shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive" (Mt. 21:22). God has promised that "the prayer of faith shall heal the sick." He did not qualify this by adding "sometimes"; nor did He say that "the prayer of faith shall heal only some types of diseases." If those who are confused would examine the Scriptures carefully on the subject of healing, they would discover that, although there are conditions one must meet, nevertheless, there are no exceptions to God's promises (Num. 23:19, 2 Cor. 1:20). Occasionally someone will relate an alleged exception, citing some instance which they have heard of where some individual had asked God for healing, or was anointed with oil and prayed for, but who, nevertheless, failed to receive healing, or actually died. Invariably, however, when it has been possible to ascertain all the facts in the case, we find that the so-called "exception" to divine healing was not an exception at all, but the failure on someone's part to meet the necessary "conditions." Without reservation God promises in James 5:15 that "the prayer of faith will heal the sick." He gives no exceptions to this promise; but He does, within the same context in which He gives us this promise, set forth several conditions for receiving it. For instance, He states that (1) it is the responsibility of the sick person to call for the elders of the church for prayer for healing (often you will find in the case of an individual who did not receive healing after anointing and prayer that the elders were called to come and pray by some sympathetic friend or member of the family, not by the sick individual himself, who in reality did not know what the Scriptures had to say about the matter, and as a consequence he did not have the faith to appropriate his healing. The reason God requires this condition to be met is simply because that it implies faith on the part of the sick individual for him to take the initiative and call for the elders to come and pray for his healing, (2) the sick are to be anointed with oil; (3) this is to be done in the name of the Lord (Jesus), (4) the sick should confess his faults so that he may be healed; and (5) the prayer of faith is to be offered (Jam. 5:15-16). The neglect of any one of these conditions, when healing is applied for on the basis of James 5, is sufficient reason to nullify the promise. Again in Exodus 15:26 God promises that sickness shall not come upon His people, saying, "I am the Lord that heals you." There are no exceptions to this promise, since the meaning of His Name, Yahweh Ropheka, signifies "I am the Lord that heals you," but there is a condition set forth in this same verse for receiving its application - obedience to His Word. There is prevalent today the popular but unscriptural notion that it is God's will to allow sickness, which He often places upon His children for His glory, or as a blessing in disguise, in order to teach them patience and humility, or to develop a deeper trust in Him. Thus, for most Christians there is only the unhappy prospect of an endless round of going to the doctors and the hospital, being subjected to surgery, and taking medicines and drugs while the medical insurance companies are growing rich in consequence of the mental and physical afflictions which result from their fears and unscriptural ideas concerning sickness. Therefore, Christians must be liberated from their erroneous ideas concerning sickness and healing if they are ever to be able to exercise sufficient faith for healing and health. There is but one way this can be done: through the Word of God, which is a revelation of His will concerning the believer's spiritual, physical, mental, and temporal welfare. It is in God's Word that they will discover that sickness is from Satan (Job 2:6-7; Lu. 13:10-16; 1Cor. 5:5; Acts 10:38), and that healing has been provided and promised by God (Isa. 53:4 with Mt. 8:16-17. Isaiah 53:4 reads Literally in the Hebrew: "Surely he hath carried away our diseases, and borne our pain." Ex. 15:26, Ps. 103:3; Mk. 16:17-18; l Cor.12:28; Jam. 5:14-16, I Pet. 2:24; 3 John 2). Did you know that every believer is invited to walk through life on a pathway literally paved with the promises of God? Did you know that you are promised health and your needs met, as well as spiritual blessings? Did you know that God has promised to give you wisdom, help, and guidance, as well as direct your steps day to day? A promise of God is to be looked upon as you do a check, it is to be endorsed by faith and taken to the bank and cashed. God invites you to open His Word and see just what is on deposit to your account as a joint-heir with Christ. When you do, you will find thousands of promises such as - "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give you the desires of thine heart" Ps 37:4) . "All things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive" (Matt. 21:22). "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 John 2). "There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling" (Ps. 91:10). "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mk. 16:17-18). "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed ... nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20). "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you" (Isa. 26:3). "The prayer of faith shall heal the sick" (Jam. 5:15). "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Ps. 91:15-16). "I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring" (Isa. 44:3; Acts 16:31). "Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (temporal blessings) shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). "Behold, I give unto you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt You"( Lu. 10:19). "If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it" (Jn. 14:14). "If two of you agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:19). "What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them" (Mk. 11:24). "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11). "All things are yours; whether the world, or life, or death, all things present, all things to come, all are yours" (1 Cor. 3:21-22). "Bless the Lord, O my soul…who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeemed your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfied your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Ps. 103:1-5). "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us, and if we know that if he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 Jn. 5:14-15). "We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:6). For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7). "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks It shall be opened" (Matt. 7:7-8). These are just some of the countless promises God has made to us, each of which may be appropriated by an act of faith on our part. In Psalm 37 alone there are over forty promises made to the believers! Most Christians, however, because of erroneous teaching concerning their rights, privileges, position, and inheritance, are going through life like beggars and paupers while walking on a pathway paved with the promises of God. What is the reason for this? The answer is to be found in Jesus' words in John 15:7, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." Because His Word is not abiding in them in any meaningful way the vast majority of Christians today find it difficult to believe that God is also interested in their physical and temporal needs, just as He is in their spiritual welfare. In spite of the fact that He clearly states, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3 Jn. 2). As a result of erroneous teaching, most seem obsessed with the unscriptural notion that a Christian cannot really be spiritual, healthy, and prosperous at the same time. They seem to think that God objects to them being out of debt or a success in life. But you can search the Scriptures from cover to cover and you will not find any place where God encourages His people to be failures in life, sick and diseased, bound to a bed of affliction, or so financially burdened and distressed that they have no time for serving him, or for growth in the spirit. On the contrary, He admonishes us five times in Matthew 8:19f. to "take no thought" for our temporal needs but to put the needs of the kingdom first and that He will supply all that we need. The scriptures declare that our inheritance belongs to us now, whereas the unbelieving contemporary church has insisted that we are not to benefit from these blessings in the present life, but only in the world to come. However, God says that all things are yours now - the world, life, death, things present, as well as things to come (1 Cor. 3:21-22). These blessings and promises do not have to be begged for. God does not have to be persuaded to fulfill His Word to us. Why? Simply because He has already said "yes" to all that He has promised us, even before we ask, "For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yes, and in him Amen" (2 Cor. 1:20). Do you believe what God offers you in the Scriptures? Do you really accept God's promise that "all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive?" Do you believe God's declaration that you are a joint-heir with Christ? A joint-heir with whom? He did not say that you are a joint-heir with the angels, or with the cherubim or seraphim; He did not say that you are a joint-heir with the apostles or the prophets, but that you are a joint-heir with Christ– He who said that "the gold and silver and the cattle on a thousand hills are mine, and you are a joint-heir with Me". He who said, "All power is given me in heaven and in earth," and I in turn give it unto you, for "in my name you shall cast out devils and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover"; He who said, "My God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory;" yes, it is He who said, "Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you." If you really believe that you are a joint-heir with Christ, and that all things are yours now, then why do you content yourself any longer with a stone when He offers you bread Lu. 11:9-13)? Why be satisfied with only a drink of water (Jn. 4), when He also promises that a river of water will flow out of you (Jn.7:37-39)? Why lament any longer as the elder brother did because of his lack? Rise up and take your inheritance as his father invited him to do, saying to him, "All things are yours and you have merely to lift up your voice and ask for whatsoever you desire and you shall receive it" (Lu 15:11-31). It is tragic that the churches today are filled with sick and diseased Christians, many of whom are dying prematurely, simply because they have not been taught that God has provided healing for them in Christ's atonement (Isa. 53) and promised it to them in His Word, and that they could appropriate it for themselves if they too would but ask! God said long ago that "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos. 4:6). When God's Word abides in your heart as it should, then you will come to see that it is God's will that you begin to possess your possessions now by faith as a testimony that His Word is true, and in order that you might be free of sickness, fear, worry, and anxiety, and also liberated from financial bondage in order to serve Him effectively. But until you search the Word and believe your inheritance, then life will consist for you, as for most Christians, of 365 days of just getting by somehow, days filled with cares, problems and worries, hoping that you can stay well for a few weeks at a time, praying that the old car will hold out through the winter, begging God to help you keep your head above water financially and pay of the mortgage eventually before you die, hoping and praying that God, some day and some how, will save your children, and so on. Such a mediocre form of existence is not God's will for His children, because He has revealed in the Scriptures the key to victorious living 385 days a year, for it is in the Word that we find that God has given an extensive revelation of His will and purpose for us. The Scriptures are filled with divine assurances and promises of our rights, privileges, position, and authority. God assures us that we are joint-heirs with Christ, seated in the heavens with Him, far above all principalities and powers, and that He has made adequate provision for our every temporal and spiritual need, as well as for the accomplishment of His will. He has promised us that all these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith and appropriate them. To be ignorant of this abundance of revelation concerning His will, either because of our neglect of study, or due to a lack of biblical teaching, is to be ignorant of the main source of knowledge concerning His will for us. Therefore, it is useless to pray for God to reveal His will for you, or give you special guidance regarding such matters as, for example, healing, deliverance, divine protection, salvation of loved ones, walking by faith, provision for temporal needs, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, marriage and divorce, the crucified life, our rights and inheritance, or how to obtain His blessings and promises. He has already furnished a written revelation of His will for us concerning such matters, saying, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Thus, the Scriptures themselves are one of the main sources of knowledge concerning God's will and how we are to apply it to our needs; it is only to the extent we know His Word that we will know His will, for the Psalmist tells us, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Ps. 119:105). Through Prayer: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him (Jam. 1:5). We have clearly offered here, a gracious encouragement to ask for divine guidance, with the definite promise that the necessary impartation of wisdom will be given. This method of ascertaining the will of God is so obvious it is often overlooked by many Christians. Do you need wisdom in making some important decisions? Is there a problem confronting you that seems to defy solution? Do you desire to know God's will about some matter before taking action? Have you tried asking God? "Ask God?" is often the puzzled reply. "No, I have asked the pastor. Our family physician was consulted once or twice, as was our analyst. And the opinion of some close friends has been occasionally sought, but ask God? Frankly I was not aware that we were supposed to ask Him concerning daily personal decisions which we must make. Such as regarding a solution to things such as domestic problems, changing places of employment, selling a home or business, moving to another state to live, which church to attend, whom to marry, or planning a career. Are we really to pray about such things? Will God actually give us the solution to such problems and needs? Can we receive divine guidance merely by asking for it?" many bewildered Christians inquire. Yes. You may learn God's will about some particular matter by asking Him to show you, "for everyone that asks receives" (Mt 7:8), and "you have not because you ask not" (Jam. 4:2). If you lack an understanding concerning God's will about some matter, if you are confused or uncertain about some decision you must make, and you have met the the conditions just discussed concerning consecration and abiding in His Word, then it can only mean that you have not asked in faith for the solution, for He clearly states in James 1:5 that if we lack wisdom, we need but to ask and it shall be given. Assuming you have met the other conditions, then your knowledge of God's will in your life will come in direct proportion to your asking. God does not make such a promise carelessly. If we lack understanding, it is because we do not ask of Him. Too many Christians find it easier to ask for advice from the pastor, marriage counselor, psychiatrist, or some acquaintance, instead of devoting this time to meeting the necessary conditions, then asking of God and waiting upon Him to reveal His will in the matter. Yes, it is necessary to wait upon the Lord to answer in His own time and way, for although He promises in Psalm 91:15, "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him," God has also told us to "wait on the Lord: be at good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Ps 27:14). Because they feel that a more direct approach to the matter will not only bring an easier but also a more prompt solution to the problem, most Christians seem to favor seeking local assistance from others, reserving their communications with heaven to those instances when all other avenues seem to be closed. As a result, they have come to look upon prayer much as they do a fire escape–to be used only in case of an emergency. Although God promises to reveal His will to those who will ask, it must be emphasized, however, that prayer is only as effective as our obedience to the conditions God has set forth. This illustrates the importance of being grounded in the Word of God, for only in this way can we remove any hindrance to the revelation of His will. He invites us to ask for wisdom and guidance, but He conditions this, for instance, by saying that if we regard iniquity in our hearts He will not hear our prayers (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:1-2). He tells us in 1 John 5:14-15 that we must conform our prayers to His Word, for we are promised that if we ask anything according to His will, then He hears us and grants to us the petition which we desire. Again, we are told that "He that turns away his ear from hearing the Word, even his prayer shall be an abomination" (Prov. 28:9). Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 3 of 6. God’s Basic Will for Every Christian. Continued. Who would you say such individuals are acknowledging when they make such negative statements as these concerning their sickness, defeat, frustrations, anxieties, and problems–God or Satan? This may explain to you why you are not experiencing more of God's leading in your life, or why it is that you do not know His will in this or that particular situation. Perhaps it is because you are acknowledging the wrong person as the controlling influence in your life and circumstances. Yes, this could very well be the major factor in much of your sickness, problems, frustration, and defeat, for God promises to direct the steps only of those who trust fully in Him, not themselves, and who acknowledge Him and His divine providence in all their ways. STUDY 2 How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. As incredible as it may seem at first glance, nevertheless, it is true that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Ps 37:23). The term "ordered" means literally "establish, or ordain" in the original Hebrew, and is used by David in Psalm 8:3 where he exclaims, "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained, what is man, that you are mindful of him?" The cycles of the moon, the movements of the planets, sun, and stars in their courses, as well as the revolving of the countless galaxies, composed of billions of stars, throughout the universe, are all ordained by God with such precision that scientists can set their watches by the sun or stars, astronomers can predict accurately where a certain heavenly body will be 100 years from now, and space scientists can, for example, send a spaceship toward Mars which will arrive many months later exactly on target. It is this same term which is used in Psalm 37:23, where we are told, "the steps of a good man are ordained by the Lord." This means that the same wisdom which ordained the courses of the sun, moon, planets, and stars with such magnificent precision has also ordained the steps of the Christian. Thus, we see that God has a plan for every life. When we know His will for our lives, then we can fulfill His plan. God has a plan for everything in the universe which He created: the sun, the moon, and stars; the angels and hosts of heaven; the southern flight of the birds in the winter and their return in the spring; the rise and fall of the tides; the periodic rainfall with the resultant growth of the earth's vegetation; the variation and change of the seasons, and so on. His wisdom, planning, and providential control are evident everywhere, from the delicate intricacy of design seen in the falling snowflake to the balance of the earth on its axis in its course around the sun. Since God has a preordained plan for everything, would it not, therefore, be strange if He neglected to have a plan for men, whom He created in His own image? And yet, most people, including Christians, live as if God created man, and then more or less left him alone, having only a passing interest in his welfare and condition. The Scriptures clearly state that God has a plan for every believers' lives, as seen for example, in such passages as Psalm 37; 91; Proverbs 37:23; Psalm 37:23; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1; 4:11-15; 5:17. . Nevertheless, Many Christians know nothing of the concept of a God-planned life. These are people who apparently do not know that Jesus promised that a sparrow "shall not fall on the ground without your Father," and that "the very hairs of your head are all numbered" ( Mt. 10:29-30). From their joyless expression and speaking of wretchedness, adversity, and confusion, one would gather that God had saved them only to forsake them, leaving them to struggle along in the world as best they can. There are Christians everywhere who seem to have lost their direction, who have made the wrong choices, who are uncertain as to God's will for their lives, who are in the wrong occupation and are unhappy and dissatisfied, who are insecure and afraid, who cannot make a decision without doubt or apprehension concerning whether or not they have done the right thing, and who are frustrated, discouraged, and defeated by circumstances. It is not God's will that any Christian should suffer such bewilderment and defeat. Why? Simply because "the steps of a good man are ordained by the Lord." Far too many Christians are living below the level of what God has planned for their lives. He has a perfect plan for you in order for you to fulfill His will; but there is also a permissive will which He allows those to follow who, for one reason or another, reject or neglect to follow His perfect will. So many Christians are living on this lower plane of God's permissive will, which can never bring the joy, peace, accomplishment and fulfillment they are looking for. Often they are accepting a life of frustration, oppression, and poverty because of their ignorance of, or their unwillingness to submit to, God's perfect will for their lives. Our lives are only happy and complete when we are moving in God's will, since we lack both the wisdom and foresight to plan our own lives effectively. The Scriptures declare, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps" (Jer.10:23) Isaiah graphically portrays the consequences of man's attempt to plan and direct his own life, saying, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way" (Isa. 53:6). "Does God want me to go back to my wife and attempt to salvage our marriage for the children's sake, or remain separated and try to make the best of it?" a bewildered husband asks. "I feel the call of God in my life," confides another. "It seems to be in the mission field. However, I have a family to provide for, and as yet I do not have the support of any missionary society. How can I know what God would have me to do?" "Now that I have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit," a young woman asks, "should I remain in my present church, which is not sympathetic toward this experience today, and try to witness my experience there, or should I seek fellowship with Spirit filled Christians in another church?" "I must know by the end of the next month whether or not I should renew my lease on my place of business. My wife and I feel that the Lord may be leading us out of this into something else. How can I know for certain just what God would have us do?" asks a man that is pressed for a decision soon. "Can I believe God for deliverance from the financial oppression I am suffering?" "Will God heal me of multiple sclerosis, which medical science states to be incurable?" "Is it possible for me to ask in faith for the salvation of my family?" "How can I determine if God would have me to remain in my present employment or ask for something better?" "Should I remain unmarried and thereby be able to serve the Lord more effectively?" "Have I failed God somewhere and missed His will for me, since I seem to be going through so many severe trials in the past few months?" "Should we pray for deliverance from our trials?" "How may I determine if I should seek to serve the Lord in some form of religious work, or remain in my present teaching position?" "I am confused about God's will for my life. How may I be sure just what He would have me to do?" Questions ... questions ... questions - all from bewildered, confused, sometimes frustrated Christians, earnestly seeking to learn God's will for their lives, or anxious to know His will concerning an important decision they must make in some pressing matter. How can the man who feels God would have him go to the mission field ascertain God's will? Certainly it is an important and crucial decision with which he is faced. It is useless, and even unsafe, for a man to be trying to serve the Lord in India, if God wants him in Indiana. That student will certainly fail who attempts to leave a school where God has placed him, merely because he must undergo certain trials in order to remain. Nor will that person ever succeed who, motivated by an enthusiasm to serve the Lord, disposes of his business in order to go preach the gospel, when God desires to use him as a Christian businessman right where he is. He will be as frustrated and out of place as that individual who failed to respond to God's call to preach His Word and accepted something less than God's perfect will for his life. Likewise, when one is not sure whether or not he has made the right decision about some matter in harmony with God's will, it will be terribly difficult to determine, if he finds himself going through trying circumstances, whether these experiences are "trials of his faith," or chastisement for his disobedience. How can we be sure just what God's will is in the decisions which confronts us? How can we avoid mistakes and costly blunders? You may be sure of one thing - you do not have to plead with God to guide and direct you. Over and over in Scripture He expresses His willingness and desire to give you an understanding of His perfect will for your life. He promises to direct your footsteps day to day. God has pledged Himself to direct each step of your life if you will determine to meet the three-fold condition which He sets forth in Proverbs 3:5-6 of total trust in the Lord; a lack of trust in yourself; and a constant statement of these two facts. EIGHT SCRIPTURAL METHODS BY WHICH GOD MAKES KNOWN HIS WILL It is not unreasonable to believe that if God could create a man in His image that He could also speak to him and communicate His will to him, Inasmuch as God has clearly stated in His Word that it is His desire to reveal His will to the believer, and is displeased when we are not walking in harmony with it. We should also expect that He would provide the means for ascertaining it. This He has done. There are, we find, eight scriptural methods for ascertaining God's will – three are notice in which we must take the initiative, and five are passive in which we become recipients of divine revelation of His will for us, as seen, for example, in the angel's appearance to Joseph in a dream warning him to flee into Egypt with the child, Jesus. Passive revelation of God's will comes unsought at the Spirit's sovereign discretion, inasmuch as God has promised to direct the steps of those who fulfill the conditions (Prov. 3:5-6). At the Altar: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:1-2). I find that many Christians spend years seeking to learn God's will for their lives. They read books on the subject, hoping to find some clue, they pray for guidance, or they seek help through religious counseling, but they have overlooked God's basic requirement for learning His perfect will – the total commitment of one's life on the altar as a living sacrifice. To comprehend just what God requires for total consecration, it is suggested that the section entitled Go Back to Calvary in the first previous studies be reviewed again, for all that was set forth there is to be applied here as the manner in which Romans 12:1-2 is to be understood and obeyed. While it is true that the Christian can ascertain to some degree God's will through prayer, study at His Word, or by other means, nevertheless, total consecration is required to know His perfect will, as Romans 12:1-2 clearly indicates. We must learn that we cannot substitute praying for obeying; for without total commitment many precious hours can be wasted praying for a revelation of God's will, or for guidance for our lives in some matter, and heaven will often seem as brass. Why? God is waiting for us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, and climb upon the altar where He can speak with us. He only reveals His perfect will to us when we are upon the altar, for it is only here that we are in a position to hear Him when He speaks. When "self" has been crucified and the life surrendered without reservation, then you will find that the Spirit is frequently speaking inwardly to you, and that you can become quite sensitive to His voice, being able to discern it from your own will, or from the suggestions of the enemy. It is a great blessing to know when the Spirit is speaking, and to be able to respond to His leading and prompting, fulfilling God's will instead of wandering aimlessly about confused and, bewildered. You will find that you will be sensitive to His voice to the extent your life is consecrated on the altar and you are yielded to the Spirit. And to the extent you are sensitive to His voice you are able to respond when He speaks. God at times, for one reason or another, speaks directly to His children in an audible voice to reveal some matter to them, give them guidance, or make known His will. Generally, however, it is by means of that still, inner voice that He speaks to our spirit, prompting, leading, directing, and influencing, or at times checking us from taking some undesirable course of action. God will not reveal His perfect plan and will to a Christian who is not fully yielded unto Him without reservation, for such an individual would be ineffective and unable to fulfill God's purpose in his life. An effective instrument is one that has yielded itself completely to the hand of the one using it. Many Christians feel they have yielded themselves to the Spirit and have consecrated themselves to God, yet they have not always done so without reservation. One individual, for instance, feels that he is consecrated because he is praying for God to send him as a missionary to India, but who at the same time would have no desire for God to use him as a missionary to Indiana! He is consecrated, but not unconditionally; thus, God's perfect will cannot be revealed to him, since it would be impossible for it to be fulfilled in his life. Another, with a gift of prophecy prays earnestly to God to fulfill his desire and use him in a great way in a ministry of prophecy like that of Amos or Isaiah, but has little inclination to follow in the steps of a prophet like Lucius, for example. After all, who has ever heard of Lucius outside of the people in the local church at Antioch (Acts 13:1)? Another pleads with God for the gifts and power to slay giants as David, pulling down Satan's strongholds, but would decline to engage in this warfare alone in his closet, on his knees, wrestling with the forces of darkness by prayer and fastings. Christians too often come to God and think they are consecrating themselves to Him simply because they say, "Here I am Lord, use me in such and such a place, at such and such a time, in such and such a way." Then they wonder why God does not respond to this little genuflection before Him with a mighty out-pouring of His Spirit upon them, or why they seem to have so much difficulty in ascertaining His will for their lives. After all, they do wish to serve Him and to be used by Him. Why then are they so often bewildered and ineffective? It is simply because they have not placed themselves on the altar and yielded themselves unconditionally to Him. It is true that God wants to use you to speak His Word; but if you are not fully yielded to Him, then often you will find that you will be speaking the wrong word to the wrong people at the wrong time. An effective instrument is one fully yielded to the purpose of the one using it. Therefore, before God can unveil His perfect will for your life day to day, you must first obey that aspect of His will which He has already revealed – total consecration, "for this is the will of God, even your consecration" (1 Th. 4:3). It is only as we present ourselves as living sacrifices that we are shown progressively, day to day, more and more, "what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:1-2). Just as we fellowship and speak with our children God promises to communicate with us and reveal His will, however, it may be that you have been living too far from Him to hear His voice when He speaks. Draw near to Him daily in prayer, love, and obedience, and you will find yourself becoming increasingly sensitive to His voice as He speaks to you. In the Word; All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Those who may be looking for a shortcut or some easy solution to learning the will of God probably will be disappointed to learn that God has already revealed His will for their lives in large measure in the Scriptures; and, as a consequence, this means they will have to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things, and diligently search His Word, if they expect Him to speak to them through it. In these instances in which Christians with whom I have counseled are bewildered and confused, and are unable to ascertain God's will about some matter, I have found almost invariably that their predicament is the inevitable consequence of not knowing what the Word of God teaches concerning their problem or need. Again and again I have seen Christians pray for a revelation of God's will, or come to me for guidance about some matter, the solution to which is already revealed in God's Word. It is useless to ask God for guidance on matters where He has clearly unfolded His will, if through negligence, or for some other reason, an individual has not bothered to ascertain what He has had to say on the subject. If, for example, a Christian woman wishes to marry an unbeliever, hoping to convert him after marriage, she could pray for months for a revelation of God's will in the matter without receiving it, for God is never going to answer such a request as to whether or not this marriage should take place. Why? Simply because He has already revealed His will on this matter in His Word (2 Cor. 6:14). Neither is God going to give that individual the Holy Spirit who prays as some do whom I have heard, saying, "Lord, if the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for me, and if it is your will that I should have it, then somehow show me this fact and I will accept it." God has already revealed in His Word the promise of the Holy Spirit, and states clearly that the baptism will be given to those who, in faith, ask for it (Lk. 11:13). Again, many Christians are confused concerning God's will in the matter of sickness. Since they are not firmly grounded in what the Word of God teaches on the subject of healing, then they are unsettled in their minds, believing that it is not always God's will to heal the sick, and that there are some exceptions to His promise that "the prayer of faith shall heal the sick" (Jam. 5:15). Because they do not know God's Word as they should on this question, then they do not always know what God's will is in the event of sickness, especially in case of serious illness, and have, therefore, committed themselves to praying the faithless prayer in such instances, "O Lord, if it be thy will I ask that I might be healed somehow, nevertheless, not my will but thine be done." Such apparent resignation to God's will may sound pious, but it most certainly is not scriptural, inasmuch as God has already revealed His will about the matter of sickness in His Word in dozens of passages, such as Mark 16:18, saying, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 2 of 6. God’s Basic Will for Every Christian. Continued. The Holy Spirit is for the purpose of enabling us to become “fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10), and this Jesus said, comes not by "doing," but by "dying." Until we learn this lesson, we may work our heads off in religious efforts and still never really be fruitful. God does not call us merely to do "good works" – every Christian is capable of this– but His will for us is that we should become fruitful in every good work. We can do good works and still not be moving in His will. Good works are acceptable in the sight of God only to the extent they are in harmony with His will and under His direction. The case of Saul is a perfect example of this fact. God had sent King Saul against the Amalekites commanding him to destroy utterly both man and beast because the Amalekites had ruthlessly attacked Israel when she had first come out of Egypt. In disobedience Saul spared King Agag alive and kept the best of the sheep and oxen for the purpose of offering sacrifices unto the Lord. Now, God had commanded the Israelites through Moses to worship Him with sacrifices and burnt offerings as King Saul well knew. Certainly Saul's intentions were good in his desire to offer sacrifices unto the Lord, but God rejected him from the kingship of Israel nevertheless, saying, through Samuel, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams ... Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king" (1 Sam. 15:22-23). In Matthew 7:21 Jesus declared, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven." He then makes clear His meaning in verses 22-23 stating that many who are engaged in performing "good works," will, nevertheless, be rejected at the return of Christ because they were not doing the "will of God." A good deed does not necessarily make one acceptable to God merely because it results in good being done to someone else; our works are acceptable to God only to the extent they are in harmony with the will of God and a fulfillment of His purpose. God has not called us merely to do good works, but to do His will and move under the direction of His Spirit. We must be willing to resign from the delusion of religious commotion and be still, patiently waiting upon Him as He teaches us how to become sensitive to His voice, in order that He might make us to be "fruitful in every good work." The Spirit is calling us to be crucified with Christ, for it is on the cross that He teaches us how to grow quiet in order to hear His voice; and it is here that He rids our hearts of all the wrong notions about God's will for our lives and how He intends to fulfill His greater purpose through the Body of Christ in this end of the age. It is upon the disciple's return to Calvary, when he has been crucified with Christ, that the Spirit will then begin to teach him how to- 3. Speak to the Mountain. And on the morrow, when they were center from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a tree afar off having leaves, he came, if happily He might find something therein: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it; No man eat fruit of you hereafter forever. And his disciples heard it. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which you cursed is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For truly I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them (Mark 11:12-14, 20-24). The importance of faith in the life of the Christian is emphasized again and again in God's Word, for we are told that "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Heb. 11:6), and "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). The Christian has been called to walk by faith and to live a life of total trust in God. Sadly, however, the faith of the average Christian rises little above that of the world generally. Doubt and unbelief in the life of a Christian constitutes disobedience to the revealed will of God Who commands us to have faith and to trust Him implicitly in all things without reservation. Christians have an abundant inheritance provided for them by Christ's redemption. They are rich spiritually, materially, and physically, but too few are aware of this fact, believing instead that they are not to receive any of their 'inheritance now, or benefit from it in the present life, but only in the world to come. The Scriptures, on the contrary, declare that our inheritance belongs to us now, for God has promised that "all things are yours... whether the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours" (1 Corinthians 3:21-22). Healing, for example, has been provided for the believer and promised to him in God's Word (Isa. 53:4-5; Mt. 8:16-17; Mk. 16:18, James 5:14-15). It should be obvious that such a promise has no meaning unless it is valid here and now, for the believer will not need healing in the hereafter, inasmuch as he will not be subject to sickness. And so it is with almost all God’s promises-they are for the present, for it is now, in this life, that we have need of food, clothing, shelter, healing, health, protection, deliverance from fear, oppression, and so on. The Scriptures are filled with divine assurances, rights, privileges, blessings, and promises given to the believer whereby God has made provision for our every spiritual, physical, and material need, as well as for the accomplishment of the work He has commissioned His Church to do in the fulfillment of His will. All these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith and appropriate them. Moreover, if we are willing to meet the conditions, then we do not have to beg or persuade Him to fulfill His promises to us, for God assures us that He has already said "yes" to every promise He has made (2 Cor. 1:20), and that He does not go back on His word (Num. 23:19). It is sad to see some Christians who have accepted this deeper message who, nevertheless, have no real faith to sustain them in it, teaching the same errors as the institutional churches that an important part of our crucifixion is the absence of material blessings and the acceptance of sickness and pain. Such a view is completely out of harmony with the Word of God, for healing and the promise of the supply of all our needs have been provided in the atonement, and promised again and again in the scriptures. They are to be appropriated by faith as a part of our inheritance. Failure to ask for healing when one is sick, and to believe for God's daily provision for our temporal needs, is to ignore His promises, frustrate His will and purpose for our lives, and make Christ's sufferings and death at Calvary to provide us these blessings all in vain. The crucifixion the Christian is called upon to experience is not that of physical sickness, pain, and poverty, but the crucifixion of self. One may give up all his possessions and still not lose his affection for these things. In giving up the self-life one loses his affection for material things as ends in themselves, and as a result God can, with confidence, bless him abundantly just as He has promised in Philippians 4:19, where the Apostle Paul declares that "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Note carefully that God promises here to bless us richly by Christ Jesus which clearly means that all our needs (temporal as well as spiritual) were provided for in Christ's atonement, for all that we receive from God comes to us only as a result of Christ's work at Calvary (cf. 2 Cor. 1:20). Likewise, to contend that God sometimes uses sickness to make the believer more spiritual, or allows us to suffer occasionally in order to draw some lost or backslidden member of our family to Him, is in effect saying that we must add our suffering to that of Christ at Calvary. But the Scriptures plainly declare that "Surely he (Christ) has carried away our diseases, and borne our pains and with His stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:4-5 Matt 8:17) Moreover, God draws your unsaved and backslidden loved ones to Him by the sufferings of Christ, not yours! Jesus' words in John 12:32-33 forever settle this fact: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me". This he said, signifying what death he should die." Only the Christian that refuses to accept sickness and poverty, knowing that they come from the hand of Satan (Jn. 10:10, Acts 10:38), and who walks in total faith in God in these matters, can fulfill God's perfect will in his life. Otherwise, he will find that he spends a good part of his time disabled with sickness and unable to serve the Lord as he should. Furthermore, much time is wasted in concern for supplying his temporal needs, instead of seeking first the Kingdom of God and allowing Him to provide these things as He promises in His Word (Matt. 6:19-34; Phil. 4:19). Thus, he must waste a good deal of his prayer time, which could be utilized for others, praying for, and concerned with, himself, instead of the work of the Kingdom. Very obviously "self" is not crucified when one spends so much time ministering to itself. It is only by walking in total faith, appropriating God's provisions which He has promised, do we have the health, strength, time, and provisions to fulfill His will in our lives. Are you concerned with fulfilling God's will in your life? God's will can be accomplished in the life of the Christian onIy to the extent he is willing to trust Him. Did you know that God has pledged Himself to direct each step of your life? The condition, however, is faith - total trust in God in all things without reservation. The promise is found in Proverbs 3:5-8: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. There are three conditions of faith in this promise which the Christian must meet if he expects such divine direction of his life: (1) total trust in the Lord ("Trust in the Lord with all thine heart"); (2) lack of trust in oneself ("and lean not unto thine own understanding"); and (3) a constant confession of these two facts ("in all thy ways acknowledge him"). (1) Total trust in the Lord. Many Christians today reveal their great lack of faith in that they have no real confidence in God to keep the promises He has made them. This is reflected in their unwillingness to ask in faith what He has provided for them and promised to them; or when they do ask Him to fulfill a promise to meet some need, they condition their prayers by saying, "Grant this request Lord if it be Your will." Prayer conditioned with "if" for something God has promised is not a prayer of faith, and is one's confession that he is not sure God will be faithful and fulfill what He has promised to do. It is a terrifying thought to most Christians to suggest that God expects them to trust Him alone for their health, healing, finances, employment, protection, and so on. As a result they carefully arrange their lives so that they will never have to suffer the embarrassment of having to depend solely on Him in case of accident, sickness, financial distress, or some other emergency. Unlike the saints of old, who had only God to rely on for their provision, deliverance, and protection, the pampered saints of our generation have surrounded themselves with many fleshly substitutes for faith, while the financial institutions, together with the medical and accident insurance companies, are growing rich as a result of their doubt, fear, and unbelief. The life of faith means simply to "trust in the Lord with all your heart." Faith knows nothing of alternatives, substitutes, helps, or exceptions. Total trust in the Lord is to confess with the Psalmist: "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust" (Ps. 91:2.). Total trust in the Lord is based upon the confidence that God is faithful to do all He has pledged Himself to do; thus, the Scriptures encourage us to "hold fast to the confession of our faith without doubting; for he is faithful that promised" (Heb. 10:23). The lack of true faith among professing believers today stems largely from the fact that people have been taught so many wrong ideas about the Biblical promises concerning such things as divine healing, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, the presence and activity of demons, provision for our temporal needs, the miraculous and supernatural. So many half-truths have been taught about God's promises that Christians today do not know what to believe. The trouble with a half-truth is that people usually believe the wrong half. I have found in my ministry of teaching what faith is that before I can get Christians to the place that they can once more begin to appropriate the promises of God and start living on the level of their inheritance, I must first of all get them to see that there are certain things concerning the Christian faith which are just not debatable, and that the Word of God is clear on these things. Moreover, when human opinion contradicts the plain teaching of the Word, then we must flatly reject man's interpretation of God's promises and take a stand with the Word. His promises are generally clear enough and need no special interpretation or explanation, which often robs them of their validity and effectiveness for this day. When we are promised that "the prayer of faith shall heal the sick,” and that "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory," that "there shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling," that "if any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven," that "what things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them," and that God "forgives all your iniquities; (and) heals all your diseases," then the Word is clear enough and needs no interpretation, but is simply to be acted upon in faith. There are literally thousands of such promises in the Scriptures which may be appropriated by faith. We find that Christians today, who are willing to lay aside men's opinion concerning God's Word and trust in the Lord with all their hearts, discover that Jesus is indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8), and that God will not fail to fulfill any promise which He has made (Num.23:19) (2) Lack of trust in oneself. The second condition to meet, if we are to expect divine direction for our lives, is stated thus: "lean not upon your own understanding." How many times have you prayed for guidance concerning God's will in some matter about which there was no specific revelation of His will in the Scriptures, but already had your mind made up as to what you desired to do and how you wanted God to answer your prayer? Do you at times, as you pray, wish to reserve the right to refuse the path God shows you in the event the cost seems too great, or in case His will is not in line with what you really wanted to do? In such instances are you not actually saying that you believe your wisdom and understanding concerning your need is greater than God's and is not such prayer in reality little more than an attempt to obtain God's approval on the course of action you have already decided to take? Again, we often see the substitution of human understanding for faith in God when a specific promise in His Word has been asked for, such as a promise of healing, provision of some special need, or the salvation or deliverance of a loved one. When the Christian is required to suffer a trial in connection with obtaining the answer, or when the circumstances seem to get worse for a time, then we find that many times he will begin to rely on his own wisdom in an attempt to "help" God provide the answer or solve the problem. So many are willing to trust God only up to a certain point, but then begin to panic if the symptoms become worse, or when the money they prayed for has not arrived by the deadline, or if the alcoholic husband or backslidden daughter they had prayed to the Lord for seems to be getting more hopeless daily. It is then that they will often seek to force open some door before it is God's time, or seek to change the adverse circumstance in some way. Leaning on one's own understanding results from a lack of trust in God, and invariably hinders Him in answering the prayer, often making it impossible for Him to help such individuals. We cannot expect divine direction of our lives unless we are willing to humble ourselves and admit that our fallible wisdom and intellect are incapable of solving the complexities of life or in fulfilling God's perfect will in our lives. (3) Constant Confession. The third condition for receiving divine direction for our lives is stated as follows: "In all your ways acknowledge him." This is the constantly saying that we are not leaning unto our own understanding, but are trusting the Lord in every detail of our lives. To acknowledge Himin all our ways means that we will speak God's blessing, protection, and guidance at all times, and not boast, as so many do, of our own achievements, nor say of how "fortunate" we were in receiving the unexpected raise in salary, or how "lucky" we were when no one was injured in the recent accident. Acknowledging God in all our ways is in reality a statement of faith in Him. If we genuinely believe that He is directing our every step, it will be reflected in our daily conversation. Sadly, Satan has somehow brought about the sad situation where we find that very often Christians seem to be acknowledging the enemy in all their ways, instead of the Lord. If you do not believe this, then just listen to the conversation and talking of the average Christian day to day. In reply to the simple, friendly greeting, "How are you today?" you may be surprised how often Christians immediately begin to confess that Satan has the victory over them. We hear such replies as, "Oh, I'm not feeling too well today," or "I believe I am trying to take the flu. "When asked to help in some aspect of the Lord's work, not infrequently Christians will decline, saying, "I would be afraid to attempt that," or "Perhaps you should ask someone else, as I am sure I would fail." Another laments, "If the cost of living keeps going up, I just don't know what I'm going to do. I suppose my wife will just have to go to work to help make ends meet." "I committed the problem in my marriage to the Lord several months ago," one discouraged wife tells another, "but the situation shows no marked improvement, and I must say that I am just about ready to give the whole thing up." Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 1 of 6. God’s Basic Will for Every Christian. "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17). How does God make known His will to us? He revealed His will to Joseph in dreams, warning him to take Mary into Egypt with the child Jesus; and again, after the death of Herod, God instructed him in another dream to return to Palestine. He spoke directly to Samuel during the night, and to Moses from a burning bush, imparting to them revelation concerning His will and purpose. God revealed His plan for the redemption of the Gentiles in a vision to Peter, and sent an angelic messenger from heaven to Zechariah announcing the birth of John the Baptist who was to be the forerunner of Christ. In answer to the prayers of the Church at Antioch, the Holy Spirit made known God's will concerning the apostolic ministry of Paul and Barnabas (Acts13), while He confirmed His purpose to Gideon through the use of a fleece. He continually imparted, both to Israel and the Church, revelation of His will and purpose through His anointed prophets. Also the Scriptures themselves, as seen for example in Paul's epistles to the churches, were intended as a divinely inspired revelation of God's will for the believer. In these and other ways, God has unfolded His will and purpose in the past, and continues to the present time. God has a plan for the life of every believer; and it is His desire, by one method or another, to reveal His will to you. The Christian may be assured that there is no need to stumble through life bewildered and confused, imploring heaven for divine guidance, as if God must be persuaded to give us help and direction. On the contrary, the Scriptures not only declare over and over God's willingness to make known His will to us, but also tells us that He has provided the means whereby we may ascertain it. This will be unfolded in the following studies which set forth: God's basic will for every Christian, and how God makes known His will for specific decisions and needs. God's plan and purpose for your life did not begin the day you were born–it did not begin when you were saved–it did not begin at the time you received the baptism in the Holy Spirit– but the Scriptures declare that you were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, and have been called to fulfill His purpose in you (Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:3-6). You will find that God many times has been working in the circumstances of your life months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. The popular notion held by most Christians that God's plan for our lives does not begin until our conversion. That God, like man, is more or less at the mercy of our circumstances, in that He must wait until He learns what we are going to do, or not do, and then adjusts His plans accordingly, has absolutely no basis in Scripture. On the contrary, the Scriptures show that God already has a complete and perfect plan for every Christian's life, and that it does not fluctuate and change to conform to our notions and beliefs. Nor does He adjust it to fit our lives when we do not know His will for us, but He expects us to seek diligently to learn His will and do it. One basic cause for much of the sickness, worry, anxiety, frustration, and failure of the Christian life is directly related to his lack of knowledge concerning God's will for him, and, as a consequence, he finds himself compelled to live much of the time in a state of confusion, disharmony, and defeat. How then can we learn God's will and put an end to such frustration and failure in order to fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives? This will be made clear in the discussion which follows. STUDY 1 God’s Basic Will for Every Christian. Basically, God's will for every believer is three-fold. While God's will and purpose for the individual Christian will vary, inasmuch as no two individuals are alike in their needs, spiritual maturity, understanding, obedience, or their function in the Body of Christ, nevertheless, His will is the same for every believer in three important areas. These are a vital and necessary part of the Christian experience, as well as in the fulfillment of God's will in our lives. Upon conversion, the believer is expected first of all to– 1. Receive the Promise of the Spirit. And being assembled together with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which said he, you have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit... (Acts 1:4-5). The Apostle Paul admonishes us in Ephesians 5:17, saying, "Where-fore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of God is," he then informs us how this is to be accomplished, saying, "be filled with the Spirit" (5:18). In John 14:26, Jesus declares that when the Holy Spirit comes to the believer that "He will teach them in all things." Therefore, a Christian who has rejected the experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit as valid for today, to pray for God to reveal His will for his life, or to ask for divine wisdom in order to make an important decision, finds that, all too often, such prayers are ineffective. Does such an individual really expect that God should make an exception for him and reveal His will for his life, giving him divine wisdom and guidance when he has rejected the Holy Spirit, Whom God has sent for this express purpose? In large measure, the cause for much of their confusion, frustration, and failure, as well as the cause for much unanswered prayer, results from their inability to discern the will of God. It is a great blessing to know heaven's will for our lives, to be given divine guidance day to day, and have the wisdom we need to make important decisions – which is largely impossible without the infilling of the Spirit. The Christian without this experience spends much of his time out of the will of God, wandering aimlessly about, fearful and anxious, often wondering if he has made the correct decision about this or that matter. His life hindered and frustrated because of doubt and worry, which resulted from his ignorance concerning the will of God. Therefore, God's will for every Christian is, first of all, that he in faith receives the promise of the Father, experiencing Pentecost just as the first disciples. He is to be filled with the Spirit, in order that he will "not (be) unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17-18). Being filled with the Spirit is equated with the baptism in the Spirit in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 1:4-5 with 2:4), which is to be received by asking for this experience in faith, (Luke 11:13). It will be accompanied by the sign of the baptism as one acts upon his faith and begins to speak in new tongues as the Spirit gives him utterance (Acts 2:4). Do you wish you knew the will of God for your life? Do you desire His guidance each day and want to put an end to your doubts, worries, and frustrations, which are due to your inability to discern His will concerning decisions you must make? Then ask for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, for God tells us that His Spirit has been sent to give you such understanding, concerning the will of the Lord (Eph. 5:17-18). After the believer has received the promise and experienced Pentecost, he is then called to - 2) Go Back to Calvary. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me (Mt. 16:24). God's basic will for every Christian after being filled with the Holy Spirit is, in the second place, to yield completely to the Spirit, "Who has come to bring the believer into conformity to the death of Christ (Gal. 2:20). Few Christians realize that after having received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit they still have not fulfilled God's ultimate will for their lives, nor attained His higher purpose. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is but the doorway to a deeper experience with God. It is God's call to live the crucified life. God in this hour is calling Spirit-filled believers to walk on a higher spiritual level then they have ever known before. He is calling them to yield themselves fully to Him and allow the Spirit to: bring them into a place of the crucifixion and death of self (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 3:10), so that the resurrection power of Christ may be manifested in and through them. The manifestation of the resurrection life and power of Christ, as the Apostle indicates in Philippians 3:10, comes through our conformity to the sufferings and death of Christ. The crucified life is the deeper life in the Spirit, which is God's higher purpose for the Christian. It is the Spirit-filled believer's growth "unto a full-grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13). The way into the fullness of Christ is the way of the cross. It means to take up the cross and follow Jesus. It is, in a word, the death of the self-life, for Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Failure to understand this is to fail to understand the purpose why God filled you with His Spirit and to frustrate God's will for your life. We are called to go to Calvary twice– the first time, in order to meet Jesus and partake of His life– the second time, in order to go with Jesus and partake of His sufferings and death (Mt. 16:24). The majority of those who are receiving the baptism in the Spirit today have little or no conception of this divine purpose and have not understood, or have misinterpreted, the nature of their calling. God's will for every Spirit-filled believer is for him to understand the purpose for which he has been filled with the Spirit, and to submit himself to it. This, as we have seen, is God's call to accept the crucified life to the end that we may experience the fullness of Christ (Eph. 3:19; 4:13), as preparatory for the restoration of all things now at the consummation of this age. Acceptance of the crucified life, by yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit involves basically two things. To the extent we fail to understand them and submit ourselves to them, to that extent we frustrate God's end-time purpose for us. We will find ourselves moving outside the sphere of His will for our lives. (1) To accept the crucified life is to understand that the Biblical experience is not to "do" but to "die." It is not surprising that most Christians who have been spiritually dry and unfruitful for so many years prior to receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit interpret their experience, especially in the light of Jesus words in Acts 1:8, as a call to do more for God, Now that they have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, they look upon their baptism as the means by which they may increase their religious activities, or become a more efficient worker in the church, or more effectively promote the Kingdom of God. It often comes as a surprise, therefore, to learn that God has not called them to be anything or do anything for Him, but that He has called them to be crucified with Christ by submitting themselves completely to the Spirit's direction and control. "But I thought that Jesus teaches in John 15 that He has chosen us to go forth and bear fruit," exclaims an astonished Christian. This is true; but even before He said this, in John 12:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. The crucified life is not trying to "do" more for God after receiving the baptism of the Spirit; it is not merely praying more, giving out more tracts, reading the Bible more, witnessing more, or increasing our religious works. It is not activity–, it is surrender–it is being crucified with Christ. It is not Christ and us, but Christ in us, that will make our lives effective and produce the fruit. There is no such thing as living the crucified life without the death of "self" as in this way Christ may then live His life in us and fulfill His will through us (Gal. 2:20). Otherwise, all we are doing is perpetuating what we already have a man-made partnership with God, in which "self" is still on the throne, and the Holy Spirit is considered little more than the means by which we may empower our programs and promote our religious institutions, organizations, and ideas. Christians have been led to believe that church programs are sanctified and all religious work made acceptable to God merely because these things are consecrated to Him and done in Jesus' name. One of the most difficult lessons Christians must learn is that such a conception has no scriptural basis whatsoever, and that God does not call us to devise plans as to the most effective means by which we can get the world converted to Christ, or promote the work of the Kingdom with His help. His call is always a call to submit to the Spirit without reservation; it is a call to be crucified with Christ to the end that He may then be able to fulfill His will through us. One writer, whose ministry in the deeper things of the Spirit is well-known, relates her transforming experience in this regard. After some years of dedicated service to the Lord, the Spirit revealed to her in a very graphic manner just how worthless and unacceptable religious works are which are not produced by the Spirit through a fully yielded vessel, but which result merely from one's desire to serve the Lord and be involved in religious work. One morning she awoke and beheld before her a hand holding up a handful of filthy rags, when a voice spoke, saying, "This is the outcome of all your past service for God." "But Lord," she protested, "I have been surrendered and consecrated to You all these years, it was consecrated works" "Yes, My child," the Lord replied, "but all your service has been consecrated for yourself; the outcome of your own energy; your own plans for winning souls; your own devotion.. All for Me, but yourself all the same!" Then came the deeper revelation by the Spirit that God does not call us to do something for Him by our own efforts, but that we are called to submit to Him, so that He can then do something in us in order that He might then do something through us. We are called to pick up the cross and follow Jesus to Calvary and there be crucified with Him. From that hour she relates that she understood that it is in dying, not doing, that spiritual fruit is produced, for "except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit." The deep work of the Spirit in us, as we submit ourselves fully to Him, may be compared to a tree in the wintertime. In winter the tree stands barren and still. All evidence of life and beauty are gone. The tree's ability to provide shade is gone. There is no fruit to be seen. Death seems to have conquered it. But if we could see beneath the ground we would find that life still exists. Down beneath the surface it is doing a deep work–new roots are being formed, while old ones are growing stronger and pushing deeper into the earth, becoming more firmly rooted to enable the tree to withstand the trials and storms ahead. It is in the tree's apparent death–when it grows still and ceases all outward activity–that the deep work of God is taking place beneath the surface. And so it is in the deeper work of the Spirit in us; it is only as we submit ourselves in total surrender in Him and become still, ceasing from all religious commotion and fleshly activity, that He can perform His deeper work in our lives. It is only in this confinement on the cross that we can really learn to be still before God (Ps. 46:10), often stripped of our "leaves" and "fruit," with nothing really monumental happening in which we can boast, just hanging there–learning that bearing fruit is not in "doing," but in "dying"--patiently waiting upon the Lord to complete His work in us so that He can then do a work through us. (2) To accept the crucified life in the second place is to understand that the deeper experience is not God's call to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This means we must learn to move only at the Spirit's command and under His direction, as we see, for example, in the lives and ministry of the apostles and other saints (Acts 10:1f.; 13:1f.; 16:6-10, 14-15). God is preparing believers who will be so sensitive to the voice of His Spirit that they will immediately respond to His leading and obey without question or doubt. This is to be a spiritual army of specialists, thoroughly trained in spiritual warfare, completely emptied of self, joyfully submitted to the yoke of Jesus, fully equipped with the divine armour (Eph. 6), speaking with such authority that the very foundations of Hell will tremble at their voice, and able to pull down every stronghold of Satan by their faith alone. Soldiers in the United States Army are not called to work for the army, but to learn to work and move with it. No soldier takes it upon himself to devise his own plans for winning the war all by himself, or for campaigning on his own in behalf of his country. He doesn't say, "I'll take myself one of these big tanks with a big gun and go out and shoot a lot of holes in the enemy forces and win a lot of victories for the army to prove my devotion to my country." No. He doesn't move until the commander tells him to move, and even before he can do that he must undergo an extensive period of discipline and training in which he learns to deny himself, submit to authority, and become sensitive to the desires and commands of his superiors. Often when a man gets a degree from the seminary, he then feels this equips him to go out and build the Kingdom all by himself. "Now that I am thoroughly trained," he says, "I think I will start a church over here, or a mission over there, as I know God desires to see churches built and souls saved." But he is surprised when it does not always work out just that way. Disillusioned, he laments, "I just don't understand it. I know God wants to see His work prosper, but I've done all I know to do, and yet I've not been able to arouse much interest." A pastor who has knocked on all the doors in his community without much success, and now feels, since he has received the Spirit filled experience, that this was the missing element in his visitation program, and he is bewildered to find there is still as little response as before to his invitations to church, as he walks about the community still knocking on doors. In another church, the Spirit-filled pastor is disappointed to discover that he cannot use his experience to "pump" life into the old denominational program, having surmised that the only reason it did not prosper before was his lack of the Holy Spirit. He, just as the others mentioned, has failed to see that all he would be doing, if he were to succeed in his efforts, would be to perpetuate the old denominational practices and forms of religion of one kind or another, and that the Holy Spirit will not empower him to be a witness against Himself by promoting the programs and teachings at men. Failure is just as assured in the life of a Spirit-filled Christian as one without the experience, unless he learns that God is not pouring out His Spirit to empower him to get busy in some form of religious activity. He is not calling men and women today to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. When we learn to move with the Spirit, then God will send this one and that one to us, or send us to one who is in need. We will find, moreover, that the Spirit has already been there ahead of us and prepared their hearts to receive our message or ministry. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 2. Continued. Method of Deliverance. Wherever there has been occult participation in any form, it is essential that the following procedure be undertaken and carefully followed or liberation from occult subjection or oppression will not result. We cannot overemphasize that those suffering from occult oppression or subjection cannot be fully delivered in the usual manner by mere exorcism of spirits. Those who have allowed themselves to be bound by these dark powers can be liberated only by direct confession of occult sins and renunciation of Satan and his work in their lives. An experienced deliverance minister has seen those who have been prayed for previously for deliverance, sometimes several times without success, set free from Satan's bondage when the correct Scriptural procedure was undertaken. The same procedure is also necessary for those who were "passively" subjected or oppressed, who never willfully or actively participated in occultism. Those suffering affliction from the powers of darkness as a result of their identification and association with others who were involved in the occult, or who were subjected to such occult contacts as children, must confess and renounce these associations and contacts. 1. Confession of faith in Christ. If the person needing liberation is already a Christian (as many are), he needs only to affirm his faith in Christ. Others, however, will have to be led to make this confession before the way is opened for their deliverance. Occasionally, there are those who are primarily seeking relief from demonic oppression, but who have no real interest in following Christ. Such individuals cannot be liberated, at least not permanently, for without a sincere commitment to Christ, there is no permanent basis for resisting the enemy's power. On the other hand, some are unable to make such a confession of Christ without help. One characteristic of occult subjection is the inability to make this confession. In such cases, the oppressed person, bound by the powers of darkness, must be led by a Christian to faith in Christ, repeating after him a saving confession. Do not be concerned about the sincerity of the confession in such cases, for if the subjected individual were not in earnest he would not be seeking liberation. Moreover, all the powers of darkness are often brought to bear upon the oppressed individual in an attempt to prevent just such a confession of faith, which, as they well know, opens the way for liberation from their bondage. Sometimes a person is so bound by these evil powers that Satan's hold must be broken by calling upon the power of the blood of Jesus. Then the individual will be able to follow another in a confession of faith in Christ. 2. Confession of occult sins. All occult involvement must be confessed if liberation is to be realized. The oppressed should name each specific form of participation which can be recalled and confess it to God as sin. The individual should make a confession similar to the following: "Father, I confess that I have sinned against your Word by consulting a fortune teller (or by attending a seance, or Spiritualist meeting; by inquiring with the ouija board; by having warts or burns removed by magic charming; by following the horoscope, being hypnotized, or divining for water, as the case may be). I confess these practices as sin, as well as anything else of this nature which I may have forgotten. I ask for and accept your forgiveness, in Jesus' Name." Occasionally, a Christian suffering oppression and needing deliverance, whose occult involvement took place before his conversion to Christ, will question the necessity of confessing these practices now that he is a Christian, since all his sins were forgiven upon conversion. What we must bear in mind is that our present concern is not the oppressed individual's salvation, but his need for deliverance from occult oppression. Obviously, if the Christian seeking deliverance had been set free from Satan's oppression just by confessing faith in Christ, he would not be seeking liberation from this oppression! Moreover, in many cases, these individuals have also had prayer for deliverance and were not set free. There must be some hindrance and valid reason why their conversion to Christ and prayer for deliverance have not resulted in their liberation. An experienced minister has found that liberation does not come until occult sins are recognized and acknowledged as the cause. In the case of occult participation, one has, in essence, called upon other "gods" (Exodus 20), and has thereby opened the door to these oppressing spirits, who have access as long as the victim does not uncover their presence. The reason for such acknowledgment of occult participation is that one must go back to the place where he opened the door and gave access to the powers of darkness, and close it at that point. Admission of occult practices is an acknowledgment that the oppressed individual now recognizes such participation as a violation of the Scriptures. The necessity of such acknowledgment is seen in the fact that most who are oppressed as a result of occult involvement do not even know that they have violated God's commandments against these practices. Satan resists such admission because acknowledgment of specific occult sins uncovers his presence at the exact point where he has a hold on the victim. Satan hides, as it were, behind the unconfessed occult practices which keep the person bound. Confession removes this barrier and betrays Satan's presence, thus preparing the way for liberation from his bondage. It is true that upon conversion to Christ one's sins are all forgiven; but this does not guarantee he will not reap the consequences of what he has sown (Galatians 6:7). This is seen in the case of David, to whom God said that the sword would never depart from his house because of his sin with Bath-sheba (II Samuel 12). If one has lived such a life of disobedience and sin before conversion that the enemy has afflicted him with disease and sickness as a result, he is not automatically set free from such oppression, nor cured of these things, merely because he has confessed faith in Christ and has been forgiven those sins which caused his ailments. Upon conversion, spirits of infirmity such as epilepsy, blindness, dumbness, deafness, and so on, do not automatically leave their victims, who many times are innocently oppressed with these afflictions. So there is no Scriptural basis to think that oppressing spirits, who entered as a result of occult involvement, quietly depart when one becomes a Christian. By stressing that Christians need to acknowledge to God any involvement in occult practices which took place before their conversion, we are not suggesting that their sins were not all forgiven at Calvary. Rather, by making such admission to God, they now recognize and acknowledge these occult practices as a violation of Scripture, and as the cause of their oppression. When Christians are shown that their oppression is caused by previous occult involvement, and that such participation is a violation of Scripture, their acknowledgment to God of such practices opens the way for liberation from oppression. Obviously, those who have had occult involvement after conversion should make a confession similar to that already suggested, as soon as they learn that occult participation is a violation of Scripture, just as they would need to confess any sin they might commit as a Christian. But in cases where all occult involvement was before one's conversion to Christ, the individual needs to acknowledge to God his recognition that the practices of which he was guilty were sin, and were the cause of his present oppression. Such an admission, preparatory to liberation, uncovers the presence of the enemy at the exact place where he has a hold to oppress his victim. It might be expressed this way: "Heavenly Father, I thank You for now showing me the sinful character of occult practices. I now acknowledge that it was my visit to the fortuneteller (inquiring with the ouija board, attending a seance, and so on) in violation of the Scriptures, which opened the door to my oppression, and which was the cause of my present problems at the hands of the enemy. I believe that all my sins are under the blood of Christ, including these which You have now shown me, in Jesus' Name." One should not allow Satan, through pride or on the basis of theological argument, to hinder him from confessing or acknowledging occult participation, for the purpose of such admission is to unmask the presence of the enemy and reveal the point at which he holds his victim in bondage. Refusing to confess simply means that Satan remains concealed, hidden behind the unconfessed sin itself, for "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Renunciation of Satan and command to depart. This must be a direct command to Satan himself (not a prayer or request). The person seeking or needing the deliverance must command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name! Nobody else can do this for the oppressed or subjected person, since it was an act of this individual's will that opened the door to the enemy in the first place. At least for permanent liberation, Satan will heed a command to depart only if it comes from the same individual. This is one reason why many who are occultly subjected or oppressed are not permanently liberated, although others have prayed for them to be delivered. Satan contends, in the case of occult involvement, that he has the "right of access" to this person who has invited him in through occult participation, and that he will not leave until this same individual, by an act of his will, renounces him and commands him to depart. At this point, the oppressed individual should say, for example, "Satan, I hereby renounce you and all your works in my life. I command you in Jesus' Name to depart and trouble me no more! I hereby close the door to you forever." 4. Exorcism: the prayer of deliverance. We believe that one can liberate himself by faith from occult bondage and oppression by (1) a confession of occult involvement, and (2) a renunciation of Satan, with the command for him to depart. A minister has found that liberation is usually felt quite definitely by the person who is suffering oppression during this act of exorcism when Satan is commanded to loose the victim and set him free in Jesus' Name. Again and again, a countenance which has been marred by depression as a result of Satanic oppression is immediately transformed, amid expressions of rejoicing and praise to God at the joy of actually experiencing the departure of the dark powers. Therefore, in unusual instances where the hold of demonic power is extremely strong, they should not hesitate to ask help from those who understand the nature of occult oppression and subjection and have in person deliverance. Fasting also may be required to cast out strong demons for Jesus said “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28-29.) 5. Responsibility of the liberated. The important thing to remember after deliverance has taken place is that deliverance is a walk, not a once for all experience without any responsibilities on the part of the person who has been set free. After deliverance it is necessary to build certain safeguards around the ground that has been liberated and recovered from the enemy. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:43-45 that deliverance is not necessarily permanent unless one takes certain spiritual precautions against the enemy's attempts to return. Thus, if the life of the liberated individual is not filled with faith and spiritually wholesome things, the evil spirit can return bringing with him "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, ... and the last state of that man is worse than the first." After a person is set free he should avoid all future contact with any form of spiritism or religious cults, and be on guard against new or strange doctrines that are not in harmony with Scripture. Moreover, one should not neglect to destroy all occult objects and literature (without regard to their cost), such as fortune telling cards, ouija boards, occult games, magic books, literature from such cults as Rosicrucians, Christian Science, Unity, and New Age, or by such authors as Edgar Cayce, Annalee Skarin, Harold Sherman, and so on (See Acts 19:18-19). It is imperative that one cultivate a strong faith and spiritual life after deliverance. We suggest the following: (1) Study of the Scriptures. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and believing the Word. Strengthen your faith with such passages on deliverance, protection, and the power of Jesus' Name and blood as: Psalm 91; Romans 8:28-39; Revelation 12:11; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18; John 10:27-29; Isaiah 54:11-17; Ephesians 2:6; 6:10-18; Exodus 12:23. (2) Prayer. Develop a consistent prayer life. Pray much in the Spirit. Praying in fellowship with other Biblically sound Christians in a prayer group develops faith and encourages spiritual growth. Prayer partners are recommended. See Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20. (3) Fellowship. Spiritual fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ is essential. A member separated from one's physical body would soon atrophy and die. An ember taken from the fire soon grows cold. One who has suffered oppression especially needs communion with the saints in worship for mutual encouragement, and for spiritual nurture, growth, strength, and development. See Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47. (4) Resistance. After liberation, Satan may seek to oppress again, or through temptation attempt to entice the individual to yield to him, in order to gain access to his life once more. It is well to remember, therefore, that Satan must have the consent of the individual's will in order to gain an entrance. We are told in I Timothy 4:1, for example, that those who departed from the faith gave heed to seducing spirits. We are admonished in Ephesians 4:27: "Neither give place to the devil," and in James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." However, even if the enemy breaks through in a moment of weakness, one should immediately take a firm stand, refuse to give him further access, and demand that he depart. In order to maintain one's victory over the powers of darkness and prevent any future invasion of one's life by these malevolent spirits, it is essential to keep in mind the following principles of spiritual warfare: a. Confess your victory and deliverance through Jesus' blood (Revelation 12:11). b. Boldly state your authority over Satan by virtue of your position with Christ "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6; Colossians 2:13-15; Psalm 91; Mark 16:17). c. Use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit in time of temptation or assault from the enemy. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations with Scripture, saying: "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul admonishes, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16). d. Resist Satan in faith, for we are in a spiritual warfare in which we can always have the victory if we will take it by faith (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 26:41; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27). e. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This should be done in faith daily, especially in time of great trial. f. Command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name when he tempts or attacks in any unusual manner, particularly when he seeks to take some advantage of a weakness, or makes an attack through another individual (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17). g. Guard your mind and thoughts. Absolutely refuse entrance into your heart and mind anything of a negative, critical, contrary, resentful, selfish, base, or depressive nature. Guard your mind jealously, for this is where the enemy usually strikes. Refuse every thought that is impure, unkind, offensive, unjust, evil, detrimental, or envious. Resist and repulse thoughts of pride, hate, resentment, slander, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, indifference, wrath, and self-pity. In so doing the enemy can gain no access to your life, inasmuch as the greater part of his effort is directed toward invading your mind. Few people resist him as they should at this point and thus fall prey to his influence and control. Failure to guard the mind and heart against Satan's deceiving, depressive, negative and destructive thoughts and suggestions is one of the major causes for oppression, sickness, fear, discord, depression, despair, strife, and failure. "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The responsibility of the one liberated to keep the door closed to further invasions by the powers of darkness cannot be over-emphasized, for a minister has seen a few who neglected their responsibility suffer oppression again. This warning should be especially heeded by those neurotic individuals who manifest a spirit of "self-pity" and "self-centeredness" as were described in our study on “Evidence of Occult Oppression and Subjection.” These individuals desire attention at any cost. Though it is a morbid and pathological desire for recognition, nevertheless, they feel such a deep-seated need for attention that they actually (often subconsciously) fear full deliverance, lest they lose the notice of others. They feel unable to face life or make independent decisions, and are threatened with a specter of failure and misfortune, so they do not follow through with their responsibility to keep the door closed to these dark powers. They constantly lament their fate, confess their doubt, fear and failure, and voice their problems and troubles to any and all who will listen. These individuals are to be firmly admonished concerning their failure to accept their responsibilities. They must never be pitied and sympathized with, since this only feeds the spirit of self-centeredness which thrives on attention and will depart only when it fails to get it. Pray for them, but do not, under any circumstances, encourage this condition. They must admit their weakness in this regard, command this spirit to leave, and firmly resist its efforts to return by not encouraging it with their own appetites for attention. There is no cure for the ego-centered person whose liberation from occult enslavement rests entirely in his own will. If he expects permanent victory, he must resist any new inroads by this spirit as resolutely as a former alcoholic or drug addict would resist taking another drink or injection of narcotics. In all cases, one maintains his position of victory by resistance and faith. State your victory by faith in the promises of God and stand on it. In summary, liberation from occult subjection and oppression basically involves three steps, which are the essential things to remember in dealing with those who have had any form of occult involvement. They are: (1) Confession of sins of occult participation; (2) Renunciation of Satan and the command for him to depart; (3) Exorcism (when required). In one minister's experience every person was liberated from the powers of darkness who sincerely desired it and followed these Scriptural requirements. After prayer for deliverance, accept the fact of your liberation from the powers of darkness by faith. Do not rely on "feelings" or "appearances" at this point. Stand on the Word of God. The assurance and evidence will come. Some who have received prayer for deliverance have not seen an immediate change; yet later they have testified of their definite liberation from oppression and subjection to occult powers. Many feel an immediate change and many do not. Stand on the promises of God no matter the feelings! Satan must release his victim when commanded to do so in Jesus' Name. Therefore, you should expect to see a change. However, he does not always obey immediately, so symptoms may not disappear right away. At this point, you must act your faith and boldly state the fact of your liberation with a promise from Scripture such as Colossians 1:13 "God has delivered me from the powers of darkness and translated me into the kingdom of His Son". Do not do as many and go by feelings and say it feels and looks like nothing changed in my circumstances so I must not be delivered. God said you were based on His word if you will believe and boldly state His word to all demonic oppression whenever it tries to manifest. Resist the devil and he will flee; we are admonished in James 4:7. The manifestation will surely follow your steadfast endurance and resistance to the powers of darkness, for the victory is won by faith! Edited. Shared. May God grant you the understanding and grace to overcome in all things, walk pleasing in His sight, used by God to help others find freedom also. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 2. Two significant questions stand as a hindrance in the minds of those who are unaware of the reality and extent of satanic influence and enslavement among Christians. Satan has used erroneous teachings and beliefs, based neither upon Scripture nor experience, to delude many concerning the following questions: 1. Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits? 2. Can one who has never actively participated in any form of occultism be occultly subjected or oppressed? The answer to both questions is "yes," and this can be supported both from Scripture and experience. Question 1: Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits? Believers can be oppressed, vexed, depressed, hindered, bound, and afflicted by Satan, or even suffer infestation by demonic spirits. Absolute demon possession is when the life and will of a person are completely under the dominion and control of Satan. This is different from the invasion of the mind or body by malevolent spirits, such as spirits of infirmity, fear, resentment, doubt, and depression. We refer to the latter condition when we speak of a Christian suffering "infestation" by evil spirits; demon possession, per se, is what we see in the account of the Gadarene demoniac in Mark 5. In any case, when malevolent spirits invade the mind or body of a Christian, they must be "cast out" before deliverance from the problems which they cause can be realized. For this reason, we say that such individuals are oppressed by Satan or infested with evil spirits to which they have yielded for one reason or another. One may sit in an "ivory tower" and debate the theological possibility of this fact at length, but just one or two encounters with the reality of the powers of darkness in the lives of Christians today can do much to correct one's theology on this matter. A certain pastor knows by experience that believers can be oppressed and suffer invasion of the mind and body by malicious spirits. Of those a certain pastor has dealt with and seen God deliver from all forms of demonic oppression and enslavement resulting from occult involvement, the vast majority were Christians! In fact, many of these were believers who had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. By occult participation, one can open the door to oppression or invasion by the powers of darkness either before or after becoming a Christian. The fact that believers can be oppressed or suffer infestation by demonic spirits is seen in many examples from the Scriptures. . The oppressing misfortunes and physical affliction of Job are said to be the work of Satan (Job 1-2). . Even in the House of God there can be those possessed with unclean spirits as Mark 1:23-26 clearly teaches: "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit," whom Jesus set free. There is no reason to doubt that he was a believer who had gone there to worship. . The woman bowed together by Satan and delivered of a "spirit of infirmity" by Jesus was also in the synagogue. She was a believer ("a daughter of Abraham") and was said to have been bound by Satan with a spirit of infirmity, which was cast out of her (Luke 13:11-16). . It is implied in II Timothy 2:23-26 that believers need to recover themselves from "the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." . A believer in the church at Corinth was doubtless possessed with a spirit of lust, and later suffered oppression at the hands of Satan, for the Apostle admonished the church to deliver this member "unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (I Corinthians 5:1-5). . Jesus "rebuked" the fever in Peter's mother-in-law and she was healed (Luke 4:38-39). Quite obviously, one does not rebuke a mere rise in temperature, but He addressed Himself to a personality, a spirit causing the fever. . Jesus uses this same term to rebuke Satan in Mark 8:33, and demons in Mark 9:25. Since the Scriptures teach that all sickness is the "oppression" of Satan (Acts 10:38), then any Christian who becomes sick or diseased is suffering satanic oppression. If the oppressed are to be set free, we must rid ourselves of the naive and unscriptural notion that believers cannot be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits in some instances. We must give up the opinion that being a Christian automatically safeguards one against any such invasion. Satan has deluded Christians into believing that, since Jesus defeated him at the Cross, we can just ignore him today; or even if one were oppressed or possessed with spirits before conversion, he is somehow mysteriously set free when saved. If this were true, then why do not blind, deaf, dumb, or epileptic spirits leave upon the conversion of the afflicted person? Why do not cancers and other diseases leave those oppressed by Satan with these ailments when they are converted to Christ? How is it possible for Christians still to be subject to fear, depression, insanity, disease, and pain if believers cannot be oppressed by the powers of darkness? How, then, do we account for Peter speaking at one moment by divine revelation and the next being moved by Satan to speak words which Jesus soundly rebuked, addressing His rebuke to Satan himself (Matthew 16:13-23)? Simon the sorcerer is said to have believed and been baptized, and there is certainly no reason to exclude him from the number of Samaritans who also received the baptism in the Holy Spirit; yet he had not completely been delivered from his occult bondage and was commanded to repent and pray (Acts 8.). If Satan cannot invade the life of a believer, how then was he able to "fill" the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira, two disciples in the early church (Acts 5:1-11)? One of the strongest arguments against the unscriptural position that Satan presents no serious threat to the believer is given by the apostle Paul in II Corinthians 12, where he states that he himself suffered oppression at the hands of "the messenger of Satan" who was allowed to buffet him. There are two dangerous and unscriptural attitudes toward Satan and his demonic forces. One is to deny, as liberal theologians do, the reality and existence of a personal adversary, the Devil. But the other is equally absurd. Most contemporary Christians treat the subject with an attitude of indifference. They are naive concerning Satan's extensive power and work, and are deluded into thinking that he presents no real threat to the believer beyond tempting one to sin now and then. There is absolutely no Scriptural basis for such an attitude. On the contrary, Scripture repeatedly warns believers to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:8-9), and "neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The New Testament describes the Christian life as a spiritual warfare, admonishing the believer to "resist the devil" (James 4:7), and to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:11-12). Scripture abounds with references to a spiritual conflict, which the believer is to take seriously, against an evil, cunning, and powerful adversary who rules over a vast, highly organized kingdom, consisting of principalities, powers, and world rulers of the darkness of this age. He is designated as "the prince of the power of the air," "the ruler of this world," and "the god of this age." When he offered the kingdoms of this world to Jesus in return for worship, the Lord did not challenge his right to offer them, for the precise reason that they belong to him. His chief strategy, therefore, is to convince believers that he does not have to be taken seriously. As a result, he has achieved tremendous victories over men in many instances. To see the folly in the unscriptural notion that Satan presents no serious threat to the believer, one needs only to recall some of the instances given in Scripture of his victories in the lives of the unwary and careless. Note, for example, the fall of Adam and Eve from their state of sinlessness, together with all their posterity; the yielding of King Saul to an evil spirit and his tragic end; the sin of David and its consequences; the apostasy of Judas, one of the twelve apostles; the denial of Christ by Peter, who was also an apostle; the influence of Satan in the lives of Ananias and Sapphira, two of the first disciples in the early church; the incestuous sin of a member of the Corinthian church; the desertion of the apostle Paul by his fellow-worker, Demas, who returned to the world and gave up Christianity; the blasphemy of Hymenaeus and Alexander, which resulted in their excommunication; as well as the sins and low moral and spiritual state of several of the first-century Christian churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which necessitated the sharp rebuke by Christ. To these may be added the prophetic warnings of Scripture concerning the great end-time apostasy and falling away as a result of satanic and demonic influence and work, e.g ., II Thessalonians 2:1-12; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-9; Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13; Acts 20:28-31. Thus, the Scriptures plainly forewarn believers that some will be influenced by Satan, drawn away by his deceptions, for "the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4:1). Note carefully that it says here that some shall "depart from the faith." Quite clearly, an individual must first profess faith before he can "depart" from the faith, as unbelievers were never in the faith. Of the disciples Hymenaeus and Alexander it is said that they "thrust away" the faith from them. Moreover, the Scriptures show that Satan can discourage believers through trials, tempting them to turn away from Christ (Hebrews 3; 6; 10); hinder believers (I Thessalonians 2:18), or even an angel (Daniel 10:12-13); deceive believers (I Timothy 1:18-20; 2:14); speak through believers (Matthew 16:21-23); influence believers (James 3:14-15; Acts 5:1-11); destroy their possessions (Job 1); afflict them with disease (Job 2), destroy their flesh (I Corinthians 5), or bind them with a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:11-13); oppress them (II Corinthians 12:7); and sift them as wheat (Luke 22:31-32). Satanic oppression is to be found in the lives of many saints. The apostle Paul was oppressed by "the angel or messenger of Satan." Satan and demons were very real to Anthony of Egypt, who had many face-to face conflicts with them. Tertullian speaks of the opposition of demons to Christians whom they seek to terrify and injure. Luther tells of repeated attempts by Satan to interfere with him and his ministry by direct attacks in the form of ghostly noises, poltergeist phenomena, and other weird occurrences. On one occasion, Satan even manifested himself to him. The Wesley family also endured poltergeist attacks which disturbed the peace of the rectory at night with loud knocks, raps on the walls and beds, phantom footsteps, objects flying about mysteriously, and apparitions. St. Teresa suffered much vexation and oppression at the hands of Satan. She sometimes experienced direct spiritual, mental, and physical attacks, as did the Cure d'Ars, Jean-Marie Vianney, A.B. Simpson, and many others. Of course, in setting forth the Scriptural basis for the reality of satanic oppression and demonic attacks upon the believer, we have not forgotten that the believer has victory in Christ over Satan. He is seated in a place of authority with Christ in the heavenlies, far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12-15). But we are recognizing what the contemporary church often overlooks: that the first rule in effective warfare is to know your enemy, his methods, strength, and tactics. Because of the compelling evidence, some will admit that a Christian can be oppressed, depressed, attacked, and vexed by evil spirits; they just cannot accept the fact that a Christian can be infested with such spirits. But if a Christian is suffering from a cancer or mental illness, what is the difference whether we say he is being "oppressed" by Satan, or that an evil spirit has actually "invaded" his body or mind? The source and result are the same. In either event, we have to deal with Satan if liberation is to come. The only difference is in how we deal with the situation: in cases of possession, exorcism of these malevolent spirits is required; in cases of oppression, prayer alone is usually sufficient. Many reliable witnesses agree that Christians can be infested with demons, as well as oppressed by them. When questioned about the possibility of a Christian being possessed by demonic spirits, Dr. V. R. Edman, former president of Wheaton College, replied that theory would say, "no," but the facts say, "yes." Theoretically a demon cannot possess a body in which the Holy Spirit resides; but Dr. Edman said that he knew of true Christians who were truly demon possessed and who were delivered by prayer in Jesus' Name. In a certain pastor’s personal experience, the majority of those for whom he has prayed for deliverance from occult oppression or subjection were Christians, including ministers and the wives of ministers. Gordon Lindsay writes: "It is a matter of grave concern to observe the number of ways that demons are attacking, harassing, and actually dominating people who are professing Christians." Dr. Russell Meade points out in his book on demonism today, based on his experience in the deliverance of Christians, that there is no Biblical evidence for thinking that the Holy Spirit and a demon cannot inhabit the same body. H.A. Maxwell Whyte wrote, " ... we have seen hundreds of people manifestly delivered from all kinds of evil spirits ... our young people have needed this strong prayer of deliverance .... Many today are being set free from unclean spirits ... young people for whom we have prayed are members of Christian churches." He continues, "Most Christians are far more bound by Satan and his legions than they realize, or will readily admit. The whole subject is shrouded in mystery and fear. Pride will not permit us to admit a need, and to permit another to pray for us." A.J. MacMillan wrote, "The objection is frequently made that a true child of God cannot be brought thus under the power of the enemy. Experience disproves this, for even spiritual believers and earnest and successful workers have suffered .... " Dr. Kurt E. Koch, in his book on occultism, cites numerous instances in his ministry of Christians needing liberation from occult subjection and oppression. A well known American evangelist told of a missionary who became possessed by tormenting, malevolent spirits, and suffered terribly until he received deliverance. He then said that similar experiences may be more common among Christians than we suppose. Some who have had occult involvement before their conversion to Christ, although none since, have asked, "How is it possible for a Christian to continue suffering oppression or subjection because of this preconversion participation?" The answer is simple: the "door" which they opened to the powers of darkness by their occult participation remains open to these oppressing spirits until the individuals, by a definite act of faith and personal exercise of the will, close the door against the satanic invasion. If I had opened the door of my home to a murderer, thief, and reprobate, and invited him in before my conversion, the criminal would not automatically vacate the premises merely because I later changed my interests. I would have to deliberately eject him from the house, and close and lock the door against further intrusion. All occult participation, regardless of the kind or degree of involvement, is an open invitation for the powers of darkness to invade the premises. Satan does not withdraw his influences and work until commanded to do so, for he claims certain "trespass rights" in the life of such individuals. We are not merely theorizing as to the theological "possibility" of invasions by the powers of darkness in the lives of believers. The fact of such oppression and subjection is based upon the teachings of Scripture and upon experience. There is abundant evidence, for those who care to investigate the matter, to prove that a person's turning his back upon occult participation after becoming a Christian does not mean that the powers of darkness have turned their back upon him! Question 2: Can a Christian who has never actively participated in any form of occultism be occultly subjected or oppressed? A certain pastor has found many cases where a person who never actively participated in any form of occult practice still suffered oppression or subjection. This is referred to as "passive" oppression or subjection by these powers. Disease can be inherited by the innocent from their ancestors; moral degeneracy and undesirable traits such as uncontrollable anger, dissipation, or intemperance are found in children whose parents bear the same traits; so too, children whose parents and/or blood relations have had occult contacts often suffer various forms of occult bondage and oppression. Christians who were subjected to occult influences in childhood often find that they need liberation from the powers of darkness which have gained access and are oppressing them in mind, in body, or in some other manner. We are not trying to convince the skeptics of the reality of passive oppression. Our purpose is to help those who know of no active participation in occult practices on their own part, yet are suffering some form of oppression for reasons unknown to themselves. A certain pastor has dealt with individuals who were suffering from "passive" oppression or subjection of every description: chronic fear or doubt, uncontrollable lust, persistent illness, emotional instability, or depression. Some tell of suffering incubi assaults; of hearing spirit voices; of seeing demonic apparitions; of possessing clairvoyant and psychic powers; and so on, all of which result, not from their active occult participation, but either from the occult involvements of their relatives, or from having been innocently subjected to occult influences as children. Passive subjection and oppression have resulted from a child being taken to an occult "healer" to have warts removed, burns healed, or diseases cured by magic charming or other occult means. Children have also been subjected by being taken to the meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults (Theosophy, Rosicrucian, Christian Science, Unity, etc.). Passive oppression or subjection has also been found in those whose parents or grandparents have been involved in seances, fortunetelling, or other forms of spiritism and occultism. The Scriptures show the innocent suffering oppression by Satan and sometimes possession by evil spirits. For example, in the case of the boy who was possessed with an unclean, deaf and dumb spirit, his father said the spirit entered the boy as a child (Mark 9:17-29). The disciples' question in John 9:2: "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" indicates the possibility of a prenatal cause for oppression by Satan. The apostle Paul shows in Romans 5:12-14 that all mankind is affected by the curse which fell upon Adam as a result of his transgression. Finally, it should be pointed out that there is no such thing as "minor" or "harmless" involvement where the powers of darkness are concerned. Some of the most severely oppressed victims merely had warts removed by magic charming; played with the ouija board "in fun"; attended a religious cult or Spiritualist meeting "out of curiosity"; had their fortune read (though they contend that they "never really believed such things were genuine"); or followed the horoscope column in the newspaper each day (though they "did not allow it to affect" their lives and decisions). When one enters Satan's domain for whatever reason, he opens himself to demonic oppression or subjection, and invokes upon himself the curse of God, whose Word clearly declares that those who participate in any form of occultism are an abomination unto Him! In view of all of this, the reality of Christians being oppressed and the innocent sometimes suffering passive oppression should be apparent. This reality must be recognized and acknowledged before liberation from these powers of darkness can be considered. A certain pastor has found from experience that, until the individual under oppression sees and admits the connection between his occult involvement and such oppression, he cannot exercise sufficient faith to resist and overcome it. But where such acknowledgment is present, liberation in the Name of Jesus Christ is certain. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 3 of 3. (7) Magic practices. Continued. In the neurotic person, for example, a symptom may be only the outward indication of more serious inner disturbances. An alcoholic may be suffering, not merely from a bad habit, but from a serious neurosis. Such nervous afflictions as stuttering may be relieved through hypnosis, only to be replaced by neurotic tensions which affect the entire personality. Migraine headaches relieved through hypnotherapy may be replaced by some form of psychosis. In the second place, contrary to popular opinion, there are many instances where criminal or immoral acts have been performed by a person subjected to someone else through hypnosis, which the subjected person would not have done in his conscious state of mind. When one thus surrenders his will to another individual, he then wills to do whatever the person who hypnotized him cares to suggest. He may even perform ridiculous or morally reprehensible acts, if the hypnotist uses the correct techniques of suggestion. For example, a hypnotized individual may be led to disrobe in public if told that he is in the privacy of his own bedroom. From time to time, the newspapers report cases such as the woman who plotted to murder her husband, while under hypnosis by her lover. Women have been abused, crimes committed, and other scandalous acts performed by individuals under hypnosis. To make matters worse, cheap literature on the newsstands today popularizes the subject, encouraging young people to practice hypnotism on one another, sometimes with serious mental, emotional, and psychic consequences. The danger of amateur hypnotism is that it can induce psychoneuroses or arouse deep-seated complexes, compulsions, phobias, and other permanent mental and emotional disturbances. Even professional therapists are not always able to cope with the results of hypnotherapy. How much less can a stage hypnotist or novice, who lack the knowledge of the functioning of the mind and emotions! When one thus surrenders his will to another, he becomes susceptible to hypnotic suggestion from then on. In fact, he may even become "psychically dependent" upon the other person. This danger is also encountered in telepathy, especially if these practices are carried on repeatedly. However, the greatest threat in the hypnotized state of the surrendered will is the fact that the individual is open to the invasion of evil spirits. In order to be hypnotized, he has set aside the one divinely endowed moral and spiritual safeguard against such intrusion: the free and independent exercise of his personal will. In other words, he has at that point forfeited his independent, moral right to say "yes" or "no." So-called medical or therapeutic hypnosis obviously has no more safeguards against this danger than does the amateur hypnotist. Demons have admitted through the lips of those possessed that Satan himself is the power behind the hypnotist! The moral and spiritual implications involved in hypnotism of any sort should be obvious to any concerned person. (8.) Spiritism and mediumistic powers. In addition to the extrasensory powers of clairvoyance, telepathy, divination, psychometry, and so forth, certain other paranormal or psychic abilities can result from occult subjection. These include self-induced trance states; spirit writing; levitation (the lifting or floating of objects) and table-tipping; astral projection (projection of the spirit or psyche out of the body to another place); spirit knockings or rappings; telekinesis (objects are caused to move mysteriously about the room; musical instruments play as by unseen hands); apports (articles made to appear in locked rooms); materializations (the power to materialize the alleged spirit of the dead, as well as other objects, into visible form); parakinesis (PK, or the ability to control objects by the power of the mind and will); and many other forms of psychic phenomena. Many of these occult and psychic powers are found, not only in those who are practicing mediums, but also in those who have had occult associations. Involvement in occultism often results in such total subjection to these powers that the individual is almost, if not entirely, dependent upon fortune tellers for information and advice; astrologers for guidance in the daily affairs of business and life; magical practices for healing, controlling the forces of nature, or influencing others; and so on, until the victim is hopelessly entangled in a labyrinth of evil influences and control. 2. Occult Oppression. The foregoing forms of psychic powers and extrasensory abilities, which result from occult involvement, are indicative of occult "subjection"; that is, such persons have been brought into subjection to the powers of darkness (although they do not always recognize their source). As a result of having opened themselves to these demonic forces, they have become "psychically" subjected. However, occult participation does not always result in such sensitivity; often only a form of "oppression" occurs. In any event, oppression in some form will be the final outcome; but those who have become "psychic" or clairvoyant will usually suffer the most. At this point we shall note the most significant forms of psychic oppression which result from occult involvement. (1) Poltergeist activity. Poltergeist (German for "noisy ghost") activity is not uncommon, and has been observed by many reliable witnesses. These are malicious works perpetrated by demonic spirits to terrify victims as a consequence of occult involvement. This form of oppression involves psychic attacks in the form of bizarre occurrences. The individual sees objects floating about the room. Sometimes they fall to the floor with a loud crash, as though thrown by some unseen power. Mysterious fires break out in his home. He hears strange noises, rappings, knockings, and often rattling chains, moaning, weeping or crying. Disembodied spirit voices speak threats and obscenities. Articles suddenly appear or disappear in closed and locked rooms. Furniture moves about the room. Unseen hands begin to play the piano in the middle of the night. The bed suddenly rises off the floor and the covers are unceremoniously yanked off the victim. Doors mysteriously open and slam shut. The doorbell begins to ring incessantly, but upon investigation, the frightful confusion ends as suddenly as it began. Light bulbs burst. Rocks, dirt, broken glass and other rubble pour down through the ceiling leaving no trace of how they entered, for the ceiling remains undisturbed. All the lights in the house suddenly flash on and off. Phantom footsteps are heard on the stairs, or strange noises, such as a trunk sliding across the floor, are heard in the attic. Stones and china are sometimes thrown about with abandon, or the furniture is upset. Personal objects disappear or are hidden from the owner, and it is not uncommon for violent and vicious attacks to be made upon the victim himself. Incredible as it may seem, few people seem to realize the relationship between this form of oppression and the occult involvement of the victim. As a result, even Christians have been unable to cope properly with it in their attempts to liberate the oppressed. Unless one deals with this oppression from an occult standpoint, there can be no assurance of deliverance and liberation from these psychic or poltergeist attacks. Poltergeist activities are sometimes confined to the particular residence or area in which they occur, often as a result of seances, Spiritualist meetings, or some other form of occult activity having been conducted there at some time. Nevertheless, it is the present or past occult involvement of the individual, or within his family, that makes him personally susceptible to these attacks. A certain pastor seen further evidence for this from their counseling experience in that, before liberation, one oppressed individual continued to suffer even after moving to other places of residence. (2) Apparitions, specters, monstrous phantasms. Appearances of ghostly figures, specters, and demonic creatures, such as headless figures, weird animals, or other hideous creatures (often dismissed as hallucinations), are frequently experienced by those who have had some kind of occult connection. One oppressed victim was almost driven insane when, upon smelling fire and brimstone in the room, turned and saw a filthy, slimy demonic creature. Another was confronted by a headless body. Another encountered a faceless specter upon opening the door. Such things as dwarfs; dark, ugly, leering faces; disembodied hands; serpents; and other fearsome phantasms are sometimes seen. The voice or apparition of a friend or relative of the oppressed individual may appear as a portent, warning of an impending accident or serious illness, or the death of the friend or relative, often at the moment of the tragedy or shortly thereafter. Others under occult oppression may sense the presence of an invisible intelligence or some oppressive, dark creature or power, which lurks about the room, or even follows its victim about. At times, malevolent spirits may actually attack an oppressed individual, choking, biting, throttling, or otherwise molesting the victim. Psychic attacks in the form of persistent nightmares are also common. (3) Incubi and succubi experiences. This is an attempted assault upon a human by an unclean spirit or demon of lust for the purpose of gratifying its sexual appetites. Women and men alike are known to have suffered such attempts at sexual molestation, as well as actual attacks. Both history and a certain pastor’s counseling experience confirm the reality of such experiences. II Peter 2:4, and Jude 6-7, taken literally, provide adequate Scriptural basis for the reality of such bizarre occurrences. C. Spiritual Subjection and Oppression. Occult involvement invariably affects one spiritually, frequently causing serious damage to one's spiritual life and faith. The spiritual effects and influence of the powers of darkness are readily apparent in the symptoms which follow, not all of which would necessarily be found in any one individual, nor to the same degree. Often there is progressive spiritual deterioration, and disintegration in the area of faith, unless deliverance is effected. Evil influences continue their destructive work even in the lives of Christians. This is true even if the occult participation was insignificant; regardless of how far in the past it took place; and even if it took place before the individual became a Christian. 1. Indifference to spiritual things. Spiritual deterioration is seen in a noticeable indifference to the Word of God, prayer, worship, and spiritual matters in general. Often this happens against the individual's own will, and he has little success in overcoming this state, though he may try repeatedly to reverse his increasing spiritual apathy. 2. Serious problems concerning doubt and unbelief. Extreme and persistent doubts concerning the teachings of Scripture, especially the supernatural, or difficulty in exercising faith, are clear evidence of spiritual deterioration as a result of occult associations. Often these individuals seem to be powerless to resist the temptation to doubt, waver, question, and distrust God, His promises, and His ministers. At times they feel almost overwhelmed by skepticism, suspicion, incredulity, disbelief, indecision, and other misgivings. 3. Religious aberrations. Religious delusions, heresies, and errors, ranging from agnosticism to affirming the doctrines of Spiritualism, Modernism, New Age religion, or other religious cults, indicate occult subjection. Other aberrations include pious self-righteousness, spiritual pride, and hypocrisy. Many religious extremes, such as abnormal aversion to certain foods (which the individual is well prepared to justify on personal, religious, or medical grounds), serious deviations from Scripture in doctrine or practice, asceticism, and extreme antagonism toward other religious bodies or Christian groups, are also found. 4. Inability to receive the Holy Spirit. Frequently, those with occult associations find a spiritual barrier when they wish to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, although some have earnestly desired and sought the experience for years. Liberation from occult powers, which act as hindrances, is the only solution we have found. Resistance. A very significant indication of the spiritual effect upon some who have had occult involvement is their resistance to the teaching concerning the reality of occult subjection and oppression, and their indifference to the dangers involved. This is one of the characteristic marks of occult delusion and enslavement in some who have been guilty of occult sins. Their hostile reaction is often the work of a spirit of pride which prevents them from admitting their gullibility, sin, and delusion. It may be motivated by their reluctance to sever occult connections. The powers of darkness struggle against being discovered and removed from their position of influence and control. The very resistance itself, in view of the plain teachings of Scripture condemning these practices, is evidence enough of occult subjection in such individuals. This resistance is often expressed as unwillingness on the part of the oppressed individual to accept the fact that a Christian can be oppressed by Satan-even though this individual is usually suffering such oppression at the time! Of course, he blames his problems, for which he is seeking help, on some other source or on causes unknown. Experience has shown that, unless the oppressed or subjected person recognizes and admits the source of resistance to the fact of occult oppression and subjection, and unless he personally resists in faith the powers of darkness at this point, deliverance from this condition is impossible. 6. Occult bondage and opposition to God. Where spiritual damage is severe, the person may be in such a state of bondage to the powers of darkness that severe forms of occult subjection are observed: . Inability to believe on or confess Christ, even where there is a desire to believe; . Difficulty in praying or reading the Word of God, often accompanied by extreme drowsiness or an inability to concentrate; .Too easily being distracted during the preaching or teaching of the Scriptures, or difficulty understanding them; . Inability to acknowledge the fact of the efficacy of the blood Atonement, or the Deity of Christ; . Unclean thoughts and sexual images entering the mind when trying to enter into a time of private devotions or prayer; . Dependence upon, or enslavement to, various forms of occultism. . Opposition to God, as seen in the following characteristics, is unmistakable evidence of demon possession: . Blasphemous thoughts against God, Christ, and the Trinity; . Opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit; Aversion to all references to the blood of Christ or His Deity; . Scorn, mockery, and ridicule toward the Bible, preaching, believers, Christianity, or divine and holy things in general. Such persons often manifest violent raging, cursing, and blasphemous opposition against all attempts at deliverance-even when this liberation is being sought by the subjected individual himself! Usually, however, their bondage to occultism is greater than their will power or desire for deliverance from such enslavement. D. Physical Oppression. Certain physical symptoms indicate the presence and activity of demonic powers. These are related to outward behavior, bodily appearance, and to the physical condition. Of course, the mere presence of just one of these symptoms is not conclusive proof of demonic oppression and activity, but could be the result of some other cause. Inexperienced individuals need to be warned against the temptation to evaluate the spiritual state of others on the basis of these symptoms alone. 1. Speech and behavioral abnormalities. The oppressed individual will frequently manifest one or more of the following symptoms, and usually in a noticeably abnormal manner: excessive talkativeness; unusual loudness of tone and voice; hysterical laughter; persistent restlessness and uneasiness; silliness; giddiness; unusually foolish talk and behavior; incongruity of actions; muttering to oneself; incoherence in speech and thought; compulsive shouting or screaming when provoked; the absence of certain normal reflexes, or the exaggeration of others; peculiar postures (e.g ., unrelaxed, abnormally rigid and ramrod straight; or exactly the opposite state of lethargic, sluggish droopiness); deep sighing, denoting despondency or feelings of self pity; shunning or withdrawal from public scrutiny; odd, annoyingly repetitious eccentricities of speech. In actual cases of demon possession, especially when the evil spirits in the individual feel threatened with exposure or expulsion, or when they find themselves in the presence of the power of the blood and the Name of Jesus, more violent physical manifestations are often seen, such as: foaming at the mouth; retching; screaming; cursing, blasphemy; raging against Christianity; physical resistance; threatened or attempted violence; and at times, convulsions, with pains and cramps, or a state of catalepsy. Often at such times spirits will speak through the possessed victim. An intelligence is manifested that does not belong to the individual himself. Sometimes a possessed individual can understand or speak a foreign language which he has not studied (not to be confused with Biblical tongues, since in demon possession it is the demon, who knows the language, speaking through the person). Frequently, there is knowledge of hidden facts, a prognostication of future events, a display of physical feats of supernormal strength, or other supernatural phenomena. 2. Abnormal facial characteristics. The face of an oppressed individual is often contorted by fear, chronic doubts, incredulity, or anxiety; his countenance maybe strained, uneasy, or tormented. Such individuals seldom smile, and have no joy in their conversation or life. They commonly wear a morbid expression, and often think of suicide. Others display a defiant, wicked, scowling, perverse, dark or sullen appearance. At times the complexion is also affected, being dark and somber, or pallid and corpse-like. Other extremes of facial expression are a stereotyped, frozen smile or grimace, or an impassive, stoical absence of expression. Some have abnormally bright and protruding eyes; others, a glazed, trance-like, or hunted, animal-like stare. In others there is a wicked, defiant glare, or a demonic leering in the eyes. 3. Abnormal physical ailments. Chronic, persistent physical ailments, diseases, or pains that do not respond to prayer or treatment of any kind, but which seem to linger on and on, may indicate occult oppression. Mere prayer for healing is insufficient, since one must deal with the occult cause of the affliction, not just the physical effect. In these cases, deliverance from occult bondage is a crucial step in receiving liberation. E. Material, Domestic, and Social Forms of Oppression. Most people are unaware of the far-reaching effects of occult participation. Occult associations can also result in oppression which affects the lives of others. It may, for example, produce serious marital problems, often culminating in divorce. One person traced the beginning of marital strife and incompatibility to the day following a visit to a seance. Discord between parents and children; disputes with neighbors; friction and strife between business associates or others; and church divisions and irreconcilable schisms can result. This form of oppression is the operation of divisive and factious spirits whose primary objective is to work in the affairs of men to divide, disrupt, confuse, deceive, distract, disturb, perplex, and disorganize. Their sole aim is in every way to destroy unity, harmony, and peace; to cause as much affliction, sorrow, agony, anguish, grief, misery, misfortune, privation, distrust, suspicion, doubt, anxiety, and confusion as possible in the daily circumstances of life. Persistent financial distress, material loss, and subjection to poverty, need, scarcity, and other material privations, can also result from occult involvement. Deliverance from all forms of oppression and subjection resulting from occult involvement can come only in one way, and it is to this that we now turn to in our next studies. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 3. 2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection. Continued. Such neurotics are often overly conscious of their health and welfare, being alarmed at the slightest symptom and will generally contact their physician on the slightest pretext. Attending to themselves is their only real interest, and they expect others to follow suit. Their affliction provides them with an excuse for failing to meet their obligations or to attain their level of aspiration in business, marriage, religion, or life in general. Their life is characterized as "just one great bundle of problems and anxieties" as they journey from one person to another-doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, minister, parents, friends or strangers alike-seeking, always seeking, attention, reassurance, advice, or help. Those who are oppressed or possessed with these spirits of self-pity, self-centeredness, and self-love (narcissism) are very difficult to bring to a point of liberation, due to the nature of the spirit causing this condition. The victims fear that admission of the real nature of their neurotic condition and deliverance from it will cause them to lose the attention and pity they feel they require to survive. These spirits, unlike many other types, have such a firm hold on their victims, and are so closely identified with their personalities, that these individuals willingly accept such an abnormal disposition as their own. Even after liberation, such persons usually require prayer support, and firm, but loving admonishment to practice standing alone, to face their responsibilities on their own, and to discipline themselves to regular periods of Bible study and prayer in order to develop a strong life of faith. A daily, biblical confession of what they have and are in Christ is necessary, together with a firm, steadfast resistance to the temptation to fall back into their previous bondage and dependence upon others. Compulsive thoughts and behavior, as well as certain phobias and obsessions, are often present in such individuals. Compulsive lying, deception, infidelity, arson, or cleptomania (an irresistible desire to steal, not motivated by personal need) are some of the compulsive abnormalities. Others are obsessed with peculiar and strange ideas. One may, for example, be obsessed with the idea that he will contract some disease such as cancer or tuberculosis; another believes that he will die prematurely from the same organic trouble that seems "to run in the family," from which some of his relations have already died. Others become obsessed with the idea that they have committed the "unpardonable sin," or that they have failed God, their families, or their employers, thus living a tormented life of self-condemnation. Those who are obsessed are ruled by some idea or thought (which often has no basis in fact) which finally becomes the dominant factor in their lives. Individuals may be obsessed with self-torturing jealousy, or the notion that someone is always watching or following them (the individual's eyes dart furtively here and there constantly), or as the housewife who imagines that her friends and neighbors are always talking about her. Compulsions may be in the form of phobias, such as a fear of germs. This is seen in the neurotic behavior of the woman who felt compelled to disinfect all the doorknobs in her home daily, never touching one anywhere without wearing gloves to avoid contamination. Some persons are obsessed with a spirit of self-importance, suspicion, covetousness, or pride. Other compulsives cannot keep from repeating the same actions over and over, such as recounting the money which they have just counted because they feel they made a mistake the first time, or washing one's hands over and over, retracing one's steps, or repeating instructions again and again. Such compulsions and obsessions often indicate the presence and work of demonic spirits, who mercilessly vex and delude their victims. In summary, the most common mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities resulting from occult involvement are: mental illness; serious depression; anxieties and fear; thoughts of self-destruction; compulsive thoughts and behavior; obsessions; emotional instability and self-pity; profound feelings of inadequacy and failure; and enslavement to certain excessive appetites, passions, and habits. B. Psychic Disturbances and Abnormalities. This category consists of those forms of subjection and oppression that pertain particularly to the extrasensory functions of the mind or psyche (spirit). 1. Occult subjection. Those who have had occult involvement of any kind, or whose family background contains occult connections, frequently become "psychic" themselves and discover that they have certain extrasensory abilities, psychic sensitivity, or intellectual powers and knowledge at times beyond their normal capacity. These so-called psychic "gifts" result from occult connections, and are under the control and influence of the powers of darkness. They should be repudiated immediately, without reservation, for the simple reason that they are under the condemnation of God. The following characteristics indicate occult subjection and will ultimately issue in mental, spiritual, and/or physical deterioration and damage, unless one is liberated from their enslaving power by Christ. One may, of course, possess psychic or ESP powers to a greater or lesser degree than described here. And, while the characteristics which follow include the psychic powers and practices of such occult professionals or practitioners as fortune tellers, astrologers, spiritualist mediums and hypnotists, we apply them to anyone who has been involved in the occult in any way." (1) Clairvoyance. This term describes the psychic ability of some subjected individuals to see objects or events spontaneously and super normally (beyond the natural range of vision). It is the awareness or knowledge of what is taking place elsewhere. This so-called gift of "second sight" is a satanic counterfeit of the Biblical prophetic gift of the "seer," and the gift of the "word of knowledge" (I Corinthians 12). It enables the person to see things relating to the past, present, and sometimes the future (precognition). Clairaudience, the supernormal ability to hear voices and sounds not within the reach of the normal senses, may also be present in such individuals. Clairvoyant persons often have premonitions of death or misfortune concerning others before the event occurs. They hear spirit voices, or the alleged voice of a departed loved one or friend giving advice, warning, or assurance of some kind. Often they discern such things as the substance of a letter before opening it, or know who is calling before answering a ringing telephone; and they may be subject to dreams and visions of a psychic or bizarre nature. 'Psychic "gifts" and powers resulting from occult involvement are not to be confused with genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit, authentic visions, and other divine, supernatural phenomena, which do have a vital place in the life of the believer and the church (e.g., Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 1:16-26). (2) Precognition. The power of precognition enables occultly subjected persons to have knowledge of, or to see, future events before they occur. Some who have become "psychic" through occult associations have a very pronounced ability to sense or foresee a future event. They often experience mysterious premonitions of impending events. For example, Jeane Dixon predicted President Kennedy's assassination; and Edgar Cayce predicted World Wars I and II, and the years they would begin and end, as well as the universal Depression of 1929. Many people have precognitive experiences, such as premonitions, visions, dreams, or mental "flashes." As a result of becoming psychically "sensitive" through their occult involvement, they can see, hear, or sense events which are yet future. (3) Telepathy. Persons who are psychic often exhibit the power to transfer thoughts from one mind to another, either by thought-sending or mind-reading. This is usually what people think of first when "ESP" is mentioned. After some form of occult participation, individuals may discover that they seem to know what another person is thinking; later on, they find out they were right. The ability to "tune in" on another's thoughts and read his mind is well attested to by many parapsychologists, and by such organizations as the American Society for Psychical Research. Thus, when one dabbles in occultism, or seeks to heighten his so-called ESP powers through the practice of telepathy, he may find mental images, strong feelings, emotions, and thoughts from the minds of others floating into his own consciousness. Often he is not aware of what is taking place and interprets these impressions as mere coincidence. But what may seem at first to be an interesting psychic phenomenon can quickly become a mental burden. If one is psychically sensitive in this way, he will be constantly subject to the infiltration of disturbing mental images and thoughts, from both the powers of darkness and the minds of others. Often he will experience the same problems and disturbances as the one to whom he is telepathically attuned. Another dangerous possibility is that of becoming "psychically dependent" upon another through the practice of telepathy, hypnotism, or remote influence. "Remote (or unconscious) influence" is a form of telepathy, advocated by some, which attempts to influence the subconscious mind of one who is asleep or unconscious. For example, one may try to implant positive thoughts of love into the subconscious mind of a person who has grown cold or indifferent; one may try to implant corrective ideas into the subconscious mind of a person who might be offended or unreceptive if such advice were given openly; or one may try using suggestion to heal the one who is asleep. However, the psychic dangers in such attempts to control and influence the thoughts and behavior of others are clear. The very same telepathic powers can and have been used for evil purposes. Those skilled in ESP are well aware of their power to influence others in this way, causing them to think or do as they wish. No finite human being has the right, whatever his alleged motive, to invade the privacy of the subconscious mind of another individual without his consent! God alone has this prerogative and there is no Biblical basis whatever for this practice by Christians. Aside from the obvious dangers involved and the unauthorized intrusion into the mind of another without his permission, this is clearly an attempt to circumvent the Biblical method of solving one's problems; namely, the prayer of faith. Evidently these individuals do not realize that, in their attempts to influence the subconscious minds of others by speaking to them while they are asleep, they are intruding upon the prerogatives of God. They may also unwittingly be establishing telepathic connections with their minds which may later have adverse effect. This is an occult practice, condemned in Scripture as charming and enchantment (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). It is little more than "mesmerism" of the subconscious, and should be repudiated by the Christian without hesitation as an abomination to God. Those who teach and practice remote influence, or who advocate its use by other Christians, should consider its insidious nature and its disharmony with Scripture, and should cease and repent of this occult activity. (4) Divination. This is the most common form of occultism. It refers to the ancient black art of fortunetelling, whether by the crystal ball, palm reading, cards, pendulum, ouija board, planchette, glass tumbler movement, tea leaves, handwriting analysis (graphology), horoscope, or any of the many other forms of divination. Fortune Telling differs from clairvoyance in that the clairvoyant sees or knows things spontaneously, while the fortuneteller divines by use of certain occult objects, such as cards, tea leaves, ouija board, crystal ball, etc ., or practices soothsaying by interpreting signs, omens, dreams, or other phenomena. Millions of victims are drawn into the abominable web of occultism either by visits to fortune tellers or by participation in some form of occult practice, whether consciously, or unconsciously: playing with a ouija board, ESP, telepathy, using fortune telling cards, and so on. It must be emphasized that those who have participated in these forms of occult practice, even though it was done "in fun," have opened themselves to the same occult oppression and subjection as those who are seriously involved. The same dark powers exercise influence and control over all forms of occultism. A loaded revolver is as dangerous when one is playing a "game" of Russian roulette as it is in the hands of one attempting to commit suicide. Persons who have experienced occult oppression or subjection warn of the dangers of fooling around with the psychic and occult, including ESP, telepathy, ouija boards, automatic writing, and table-tipping. Innocent or not, those who do so are inviting invisible (demonic) "playmates" to participate in the game or practice, and are in for a rude awakening psychically and spiritually, often with serious, permanent consequences. (5) Psychometry. This is the psychic ability to determine the facts about an object's owner from contact with the object. For example, simply by touching a missing person's picture, or some personal object belonging to him, a "sensitive" individual can give the particulars of the person, their present whereabouts, and whether the person is living or dead. Other psychometrics can diagnose diseases and other ailments by handling an object belonging to the afflicted person, by touching the patient's body, or by use of the pendulum. A certain pastor’s files contain testimonies of those who suffered oppression as a result of contact with such psychic healers. Deliverance from the powers of darkness was necessary. (6) Radiesthesia. Divining for such things as water, oil, and minerals, using a dowsing rod or pendulum, is an ancient occult practice known the world over, having its roots in heathenism. It is condemned in the Scriptures (Hosea 4:12; Deuteronomy 18:10) as inspired and controlled by "the spirit of fornication" (an unclean spirit). Martin Luther charged, and rightly so, that the practice violated the First Commandment. One survey on water dowsing (or "water witching," as it is often called) stated there were an estimated 25,000 water dowsers in the United States alone. The actual number of nonprofessional dowsers is much higher. It is practiced by water engineers to locate water pipes, by plumbers to determine sewer lines, by well drillers to find water sources, by mining engineers to locate minerals or oil, and was used by the Marines in Vietnam to locate mines, tunnels, and booby-traps along jungle trails. Practical instruction in the use of the dowsing rod is available as part of military training at Camp Pendleton, California. Thousands of officers and enlisted men have been subjected to these dark powers (although participation is voluntary), and only time will tell the terrible psychic effect upon these men as a result of their occult involvement. Dowsing for water is commonly done with a forked stick, such as a hazel or willow twig. Some dowsers use coat-hangers, wires, keys on a chain hanging from a Bible, or brass welding rods. Some also succeed using the pendulum (a small ball or pear shaped object, or a needle, key, or ring, etc ., hanging from a string or chain). The dowsing rod (or pendulum) is used to divine for gold, silver, oil, water, minerals, buried treasure, missing persons, and many other things. As the divining instrument is held over a map of the area in question, it reacts in a certain manner at the correct location. Of course, divining instruments are also used at the geographical sites themselves, in the general area where water, minerals, missing objects or persons, and oil are believed to be. Radiesthesia (the use of a dowsing rod or pendulum) is frequently used in the diagnosis of illness and disease, to determine the sex of an unborn baby, to prescribe medicines, to aid in crime detection, and in any of the ways in which psychometry (above) may be used. Frequently, those who practice dowsing or who use the pendulum give evidence of psychic disturbances and other signs of occult subjection or oppression. (7) Magic practices. One subjected by occultism is often involved in magical practices such as hypnosis, mental suggestion, remote influence of others, magic charming, conjuring, healing animals and humans, casting spells, concocting and using magical remedies and cures, and countless other magical and superstitious practices. The source is the same whether one practices so-called "white" magic (invoking hidden powers for "good" ends), or "black" magic (invoking spirits for destructive or evil purposes). "This proves beyond question that dowsing has nothing to do with so-called "magnetic" forces attracting the rods as some allege, since it is also effective when used over a map of the site. The source of its power is demonic. It is incredible to think that, in this modern scientific age, millions are involved, or have been involved, in some way with ancient magic practices and rites, from the charming of warts and burns to the use of spells, magic herbs, and hex signs on houses and barns (which are still seen in some areas). Magic practices and beliefs are not limited to rural folk, who are often naturally superstitious, but are found in urban areas and large cities. These practices are not merely harmless superstitions, as time and again the adverse psychic, mental, spiritual, and physical effects are seen in the lives of the countless people involved. Simply stated, magic is man's sinful attempt to break through the bounds set by God and His Providence, as well as to overcome human resistance, for one's own selfish purposes. One of the most subtle and potentially dangerous forms of magical practice is hypnosis, an ancient occult method of influence or control of the mind and actions of others. Largely through the efforts of the Viennese physician, Mesmer, and as a result of its adoption by psychiatrists, dentists, doctors, and psychologists, hypnotism has lost much of its distasteful association with witchcraft and the vaudeville stage, and has now acquired a cloak of respectability. The ancient "charmer" and "enchanter" (Deuteronomy 18:10-11) now, as often as not, has a Ph.D. degree! Advocates often try to justify this ancient form of witchcraft by arguing that (1) hypnotherapy has many beneficial medical uses, and (2) the hypnotist cannot compel his subject to commit any criminal action or morally wrong act which the subjected individual would not do when awake. Both of these arguments are invalid. In the first place, when hypnotism is used to treat many psychological, mental, moral, and emotional problems, its benefits are seldom permanent. For example, one under hypnosis may be told that he has been released from his deep-seated fears, or doubts, or the problem of alcoholism; but the effect of such suggestions seldom lasts, and must be repeated in time. The reason is that the cause of such conditions has not been removed. Only the effect has been treated. Professional hypnotists and hypnotherapists admit that attempting to relieve symptoms through hypnosis is dangerous, if treatment focuses merely on symptoms and does not deal with the underlying causes. One doctor cites the case in which a patient, through hypnosis, was stopped from chain smoking, but became a compulsive eater as a result. She was then cured of her overeating, only to become an alcoholic! Such examples are by no means the exception. They weaken the naive idea held by many that hypnotherapy is a magic "cure-all" which, in the hands of the medical technician or psychiatrist, can solve all our mental, emotional, social, and psychological problems. In fact, by removing the symptom without curing the cause, the hypnotherapist may weaken the subject's defenses against inner turmoil's and problems. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 3 We must distinguish between general oppression and occult oppression and subjection. The symptoms may be similar in many respects, but in several important aspects they are not. The marks of occult involvement are easily distinguished to one experienced in this particular area of deliverance. As a result of failing to distinguish between occult oppression and general demonic oppression issuing from other causes, many who have had prayer for deliverance have not been permanently set free. As we will show, those who have been involved in occultism have opened a "door" of access to oppressing spirits which they themselves must close by positive action and faith on their part. Moreover, liberation from occult oppression or subjection requires proper understanding of its peculiar nature and cause, the specific method of deliverance required, and the spiritual responsibilities of the one who has received deliverance from occult oppression. General oppression, whether mental, physical, or spiritual, may result from any one of several causes. For example, it may result from some traumatic experience, sin, weakness, emotional crisis, resentment, hate, pride, fear, or illness. Occult oppression and subjection, however, always result from an individual's involvement in some form of fortunetelling, magic practice, spiritism, or false religious cult, either as practitioner, or, as is most often the case, as subject, follower, or participant. Moreover, experience has shown that it is possible for a person to be "passively" subjected or oppressed, even though he has never actively participated in the occult. The Biblical basis for this fact is Exodus 20:3-6: God's "curse" falls upon "the children unto the third and fourth generation" of those who violate His commandment by calling upon other gods (demonic spirits and powers), which they do through involvement in the occult, for the purpose of breaking through the bounds which God has set for man. The magnitude of the sin of occult involvement, which is an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12), is confirmed by its deep power of enslavement, not only upon the participants themselves, but even upon their descendants. The reality of such passive oppression and subjection has been shown in the preceding study. Both from Scripture and from experience it is evident that evil spirits who oppress human victims are of various kinds, and work in a variety of ways. There are blind spirits, deaf spirits, epileptic spirits, deceiving spirits, and lying spirits; spirits of pride, intellectualism, lust, infirmity, insanity, homosexuality, suicide, fear, apathy, anger, discord, strife, hate, resentment, depression, stubbornness, misunderstanding, gossip, obscenity, and many others. Oppression may be subjective, such as insanity, lust, or loss of health through disease and affliction; or objective, in which case the victim may be plagued by demonic apparitions and voices, or troubled by discord and strife through vexation by evil spirits. These malevolent spirits are definite personalities, not mere habits, diseases, psychological conditions, or states of mind. Just as human beings vary in personality, power, ability, appetites, intelligence, and purpose, so do the demonic spirits. Their primary intention, as disembodied spirits, is to oppress or possess a person appealing to their particular nature or appetites, in order to hide, as it were, behind these traits, habits, weaknesses, and mental or physical conditions, and thereby escape detection. An individual given to sexual looseness and excess, for instance, opens the door to demonic control in this particular area of his life by a spirit of lust with this characteristic appetite. The same would be true concerning a person who has a violent temper which he does not bring under control, or those who are given to pride, jealousy, hate, depression, gluttony, drug addiction, or any other weakness of character, mind or body. Demonic spirits seek to oppress those whose make-up, character, temperament, appetites, and moral, mental, or physical weaknesses are most harmonious to themselves. They bury themselves in the very structure of the person and actually identify with the personality of the victim insofar as possible. This is why it is difficult for the novice to discern, or the medical doctor, psychologist, and psychiatrist to admit, the reality and activity of demonic spirits in such victims. The latter reduce such diseases as epilepsy, cancer, blindness and deafness, as well as abnormal personality and behavior problems, to functional or organic disorders. Hence, the presence and activity of demonic spirits in their victims are often described by other terms such as: complexes, habits, drives, hallucinations, delusions, delirium tremens, insanity, epilepsy, melancholia, masochism, homosexuality, schizophrenia, mania, depression, psychoneurosis, psychosis, compulsions, drug addiction, disease, and so on. Not that the terms are entirely inaccurate, but in many cases they are inadequate. They do not go deep enough in identifying the conditions and phenomena connected with the work of the powers of darkness in the lives of the oppressed. Likewise, the parapsychologist describes the various manifestations of demonic powers by such terms as clairvoyance, telepathy, extrasensory perception, eidetic imagery, hypnotic suggestion, precognition, telesthesia, psychic phenomena, and so forth. He holds that such paranormal abilities and powers are merely manifestations and projections of the human subconscious or psyche, or that they can be explained in some other natural and rational manner as a rule. Thus, the presence and activity of such personal entities as demonic spirits are not easily perceptible to the analytical investigators of the paranormal, for the precise reason that Satan does not publicly announce his presence and work in an individual by handing out "calling cards"! However, growing numbers of psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians are beginning to see and admit that they can no longer dismiss demonic oppression as mere religious delusion or pagan superstition. They are finding it to be a dreadful reality, and that there are definite limits beyond which medicine and psychiatry cannot penetrate to bring the necessary liberation to the suffering individual. In one instance, the church which a certain person pastored was contacted by a Christian psychologist asking for prayer for the deliverance of one of his patients. He recognized that the woman was bound and oppressed by Satan and that he was unable to help her with mere technical knowledge and skills. After the church prayed in faith for her liberation in the Name of Jesus, the psychologist reported that she had been set free. He was then able to counsel effectively with her, which he had been unable to do previously. Dr. William S. Reed, a well-known American surgeon, was reported to have said that he, as a surgeon, was convinced that many psychological and physical illnesses are the result of demonic attacks upon the individual; that on the basis of Mark 16:17, he himself used exorcism (casting out of evil spirits) when guided to do so; and that modern medicine and psychiatry should seriously consider the ministry of exorcism. Often the connections between occult involvement and the oppression which results are so subtle that people are completely unaware of the insidious relationship until it is pointed out. For instance, who would have connected the chronic physical illness of Mrs. L. with her visit to a fortune teller? Mr. R. did not believe that his playing with the ouija board had any adverse spiritual effects upon him until it was manifested in his inability to exercise faith to receive the Holy Spirit. For many years Mrs. T. was unaware that her persistent marital problems and apathy toward life began the day after her participation in a seance. And who would have seen the cause of the chronic phobias and doubts of another person who had been healed as an infant by an occult or magic healer? Mr. B. regularly visited fortune tellers, but did not realize until it was shown him that this accounted for an uncontrollable spirit of lust, from which he could not escape, and also explained his pride, indifference, immaturity, and hate. A brutal, demon possessed child, subject to periods of violent rage, was the result of the parents' participation in the occult, but this was unknown until counseling revealed the cause. Mrs. C. suffered from severe depression and thoughts of self destruction, little realizing that her participation in seances was the cause. Miss W. had been committed to a mental institution at one time, spent much money visiting doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and had sought help and counseling from many sources concerning her psychotic condition, all to no avail. Little did she realize that it resulted from her past fortunetelling practices and other occult connections. Likewise, Mrs. G. was unaware that her visits to the fortune tellers were responsible for the "voices" she heard and demonic apparitions she saw, until this was shown her in counseling. Who would have seen a connection between the morbid depression and extreme negativism of Mr. V. and his visits to meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults such as Theosophy and Rosicrucians, even though he only went out of curiosity? Homosexuality and fear of crowds were the result of another individual's involvement in the practice of table-tipping and consulting the ouija board as a child. The rapid mental and physical deterioration of another victim of occult oppression was traced to submission to hypnotism and treatment by "Concept Therapy." Mrs. D. found through counseling that her depression and lack of desire for spiritual things followed her visit to a fortune teller. Although he had prepared for the ministry, Mr. T. later fell back into the world, was divorced, and lost interest in Christianity. He was then surprised to learn that his troubles stemmed from his practice of self-hypnosis, astrology, and other occult interests. The removal of warts by magic charming and involvement in other magic practices has resulted in alcoholism, oppression by sex spirits, and other forms of demonic oppression in some cases. The parents' participation in occult practices resulted in a young man and a young woman being oppressed by demonic apparitions and vexed with other problems. Palm reading was the cause of one woman's serious domestic problems, and another's oppression in which she heard voices and saw a ghostly apparition. Water dowsing explained the resistance of one man to the Scriptural teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. It was also the cause of another's vexation with a serious problem over which he could not achieve victory, and resulted in insanity to still another who practiced this ancient heathen method of divining. Playing with the ouija board and visits to fortunetellers led Mrs. F. to attempt suicide. The consequence of having a burn "blown" away by magic charming was severe depression for Mrs. R. The relation between the mental illness of Mrs. A. and her practice of table-tipping as a child seemed remote until she experienced immediate liberation upon confessing this occult sin and receiving prayer for deliverance. Another, who could have no assurance of salvation, due to oppression by a deceiving spirit, was delivered when she was shown the connection between her mental suffering and a healing she had received from a psychometric healer who diagnosed her illness by touch. Chronic asthma was the consequence of involvement in magical practices, from which a sufferer was set free upon learning of the cause. Liberation from severe mental, physical, and spiritual oppression came to another who fell victim to the insidious powers of darkness after visits to Spiritualists' meetings, while another was set free from psychic subjection which resulted from occult practices, when shown the source and nature of her extrasensory powers. The examples from this certain pastor’s files could be multiplied, for there are few families in which at least one member has not had contact with occult spirits in one form or another, with its resultant oppression or subjection. Although few people are aware of the various forms in which occult oppression and subjection express themselves, there is no doubt that occult involvement always results in bondage. This conclusion is based on a pastor’s experiences in deliverance. First he had established the connection between the occult involvement and the bondage, then the oppressed individual confessed his occult sins and commanded Satan to depart. The result is always the same: the person is delivered. In instances where the individual was also psychically subjected (having extrasensory powers, seeing apparitions, hearing spirit voices, and so on), these experiences have immediately ceased, thereby proving their occult source. A distinction should be made between "subjection" and "oppression" resulting from occult involvement. Subjection means that malevolent spirits have brought the victim under the domination and control of the powers of darkness. The victim has been made subject to, or enslaved by, such things as sexual lust, violent temper, drugs, uncontrollable thoughts, resistance to divine things, compulsive behavior, lying, hate, religious delusions, self-pity, or forms of occultism. A person thus subjected often becomes psychic himself, and is so enslaved by occultism that he lacks the will, and sometimes even the desire, to be set free. Oppression resulting from occult involvement means that the victim has been afflicted with some form of mental, physical, emotional, or psychic ailment or distress such as depression, fear, mental illness, disease, pain, apathy, marital discord, compulsive thoughts of suicide, apparitions, and so forth. The characteristics listed in the rest of this study are evidences of occult subjection and oppression. Some of these symptoms may result from other causes, but the existence of any of these manifestations usually indicates the presence and activity of demonic spirits, as well as the need for deliverance. Occult subjection and oppression may be classified for clarification into five categories: Mental and Emotional; Psychic; Spiritual; Physical; Material, Domestic, and Social. A. Mental and Emotional Disturbances and Abnormalities. Contrary to common wisdom, many psychoneuroses, psychoses, and other mental and emotional abnormalities result, not from functional or organic causes, but from occult involvement. Some of the following symptoms could be classified as "psychic" disturbances or abnormalities in character; however, we will purposely be limiting our later discussion of "psychic" subjection and oppression to the strict parapsychological sense of the term, namely, to extrasensory functioning, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, and to such psychic phenomena as apparitions or poltergeist activity. Note further that "mental and emotional" does not necessarily imply "inward," but many of the following mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities will also affect the outward behavior of the oppressed individual. 1. Psychoses indicative of occult oppression or subjection. Symptoms in this category include serious, prolonged depression or melancholia; resignation to failure or misfortune; habitual gloominess, morbidity and negativism, boredom and indifference (ennui), as well as apathy in general. Persons thus afflicted are often more interested in their own inward thoughts than in what goes on around them, and may respond in an abnormal, dull manner to others and to reality. They manifest extreme introversion; that is, they live within themselves and take no interest in their surroundings. At times they shun others, withdrawing and spending long periods of time alone, sometimes in a darkened room with the shades drawn, in a morose state of mind. Excessive weeping may also accompany this condition, as well as self-accusation of sins, frequently with thoughts of self-destruction. Such individuals often lack normal emotional response and contact with reality. They live in a private world where little affects them except their own fantasies and dreams. In some oppressed persons, this state of depression alternates with a directly opposite mood of extreme joy, happiness, exhilaration, and optimistic outlook. This mental disorder, known as manic-depressive psychosis, is characterized by extreme, sudden changes in mood, fluctuating up and down, often without warning. Delusions, so-called hallucinations, and psychic oppression are frequently present in victims of occult involvement who have become psychotic. There may be compulsive thoughts of violence and aggression, and destructive emotions of hate, rage, resentment, jealousy, suspicion, envy, malice, and other antisocial abnormalities. Great excitement and perturbation over trivial matters, and other indications of mania are often seen, as well as unpredictable impulses, moods, actions, and other psychopathic indications of insanity. There is often found in such persons a continual "flight of ideas." The individual goes off on one tangent or another, often without completing a thought, and there is a general incoherence of thoughts and ideas. Generally, they are irresponsible, unpredictable, and undependable. Unreasonable attitudes or demands are characteristic of demonic activity in such persons. As a result of occult involvement, some individuals are in subjection to extreme and uncontrollable passions and appetites. Vile language, sexual allusions or displays are common, together with inexplicable character or personality changes toward moral degeneracy. There may be found such sexual aberrations as homosexuality, masochism, self-abuse, promiscuity, sadism, abnormal sexuality, uncontrollable lustful thoughts and images, and suggestive behavior and dress. The presence and activity of demonic powers is also indicated by enslavement to evil habits such as drug addiction, gluttony (compulsive eating), addiction to alcohol or tobacco, compulsive gambling, and many other forms of excess and intemperance. 2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection. A neurotic person exhibits symptoms such as persistent, chronic fear or dread. Generally, there is a morbid anxiety that something dreadful is about to happen, or that one has not done something he ought to have done, or has done something that he should not have done, and so on. There are often feelings of apprehension, consternation, panic and hysteria, or evidence of strong nervous tension. The individual often works and lives at a frenzied pace, frequently suffering insomnia and extreme restlessness. Other abnormalities seen in neurotics include difficulty in making decisions, inability to adjust normally to certain situations, and the need of constant guidance and reassurance by others because of personal feelings of inadequacy and immaturity, or the fear of failure. Extreme hypersensitivity, irritability, and impatience are common. The individual is often ill-humored, argumentative, defiant, negative, always "on the defensive," and highly critical of others in an effort to justify his own deep feelings of inadequacy. The most pathetic and difficult forms of neurotic oppression to deal with are the deep-rooted feelings of self-pity and the abnormal desire for attention found in some individuals. They dread being alone for any length of time and have need of constant companionship and conversation. They often feel mistreated, misunderstood, misrepresented, and disliked by others. Frequently, they develop some psychosomatic ailment or disease as a result of the subconscious desire for attention, in order to find escape through sickness from the problems and perplexities of life. Such persons, called "hypochondriacs," seek to control and manipulate others by the shrewd use of their illness. Their households and families are forced to adjust to their abnormal life and whims, sacrificing everything for their personal comfort. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️THE CAUSES FOR OPPRESSION. Without exception, those who become involved in any form of occultism eventually suffer satanic oppression in some manner. This simple statement of fact can be readily validated both by Scripture and by experience. 1. Occult involvement is disobedience to God's Word and is an abomination to Him. All forms of fortunetelling, spiritism, magic practices, and involvement in false religious cults, are absolutely forbidden by Scripture. Practicing or participating in them are condemned by God. In Deuteronomy 18:9-12, God warns: ... thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one ... that useth divination [fortuneteller], or an observer of times [soothsayer], or an enchanter [magician], or a witch [sorceress], or a charmer [hypnotist], or a consulter with familiar spirits [medium possessed with a spirit or "guide"], or a wizard [clairvoyant or psychic], or a necromancer [medium who consults the dead]. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD! This passage sets forth the methods by which the heathen sought to unveil hidden knowledge, ascertain future events, uncover secret wisdom, and exercise supernatural powers. In contrast to the methods employed by the heathen nations for discovering the will of their gods and uncovering the hidden secrets of the spiritual realm, God declares in verses 15-22 that Israel would learn the things that she needed to know concerning the future and His will for her, not by discovery through the methods of divination and occult practices, but by revelation. The means of revelation, which would come unsought and at the sovereign discretion of the Lord, was to be through the word of His prophets (note verses 14-15). Thus, Scripture forbids us to seek information or guidance from these unauthorized and unscriptural sources. The believer who needs wisdom and guidance is admonished to ask of God (James 1:5), for the secret things belong unto Him (Deuteronomy 29:29). The modern-day fortune teller, medium, astrologer, clairvoyant, hypnotist, magician, ventriloquist, water dowser, occult and magic healer, sorcerer, conjurer, psychic, and such like, all had their ancient heathen counterpart in the necromancer, consulter of the spirits, wizard, charmer, magician, soothsayer, diviner, enchanter, sorcerer, sorceress, and so on. Man has always been intrigued with the idea of uncovering hidden knowledge which belongs only to God. This was the cause of man's fall, Genesis 3! He desires to learn his fate, know the course of the future, or obtain supernatural guidance, favors, and powers from the realm of the spirits. Satan has always accommodated such seekers with substitutes for truth, and counterfeits for genuine revelation. Thus he deceives the gullible, who believe that such information or help comes from God or the spirits of the departed (who actually are impersonated by demonic spirits). These practices are all condemned by God without reservation. Carefully examine, for example, the following passages: Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Exodus 7:11-12; II Timothy 3:8; Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26,31; 20:6,27; I Chronicles 10:13-14; II Kings 21:5-6; Isaiah 2:6; 8:19; Jeremiah 27:9-10; Zechariah 10:2; Malachi 3:5; Acts 8:9-24; 16:16-19; 19:19; Galatians 5:16-21; Revelation 21:8; 22:15. Scripture clearly condemns all forms of occultism as sorcery and declares that " ... they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21), nor enter into God's presence (Revelation 22:14-15), but " ... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Revelation 21:8). God not only forbade participation in all forms of occultism as spiritually defiling (Leviticus 19:31), but made such disobedience punishable by death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27), and sufficient grounds for rejection of that soul by God (Leviticus 20:6), for those who defiled themselves by consulting evil spirits were an abomination unto the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). 2. Occult involvement breaks the First Commandment and invokes God's curse. Thou shalt have no other gods before me ... for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third b and fourth generation ....-Exodus 20:3,5 The truth is, there are only two sources of hidden information, supernatural help, power, guidance, or healing: God or Satan. This fact is inescapable, whether people know it or not! One who visits a fortune teller is obviously not seeking help from God through Jesus Christ. If he were, he would pray directly to God, or seek help through a Christian friend or minister. The fortune teller certainly does not call upon God for the desired information, but divines by means of occult methods and demonic power, as is seen in the case of the girl in Acts 16 who had a "spirit of divination." The powers of darkness control all forms of fortunetelling, including astrology, card reading, divining by tea leaves, the Ouija board, palmistry, the crystal ball, psychometry, divining rod, pendulum, or planchette, as well as through the exercise of such occult powers as ESP, telepathy, and so on. This is also true of all forms of magic and magical rites (whether black or white magic). These include magic charming or conjuring, magic cures for humans or animals, casting spells, mental suggestion or remote influence (suggestions given to the subconscious mind of one person by another), blood pacts, enchantments, amulets, and magic or medical hypnosis. The powers of darkness likewise influence and control the various forms and practices of spiritism: seances, communication with the dead (which are really demons impersonating the dead), and spiritualist meetings. Also included are psychic and spiritist phenomena such as automatic or spirit writing, table-lifting, levitation, floating trumpets, disembodied voices, telekinesis, apports, materializations, apparitions of the dead, and astral projections, as well as the mediumistic trance and every other occult practice. Two sources or doors are open to the one who seeks guidance, hidden information, spiritual or supernatural aid, or miraculous healing. One may, through prayer in Jesus' Name, seek such help from God. But one may also enter from this world into the spiritual dimension through the door of occultism. Behind this door stands Satan and the powers of darkness who work through the media of fortune telling, magic, spiritism, and the false religious cults. The Scriptures forbid man to seek contact with these sources, or to receive their help, for it is tantamount to calling upon another god! Satan, as a matter of fact, is called the "god of this world" (II Corinthians 4:4). If man does not call upon God for his needs, through the Name of Jesus Christ, but resorts to the occult, then obviously there is only one other source of supernatural power which can answer him. Consider the following: . Did the fortune tellers pray in Jesus' Name for the hidden knowledge which they gave to you? . When you inquired of the Ouija board, did you ask God, through Christ, for the information? Have you ever asked the Ouija board what is the "source" of its information? Some did ask and were startled when it replied, "the god of Hell," "Hell," "Satan," or "the devil"! . When you allowed yourself to be hypnotized, to whom did you surrender your will-to God or to some unknown power operating through the person to whom you submitted? Did you know that demons have admitted that the source of power behind the hypnotist is Satan? . By what power are persons healed when it is accomplished through Christian Science, Spiritualism, Concept Therapy, magic charming or ritual, or other occult means, instead of through prayer in Jesus' Name as the Scriptures require? . What power causes tables to lift off the floor, objects to appear out of nowhere, furniture to move or float about the room, apparitions to appear, and voices to speak, alleging to be from the dead? . What strange power causes the pencil to move in automatic or spirit writing, or the twig to bend in the hands of a water dowser? Is it of God? If so, then why is it not done in the Name of Christ? What then is its source? . From what source do some persons have powers of extrasensory perception, telepathy, clairvoyance, and other psychic abilities? . Why do some persons, after a visit to a fortune teller or involvement in some form of occultism, suddenly discover that they are psychic? . How do some people know about an event before it occurs, hear strange spirit voices, see apparitions, read the thoughts of others, and so on? Do you know that such people invariably have had occult contacts, or that some form of occultism can be found in their family history? The source of their psychic powers and experiences is demonic, and results from opening the door to the powers of darkness through such occult involvement. When a person calls upon these forbidden sources, Satan often accommodates him with hidden knowledge or help. But as a result of this open door, the enemy will move in and oppress him physically, mentally, psychically, or spiritually. The powers of darkness always exact a heavy price for their services. For example, psychic disturbances often result after one receives information concerning his future. The healing of a burn by magic charming often results in more serious physical oppression later. One couple's participation in a séance opened the door to divisive spirits that ruined their marriage. A man who attended Spiritualist meetings suffered severe melancholia and depression for many years. The same result followed the practice of table-tipping in another case. Commitment to a mental institution was Satan's reward for another who sought help from a fortune teller, unaware that the real source was Satan. And, involvement in astrology, along with healing through a Christian Science practitioner, resulted in chronic illness in another victim of Satan's deception. This individual also suffered spiritual and mental anguish. Many other examples could be cited, some of which we will note later, clearly proving the insidious nature of occultism in all its forms. The "cloven hoof" will invariably be manifested sooner or later in the life of any individual who opens himself to the powers of darkness. All forms of fortunetelling, magical practice, spiritism, and unscriptural cultism are an abomination to God. The seriousness of this offense can be seen in the case of King Saul who fell under God's curse, was rejected as ruler of Israel, and put to death by Divine decree because he attended a séance and sought help from a spiritualist medium! So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit [a medium], to inquire of it; and inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. - 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. This séance, held in disobedience to God's will, is recorded in I Samuel 28. Spiritualists often attempt to justify their practice of alleged communication with the dead by appealing to this passage in I Samuel as proof from Scripture that a king sought information from the realm of departed spirits through a medium. However, either they are unaware of, or they conveniently ignore, the passage just cited in I Chronicles 10:13-14, which condemned Saul's sin of seeking help by occult means from the discarnate spirit realm instead of enquiring from the Lord. Moreover, 1 Samuel 28:15-16 indicates that Samuel also disapproved of Saul's sin of disobedience in his seeking to communicate with the dead through a medium. God's prohibitions against occultism are still in effect today. We have found in our experience dealing with many people concerning occult oppression that those who disobey God's commandments against this sin invariably fall under His curse. Eventually they will suffer some form of psychic, mental, physical, or spiritual oppression or enslavement, from which liberation will be needed. Moreover, it is an established fact that those who have participated or had contacts in the occult have not only suffered oppression themselves, but often their children and descendants have fallen under the curse, for God declares, " ... I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation" (Exodus 20:5). Many times clairvoyance and other psychic powers appear as a result of occult involvement which took place two or three generations earlier. For example, Edgar Cayce, whose grandfather was a water dowser, wrote of the psychic and clairvoyant experiences which he had as a youth, giving evidence of his early occult subjection. Strong mediums often develop as a result of what might be termed "psychic heredity." Personality and character defects, as a consequence of occult sins by the parents or grandparents, often appear two or three generations later in the form of morbid depression, violent temper, irresponsibility, immorality, chronic fear, hysteria, agnosticism and atheism, hate, persistent illness, unpredictable behavior, and many other abnormalities. Thus, occult oppression or subjection is the result of disobedience to God's Word, particularly the violation of the First Commandment. The seriousness of this sin cannot be overemphasized. Anyone guilty of occult involvement in any form, personally or through their ancestry, regardless of when it occurred, should not delay to deal with this sin in the manner shown in our further studies to get deliverance from it. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️DEMONISM IN THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE. Part 2 of 2. Continued. Others propose the psychosomatic theory. So-called cases of demon "possession" were in actuality physical or mental disorders. With our present knowledge of medicine and psychiatry, many alleged instances of demon activity can now be explained as forms of psychosis or psychoneurosis, habits, addictions, psychological states of the mind, or other physical or mental disorders. Contrary to such rationalistic explanations, the Scriptures, without reservation, look upon evil spirits, not as mere hallucinations, influences, habits, functional disorders, states of the mind, or psychological problems, but as intelligent personalities. Frequently, behind what may appear to the skeptic to have some logical or natural explanation, Jesus discerned an evil, supernatural entity causing the problem which plagued its human victim. Thus, He "rebuked" the fever in Peter's mother-in-law (Luke 4:39), loosed a woman who had been bowed together by Satan for eighteen years by casting out a "spirit of infirmity" (Luke 13:11-16), and set the "insane" Gadarene free from a legion of demonic spirits (Mark 5). Possession by numerous malevolent spirits is not uncommon even in this day, as those who have dealt with such oppressed victims can attest. Their numbers may range from a dozen or more to hundreds, and in one instance Satan actually admitted to a pastor through the lips of the victim he possessed that there were 1,067 demons in this individual. At other times, the Scriptures indicate the reality of demonic spirits by clearly distinguishing between mere functional disorders and those conditions which result from demonic oppression. We are told in Mark 1:32-34 that the people brought unto Jesus" ... all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with demons ... and he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many demons. "In Matthew 8:16 disease and demon possession are also distinguished, as they are in Mark 16:17-18, and in Matthew 10:1, where Jesus gave the twelve disciples "power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." The Scriptures show many instances where physical and mental oppression are caused by the presence and activity of evil spirits. In the case of the lunatic child. We read that "Jesus rebuked the demon; and he departed out of him: and the child was healed from that very hour" (Matthew 17:14-18). In Acts 10:38 we are told that Jesus healed all who were oppressed of the devil. Again in Matthew 12:22 the frequent relationship between demon possession and physical affliction is clearly seen: "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw." Demon oppression or possession is never treated merely as an organic disease or functional disorder by Jesus. If the cause was an evil spirit, He cured the oppressed individual by casting out the demon. Further evidence that Jesus was often dealing, not with mere organic disorders or superstition in the minds of the people, but with distinct intelligences, is seen in: The Lord's direct commands to the evil spirits (Mark 5:8); Their recognition of Him ("And unclean spirits, when they saw him ... cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God," Mark 3:11); Their display of certain attributes of personality, such as: Feeling (Mark 5:7), Fear (Luke 8:31), Intelligent speech (Mark 5:7-12), Knowledge (Acts 16:16), and Their personal names ("My name is Legion," Mark 5:9). Demons today often identify themselves by name or character as spirits of fear, pride, doubt, lust, resentment, and so on. In one ministry, they have personally heard demons identify themselves either by name or by character. In one instance, a demon identified himself, saying, "I am antichrist" (i.e., the spirit of antichrist); another confessed, "I am the demon of death." The various kinds of evil spirits and the nature of their work and activity in human life and affairs will be covered in detail in our further studies. There is an almost infinite variety of demonic spirits. There are, for example, spirits of lust, infirmity, insanity, suicide, fear, hate, and pride, as well as deaf, dumb, and blind spirits, who vary in personality, power, appetites, and intelligence. As disembodied spirits, their purpose is to oppress or possess their victims, with the ultimate intention of either the mental, spiritual, or physical destruction of the individual. C. How Demons Gain Access. How do demonic spirits gain access to their victims to vex, oppress, or possess their minds or bodies? As Matthew 12:43-45 and Mark 5:6-13 clearly indicate, demons as disembodied spirits have no "rest" unless they can find habitation in a physical body, preferably human, through which they can satisfy their own appetites, lusts, and desires. Counseling with oppressed and afflicted individuals has confirmed that there are basically four avenues which can be opened whereby demons gain access to the mind or body: (1) emotional crises, (2) sin, (3) doubt, skepticism, and ridicule of divine things, and (4) occult involvement. 1. Emotional crises. It is generally assumed that cases of oppression by evil spirits can be traced to some form of sin or weakness of character on the part of the afflicted individual. But this is not always true. Unusual emotional experiences such as extreme fright, or prolonged, abnormal grief over personal loss can open doors to demonic oppression. Traumatic or shocking experiences can weaken an individual's resistance. The child who witnesses the murder of his parents, or the young lady who finds out she will lose both her legs because of an automobile accident, are typical of those who would be extremely vulnerable to oppression or invasion by such spirits. In one instance, counseling revealed that the emotional and spiritual problems of a person needing deliverance began with a terrible fright at a very early age. Another was set free from a spirit of mental illness, for which he had been institutionalized, after the cause was traced to a severe emotional crisis which he had experienced. Most people do not realize the effect that their attitudes of mind, their fears and doubts, and their negative confessions can have upon them in times of emotional crisis. The wrong confession, especially when one's body is weakened by accident or illness, or when one is in a state of shock, can open the door to invasion by oppressing spirits. Spirits of infirmity may enter under such conditions, when resistance is low, resulting in deformities, chronic conditions, or even death. In the case of one individual, serious depression and mental illness resulted from harboring guilt feelings since childhood over the accidental death of a younger member of the family for which she blamed herself. She was later liberated from these oppressing spirits. In another instance, an individual became oppressed when a deceiving spirit convinced her that she had grievously sinned by submitting to surgery instead of trusting God to heal her. Convinced by Satan that God would not forgive her, she suffered chronic depression and psychic oppression, and was bound with a spirit of fear to the point of mental collapse, before she was liberated. Such disturbances and afflictions cannot be dismissed merely as psychosomatic disorders, or results of mental suggestion, but accord well with the teachings of Scripture. We are told, "as [a man] thinketh in his heart so is he" (Proverbs 23:7), that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21), and that we can be "snared" by the words of our mouth (Proverbs 6:2). But the same verses also reveal that a positive confession of the Word of God can bring salvation, healing, blessing and deliverance (Mark 11:23-24; Romans 10:10; Psalm 91; Revelation 12:11, etc.). 2. Sin. Such sins as lust, alcohol and drug addiction, theft, sexual excesses, and other sinful habits or forms of intemperance and immorality are frequently the cause of invasion by unclean spirits (cf. John 5:14; Mark 5:8) One psychically afflicted individual acknowledged during counseling with a certain pastor that he actually saw a demon of lust take possession of him as he entered the apartment of his mistress. In another instance, drug addiction resulted in possession by evil spirits from which deliverance was needed. Preoccupation with unclean sexual thoughts and self-abuse led one young man into total possession by a spirit of insanity and a spirit of suicide. Moreover, sins such as prolonged attitudes of hate toward another, resentment, extreme envy, jealousy, intolerance, pride, uncontrolled anger, lying, desire for revenge, and so on, subject individuals to the influence of or invasion by the powers of darkness. As a result, they will show less and less control over these attitudes and feelings, while emotional outbursts, compulsive lying, thoughts of violence and aggression, mental breakdown, depression, unpredictable impulses or behavior, psychic oppression, and other forms of antisocial or psychotic behavior will increase. A certain pastor has dealt with more than one situation in which resentments, smoldering beneath the surface for years, have had serious consequences. In two instances, women were invaded by spirits which caused physical and mental breakdown because they opposed and resented the careers chosen by their husbands. In other cases, hate and resentment led to severe oppression from Satan. Compulsive lying, which indicates the influence of lying spirits in an individual, has been the consequence in some cases where willful lying was not brought under control. In one instance, a child who had become a chronic liar said that "voices'' told her to call her school with a "bomb scare." The assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King were obvious examples where demonic spirits of hate and intolerance influenced and controlled the perpetrators of these crimes. 3. Doubt, skepticism, and ridicule of divine things. Those who persist in negative or skeptical attitudes of mind concerning divine truth, or who resist the present day ministry of the Holy Spirit, stand in grave danger of becoming bound by spirits of doubt, deception, and unbelief. King Saul became possessed by an evil spirit as a result of his persistent rebellion against God's revealed will, and his persecution of David, God's anointed servant. The apostle Paul states plainly that Satan, "the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not" (II Corinthians 4:4), and that in the last days, upon those who do not receive the truth, "God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (II Thessalonians 2:11-12; cf. Matthew 13:10-15; I Timothy 4:1-3). Some adverse effects of demonic influence which result from skepticism and/or ridicule of divine truth are progressive spiritual deterioration, increased resistance to the supernatural and miraculous, religious delusions and doctrinal errors, inner turmoil and anxieties concerning religious matters, and the inability to concentrate on the Bible and prayer. In some instances, blasphemous thoughts against Christ, opposition to the Holy Spirit, belligerency against ministers of the gospel, and open scorn and ridicule of Christianity in general are the consequences. A certain pastor saw cases where demons which had just been exercised from the victim immediately entered into skeptics who had come to ridicule and criticize. 4. Occult involvement. The larger part of this book will be devoted to occult participation or involvement, its adverse consequences, and the means of liberation from occult oppression and bondage. Perhaps more than any other, this is the avenue through which the powers of darkness gain access to oppress and afflict their victims. The majority of persons a certain pastor counseled have either been involved in some form of occult activity or know of its presence in their family history. The present-day neurosis epidemic; the increase in psychic afflictions and other mental and physical disorders; and the flood of crime, wickedness, and chaos world-wide, indicate just how successfully the demonic powers have gained control over men and women everywhere through occult involvement. The Work and Activity of Demonic Spirits. Earlier, we indicated the broad scope of the kingdom of darkness and its vast hierarchy of wicked spirits, consisting of thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spirit-forces in the heavenlies. Scripture designates Satan as head of the present world-system, ruling in world affairs. The satanic confederacy influences men and nations everywhere, affecting secular and religious institutions alike. Our purpose now is to show Scriptural evidence of how these demonic spirits influence and oppress the lives of individuals in three areas: the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. 1. Physical infirmities. The Gospels contain many references to evil spirits whose primary objective was to afflict their victims with some physical infirmity. These same peculiarities are still in evidence everywhere today. (1) Dumb spirits. A spirit can take possession of, or afflict, some organ of the body, or bind the nervous center controlling some function. Thus, an evil spirit causing dumbness (the inability to speak) paralyzes the speech faculties. In Matthew 9:32-33, we are told that the dumb man was possessed by a demon, and when the demon was cast out by Jesus the dumb man began to speak. (2) Deaf spirits. When the malevolent spirit binds or afflicts the auditory nerves, the result is deafness. When both speech and hearing are affected, the afflicted individual is termed a deaf-mute. Medically, a deaf-mute's inability to speak is due to congenital (early) deafness. But Jesus treated such a condition as being caused by an evil spirit, which He cast out (Mark 9:25). (3) Blind spirits. When the optic nerve is paralyzed by a spirit, the condition will not respond to surgery (Matthew 12:22). Satan also afflicts people with diseases of the eyes or ears which do not result in blindness or deafness. (4) Infirm spirits. This classification includes an infinite variety of oppressing spirits ranging from those which act upon the spinal cord, the muscles, or the brain, causing such afflictions as deformity, atrophy of the muscles, lameness, and so on (Luke 13:11-17), to spirits causing asthma, cancer, tumors, heart disease, paralysis, migraine headaches, insomnia, tuberculosis, and such like. Epilepsy, a disease affecting the central nervous system, results in severe physical convulsions and loss of consciousness, and may be either an organic affliction or an epileptic spirit. If it is a spirit, then exorcism is the only way to set the oppressed individual free. 2. Mental oppression. There are spirits whose primary function is to assault the mind with evil or unclean thoughts, feelings of depression, apathy, fear, and anxiety, or with temptations ranging from pride to a resignation to failure. Spirits of insanity may take possession of the mental faculties, disrupting normal, rational thought processes. The affected individual exhibits various mental, emotional, and behavioral abnormalities. Suicide spirits also invade the mind, attempting to drive the oppressed individuals to self-destruction or self-injury (Mark 9:17-22), while others relentlessly press their victims into some form of shameful or antisocial behavior (Mark 5:2-5). Other spirits plague their victims with fears, depression, anxiety, feelings of apprehension, panic, or hysteria. Often these individuals are hypersensitive and irritable, or exhibit destructive emotions of hate, rage, rebellion against authority, resentment, unpredictable moods and impulses, or other psychopathic abnormalities. We will discuss these in greater detail under the heading "Mental and Emotional Disturbances and Abnormalities," in our further studies. 3. Spiritual oppression and delusion. Without a doubt, the forces of darkness are the most aggressive, cunning, and deceptive in the realm of the spirit. Satan's Basic strategy is to gain control of the lives of men in order to fulfill his evil purposes through them in his warfare against the kingdom of God. Satan reserves his most intelligent, cunning, and powerful spirits for work in this dimension. One such evil spirit, a "prince" in the satanic hierarchy, was powerful enough to withstand for three weeks a heavenly messenger sent to Daniel, until Michael, the archangel, was dispatched to help him (Daniel 10). These spirits are of a higher rank, being the "world-rulers of the darkness of this age" (Ephesians 6:12). They possess and control humans, either in the realm of world affairs or by speaking through Spiritist mediums, by functioning as spirits of divination in fortune tellers and clairvoyants, or by influencing false prophets and deluded religious teachers and leaders. We cannot overemphasize the importance of insight into Satan's strategy and methods of operation in the area of the spirit. But we are not without help, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" (II Corinthians 10:4). Every believer is admonished to: Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. -Ephesians 6:11. The activities of these spirits are often cloaked with respectability. Religious seducing spirits may appear in clerical or religious garb. As an "angel of light" or as "ministers of righteousness" (II Corinthians 11:14-15) they take up residence in churches, seminaries, and other religious organizations and institutions. They lure the gullible into modernistic churches or schools, or into false cults, where they deceive them into embracing religious errors including heresies, legalism, false revelations, and many other forms of religious delusion and practice, as well as denial of the inerrancy of Scripture. Seducing spirits are taking advantage of the revival of witchcraft and the worldwide interest in occult and psychic phenomena. They are using every opportunity to deceive and ensnare the unwary in all forms of occultism, often clothing it with a respectable aura of religiosity. This is seen in Spiritualism, and in the increasing use of ESP, spirit healing, and the seance in religious services. Lying spirits are active in this sphere, seducing and deceiving their victims, as well as inducing them to lie or deceive others (I Kings 22:19-23; Acts 5:1-11). I John 4:1 warns us not to believe every spirit in the sphere of religion, but to test them. The Bible predicts the increased activity of lying and deceiving spirits at the close of the present age, and they are already going forth to seduce and deceive (II Thessalonians 2:10-12; I Timothy 4:1-3; Matthew 24:11,24). These spirits often appear in intellectual and cultural garb. In the educational, social, cultural, and political realms of world affairs, spirits of intellectualism, pride, aggrandizement, and avarice or greed have far greater influence than most people are aware. Many outstanding personalities have been influenced or directed by these spirits, or have participated in some form of occultism, subjecting themselves to possible influence of seducing spirits. Many of the world's leading poets, novelists, philosophers, musicians, scientists, politicians, and religious leaders are or have been interested or involved in some form of occultism or other psychic phenomena, often admitting it without apology. The noted philosopher, Socrates, openly acknowledged that he was guided and inspired by his "Daemon" (demon). Dr. Carl Jung, world renowned psychiatrist, was possessed with psychic powers, and had many psychic experiences. Dr. Nandor Fodor, a well-known psychoanalyst, reported that Jung conversed with a spirit-guide named Philemon, often had horoscopes cast for his patients, and wrote his doctoral thesis on the subject of occult phenomena. Thomas Edison's parents were Spiritualists who conducted seances in their home. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, is said to have worked as a professional medium in New York. Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, received his "revelations” from a discarnate spirit named Moroni. Emanuel Swedenborg, the scientist-theologian whose followers founded the Churches of the New Jerusalem based on his teachings, reportedly communicated with the "dead" on frequent occasions. It is common knowledge that seances were held in the White House during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Spirits speaking through mediums are said to have influenced Lincoln's decision concerning the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln's apparition has reportedly been seen in the White House by others (a common phenomenon in houses where seances have been held), most notably by Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Psychic Jeane Dixon claims to have been invited to the White House more than once for consultation by the late President Roosevelt, whose death she predicted. Woodrow Wilson is said to have consulted mediums for guidance during the First World War. Mackenzie King, a former Prime Minister of Canada was said to have been active in Spiritualism and to have sought spirit guidance in affairs of state, according to Fred Archer, writer on spiritualism and psychic research. Archer also reported that Sir Winston Churchill acknowledged he used the planchette at times, and had done automatic or spirit writing. The psychic interests of Britain's Queen Victoria, as well as that of W.E. Gladstone, nineteenth century Prime Minister of England, included attendance at seances and seeking communication with the dead. In fact, Archer cited records showing that the British royal family has had contact with spiritualism for over a century, and that King George of Greece was an active Spiritualist. Arthur Ford, a Disciples of Christ minister and psychic medium, stated in his book, Nothing So Strange, that he conducted seances for many notable personalities, including many important persons in government: generals, admirals, ambassadors, congressmen, senators, and members of the State Department. Through his Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship, many church leaders have become involved in psychic matters, and occultism has thereby made inroads into churches of various denominations, as well as other religious organizations. Like Jeane Dixon, Ford's psychic powers brought him invitations for consultations and demonstrations far and wide. He conducted seances in Hyde Park Methodist Church of Chicago, and many others. He held seances for Upton Sinclair, the American novelist; Dr. Sherwood Eddy, founder of the YMCA in the Orient; Ruth Montgomery, author of A Gift of Prophecy (about Jeane Dixon); Glenn Clark, founder of CFO; and Dr. Ozora Davis, former president of Chicago Theological Seminary. He demonstrated his psychic abilities before a committee appointed several years ago by the Archbishop of Canterbury to inquire into the claims of spiritualism. The phenomenal revival of interest in astrology has been featured in Time magazine. In the United States alone there are thousands of astrologers, full or part time, who chart the heavens for millions of interested followers. A Time magazine listing of Americans interested in this form of divination included J.P. Morgan, Mary Pickford, Robert Cummings, Marlene Dietrich, Peter Lawford, and Ronald Reagan. Astrologers were engaged by several governments during World War II to produce astrological calculations for propaganda purposes; in addition they made predictions as to the enemy's tactics and the outcome of the war. Horoscopes were cast for all the Allied and Axis leaders and exhaustively analyzed. In Nazi Germany, Himmler employed a corps of clairvoyants and astrologers, while the astrologer Louis de Wohl claims to have functioned in this capacity for the British government. And the Russians evidently had an astrologer who served under Stalin and Krushchev. In the literary field, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes detective mysteries, was active in spiritualism and also its avid defender. Charles Dickens, who had psychic experiences, once confided that every word uttered by the characters in his novels was distinctly heard by him as spirit voices before being written down. Writers on the occult report that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the American poet, was interested in psychic phenomena and attended seances, and that Lord Tennyson and John Ruskin shared interest in the psychic field. Harriet Beecher Stowe, said to be psychic from childhood, stated that she did not really originate Uncle Tom's Cabin but that it came to her in vision. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), American author and humorist, was a member of the (occult) Society for Psychical Research, and reported his own psychic experiences. Horror fiction, with its monsters, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, murders, and gruesome and revolting subject matter, is plainly of occult origin. Novels such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and the horror fiction of Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Goethe, and Charles Dickens all point to occult sources. Of course, the works of Shakespeare are replete with witches, ghosts, magic, blood and murder. Current interest in the occult is reflected in the immense increase in the sale of occult literature, the abundance of horror movies, plays and television programs which reflect occult influence, and the popularity of monster and horror comics for children. The bizarre, strange, macabre, and demonic seem to have captivated the minds of young and old alike. Is it possible that this increase in fascination with the occult, and the increase in physical, emotional, and psychic disturbances today, are merely coincidental? I hope you join us next time for our further studies on these topics. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️DEMONISM IN THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE. Part 1 of 2. Having established the widespread influence and effects of the occult in the world today, we now want to show the Scriptural evidence concerning the evil power behind the occult. After establishing this on Scriptural grounds, our next study will deal with the basic strategy of Satan, the arch deceiver. We will show how the first step in his scheme to gain control of the minds and lives of men and women everywhere is to ensnare them somewhere in his demonic web of occultism. The Bible clearly reveals the existence of an unseen kingdom of darkness. It consists of a complex hierarchy of evil forces, together with an invisible host of malevolent spirits, all actively engaged in an insidious plot to deceive, control, oppress, and eventually destroy the human race. The reality of the existence of these demonic powers is clearly affirmed by the Old Testament itself, as seen in the stringent legislation against any traffic in the occult by the Israelites. Such involvement was punishable by death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27). The satanic confederacy and its warfare against the whole creation, beginning with the manifestation of Satan himself at the very inception of the human race (Genesis 3), can be traced throughout the Old and New Testaments. With the Advent of Christ and the establishment of the church, the conflict between the forces of righteousness and the powers of darkness for control of the created order breaks forth on a scale hitherto unknown. It is exceeded only by the present demonic flood of wickedness being unleashed against the world now at the consummation of the ages. This is precisely what the Scriptures predict (II Thessalonians 2:1-12; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:11; cf. Ephesians 6:10-13; I John 4:1-3; II John 7-11; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Revelation 13). Apart from the testimony of the Scriptures, there is no satisfactory explanation for the present-day revival of witchcraft, spiritism, and occultism in all forms, nor the alarming increase in war, crimes, suicide, racial strife, social unrest, mental illness, disease, divorce, juvenile delinquency, sexual perversion, adultery, and revolt against law and order. The contemporary church, to a great extent, lives in a world of make-believe with regard to recognition of the extensive influence of deceiving and malevolent spirits working against the human race. It is deluded by the unscriptural idea that Satan presents no serious threat to the Christian today. The popular notion is that Satan was defeated by Christ at Calvary; therefore, his present work is largely limited to blinding the eyes of the lost to the truth of the Gospel and harassing Christians by tempting them with worldly allurements or sinful pleasures. Such a naive attitude has no basis whatever in Scripture. It is significant that the apostle Paul still calls Satan "the prince of the power of the air" and "the god of this world" after Calvary (Ephesians 2:2; II Corinthians 4:4)! The Scriptures warn believers that they should "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith"(I Peter 5:8-9; cf. Ephesians 6:10-13). Satan's invisible hosts are engaged in a ceaseless warfare against believers in an effort to hinder, deceive, discourage, defeat, oppress, maim, and destroy. Moreover, much of the church today denies any need for the charismatic gifts (I Corinthians 12). They contend that these supernatural manifestations were merely a temporary foundation in the erection of the first century church. But in abandoning the charismatic gifts, they have surrendered the very weapons God placed in the church to cope effectively with the forces of darkness. The church was called and invested with sufficient power and authority to conduct an effective warfare against the powers of darkness. Casting out demons, binding the forces of evil, and loosing victims from the oppression and bondage of Satan are still as much the duty of the church as the proclamation of salvation in Christ. In fact, these are a vital and inseparable part of the Gospel itself which Christ commissioned His church to preach (Mark 16:15-20). Another result of this surrender of the charismatic power to heal and deliver from satanic oppression is that the pastoral ministry today is largely limited to "soul-care." Consequently, persons suffering mental, physical, or psychic disorders are referred to other professionals for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. The typical pastor may try to cope with the effects of these insidious powers in the lives of men and women through counseling and prayer; but he often fails to deal with their cause-Satan. When the church dissected the Great Commission, separating the Word from the signs given to confirm it, it lost the power to convince the unbelieving world. Thus, after three centuries of turning the world upside down, the church began to waver and then steadily to lose ground to the powers of darkness. But in these closing days of history we are seeing a fresh enduement of power from on high, a restoration of charismatic ministry, in which the church is once again arising victorious to meet and overcome the flood of demonic wickedness sweeping across the earth. A. Existence and Reality of the Kingdom of Darkness. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. -Ephesians 6:12. The Scriptures inform us that God created not only a material or physical world but also an invisible, spiritual realm consisting of angels and other spiritual intelligences, such as cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 28:14-15), seraphim (Isaiah 6:1,6), living creatures (Revelation 4-5), and other unnamed hosts and ministers of God (Psalms 84:1; 103:20-21; 148:2-5). The creation and existence of an invisible, spiritual realm, as well as the visible, is shown by the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:16: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him" (cf. Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2-5). The Invisible hosts, dwelling either in the presence of God or in heavenly regions in close proximity to the earth, are of two orders: the good and the evil. The Scriptures further divide these two orders into a hierarchy consisting of thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities, powers, world rulers, spirit-forces in the heavenlies, angels, archangels, princes, cherubim, seraphim, and other spiritual hosts. Some of the designations refer to holy angelic authority, others denote evil supernatural forces, while some may refer to either, depending on the context. Certainly, the powers of darkness and the satanic confederacy are under consideration in such passages as Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 12:24-26, Ephesians 1:20-21, and perhaps also in Colossians 1:16; 2:10. In Isaiah 14:13, Satan refers to the reality of his kingdom, saying, "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." Christ Himself acknowledges its existence in Matthew 12:26 saying, "If Satan cast out Satan ... how shall then his kingdom stand?" The apostle Paul speaks of him as "the prince of the power of the air" (literally, "the ruler of the authority of the air," or the regions in proximity to the earth) and as "the god of this age." When Satan offered Christ the kingdoms of this world in return for His acknowledgment of Satan as god, Jesus did not challenge his right to offer them. In fact, Christ Himself referred to Satan three times as "the ruler of this world." John designates him as the head of the present world-system (I John 5:19). He rules in world affairs and directs them from his throne in the heavenlies. Men and governments, as well as educational, social, economic, financial, political, and in some cases, religious institutions, are under Satan's power to whatever extent they yield to his influence. B. Origin of Evil: Satan and the Demonic Powers. There is no simple answer to the perplexing question of the origin of Satan and his host of demonic spirits. God is not the Author of evil, for the Scriptures show that He created all things good in the beginning (Genesis 1:31). But how could sin originate in a perfect universe, or holy angels and spirits fall in the first place into the sin of rebellion against God? In order to shed light on this mystery, we must first examine what God has revealed in His Word concerning Satan, whom the Scriptures designate as the father and source of all that is evil. 1. Satan. First of all, the Scriptures clearly show that Satan is not merely an impersonal evil "power" or "influence," the "negation of good"; but he is an intelligent, spiritual personality, ruler of a vast kingdom, and god of this world. The Scriptures contain many references showing that Satan is a personality. 1. Personal pronouns are used in reference to him (Job 1:8; 2:1-2; Matthew 12:26). 2. He possesses intelligence and cunning (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11); memory (Matthew 4:6); knowledge and emotions (Revelation 12:12); will (Isaiah 14:12-15); speech faculties (Job 1-2; Matthew 4). 3. He will be punished as a moral, responsible being (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10). What do the Scriptures reveal as to the origin of Satan, the source of evil? From the fact that the Bible shows that God is the Creator of all things, both visible and, whether they be thrones, dominions, principalities or powers (Colossians 1:16; John 1:1-3), and that He created all things good (Genesis 1:31), we may conclude that the spiritual being designated Satan in the Scriptures was not originally a fallen creature. Do the Scriptures shed any light on this? We believe that they do. It is highly improbable that this archenemy of God and man, the source and cause of all the evil and misfortune in the universe, would be unceremoniously introduced into Scripture (Genesis 3) without some revelation in the Word of God as to his origin and subsequent apostasy, as well as some insight into the nature of his kingdom. There are several passages of Scripture which refer to Satan's creation, apostasy, and fall from his original exalted position in heaven. Two of these deserve special consideration, namely, Isaiah 14:1-20 and Ezekiel 28:1-19. What is the true identity of the person described in these passages? A careful study will reveal that the description in these passages cannot be limited to the historic kings of Babylon and Tyre. The language, although addressed to them, clearly goes beyond these kings and characterizes Satan himself. In the first place, the scope of Isaiah's prophecy is future, looking even beyond Israel's return from the Babylonian exile. Chapter 14:1-3 introduces the time of Israel's millennial blessings when she is restored to the land of Israel (14:1), ruling over her oppressors (14:2), and has been granted rest in her own land (14:3). The language in verse 12, which is addressed to the king of Babylon, is also used of Satan (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-10), who, as the prince of this world, was the directing spiritual influence and power behind the king. Moreover, the language in verses 13-14 is inappropriate if limited to that earthly monarch. There are five "I wills" of Satan in this passage which cannot be applied to the king of Babylon. Satan boasted: "I will ascend into heaven." "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." "I will sit upon the mount of the congregation." "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds." "I will make myself like the Most High." The language, like that in Ezekiel 28:11-19, clearly goes beyond application to the historical king, and is directed to Satan. Ezekiel 28 describes the original, unfallen state of Satan and his apostasy, whereas Isaiah 14 records his fall and ultimate destruction. Why then are these two prophecies addressed to the historical kings of Babylon and Tyre, if they describe Satan and his career? It is a characteristic of divine prophecy, and not uncommon in Scripture, for a message clearly to refer to or be directed to someone other than the individual named. Other passages where Satan is addressed indirectly through another are Genesis 3:14-15, Matthew 16:23, and John 13:27. In the Messianic psalms, while David apparently speaks of himself, he is actually describing Christ (cf. Psalms 16:10; 22, etc.). Thus, we find that the kings of Babylon and Tyre are addressed in language which, by its very nature, describes someone other than themselves, because: (1) in the characters and careers of these earthly monarchs, the wicked character and career of Satan is seen; (2) Satan fulfills himself and his evil administration in and through these earthly kings who rule over his earthly dominions (Luke 4:5-6); and (3) these rulers, like Satan, arrogated to themselves divine honor and prerogatives (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:2). Next, observe the extraordinary nature of the description in Ezekiel 28:11-19, and the inappropriateness of limiting it to the historic king of Tyre: "Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty" (28:12). He was complete and perfect before God. "Thou wast in Eden, the garden of God" (v. 13). This is not the Eden of Genesis 3, but the paradise of God (v. 14, "the holy mountain of God") where he was arrayed with all imaginable splendor: "every precious stone was thy covering." "In the day that thou wast created" (v. 13). Twice his "creation" is mentioned (cf. v. 15), which is inappropriate if applied to the king of Tyre. Of the human race, only Adam is said to have been "created"; his descendants are always said to be "born." "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth" (v. 14). No satisfactory explanation of the designation "cherub" has ever been offered when applied to the king of Tyre. The cherubim in Scripture are spiritual beings who always appear in the closest relationship to God (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:20; I Chronicles 28:18; Psalm 18:11; Ezekiel 1:9-11). "I set thee, so that thou wast upon the holy mountain of God" (v. 14). He was appointed by God Himself to an exalted position. "Thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire" (v. 14). Doubtless this signifies the divine presence of God and His glory (cf. Ezekiel 1:13. Exodus 24:10,17). "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till unrighteousness was found in thee" (v. 15). Certainly this is unsuitable and inappropriate when applied to the king of Tyre, who was not "created," never "perfect," so did not later fall into a state of unrighteousness. This is, however, an accurate description of the career of Satan. Compare Colossians 1:16 with Ephesians 6:12, and John 1:3 with John 8:44, which suggest the fall of Satan from an original state of righteousness. Satan, we are told, "abode not in the truth." "Thy heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness" (v. 17). The Scriptures always designate pride as the cause for Satan's fall and condemnation (I Timothy 3:6; Isaiah 14:13-14). "Therefore have I cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God; and I have destroyed thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire ... I have cast thee to the ground ... I have turned thee to ashes ... and thou shalt nevermore have any being" (verses 16-19). This is the exact fate predicted for Satan in Scripture (Revelation 12:7-9; 20:10; Isaiah 14:12, 15-20). Satan was not alone in his apostasy and fall, for the Scriptures indicate that he was able to persuade numerous angels, and perhaps other spirit beings, to join in his rebellion and attempt to usurp the throne of God. Apparently the angels, possessing moral freedom, underwent a period of probation and testing just as Adam, for we read that some "sinned," and "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The angels of the devil are referred to in Revelation 12:7. Others who kept their integrity are designated as "holy angels" (Mark 8:38) and "elect angels" (I Timothy 5:21). As a result of Satan's rebellion and fall, sin entered and polluted the universe which God had created good, and Satan became the source of all evil and misfortune (John 8:44). His character and purpose are now given over entirely unto evil. He is called a "murderer," "the father of lies" (John 8:44), and an incorrigible sinner (1 John 3:8). He became the adversary of man, deceiving, oppressing, accusing, and seeking to destroy all that God has created (Genesis 3; Job 1-2; Acts 10:38; Revelation 12:9-10). The present realm and sphere of this evil one and his hierarchy of wicked powers is not in "hell" (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7-9); but the seat of his kingdom is in the heavenly regions, doubtless in close proximity to the earth (Revelation 12:7-12; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12. "High places" in 6:12 literally means "heavens" or "heavenly regions"). He walks up and down in the earth at will (Job 1:7; I Peter 5:8), and has access to heaven's throne as the "accuser" of believers (Job 1-2; Zechariah 3; Revelation 12:10). His present position is one of royal dignity and authority, so much so that even the archangel Michael "durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke thee"" (Jude 8-9). His present dominion is that of king and ruler over a vast kingdom and hierarchy of dark powers (Matthew 12:26,29; 25:41; Ephesians 6:12), being designated as "ruler of this world," "ruler of the power of the air," and having the whole world under his power and influence (John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; I John 5:19). As prince of this world, he rules over the godless political systems, in world affairs, in the realm of agnostic science and philosophy, and in the social and economic orders. His designation as "the god of this world" (II Corinthians 4:4) signifies his present spiritual and religious power and influence. His influence and control in religion are to be found in various forms, ranging from subtle perversions of doctrine, including Liberalism, Modernism, Neo-orthodoxy, and New Age, to the revival of witchcraft, false cults, and devil worship. The worship of Satan and demons is not unknown in Scripture (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:16-17; Psalm 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20; I Timothy 4:1-3). Satanic churches exist today; and covenants with the devil, as well as prayers to him for assistance, have occasionally been disclosed by the oppressed in counseling with them. Thus, Scripture actually sheds much light on the origin of evil in the universe and the present extent and work of the kingdom of Satan. However, a perplexing question yet remains: "How could sin originate in a perfect universe, or holy angels and spirits fall into the sin of apostasy and rebellion against God apart from outside influence?" Adam transgressed and fell from his state of innocence through the temptations of an outside influence, Satan. But in the transgression of Satan, the "anointed cherub" himself (as well as the holy angels who sinned), there was no one to influence nor tempt him. Sin actually had its origin in him: Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:15). While Scripture does not give a direct solution, it does offer some help in solving this mystery. We offer two suggestions. 1. Free moral agency. Satan, angels, and other spirit beings, like man, were created as free moral agents. That is, they were created intelligent, rational, and spiritual, with the power of free moral choice. By God's divine intention, they were given the power of self-determination with respect to their obedience to God. Obviously, before sin entered the universe, Satan was still the anointed cherub. He and the angels who later sinned did not have a choice between good and evil as realities, inasmuch as evil did not yet exist. But the potential for evil existed, in that God had created other free moral beings and had given them the power to say "no" to Him and to rebel against His will. Before sin entered the universe, only one form of transgression was possible: disobedience to God's revealed will and commands. Satan's only choice initially was to obey or to disobey, as it was later in the case of Adam, whose transgression introduced sin into the world (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6). Irrational beasts do not have this power of choice, nor the right of self-determination; but neither can they, for that matter, worship God and by their own volition serve, honor, and obey Him. Free response based on love, not forced obedience, would alone satisfy and glorify God, the Father of all creatures, in exactly the same way a parent is honored and pleased by the loving, willful response and obedience of a child. The initial choice was God's. Irrational beasts or sub-human robots without the ability of moral choice would present no threat to sanctity of the universe; but God wished to bring into existence beings who could freely worship, honor, and glorify Him. As God certainly knew of beforehand, this would require giving them the right of self-determination and the potential power of disobeying Him and His will. A creature who could not willfully say "no" to God, likewise could not willfully say "yes" to Him. So evil did not exist from the beginning as a reality but as a potentiality. God created a free, moral universe and it is for this reason that Satan could choose not to abide "in the truth" (John 8:44). We may certainly infer from this that at one time he walked before God in truth and perfection, as Ezekiel 28:15 also indicates But, by an act of his own will, he chose not to abide any longer therein. So also, many of the angels, having the power of self-determination, "sinned" and "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6). 2. Finiteness. Satan, angels, and other spirit beings were, like man, created finite. To be "finite" means to be subject to limitations. It is a state of not being perfected (in the absolute sense); it is to be incomplete. Finiteness stems from the fact of creation. It is impossible to create an infinite creature-this would be a contradiction. Only God, as uncreated Spirit, without beginning or end, is infinite: that is, He is without limitation; He is perfect in righteousness, power, wisdom, holiness, and love. Finiteness is inherent in creation. Satan's finiteness was the door to his fall, as it was with Adam. If one is finite in his essential nature, then his character, actions, motives, conformity to God's will, power to obey and not to sin-in a word, all that he is and does-will also be subject to this limitation or finiteness. Finiteness itself does not imply imperfection or defectiveness, but it implies limitation and susceptibility to failure or defeat under certain conditions. Satan, as the anointed cherub, was preeminent in beauty and wisdom, possessing many other glorious attributes (Ezekiel 28:14). But being finite, he allowed pride to enter his heart because of his beauty ("Thy heart was lifted up because of thy beauty," Ezekiel 28:17; I Timothy 3:6), and sinful ambition, because of his great position ("I will exalt my throne above the stars of God... I will be like the Most High," Isaiah 14:13-14). Due to his incomparable beauty and wisdom, and because of his exalted position, his finiteness caused him to look away from the truth unto himself. The result was catastrophic: "he abode not in the truth" (John 8:44). 2. Demons. We turn next to the hosts who comprise Satan's kingdom: demons and fallen angels. Satan, as god of this world, rules over a vast host of demonic spirits and directs an extensive kingdom and hierarchy, consisting of principalities, powers, world rulers of darkness, and spirits of wickedness in the heavenly regions (Ephesians 6:12). Demons and fallen angels are never equated nor used interchangeably in Scripture. No angel is said to be "in" a person as in the case of the demon possessed. We do not read of a person who was possessed by an "unclean angel" (cf. Luke 4:33-36). Angels and other spirits are distinguished in Acts 23:9. The Scriptures speak of many kinds of spiritual creatures. In our modern age of science and technology, with advancements in medical knowledge and psychiatry, and as a result of the rise of critical Biblical scholarship, it has become popular to deny the reality and existence of such personal entities as Satan, demons, and evil spirits, dismissing such beliefs as unenlightened superstition. Several theories have been proposed by the skeptics in an unsuccessful attempt to explain rationally the manifestation of demonic powers. One such theory contends that the Bible, when it speaks of the presence and activity of demons, merely reflects prescientific superstition. From ancient times, we are told, every culture has held to the superstitious belief that the world is inhabited by unseen forces or spirits, some having good intentions toward man and some evil. In this way they were able to explain the mysteries of life and death, accident and disease, prosperity or famine, plagues, floods, storms, and so on. With our present day knowledge of science and the operation of physical laws, it is no longer necessary to resort to unrealistic explanations based upon unseen spirit forces. Within Christendom some rationalistic theologians propose the theory of accommodation in an attempt to explain Jesus' references to demons and His exorcism of the spirits which in some instances possessed those to whom He ministered. Jesus, we are told, was actually aware that such personal intelligences as demonic spirits did not really exist, but inasmuch as the people to whom He ministered held to these superstitions, He merely accommodated Himself to their unenlightened views concerning the cause of physical and mental illness. His purpose, we are told, was not to teach science, but religion. Hence, He did not attempt to correct their unscientific beliefs. To say the least, such preposterous theory is ethically out of harmony with the moral life and teaching of Jesus Himself as set forth in the New Testament. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️THE REALITY OF MODERN OCCULTISM. 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. The Scriptures predict that there will be a great increase in demonic activity in the last days. Our age is characterized by an ever-increasing flood of Satanic wickedness ranging all the way from psychic afflictions to moral aberrations. This rapid expansion of the work of the kingdom of darkness is affecting and influencing the entire world, its governments, society, the church, and the life of the believer. Demonic activity is clearly seen in the alarming increase in crime, lust, deceit, moral depravity, suicide, war, homosexuality, fear, worry, anxiety, atheism, disease, psychic disorders, demonic oppression and possession, and drug and alcohol addiction, together with the growth and intensification of spiritism, occultism, false religious cults, and the work and doctrines of seducing spirits and demons. There has never been a time in history when the warnings against the dangers of occultism (all forms of fortunetelling, magic, spiritism, and false religious cults) were more needful than the time in which we live. Multitudes of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, find themselves suffering physical, mental, psychic, and spiritual oppression; yet few realize that it is because they have allowed themselves to become ensnared in the demonic web of occultism, which is under the influence and control of the powers of darkness. Practices such as witchcraft, sorcery, and spiritism, which were once conducted more or less surreptitiously and abhorred by the average person, are now being clothed with a cloak of respectability and popularized through religious literature, lectures, church groups, radio, and TV. Millions are being subjected to demonstrations of the powers of darkness by such occult practices as clairvoyance, telepathy, ESP, hypnotism, fortunetelling, divination, magic, seances, and many other psychic practices. The late James A. Pike, a well-known Episcopal bishop, participated in a televised seance, allegedly communicating with his dead son (a suicide) through the professional medium Arthur Ford, a Disciples of Christ minister! The daily lives of millions are being influenced by the horoscope, which is the ancient Babylonian pseudoscientific black art of astrology (Daniel 2:2). Occult games such as "Ouija," "Clairvoyant," "Horoscope," "ESP," "Mystic Eye," "Kabala," "Dungeons and Dragons," and "Voodoo" are now being sold everywhere and suggested as ideal gifts for children and adults alike. As a result of its unprecedented psychic interest, the public can also purchase such occult articles as the planchette, pendulum, horoscope charts, tarot cards for telling fortunes, crystal balls, books on ESP, party games involving mind reading, hypnosis, clairvoyance, precognition, and so on, as well as other objects of the black arts. We find that many persons in government circles presidents, prime ministers, congressmen, senators, generals and admirals, envoys, and members of the State Department–seek and welcome the counsel and advice of clairvoyants and psychic mediums such as Jeane Dixon, whose prognostications have been derived from fortune telling cards and the crystal ball, and Arthur Ford who has conducted seances while in a trance. Moreover, some law enforcement agencies unhesitatingly engage the services of psychics like Peter Hurkosand G. Croiset, who have used their occult psychometric and clairvoyant powers to aid in the solution of crimes. Hurkos, for example, has assisted the police on murder cases in many countries, including the notorious "Boston Strangler" case. Graphology, a form of fortune telling through handwriting analysis, is now being used by many business firms who regularly consult graphologists to analyze the handwriting of prospective employees in an attempt to "read" their character, personality, and other traits, and thereby to predict their potentiality and worth, or lack of it. The CIA is said to have used handwriting analysis along with other tests, as do banks, finance companies, sales firms, manufacturers, and many others. Multitudes, including business, government, and religious leaders, beset with problems, fearful and confused because of the present state of the world, and concerned about the future, are seeking help and information from fortune tellers and spiritualist mediums. Countless others have been subjected to the influences and deceptions of spiritualism, assuming everything supernatural is of God, and mistaking the powers of darkness for the power of God. The gullible are naively falling victim to the fallacious reasoning that since God can heal and perform miracles, then every case of healing and everything that passes for a miracle must be from God. Since God has spoken through men by prophecy and revelation, they believe that everyone who claims to have a prophecy or revelation from God must be accepted as a prophet and seer. Thus, psychic mediums and clairvoyants are finding increasing acceptance from every quarter by the multitudes who are clamoring for their help and guidance through the operation of their alleged "gifts of God." Many others are involved one way or another in the superstitions of magic in an effort to be healed or helped by it in some way, or in order to influence others through it. Such delusion is nothing new, for we find it recorded in Acts 8:9-11, and we are warned concerning its increase in the last days, in which we now live (I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-9; Matthew 24:24; II Corinthians 11:14; II Thessalonians 2:7-12). The use of LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs, with their resultant damaging emotional, mental, and psychic effects, has become in our time a symbol of mankind's frustration with life in the present world and is an attempt to venture into the spiritual "unknown" by means contrary to God's will. The "hippie" movement had considerable interest in the occult, e.g., fortunetelling, telepathy, astrology, black magic, devil worship, and other forms of witchcraft. Reports from England, Africa, France, Germany, South America, Haiti, Vietnam, Switzerland, in fact, from all over the world, including the U.S.A ., reveal that occultism in all forms is rapidly on the increase. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually on the so-called occult sciences. Thousands of tons of occult books and other literature find their way into homes via the newsstands and booksellers each year. Occult influence can readily be detected in movies, plays, and stories, and in many reputable magazines which contain regular monthly horoscope columns. Some years ago a published estimate revealed that there were at least 5000 astrologers in the U.S.A. alone, who charted the heavens for over 10 million ardent American followers of this ancient black art. These numbers continue to increase. Millions more have become addicted to and are influenced by horoscope columns in daily newspapers. The sale of horoscope magazines numbers in the millions and is increasing yearly according to reliable sources. In America, four times as many women as men are devotees of fortune telling by means of astrology. Business Week magazine reported that "legerdemain is becoming big business." People everywhere are taking renewed interest in magic and sleight of hand deception, including doctors, dentists, psychiatrists, ministers, advertising men, and salesmen. Even manufacturers are using the magician's tricks to promote their wares. Capitalizing on the new interest in occultism, many companies offer magic kits as a premium for buying their products. Time magazine has reported a great upsurge in interest in the black arts with sales of occult items such as crystal balls, tarot fortune telling cards, and Ouija boards at an all time record high. In any city of size, one can purchase such articles of witchcraft as amulets, hexing dolls, ingredients for casting magic spells, charm powders, mystic incense, roots, herbs, charms, magic candles, love potions, and many other occult and voodoo supplies. Books on "self-hypnosis" are becoming increasingly popular as a sort of do-it-yourself psychiatry. They promise the reader that self-hypnosis can, by controlling the subconscious, "unleash explosive powers within" and make life give you what you want-more money, power, prestige, marital happiness, freedom from pain and depression; put an end to fear; conquer bad temper; or change bad habits. A popular movement known as "Concept Therapy," a form of psychic self-improvement similar in some respects to such mental sciences as Unity and Christian Science, is being promoted as a panacea whereby one may, through mental concentration and the observance of certain "laws," actually "heal with ideas." The mails are being flooded with advertisements offering the gullible alleged occult secrets on "how to claim one's full psychic estate" by developing one's ESP powers. Others promise instruction on communication with departed loved ones and spirit "guides"; on projecting one's "astral self" outside the body in order to travel anywhere at will; on the practice of metaphysical healing of the body; and on such topics as how to read minds, how to gain control over others by mental suggestion, how to make oneself irresistible to the opposite sex, and how to predict the future. In this materialistic age, full of uncertainty and unrest, when even the church has grown skeptical of the validity of the supernatural for today, multitudes are turning to the delusions of spiritualism, or to the fortune tellers for guidance. They are seeking spiritual enlightenment and comfort, not from the Scriptures, but from the literature of occultism, including metaphysics and spiritism, and from false religious cults such as Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, Christian Science, Unity, Swedenborgianism, Mormonism, Baha'ism, Jehovah's Witness, and so on. The quest for spiritual reality and meaning in this chaoticage is reflected in the tremendous popularity of such pseudo-Christian literature as A Gift of Prophecy: The Phenomenal Jeane Dixon and A Search for the Truth by Ruth Montgomery; Edgar Cayce, The Sleeping Prophet (over 6 months on coast-to-coast best-seller lists); Nothing So Strange (the autobiography of Arthur Ford, the medium); and The Search for Bridey Murphy. The market is flooded with all manner of metaphysical and parapsychological literature, including books on ESP, telepathy, yoga, reincarnation, astrology, psychic phenomena, flying saucers (UFOs), ghosts, witchcraft, black magic, communication with the dead, hypnosis, and the supernatural and paranormal in general. Psychic interest is so high that occult book clubs have been established to meet the demand. Sensing that the contemporary church lacks the awareness of the true spiritual dimension and its power, many are seeking spiritual understanding and direction from such organizations as the Inner Peace Movement (IPM); the Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE); Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship (SFF); and the Religious Research Foundation of America (RRFA). The occult nature of these and similar organizations is seen in their stress upon psychic phenomena and experiences, clairvoyance, precognition, the development of one's powers of ESP, personal communion with the dead and spirit "guides," and many other practices similar to those of spiritism, cults, and occultism in general. In addition, multitudes are being deluded by the absurd and unscriptural doctrine of reincarnation, whereby one "atones" for his own sins through a cycle of rebirths. This fantasy is currently arousing unusual interest in the Western world, largely as a result of renewed interest in Eastern metaphysics and the writings of such groups as the Rosicrucian's and Theosophy. Psychics like Edgar Cayce and Grace Whittenberger have contended that one may find the meaning and purpose of their present life on earth through so-called "life readings," or "reincarnative readings," concerning one's alleged previous lives. An important factor in the present-day alarming upsurge of interest in psychic phenomena, ESP, clairvoyance, telepathy, hypnosis, and so on, is the work done by such organizations as the English and American Societies for Psychical Research, as well as the writings of such men as Dr. J.B. Rhine of Duke University, author of Reach of the Mind, who originated the term "Extrasensory Perception" (ESP). Researchers in psychic science and parapsychology, with their discoveries of the hitherto largely unknown psychic forces present in the world, and by encouraging the development in man of the powers of clairvoyance, telepathy, hypnotism, and psychometry, are unwittingly opening wide the flood gates for satanic influence and control of the minds of men. These psychic powers, which are erroneously thought to be "latent" within all men, and only need developing to bring them forth, are not forces within the individual at all. On the contrary, the powers of clairvoyance, precognition, telepathy, and other forms of extrasensory perception, occur as a result of an invasion by insidious spiritual forces from without, which move in and begin to function in and through that individual. He opens himself to these dark powers by seeking psychic experiences, and through his efforts to develop the powers of ESP, or through involvement in any form of occultism. Thus, parapsychologists, under the guise of advancing psychic research and knowledge, are encouraging young and old alike to experiment in the psychic realm, in violation of the will of God and His express commands to the contrary. Their purpose is to heighten one's alleged subconscious powers of clairvoyance, telepathy, and so on; but they ignore the emotional, psychic, and spiritual damage to those who open themselves to the influence and control of the powers of darkness. The interest in psychic experimentation has become so widespread that more and more universities are establishing parapsychological departments for psychic research. Those who wish to test themselves personally for powers of ESP can now purchase "kits" by mail for such experimentation. Occultism and the black arts in general are experiencing a phenomenal revival of interest, influencing more people today than at any time in history. Leading universities, because of the great interest in the occult, offer courses of study with titles such as "Witchcraft, Magic, and Sorcery"; "Parapsychology"; "Psychology of the Paranormal"; and so on. So-called "witchcraft parties," in which a palmist, psychic, or fortuneteller is invited to enhance otherwise mediocre social gatherings, are becoming increasingly popular. Moreover, where the youth once gathered to play innocent party games, now they will amuse themselves, as likely as not, with such bizarre pastimes as table-tipping, levitation of bodies, seances, fortunetelling, hypnotism, playing with the Ouija board, and any number of other occult practices and psychic experiments. Leading sources have reported an open revival of witchcraft in England, as that nation is plagued with the greatest increase in sorcery and occultism since the Middle Ages. Thousands of confessed witches and devotees of witchcraft meet regularly to perpetuate pagan rituals and fertility rites, and to invoke and worship pagan gods (demons, cf. Deuteronomy 32:16-17; I Corinthians 10:20). In San Francisco, the First Satanic Church was founded and led by Anton La Vey, the self-proclaimed "priest of Satan." Devil worship is practiced throughout the world today in Germany, Mexico, England, America, France, and elsewhere. Practitioners of occultism can be found in every city of the world. The gullible seek them for guidance concerning their problems; "spirit" healing; readings of their alleged "past lives"; the location of lost persons and objects; predictions regarding everything from personal matters (marriage, career, love, etc.) to business affairs; and communication with the dead. The powers of darkness are sweeping across the earth to deceive and destroy, as Satan knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12). False prophets are rising to deceive many by making accurate predictions concerning historical events. Seducing spirits speaking through false teachers and writers are leading the gullible astray with their subtle teachings of religious error (I Timothy 4:1). Psychics, who claim their "gift" is from God, are deluding multitudes, including many professing Christians, ministers, and religious leaders, who naively accept everything supernatural as divine, oblivious of the fact that Satan also can perform great signs and wonders (II Thessalonians 2:9-12). Psychic and "spirit" healers, counterfeiting the gifts of the Holy Spirit, are performing many miraculous cures by occult power. For example, Tony Agpaoa, a "psychic surgeon" in the Philippines, made headlines when several well-known Americans, notably from the field of sports, went to have him perform drugless, painless surgery on them using no instruments to make incisions except his bare hands. Harry Edwards, a "spirit" healer in England, has had spirit "guides" heal through him, often without him touching the patient. Edwards, we are told, has even treated members of the royal family, as well as many of England's clergy. The current widespread scientific interest and developments in psychic research; the growing acceptance of parapsychology as a science; the use of hypnotism by psychiatrists and medical doctors; and the acceptance by scientists of extrasensory perception as a legitimate manifestation of the mind, are unmistakable evidence of Satan's success in gaining access to man's spirit, as a necessary step in his invasion of humanity on a scale unheard of in history! Furthermore, we are witnessing an increase in occult literature geared to influence business and professional men and women, stressing that the key to success and personal achievement is "psychic self-improvement"; development of one's "cosmic powers"; "tuning in on the creative intelligence of the universe"; learning "how to make ESP work for you"; and so on. Organizations such as the Inner Peace Movement (whose stated goal has been to help men develop their powers of ESP), have offered programs along the lines of "leadership training utilizing extrasensory perception" to business, industrial, professional, and academic leaders, in order to develop "self-understanding" in executives and supervisors. This is supposed to help them recognize and develop potentials in their employees. The growing influence of astrologers who specialize in forecasts concerning stock market conditions, labor and management, production, taxes, and politics, as well as business and financial matters in general, is unlike anything seen before, as countless business and professional people seek their advice and counsel. Show business people are notoriously superstitious and especially addicted to astrology for guidance concerning their professional careers. But businessmen who are consulting the horoscope are quickly overtaking them, both in numbers and fervor! The success of the powers of darkness in influencing religious leaders is nowhere more evident than in the contemporary liberal and neo-orthodox emphasis in religious schools and theological seminaries. Demonic activity and influence are not limited to the violent behavior we see in the Gadarene demoniac (Mark5). Satan often works in subtle ways, i.e., under the guise of modern scholarship, or through the religious cults. "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" (II Corinthians 11:14-15). Among ministers and religious leaders, there is an increasing interest in occult literature, ESP, and communication with the dead, as well as other occult practices and psychic phenomena. The Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship is an association of ministers and laymen interested in psychic phenomena, communication with the dead, and so on. Founded by Arthur Ford, a Disciples of Christ minister and trance medium, it is an example of the growing occult interests of ministers in America. The membership of the Churches Fellowship for Psychic Studies in England includes many religious dignitaries who are interested in the relationship between extrasensory experiences and religion. The widespread influence of psychics and other occult practitioners upon government, military, and political leaders has already been shown. Nor can we fail to mention the rise of the New Age movement, a demonically inspired, humanistic religion of rebellion against God, which sets up man as a "god" unto himself. Surely one cannot mistake the devilish source which drove a well-known movie starlet to run naked up and down a beach, screaming, "I am god! I am god!" in the name of the New Age! There has never been a time in history when occult involvement has been more widespread. Millions are deluded, including many professing Christians, ministers, and religious leaders, both as to its satanic character and its resultant psychic and spiritual damage to those who participate. Important questions to consider. Have there ever been any occult contacts or involvement in your personal life or family history? Are you aware that the Scriptures say that God condemns such participation without reservation? If you have ever practiced or participated in any of these things, then consider the following questions carefully. They may well be the doorway to your deliverance from occult subjection and oppression. 1. Have you ever visited a fortune teller, who told your fortune by the use of cards, tea leaves, palm reading, or other occult means? 2. Has anyone ever hypnotized you, or have you ever practiced self-hypnosis or yoga? 3. Do you read or follow the horoscope? 4. Have you attended a seance or spiritualist meeting at any time? 5. Have you had a "life" or "reincarnative" reading? 6. Have you consulted a Ouija board, planchette, cards, tea leaves, crystal ball, and such like (whether "in fun," out of curiosity, or in earnest)? 7. Have you played with any so-called "games" of an occult nature (ESP, Telepathy, Kabala, etc.)? 8 ). Have you ever consulted a medium? 9. Have you ever sought healing by any occult means, either voluntarily as an adult, or involuntarily as a child? This would include the removal of warts, or the treatment of burns or other disease by magic conjuration or charming; by a Spiritualist, Christian Scientist, or other "spirit-healing" practitioner; by psychic healing, hypnosis, or metaphysical healing; by the use of the pendulum or trance for diagnosis; or by any other occult means. (Such practices are not to be confused with divine healing through faith as taught in the Scriptures.) 10. Have you ever sought to locate missing objects or persons by consulting someone who has psychic, clairvoyant, or psychometric powers? 11. Have you practiced table-lifting (tipping), levitation, or automatic (spirit) writing? 12. Have you ever been given or worn an amulet, talisman, or charm for luck or protection? 13. Have you, or has anyone for you, practiced water witching (sometimes called dowsing or divining for water, etc.) using a twig or pendulum? 14. Do you read or possess occult or spiritualist literature, such as books on astrology, interpretation of dreams, metaphysics, psychic phenomena, ESP, self-realization, religious cults, fortunetelling, magic, or clairvoyance, and especially such occult magical books as Secrets of the Psalms, and the diabolical so-called Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses? 15. Have you experimented with or practiced ESP or telepathy? 16. Have you used the psychedelic drug, LSD? 17. Have you ever practiced any form of magic charming or ritual? 18. Have you had your handwriting analyzed, practiced mental suggestion, cast a magic spell, or sought psychic experiences? 19. Do you possess any occult or pagan relics, artifacts, or religious objects which may have been involved in pagan temples and religious rites, or in the practice of sorcery, magic, divination, or spiritualism? 20. Have you ever attended meetings such as those of the Rosicrucian's, Spiritualists, Mormons, Christian Scientists, Baha'i, Theosophy, Unity, Inner Peace Movement, Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship, Association for Research and Enlightenment, Religious Research Foundation of America, Jehovah's Witnesses, Unitarians, or others of an occult nature? 21. Do you realize that all these practices, as well as any participation in them, are condemned by God in the Scriptures? 22. Do you realize that divination, fortunetelling, magic practices, false religious cults, and spiritism in all forms are an abomination to God and are under His curse? 23. Do you realize that, if you ever practiced or participated in any form of occultism (whether intentionally or innocently), you opened the door to oppression from the powers of darkness, even if your occult activity occurred before you became a Christian? 24. Do you realize that you may now be the victim of demonic subjection or oppression because of this, even though you have been unaware of the source and cause of your problems? The direct connection between occult involvement and physical, psychic, mental, and spiritual oppression was shown in the previous study on “Demonism in the Light of Scripture” We urge you to give careful attention as you read it, for many have found the way of liberation when shown the occult cause for their oppression. I hope you join us next time for our further studies on these topics. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️A HOUSE CLEANING PRAYER TO REMOVE DEMONIC OPPRESSION. The first step is to remove all occult and demonic objects from your house before saying this prayer. Realize demonic things of occult nature such as magic, sorcery, witchcraft, voodoo, divination, new age, chakras, channeling, reiki, spiritualism, spiritualist, yoga, kundalini, tarot cards, fortune telling, paranormal, haunted, halloween, empath, healing crystals, astrology, all the martial arts, acupuncture, all forms of rock music, heavy metal, Hollywood and unchristian entertainment, occult in movies, occult in games, occult in tv shows and commercials, any occult on computer or phone, occult in books, false religious cults and their doctrines, rap music, science fiction, wicca, harry potter, Pokémon and many more. Ask the Lord also for help to reveal and bring to your remembrance any forgotten things to remove and renounce out of your life. If you are truly saved, you are His and are bought with a price. You belong to Jesus and now desire to please God by knowing and keeping His New Testament commandments. John 14:15. “If you love Me, keep My (Jesus’) commandments (all the New Testament) [not Moses]. 1 John 2:4. He who says, “I know Him (God),” and does not keep His(Jesus’) commandments(all the New Testament), is a liar, and the truth is not in him. I strongly encourage you to first read the "Christian Guidance: Receiving Freedom from Oppression" document (deeper deliverance) we offer for free in the pinned post on my LordsBook profile before saying this prayer to close all oppression and occult contacts. This document is available in our deliverance group, and the link is in the pinned post on my LordsBook account. Next, say the prayer below. Say it in faith and believe it is done when you pray. Mark 11:22-24. Say this prayer out loud in your house with the authority you have been given in Jesus name. The prayer: In Jesus' name, I command every demonic spirit of oppression from all past sin that happened in this apartment or house, to leave now, I break the powers of Satan, every demon strong hold, and every curse placed on this apartment or house. This apartment and house now belongs to Jesus and is under the protection and blood of Jesus, dedicated and set apart for the kingdom of heaven. Thank you, Father, for your grace, blessings and presence here now in Jesus' name. Amen. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS ON PRAYER, HEALING, DELIVERANCE, FAITH AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE. We do not deny symptoms as they are real. We deny the right of diseases and pain to remain in our bodies as we have been redeemed from the curse of disease. Our bodies must come into agreement with God’s promise if we believe and thank God it was done as He said. The enemy comes against us strong. “All things are possible to him who believes”. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world 1 John 4:4. As we constantly believe, confess and act our faith it has to come to pass. The hard part is maintaining a scriptural confession in the face of scary negative symptoms and not watching them or we sink like Peter did in Matthew 14 as he walked on the water Jesus purchased perfect health so do not accept anything less. When alone, repeat the promises of God concerning your need and thank God it was done when you prayed Mark 11:24 . In Jesus name I am healed 1 Peter 2:24. I am delivered in Jesus name Colossians 1:13 or anything else you have received by faith that you're believing God for. When around people who do not understand it is best not to discuss our faith in the promises as the natural mind does nor receive the things of the spirit 1 Corinthians 2:14 . We must be careful not to testify to present circumstances which do not agree with the promise of God we are believing. Saturate yourself in word, prayer, and promises your faith grows by leaps and bounds. The difficulty is to keep our faith pure, speech correct, all conditions met so God can bring to pass what we are believing for. Keep thanking God you have received when you prayed and it will surely come to pass. Stay in the scriptures and be careful that you are meeting all the conditions specifically stated. We must put our healing/deliverance/ answer to prayer in the past tense. Always put our healing in the past tense when we prayed and we shall see it. We must keep a scriptural confession even though negative symptoms or negative circumstances say the opposite if we are to see our answer to prayer. As you know this is not easy when the enemy is constantly harassing us with doubt and what do people think. As Abraham believed God in the face of medical facts he could not father a child with a barren 90 year old wife. But God said His promise" You shall be a father of many nations" and Abraham believed God and gave praise until it came to pass. Romans 4. God's word will replace our negative facts if we will hold fast the truth of His promises to our conditions that are covered by redemption. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Our faith grows little by little over time as we believe the word of God over negative circumstances in our life. The Faith book and the Christ the Healer book will help explain this scripturally. Please read both in that order when you're done with the self deliverance document. Mark 11:23-24. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Hold fast, don't give up, resist the devil and he will flee. James 4:4 He knows he has to leave if you steadfastly resist in faith. Settle it in your mind and heart it's done. Walk by faith not by sight the bible says. Never give up! No matter how hard it is! Jesus won the victory for us through bloody torture. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4. The victory must be won by constantly and consistently resisting. You can do this by God's help. He has not forsaken you even though there are no feelings. Nowhere God said this would be easy. He did say He would be with us Matthew 28:19. Stand on the promises of God and your prayer. Do not put up with these attacks. When he attacks boldly, meet him with the blood of Jesus. Boldly out loud tell him he is defeated so leave me. Boldly out loud keep Jesus name and blood constantly on your lips and mind. Keep worship music playing to uplift you. You can do this as you cry out to Jesus for help and use the weapons He gave us steadfastly until victory no matter how long it takes. The devil knows he can defeat most Christians if he keeps up the attacks and that they will give in to his lies. No one can do this for you. You can overcome if you will hold fast. Jesus defeated the devil once on the cross and that was enough for our complete deliverance! Let faith and courage arise in your heart! You are dealing with a defeated foe and you have complete victory and authority over him. Behold I give you authority over all the power of the enemy and nothing by any means shall hurt you. Luke 10:19. The way forward is to constantly saturate your heart and mind in the promises of God and encourage yourself in them. Meet him every time boldly and do not back down until he leaves and leaves for good. If after you have done this consistently and still no breakthrough fast until there is one. This is the last step and usually is not needed. However we have the scripture in Mark 9 where there were strong demonic manifestations on the boy and the disciples were not able to deliver him without prayer and fasting Jesus said verse 29. First use all your spiritual weapons in faith and boldly. After your victory you can then help so many others suffering the same torment and be a strong testimony of deliverance. This is why the enemy is fighting you so hard. Revelation 12:11. I overcome you devil by the blood of the lamb and the word of my testimony and you must flee from me in the mighty name of Jesus. Stay in the scriptures reading and praying much drawing closer to God and He will draw closer to us. James 4:8. Stir up that gift that God has given you and pour out your heart to Him. He is with you in this battle even though you may not feel it for now because He promised and He cannot lie. Take it by faith and thank Him even though it seems impossible. Faith as a grain of mustard seed will do the impossible Jesus said and you have the measure of faith to do it. Romans 12:3. Jesus said these strong demons' power is broken through prayer and fasting. Refuse to give in to fear, intimidation, and harassment. Sing out loud songs on the blood of Jesus when he tries these tactics. Meet him with strong resistance with Jesus' name and blood every time he shows up. The basic principle is when you have done all you can and still are against an impossible wall of oppression fast to break it and get direct revelation from God what to do. When enough is enough you have absolutely had it and can take no more of it fast out of desperation no matter how long it takes to defeat this demon. Of course you use boldness and faith to command him to leave! I fully understand our reluctance to fast for a lengthy time as our bodies hate it. The way to get him out of our lives and homes is to use all our spiritual weapons if needed. First confession and renouncing which you did. Next bold faith and the blood of Jesus to his attacks consistently . Lastly, if he still oppresses and refuses then we fast for revelation for victory. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️REPENT OF PROFANITY, CUSSING, AND SPEAK PURE WORDS. Colossians 3:8. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 5:4. neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. James 3:10. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Galatians 5:22-23. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, 23 GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL. Against such there is no law. Colossians 4:6. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. James 1:26. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 1 Peter 3:10. For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Galatians 6:1. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a ((spirit of gentleness)), considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Matthew 12:34. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? FOR OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS. Filthy mouth = filthy heart. Ephesians 4:22-24. 22 that you PUT OFF, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Psalm 141:3. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 39:1. I said, “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me.” Proverbs 4:24. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. Proverbs 13:3. He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 8:13. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 10:32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Proverbs 12:18. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 18:21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 8:8. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. MAY THIS BE OUR PRAYER. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️BIBLICAL THINKING & CONFESSION. Part 4 of 4. Continued. How is this accomplished? 1. First, you must set a watch on your lips, and guard your mind. If we expect to walk in health, prosperity, and victory, then we must, first of all, pray as David, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Psalms 141:3), saying also with him, "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle." (Psalm 39:1). In order to develop a correct vocabulary, we must first learn how to be quiet, before we try to learn to speak effectively. As infants we struggled, slowly learning how to speak. After we have spent years developing our vocabulary, we now need to recognize that much of what we have learned must be unlearned, for it is a primary cause of many of our problems and failures, as well as our sicknesses and infirmities. Much of what the average Christian talks about is negative and serves no useful purpose, either to himself or to others. Instead, this clutter of negative thoughts and speech robs himself and others of health, happiness, prosperity, and victory. As the Scriptures urge, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). A Biblical statement begins with a sanctified silence. The Lord admonishes us to stop talking about our doubts, symptoms, and fears, as well as our uncertainties, and to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). In Ecclesiastes 5;2 He warns us: "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God...therefore let thy words be few." Learning to be quiet, or to speak only those things which edify both ourselves and others, is the secret . Likewise, you should REFUSE entrance into your mind anything of a negative, blasphemous, contrary to scripture, resentful, or depressive nature. Guard your heart and mind, for this is the place the enemy usually works the hardest, knowing that you will generally say what you think and believe, for "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Failure to guard the mind against Satan's depressive and negative suggestions is one of the major causes for the Christian's fear, oppression, sickness, and defeat. Therefore, we are admonished to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). There is a continual warfare going on between God and Satan for the control of your mind and thoughts. If Satan can gain the ascendancy here, he knows that he can largely determine what you will say, which in turn will affect the course of events in your life. In this way he can limit or destroy your effectiveness in the Kingdom of God. So, then, the secret in keeping your words in harmony with scripture is first of all to set a watch on your lips and to guard the door of your mind. 2. Refuse to state doubt or anything of a negative nature. Admitting doubt, even in a small way, will paralyze faith and withhold God's blessings from you (James 1:6-7). You must absolutely refuse to speak doubt, fear, defeat, or anything of a negative nature. We have found time and again that Christians talk themselves out of their faith, as well the answers to their prayers, by what they say and believe after believing some promise from God's Word. "I have a hearing problem," someone says. Can you tell me why I can't keep my healing?" asked a concerned individual. I have received prayer for this condition several times, and although my ears are opened after prayer, yet I find that I cannot maintain my healing for more than two days. Can you tell me why?" That is very easy to answer. You yourself just revealed why you cannot keep your healing more than two days. It is because you are saying 'I can't keep my healing more than two days.' So when Satan seeks to afflict you with those symptoms a few days after receiving prayer for your healing, you begin to believe your symptoms instead of resisting Satan. You then say that you have lost your healing, and, as a result, you have. Never talk symptoms-- believe and speak the Word of God then resist symptoms just as you would any temptation from Satan. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. "How is the problem concerning your teenage son?" asks one woman of another. "I remember you committed him to the Lord several months Ago." "Well, I'm afraid things don't look very promising," is the negative reply, "I'm about ready to give up if things don't improve soon." One man greets another saying, "You sound like you are catching a cold. You don't look too well." "Yes. I've asked God to heal me, but the old devil has put one on me this time for sure. I think I better not plan to go to the office for a few days, but just stay home in bed and see if I get any better," comes the listless reply. And so on, ad infinitum, go the endless negative statements of today's defeated and discouraged saints, who apparently have never been taught God's warnings that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21); that you can be "snared by the words of thy mouth" (Proverbs 6:2); or that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). One of the greatest causes for defeat in the lives of Christians is the tongue. Stating defeat, or doubt, is your own admission that you are defeated and that Satan has the victory. Never allow yourself to use negative or doubtful expressions in your speech, for it is a luxury in which you cannot afford to indulge, Develop a vocabulary of faith from God's Word. Furthermore, you must refuse to listen to doubts, disbelief, skepticism, and uncertainties coming from others, for this can seriously undermine or weaken your own faith in the promises. Never discuss the problems which you have asked God in faith, with those who do not believe that God answers with a "Yes” every prayer of faith based upon His Word. For example, if you are believing for healing from some illness, Satan often seeks to use the unbelief and skepticism of others to implant doubts in your own heart. Many of his tares are sown in just this way, and as a result, the seed of God's Word is choked and becomes unfruitful. It is actually possible to forfeit healing once obtained by faith if you allow doubt to affect your faith and allow fear or unbelief to enter. 3. Harmonize what you say with God's word. God deals with us on the basis of what we say. You can easily confirm this for yourself by determining to bring your speech into harmony, not with what you feel or see, not with what others may say, not with what the circumstances might appear to be, but with the Word of God. Study, and then begin to repeat, the promises found in such Scriptures as Exodus 15;26; Psalms 37,91, 103:1-5 and 121; Matthew 6;33, 1;19 and 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Romans 8:28; I Corinthians 3:21-22; II Corinthians 1:20; Philippians 4:13,19; Hebrews 13:6; James 1:2-4; and III John 2. These are just a few of countless promises God has made to the believer which, if spoken consistently, from a believing heart, will enable you to live victoriously 365 days a year. Keep in mind that the term translated "to confess" (homologeo in the original Greek) means "to agree with," or "to speak the same language." Your speech must agree with God's (that is, it must agree with what He has said in His Word), if you are to receive an answer from Him. You say, "I prayed for the healing of my condition, and I hope that God will heal me some time, if it is His will." But based on that statement, you cannot expect to be healed. Why not? Simply because it does not agree with what God has promised about your physical illness, for He has said that "by Jesus' stripes ye were healed" (I Peter 2:24), that "the prayer of faith shall heal the sick" (James 5:15), that He "heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:3), and that "what things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them" (Mark 11:24). Biblical faith must extend even to our praying and saying , or we cannot expect God to answer our prayers. God never works in advance of the level of your faith, for your faith is the channel through which He works to answer your prayers. God's answers always keep in pace with your testimony. Therefore, you must not say what you feel and see, or what the circumstances may appear to be, but what God has said in His Word. Do not expect God to bless you in spite of your negative speech, for He has promised to help those who are willing to speak by faith what He has said and promised to do (I John 5:14-15). Read about Abraham and his example of faith, not testifying to his circumstances but what God said in the face of contrary and even impossible circumstances. (Romans 4). Yet he believed God, probably ridiculed just as people today will think of us, not understanding how to bring impossible things God has promised to pass. Without faith it is impossible to please God so be that person of faith, pleasing to God, believing His promises in contrary circumstances. 4. Confess victory before you see it. Gideon and his small band of 300 men shouted the victory beforehand, and as a result the Midianites became so frightened that they destroyed one another in their confusion. The Israelites did not wait until the walls of Jericho began to crumble before believing that God had given the city into their hands, but they shouted the walls down by faith. The Apostle Paul tells in Hebrews 11:1 that "faith is the evidence of things not seen." Faith is not sight. Faith can only operate in the realm of the invisible, concerning those things which we have prayed for, but which we do not see yet to our natural sight. This is where most Christians run into difficulty. They have lived so long in the visible realm of the senses that it is hard for them to believe and say that they have the answer to their prayers before they see or feel some evidence of it. For instance, we have often found that an individual will believe a promise of God for the healing of some ailments, and then, if the condition does not seem to improve immediately, he will begin to reason in his mind, saying, "Well, I must not be healed, since I don't feel healed, and I still have my symptoms." Then he will be even more firmly convinced, upon looking at his appearance in the mirror, that God has not answered his petition. We must see that healing never depends upon how we feel, nor on what we see, but entirely upon what we believe and say if in harmony with God's promises, for we are told that "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he," and that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Until we learn that the manifestation of healing always comes after our faith and testimony of healing, we will be trying to put the effect before the cause. Many Christians are trying to believe with their "eyes," and with their "senses" or "feelings," when the Scriptures say that man believes with the "heart." We must first believe and sincerely speak in faith that we have received, or the answer will never be seen. Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24 to believe that we have received when we pray, and then we shall have it. (cf. I John 5:14-15). We dare not depend upon feelings or appearances, for Satan works through the realm of the senses. He can manipulate the feelings with symptoms and pains, and he can also deceive us by what appears to be true to our sight. Appearances can deceive. When Jesus cursed the fig tree, His word of faith destroyed it immediately. Although it did not appear to be dead until later, it definitely was dead, regardless of appearance. The sun "appears" to rise and set each day, but it is really the earth which turns in relation to the sun's position in the heavens. Sometimes when driving, the car begins to "feel" as if a tire is going flat. How often have you stopped to investigate, only to discover that there is nothing wrong? On numerous occasions, those who receive prayer for healing have found that they did not "feel" or "look" healed immediately after prayer. But in every case, when they have continued to believe and to say , not what they feel or see, but what the Word of God says ( I Peter 2:24; Mark 11:24), they have found that ultimately did come to pass as they believed. On one occasion, prayer was made for healing of a small child whose nose was broken. After prayer, the nose still appeared bruised and broken. However, the parents continued to believe that God had answered their petition, and to state their faith in God's word. In two days, the child's nose was perfectly healed and once more straight, without a mark or bruise. Had they relied upon what we could see, or upon how the child felt, Satan would have robbed them of the victory. A young man who had a cyst on his back received prayer. Several weeks after prayer his condition seemed to get worse. The cyst began to increase in size, and then commenced to drain. "It was quite alarming," he confided, "and I was tempted to get medical treatment. However, I remained steadfast in my confession of faith, believing that I was healed in spite of appearances and feelings. After thirty days, the cyst drained and disappeared." God often uses bodily processes (our glands, for example) to facilitate healing. It is nonetheless supernatural when He heals in this manner, for it is without the use of medicine or other remedies. In this case He caused the cyst to come to a "head" much as a boil does, thus causing it to drain and leave his system. After prayer, conditions may not seem to improve for a time, or may even appear to get worse, as God works the poison or disease out of the body. Thus, if we rely only upon appearances or feelings, Satan will deceive us and rob us of our healing. Faith is speaking the victory ahead of time; it is saying you have the answer when you pray, believing God to give the manifestation in due time as He has promised (Hebrews 10:23, 35-36; Numbers 23:19). You are only entitled to that which you boldly speak is already yours by virtue of God's faithfulness in what His Word promises. 5. Hold fast in faith without wavering. Often things will look no different after you are believing some promise and testify your faith in it. It is at this point that you must be very careful to guard what you say, as Satan, who is a deceiver, will try to get you to testify to your feelings, symptoms, or circumstances. Once you believe a promise of God, you must absolutely refuse to take a word of your testimony back, regardless of the circumstances, or how long you must wait to see it. Why? We are told in Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised." We are to maintain a daily, constant testimony of faith in the promise until it is seen to our natural sight. Many can believe a promise in prayer initially; but if the answer is not seen soon enough, they begin to waver and doubt, giving up their faith. As a result they receive nothing. Healing, for instance, is always in response to the promise of God and your testimony of faith; but a testimony that can only persevere for a day, week, or a month is not endurance. Many fail to receive what they ask from God because they cannot hold fast their testimony without wavering in the midst of trial, testing, pain, or symptoms. Sickness is often overcome only by maintaining a scriptural testimony believing God's promises in the face of all apparent evidence to the contrary. When you pray for healing or any of God's promises, you have therefore challenged Satan's oppression on your life. You have, as it were, entered his domain, and a battle often ensues. He will contest every inch of ground. Often he will not withdraw his symptoms until the last moment that God allows him, as he knows from past experience that if he can maintain his hold long enough, he can ultimately discourage most Christians and break their faith. This is why a constant speaking and believing the promise of God will eventually overcome Satan's oppression, and he will have to release his hold on you and "vacate the premises." Satan's power to afflict and oppress you increases or decreases in direct proportion to your faith in the Word of God. When Satan discovers that you have learned the secret of using God's Word to overcome him (Revelation 12:11), he will eventually be forced to release his hold on you or on your circumstances. But often he will not withdraw until he has exhausted his resources in an attempt to break your faith in the integrity of the Word of God. He will try to implant fear and doubt into your mind to confuse you. At times he will cause persecution to come upon you for your faith. On occasion he will oppress you with new symptoms and pain, or cause the old ailment to appear to return. He will, if possible, surround you with contradictory advice from your friends. Or he will cause your family to think that you have become a religious fanatic because of your stand on the Word. But he knows that your testimony based on scriptures, if maintained without wavering, will ultimately defeat him and his work in your life. Therefore, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of endurance, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:23, 35-36. 6. If Satan tempts you to doubt, boldly take the initiative away from him. After believing some promise in God's Word, Satan will frequently challenge your decision, and you may find yourself undergoing a period of trial. If, for example, a promise of healing for some physical ailment, Satan will attempt to get your attention on your symptoms in an effort to cause you to doubt and break your testimony of faith in God's promise. When tempted to doubt in such instances, a bold reaffirmation of your faith in God's Word will generally kill doubt as its roots. Holding fast to your confession of faith without wavering (Hebrews 10:23) is a defensive measure whereby you keep faith in the promise of God until the manifestation of the answer. However, it is also necessary many times, especially during a period of trial, to take offensive measures against the powers of darkness. There will be times when you must boldly move deeper into Satan's territory by faith when he challenges your confession. When Goliath threatened David, saying, "I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field," David immediately replied, "And I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee!" Then, when the giant arose and drew nigh to meet him, we are told that David did not retreat in fear, but that he "hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:44f.). If the enemy comes against you to challenge your faith in some unusual way, then, instead of retreating in doubt and fear, as so many often do, advance like David against him. Act your faith, boldly reaffirming your confidence in God's Word and asserting your authority over the powers of darkness. Every time Satan advances one step against you in an effort to break your faith, resist him in faith, and boldly advance two steps against him. The Scriptures assure you that, if you will resist the devil, "he will flee from you." When tempted to doubt, a bold step of faith is one of the most effective weapons against Satan that the believer possesses, for it takes the initiative away from him, and keeps you in control of the situation. Doubt or fear concerning the outcome is always an admission that Satan, not you, has the initiative. The devil will flee if you resist him with a bold reaffirmation of your faith in the Word of God when under attack by the forces of darkness. Conclusion. Realize not many Christians today welcome this message of keeping our minds and speech free from doubt and negative testimony dismissing it as wrong teaching and even warning against it. Many religious skeptics are arising condemning the very message when Jesus said,"have faith in God" and speak to the mountains of oppression. Mark 11:23-24. We are commanded to be followers of those who "through faith and endurance inherit the promises" Hebrews 6:12. Not the religious critics, skeptics, mockers of our day who despise this teaching. Remember Joshua and Caleb who in the face of impossible circumstances, facing giants, said we are well able to overcome. (Numbers chapter 14). They were met with the same ridicule and doubt from the religious majority just as today. Yet they were the only ones to enter into the promised land and the others died under God's judgment. Be a person of faith and discipline believing and receiving the promises of God getting free from all oppression of the enemy. If Christians could be made to realize just how much of their own illness, depression, problems, and defeat stem from emotional stress that results from wrong attitudes and thoughts, as well as from their negative statements concerning these matters, they would never again allow such attitudes and expressions to rob them of their health, joy, peace, and victory, but would begin each day with a Biblical expectation, saying; This is the day which the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." Too many Christians allow their trials and circumstances to depress and defeat them. A victorious faith can be developed through trials, if our attitude toward those trials lines up with the Word of God (James 1:2-4). It was because of his attitude and speaking God's promises based on his absolute confidence in God's care for him, that the Apostle Paul was able to keep his courage and walk in victory through his many hardships and trials. His attitude and victorious testimony are an inspiration to all. Instead of taking his trials, persecutions, and hardships to heart, and instead of complaining or grieving over them, he joyfully stated: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be manifest in our body. --II Corinthians 4:8-10. It is only through trial and tribulation, when the powers of darkness seek to overcome us, that the life and power of Jesus Christ may truly be made manifest in us. Then, as a result of our absolute confidence in His Word, His life and resurrection power will be released in us! Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing. more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️BIBLICAL THINKING & CONFESSION. Part 3 of 4. Continued. You will reveal the nature and extent of your faith by what you say, because what you say is your faith speaking. Your talking will reveal whether your faith is strong, weak, great, or small. Since you generally receive what you say (Mark 11:23; Proverbs 18:21), if your speech agrees with the Word of God, you will receive what He has promised. A true statement of faith always agrees with God's Word. In fact, the literal meaning of the Greek term which is translated "to confess" in the New Testament is "to agree with," or "to speak the same language." If you say what the Word of God says about your sins (I John 1:9), you receive forgiveness. In the same manner, if you say and believe what His Word says about your diseases (Psalm 103:3; James 5:14-15), you will receive healing. The Scriptures declare that "by his stripes ye were healed" (I Peter 2:24). God's Word states, furthermore, that you are to believe that you have received the answer to your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24). Thus, any statements you make that do not harmonize with what the Scriptures say will invariably nullify the Word of God on your behalf. It is important to see that you will never rise above the level of what you say. Your condition or circumstances always tend to parallel your talking. Christians have been prayed for healing with identical illnesses, in which one would later receive the manifestation of his healing, while the other would not. As often as not the cause for failure was clear--either this individual's daily talking concerning his condition was not in agreement with God's Word, or else he did not maintain his statements of faith in the promises of God without doubting until the healing was seen. Some individuals who lack instruction in the scriptures concerning the importance of keeping their words in harmony with God's Word, even in the face of symptoms or contradictory circumstances, will ask, "But isn't it dishonest to say that I am healed when I still have my pain and symptoms?" Or they ask, "Isn't such talking just mental suggestion?" No. On the contrary, it is never dishonest to say about your condition what the Scriptures tell you to say. It's never wrong to say you are standing on the promises of God and He will bring it to pass just as He said. It honors God when you believe Him over symptoms and circumstances that are contrary to your faith. When necessary, make sure you let people know, while you cannot see or feel your answer yet, you have it by faith as Jesus said and it has to come to pass. Mark 11:24. It is not mere suggestion, but faith in the promises of God's Word when you say that God has heard and answered your petition when you pray (Mark 11:24; I John 5:14-15). The reason God requires us to say, not what we feel or see, but what His Word promises us, is that our condition and circumstances generally remain on about the same level as our speech , for "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). Mental suggestion is nothing more than denial of the reality or presence of the disease. As such, it cannot heal you, nor can it keep you from dying prematurely, should you have some terminal illness. However, countless instances where all kinds of sicknesses and diseases have been healed through biblical heart faith in healing based upon one of the promises in the Word of God (such as Exodus 15:26 and 23:25; Psalm 103;3; James 5:14-15; I Peter 2:24; and III John 2), then holding fast until it comes to pass. I always encourage people to believe and say what the Scriptures have to say about their condition or problem, in spite of what their feelings, symptoms, or the circumstances may imply to the contrary, for Satan's power to afflict or oppress increases or decreases in direct proportion to the nature of one's faith and staying in agreement with what God says. When an individual finds it difficult to understand how he can maintain faith in the promises of healing when he does not feel healed, and his symptoms seem to indicate the contrary, I remind him that after successful surgery, a patient's condition is medically cured, and although he is on the road to recovery, he never feels better for a few days after surgery, Nevertheless, he both believes and says what the doctors tell him about his condition, in spite of his contrary feelings, his pain and his symptoms. However, when the Heavenly Physician tells the average Christian to believe and say the same thing about his condition after prayer for healing, if his symptoms do not immediately improve, he will not only begin to say what he feels, but will also search the Scriptures for alleged proof-texts in an attempt to justify his sickness and pain. God clearly tells us in His Word what He will do for us, and from that point on He deals with us on the basis of what we say and do about His promises. If, after taking some promise in His Word, we begin to express doubt or being negative concerning the situation, this will nullify His Word on our behalf. The importance of what we say is to be seen in Jesus' warning that "by your words you shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). Who do you think determines whether or not you can have the abundant life of health, prosperity, joy, victory, and fruitfulness which Jesus promised? Is it God? No. He tells you that with Him there is "no respect of person" (Romans 2:11), and that His promises and blessings are for every believer alike. Is it Satan? No. The Scriptures tell you to "resist the devil and he will flee from you," and that God has given His people power...over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Moreover, God admonishes Christians, "Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4;27). This means that Satan can have no place in your life unless you grant it to him. No, he is not the one who determines whether or not you have a victorious and abundant life, or whether you suffer adversity and failure. Is it your circumstances then which determine whether you will have victory or defeat? Again we answer, "NO," for your circumstances merely provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your faith in the promises of God. Circumstances in themselves cannot cause victory or defeat, for Jesus promised that "if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you." Who then determines whether or not you enjoy the abundant life promised you? It is you yourself. Are you aware that as you begin each day it is you--and you alone--who will determine the nature of the day you will have, as well as its outcome? Are you aware that you have been given the choice of deciding whether or not you will be happy or sad, sick or well, worried or calm, victorious or defeated? I have never been able to understand why the majority of Christians will choose unhappiness, sickness, poverty, and trouble day after day--for these are the result of their own wrong thinking and talking about their circumstances. Yet God has promised to heal, protect, deliver, and provide all our needs abundantly, telling us again and again that the choice between blessing and adversity lies within our own grasp ("all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive," Matthew 21:22). Every individual preconditions his life by what he thinks, believes and says. Insurance companies know, for example, that some people are poor insurance risks, because they are "accident prone." They fear that they may have an accident, then begin to express fears, and as a consequence they often experience what they believe and say. Most of the people who caught the flu last winter did so because they said that they would at the first sign of a symptom, saying, "I think I must be catching the flu." instead of believing the promises of God offered to us. Medical science informs us that a large percentage of all illness stems from emotional stress resulting from wrong attitudes, negative thoughts, and anxiety, as well as from negative speech concerning these things. Christians are often in poverty, or are financially burdened, because they are saying that they never really expect to get out of debt. Many Christians are sick and afflicted, some are neurotic, and others are suffering nervous collapse or heart failure, because they have never learned that "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he," and that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is called the High Priest of our confession. This means that as our High Priest He can act in our behalf to save, bless, heal, protect, and deliver us, if we give Him a statement based on scripture, which is in harmony with the Word of God believing in our hearts. However, a statement of doubt or fear concerning our situation or need hinders His ministry on our behalf, and opens a channel of access for Satan to enter and oppress. "How are you today?" someone asks a fellow Christian as he enters the door of the church. "Oh, I don't feel too well," he replies. "I must be catching a cold. It seems I always do at the first opportunity." It is as though he is determined to allow Satan to afflict him if at all possible. The question "How are you?" is merely a friendly greeting, not an invitation to inform the inquirer of your symptoms and problems, or to say that Satan has the victory over you. The Scriptures show that sickness or health, prosperity or adversity, are directly related to what you say and believe. Therefore, it is important to know, especially when illness or other adversity strikes, that there are three factors to consider if Divine help is to be obtained: 1. What God says about our situation ("He heals all our diseases," Psalm 103:3). 2. What Satan says about the situation ("you are sick"; "you may die"; "don't be foolish and rely on prayer alone"; "this is serious--you better get to the doctor"). 3. What you say about your situation: what you say determines the outcome, for you have the choice of agreeing either with God or with your adversary, the devil. In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren," who stands before the throne of heaven accusing us day and night. Jesus, on the other hand, is designated as our Advocate (I John 2:1), and the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1), who pleads our case without ceasing before the Father. On what basis is Jesus pleading on our behalf? On the basis of two things: His blood, and our testimony. Satan, we are informed, is overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). As our High Priest Jesus is pleading our defense against Satan's accusations. He pleads not only with His precious blood, but also with our testimony (what we say). Thus, when you say, "I don't feel well; I must be coming down with something"; when you say, "I'm afraid I cannot do this or that, as I don't believe I have the ability"; when you say, "I won't be able to afford it"; when you say, "I have prayed for my healing, but I am beginning to wonder if I will ever get well"; when you say, "I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to overcome this problem"; when you say, "this situation seems impossible," or "there is no hope for a solution"; then you have joined your speech with that of your Accuser, Satan. Jesus Christ cannot act as your High Priest on the basis of such negative talking of doubt, fear, or failure. He can only act as the High Priest of a good confession, which must be in harmony with the Word of God. A negative statement simply gives your accuser the fiery darts with which to wound you, for you will find that you have been "snared by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). The victorious life is based upon knowledge of four Biblical truths. A Biblical affirmation of these facts will compel Satan to acknowledge your authority and victory over him. This in turn will have the effect of breaking the enemy's power to bind, hinder, and oppress you. God expects us to say; 1. What we are in Christ. 2. Where we are in Christ. 3. What we possess in Christ. 4. What we can do in Christ. 1. Believe and say what you are in Christ (your standing). What do the Scriptures say that we are in Christ? We are informed in II Corinthians 5:17 that "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Now, when we are told that "old things are passed away," and that "all things are become new," we are not to limit this merely to the passing away of our sins, for the atonement includes also the removal of our diseases and pains, as well as deliverance from anxiety, worry, poverty, oppression, and defeat. Since God promises us that all things have become new, He expects us to state this fact--that we have been liberated and renewed in mind, body, soul, and spirit--for our circumstances and condition will never rise above the level of what we believe we are in Christ. The Scriptures declare that "you are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10), that you have been liberated from the "power of darkness" (Colossians 1:13), as well as from the effects of the curse (Galatians 3:13), and that you are now sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Galatians 4:67). The victorious life is based upon our continual statements in faith of our present standing in Christ. 2. Say where you are in Christ (your position). Many Christians are living a life of oppression and defeat at the hands of the enemy, because they do not know where they now are in Christ--their position in Him. They believe they have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20); they believe they have died with Christ (II Corinthians 5:14); they believe that they have risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1); but they are unable to walk in victory as they should, triumphant over the powers of darkness, because they do not know that they have also ascended into the heavens with Christ, and are seated with Him "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 2:5-6, with 1:20-21). God has not called us to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but to overcome him from our position of victory which we already have in Christ. Jesus tells us that He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:17-19), and that all power in heaven and earth has been given unto Him, which He in turn has committed unto us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:17-20). Too many Christians today are like the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son who, ignorant of the significance of his position, says that he had nothing and that his wayward brother had greater rights and privileges than he. His father reminded him of his position as a son, and that all he had to do to obtain what he desired was to believe and say his position and claim his rights to whatever he desired. The prodigal son was more a son in actual practice than his elder brother, for he came to himself, rose up from his position of poverty where he was glad to eat the "husks," returned to his father, and was restored to his position as a son and heir. Believers today need to "come to themselves" and rise up from their position of defeat, where they are barely existing on the "husks" of religion, and return to their Father, once more claiming their position as the sons of God. Victory will not be yours until you believe it and say that it belongs to you. until you accept by faith the declaration in God's Word that you have also ascended with Christ and are now seated with Him in a position of power and authority, Satan will continue to exercise his power over your life. Boldly state that you no longer need to contend with Satan for a place of victory, but that you shall overcome him from a position of victory at the throne of God. The Christian has this authority by virtue of his relationship to Christ, but we must believe and speak our authority over Satan before we can effectively command him to obey. By virtue of our heavenly position, we have been authorized to put a bold resistance in the Name of Jesus Christ against the powers of darkness, and we have been assured that they must obey! 3. Say what you possess in Christ (your inheritance). Satan keeps most Christians in bondage, to some degree at least, because they do not know what belongs to them as the result of their inheritance in Christ. As a consequence they have allowed the Enemy to usurp their rights and privileges, and to rob them of their healing, health, joy, and peace. Christians are rich spiritually, materially, and physically, but too few are aware of this fact. Instead, they believe that they are not to receive any of their inheritance now, not to benefit from it in the present life, but only in the world to come. Scripture, on the other hand, declares that the believer's inheritance belongs to him now. God promises that "all things are yours: whether...the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come.(I Corinthians 3:21-22). God has given us all things in Christ now, as joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:16-17). The Scriptures are filled with thousands of promises, whereby God had made provision for our every need, both spiritual and temporal, as well as for the accomplishment of the work he has commissioned His church to do. All these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith, believe and say that they are ours now. It is tragic that Satan is able to keep Christians in such bondage because they have not been taught what really belongs to them as joint--heirs with Christ. If the tax appraiser comes to their homes and asks them to declare what goods and personal property they own, they have no difficulty in stating what belongs to them. If a thief tries to steal their car or wallet, they immediately challenge him, saying, "You cannot take that--it is mine!" And yet they will allow Satan, whom Jesus describes as a thief and robber (John 10:10), to rob them of their rights and privileges, and they will not lift a finger to stop him! You must speak in faith that all those things which the Scriptures clearly state as belonging to you are actually yours now. Until you do, the Enemy will continue to keep you in spiritual, physical, and temporal bondage by robbing you of your inheritance and usurping your rights and authority. 4. Say what you can do in Christ (your empowering and ability). Frequently we hear Christians saying what they cannot do. We hear them say, for instance... I'm afraid I can't do that, as I lack the training. I've tried, but I can't overcome this problem. I'm afraid to testify in public. I've tried and tried, but I haven't been able to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I just can't seem to receive my healing. I can't get out of debt, no matter how hard I try. I can't get along with my employer. I can't get out to the meetings this week. I get sick if I eat certain foods. I may have to leave the service early. I don't feel very good. I just can't get the victory in this matter. ...and so on. Sound familiar? It should, for this is all too often the way many Christians talk. One thing is certain: you will never be able to do more than you are willing to believe and say that you can do in Christ, for "you are snared with the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). To walk in victory, you should never say that you cannot do something, or that anything is impossible, for the Scriptures say that you should always say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). When Moses insisted on saying that he could not speak to Pharaoh, then he could not, and God was compelled to send Aaron his brother for him (Exodus 4). Peter began to sink when he said that he could not stand on the very water upon which he had been walking, and the Israelites perished in the wilderness because they said that they would (Numbers 14:1-2; 28-29). It is a sin to limit God by speaking doubt as to your ability and power in Christ, for He clearly promises you that "these signs will follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14:12), and He promised us, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20). Change your negative thinking and talking to what God says, know, believe and act on the Scriptures as Jesus did, and nothing will be impossible unto you just as He said. The Scriptures declare that you are snared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2), and that "by your words thou shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). So it is important that we guard our lips as well as our minds from giving expression to anything negative, which is an open invitation to the enemy to oppress or to overcome us. The Six-fold Secret of a Biblical confession. God deals with us on the basis of what we say or confess, according to Matthew 12:34-37. In Mark 11:23 Jesus promises us that we shall receive whatsoever we say. We are informed in Romans 10:10 that confession is the means by which we obtain possession of that which we believe, while Proverbs 18:21 declares that "death and life are in the power of the tongue. If we pray concerning a need and then express doubt as the outcome, we will receive nothing. If we speak sickness when certain symptoms occur, we will be sick. If you need deliverance from some form of financial distress, and then express anxiety, or begin to consider what you will do in case the money does not come, instead of resting in the confidence that God will supply your needs according to His promise (Philippians 4:19), you nullify God's promise on your behalf. The Scriptures tell us that we can receive whatever we ask or say according to the word and will of God (1 John 5:14-15; Mark 11:23-24) therefore, if we desire to walk in victory 365 days a year, we must develop the habit of keeping our words and testimony in harmony with God's Word and what He tells us. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️BIBLICAL THINKING & CONFESSION Part 2 of 4. Continued. E. Finally, expect God to help you find a satisfactory solution. It is your attitude of faith at this time which will often spell the difference between victory and defeat. If you will believe that a solution can be found, and if you will spend sufficient time before the Lord, expecting Him to give you the necessary help and guidance, then no problem will defeat you, regardless of how it may appear at present. Here is the vitally important principle that we must see: when we actually expect God to help us solve the problem, without doubting (James 1:5-7), then by virtue of this faith, we bring all things into the realm of possibility. As Jesus promises, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes" (Mark 9:23). "But you just don't know my problems," says some depressed soul. "They appear beyond solution. I am at my wit's end. I'm already at the bottom of the heap!" Is this your feeling, too? Then I would suggest that you begin praising the Lord, because if you are already at the bottom of the heap, the only way you can possibly go is--up! Start expecting things to improve. By your own admission they cannot get any worse. Your right attitude of faith will bring all things into the realm of possibility (Mark 9:23). 2. Saturate your thoughts with the promises of God. Remember, your thoughts are the seeds you plant in the garden of your mind which will produce the harvest that you will reap. Your mind can only give back what you put into it day by day. Picture your mind as a garden which will reproduce either wheat or tares, depending entirely upon the kind of seed you sow in it. Just as there are two aspects to successful gardening, so it is with developing the habit of right thinking. A. First, you must sow good thoughts. Form the habit of saturating your mind with the precious promises of God as you start each day, even before you get out of bed! I have found that Satan defeats many Christians somewhere between the bedroom and the breakfast table. He is able to do this by implanting negative thoughts of fear, worry, anxiety, doubt, and defeat in their minds as they awaken. The first thoughts that impress themselves upon your consciousness as you wake up each day are of vital importance, because these "seeds" of thought will affect your thinking the entire day. Therefore, if you are tempted to be depressed when you awaken, then before arising let your mind dwell for a while on such promises as "the joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10), or "this is the day which the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). If it is a time of trial and your enemies are opposing you, then allow the Holy Spirit to fill your mind and heart with the peace of God through such comforting promises as, "the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Hebrews 13:6). Reassure yourself with God's promise to His children which says, "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him" (Psalm 91:15). When a seemingly impossible situation is confronting you, remind yourself that God has said that "we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" Romans 8:37). Say in faith, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). If your trials seem particularly severe, and at times beyond your comprehension, let your thoughts rest on God's wonderful assurances in Romans 8:28: "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Remember, too, He has promised, "Fear thou not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.... When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when thou walk through the fire, you shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you" (Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2). These first impressions that you willingly entertain in your mind upon awakening will precondition and affect your thinking for the entire day. So begin each day by rejoicing in the promises of God's Word, especially those that minister directly to the particular needs you may have at the time. Begin to put this in practice and watch the dramatic change! B. Next, you must cultivate the garden of your mind. You must cultivate your mind every day by deliberately choosing scriptural thoughts and weeding out all the "tares," such as idle, critical, impure, and doubtful thoughts, as well as all those of a negative nature. Every thought is a seed sown, and will eventually produce some kind of fruit. If it is a good thought, then this seed must be nurtured by prayer and faith, while tares must be uprooted immediately, and good seeds sown in their place. Such uprooting is often painful, and you may find the flesh resisting such pruning and cleansing of the mind. It is for this reason that some individuals would rather keep their doubts and fears, as well as their wrong ideas and mixed-up thoughts. The cost involved in changing their thinking habits and replacing negative or critical thoughts with wholesome thoughts of faith, hope, love, and joy is greater that they are willing to pay. The Bible refers to this process of the cultivation of the mind as being "transformed by the renewing of your mind." Satan seems to have filled the minds of most Christians with thoughts of doubt, fear, inability, insecurity, worry, and defeat. This negativism must be flushed out, and the mind saturated with the precious Word of the Lord, before the Enemy can be forced to release his hold on the mind and thoughts. 3.Develop the ability to choose deliberately the thoughts you will allow into your mind. Like everyone else, you have spent years conditioning your mind to accept wrong thoughts--idle thoughts, negative thoughts, unwholesome thoughts, thoughts of sickness, doubt, fear, and failure, to say nothing about a good deal of religious error. The mind cannot be renewed from such thinking habits and errors in a moment, not without determination on your part to allow the Holy Spirit to have full control of all your thoughts and beliefs. This is the significance of God's admonition in Romans 12:2: "Be transformed by the renewing [a process] of your mind." As you begin to develop the ability to choose the thoughts that you allow into your mind, you will discover that you are actually engaged in spiritual warfare with the thought habits you have developed in your mind. At times your human reason or intellect may want to rebel, and Satan will accuse you of being a "hypocrite," or tell you that is all just "psychology" and "mental suggestion." But scriptural thinking is not mere mental suggestion; on the contrary, it means, just as medical science has also discovered, that "as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." Christians who are walking in victory are those who are controlling their thoughts by emptying the mind of everything negative which Satan attempts to implant in it, and saturating their thinking with God's promises. The Word of God is clear on this point, admonishing us in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." To heed this admonition we must deliberately empty our minds of everything negative concerning the person, problem, or situation confronting us, refusing Satan to take control of our thoughts. Victory or defeat lies in our own hands according to Proverbs 23:7. What you think about a situation has a definite effect upon the actual situation. If you allow your mind to accept weariness or sickness, your body mechanism will automatically respond to such suggestions accordingly, because your mind has direct control over your nervous system, glands, muscles, heart, blood pressure, and so on. Thus, how you think you feel has a definite effect upon how you actually feel. Medical science has demonstrated that generally it is not long hours or hard work that drain our energy so much as our wrong attitudes concerning our work. Mental attitude plays an important part in a person' s physical condition, his life span, his success or failure in his chosen profession, and his productivity and total well-being. If we learn to govern our thinking, and refuse to confess weariness, anxiety, doubt, fear, defeat, or the dislike of some situation, then we will find that it really does not matter too much how seemingly difficult the task, or how long we work at it. If you grow weary during your work, instead of complaining or confessing weariness or boredom, take mental and physical "break" for a few moments and rejoice in the refreshing promise that "the joy of the Lord is my strength," and "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." It is not long hours and hard work that drain one's energy so much--it is wrong attitudes. Developing the right attitudes toward work and your circumstances, as well as toward God, yourself, and others is the key. This prevents that energy loss which causes most people to be weary and ineffective, or bored and disinterested, all because of their negative attitudes. With God’s help, choose the thoughts that you will allow to occupy your mind. Empty your mind of all negative thoughts or suggestions the moment Satan seeks to implant them into your mind. Then allow the Holy Spirit to minister scriptural thoughts concerning the problem, person, or situation. As a result, you will find yourself experiencing the full joy of your salvation and walking in victory more and more, regardless of the circumstances. 4. Exercise total faith in God in every situation. What is the relationship between faith and right thinking? It is simply this: the extent of your faith and trust in the promises of God has a definite effect upon your attitudes and thinking. Tension, anxiety, emotional stress, and also many instances of physical and spiritual disintegration, result from a lack of inner harmony and peace of mind. In order to help yourself develop scriptural attitudes, there are three areas of your life in which you must learn to walk in total faith and dependence upon God. A. Right attitudes result when you extend your faith to include all that God has provided for you and promised to you. God expects us to exercise total faith, without reservation, that He will do for us all that He has pledged Himself to do. We are to have complete trust in the Lord to provide all our needs, as well as to heal, protect, and deliver us, just as He has promised to do, again and again, in His Word. This will have a powerful effect upon our attitudes: knowing by faith that God will do for us all that He pledges Himself to do, if we will only ask (Matthew 21:22). Why? Because total trust in the Lord for all things eliminates emotional stress, anxiety, worry, and fear. The insurance companies have grown rich on people's fears and anxieties resulting from a lack of trust in such promises of God as are found, for example, in Psalms 37, 91, and 121; Matthew 6:19-34 and 21:22; Philippians 4:19; James 5:14-16; and III John 2. These are only a few out of literally thousands of promises which God has given to the believer. Medical science insists that most illness is psychosomatic and is the result of emotional stress. Over half the beds in the hospitals are occupied by people who are physically and mentally sick due to emotional stress, worry, fear, and anxiety, "for as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." People tend to become what they think; they precondition their lives by their attitudes; they receive largely what they expect. Physicians tell us that it is not so much what you eat that gives you ulcers; but it is what is eating you! Total trust in the Lord for all things will inspire in you a biblical attitude toward all circumstances of life, and will greatly help to eliminate emotional stress, fear, worry, and anxiety. B. Scriptural attitudes result from the assurance that you know God's will and are fulfilling it. Uncertainty about this causes multitudes of Christians to suffer confusion, doubt, insecurity, fear, and frustration. They exhaust themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, running around in circles, as it were, bewildered and confused, seeking to know if they are in God's will. They find themselves wondering which course of action to take, and often worry whether or not they have made the right decision about some matter. Many pastors today find that they must function much of the time as religious psychiatrists, because their churches are filled with Christians who are going through life depressed, bewildered, and confused, without clear understanding of what God's will is for them. It is a great blessing to have peace of mind because you know that you are moving in God's will and are fulfilling His purpose for your life. It is reassuring to know how to receive His help and guidance when you face an important decision or problem for which you are seeking a solution. God has a plan for the life of every Christian; and it is His desire to reveal His will to you, help you solve your problems, and give you guidance in making important decisions. Many Christians seem to know nothing of the concept of a God-planned life. From their confusion and bewilderment, one would surmise that God has saved them only to forsake them, leaving them to struggle along in the world as best they can. Christians are everywhere who have lost their direction, who are in wrong occupations, who have made wrong choices and decisions, who are insecure, depressed, frustrated, discouraged by circumstances, and uncertain as to God's will for their lives. It is not God's will for any Christian to suffer such confusion and defeat. Why? Because He assures us in his Word that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Psalm 37:23). This means that we can find out what God's will is in the decisions which confront us. We can know His will for our lives, and know His guidance day by day, and thus put an end to our doubts, worries, and frustrations, which result from our inability to discern His will. The believer may be assured that there is no need to stumble through life bewildered and confused, for the Scriptures declare again and again, not only that God is willing to make His will known to us, but that He has also provided the means for us to find out what His will is. Right attitudes and thinking results from the assurance that we know God's will for us and are fulfilling it. C. Biblical attitudes and thinking result when you accept, without qualification, the divine assurance of Romans 8:28. The assurance that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose," will do much to eliminate worry, concern and anxiety about our circumstances and their effects upon our lives. When tempted to feel depressed or defeated because of adverse circumstances; when everything seems to "go wrong"; when there seems to be no immediate solution to a problem we are facing; when it is difficult to understand why we must at times suffer such trials and tribulations as we do; then the heavenly assurance given to us in Romans 8:28-39, if accepted in faith, will minister an inner peace and harmony which surpasses all human understanding. Those who rest by faith in the promise have the blessed assurance that not one thing can touch them which God does not either send or allow; that nothing happens in their lives by accident or chance; that their trials, problems, and experiences are related to God's divine purpose for their lives; and that every experience, pleasant or otherwise, is being directed by God for their ultimate good and for his glory. Such assurances enables us to develop and maintain a right attitude, whereby we cease despising our trial, we refuse to complain over things that try to irritate or upset us, and we can rejoice over adverse circumstances. We can rest in the knowledge that this is God's pruning work in us, in preparation for great blessing, both to ourselves and to others, when He has completed this work in us (Genesis 50:15-20; James 1:2-4). Because many Christians do not realize the divine purpose in their trials and unpleasant experiences, they tend to resist them. They complain, "Why does this have to happen to me?" and, as a result, the real value of their trials is lost upon them. God purposely does not always give us neat, precise reasons for our trials and tests. He leaves many of the mysteries and perplexities of our lives unanswered, so that we may develop a strong, enduring faith in Him and in His promise "that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." It is important we keep before us the fact that such things as emotional stress, worry, anxiety, fear, and depression result from wrong and negative thinking. They are directly related to one's lack of faith and trust in the Word of God, which promises us healing, health, protection, deliverance, joy, peace of mind, and provision for our every need. Since the Scriptures declare that "in quietness and in confidence [faith] shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15), then you should learn to cultivate right attitudes and form the habit of thinking how God desires. This right thinking results from the exercise of total faith in God in every circumstance, inasmuch as the extent of our faith and trust in the promises of God has a definite effect upon our attitudes and thinking. BIBLICAL CONFESSION. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. --Proverbs 18:21. Christianity is confession from beginning to end. The Christian faith is not merely something we believe--it also involves what we say. "For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). The importance and necessity of speaking in harmony with scripture is evident here. Jesus also informs us in Matthew 10:32-33 and John 12:42-43 that salvation involves stating what God says as well as belief. We are admonished twice in the Book of Hebrews to "hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23, 35-36), and Jesus teaches us in Mark 11:23 that whatever we say in faith (according to the will of God) will come to pass. Since "death and life are in the power of the tongue," according to Proverbs 18:21, then it is imperative that we guard our words, and form the habit of always making a positive statements based on the Word. Just as a positive statement in harmony with God's Word and you believing it will bring blessing and victory, conversely a negative statement of doubt, fear, sickness, or defeat will result in adversity and failure, for the Scriptures declare that you can be "snared with the words of thy mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). Satan will keep you bound, poor, sick, and oppressed by ensnaring you with your own words when you make such negative statements as: I don't think I can do this work. I'm sure I'll mess it up. I don't feel too well. I must be catching the flu. I doubt I'll be able to go. I don't see how I'll have the money in time. I still have my symptoms and pain although I received prayer for healing several weeks ago. Maybe it isn't God's will to heal me this time. No matter how hard I try, I can't overcome this problem. I wonder if I'll ever feel better. I just knew it would rain today. It always does when we plan anything for outdoors. I've prayed for my wife's salvation, but she's getting worse, if anything. I guess she'll never change. Why does this always have to happen to me? My husband always drives in heavy traffic for me, because I might have an accident. I wonder if these chest pains mean I have heart disease? Please don't ask me to give a testimony in public. I always get nervous and can't say anything. My sinus condition always gets worse this time of the year. I cannot eat this pork. It will make me sick. I might as well not try that. It's beyond my ability. We'll try to come if things work out, but it isn't very likely. I don't know what we'll do if the cost of living keeps rising. I didn't get the promotion I needed. Oh, well, I never seem to excel at anything. Well, I made it to work, but that's about it. The way I feel, I sure won't get much done. The influence of the powers of darkness upon the human race is nowhere more clearly seen than in Satan's control and influence over man's mind and what he says. Generally, all you ever hear, whether over the radio or TV, on the plane or in a restaurant, has a negative emphasis. The newspapers and commentators seldom present a good report, as this seems to have no value. Have you ever heard, for example, that there are about 201,000,000 Americans who are not on drugs? Was the fact reported that thousands of Christians received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues last year? Were you informed through the news media that there were millions of college students who were not involved in any form of campus rebellion, or revolt against authority last semester? Was it reported in the press that there were over 90,000,000 men who were not involved in any major crimes in the United States in the past 12 months? Did the last conversation you overheard in the restaurant where you ate edify you, or was it the usual negative report of the speaker's recent operation, his peptic ulcers, his accident, or his financial distress? When was the last time anyone complimented or reported to you any good news concerning some friend or acquaintance about whom they were speaking? Why is it we usually receive a complete medical history concerning all the pains and afflictions of most individuals when we simply address them with the friendly greeting, "How are you today?" On every hand I find Christians being defeated by their negative speech. No one would intentionally invite a doctor to inject flu germs directly into his bloodstream; yet this is precisely what you do when you say at the first symptom that you believe you are catching the flu, for the Scriptures declare, "you are snared with the words of thy mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). Your condition will always parallel your speech. The Word of God tells us why: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7), and "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matthew 12:34). If you think you will fail, you will. If you say you can't, then you can't. If you say you are sick, you will be sick. If you say you cannot overcome the problem, then you cannot. If you say that you will be defeated, you will. Why? It is because you will generally experience what you think and say. Instead why not ask God in faith and believe His promises to meet your every need? It has taken medical science thousands of years to learn this truth, which God revealed to Israel in the time of Solomon, namely, that we actually precondition our lives for sickness or health, prosperity, or adversity, by what we think and say. As we have already pointed out, medical authorities tell us today that most physical illness is psychosomatic; that is, it results from wrong thinking, worry, and emotional stress. The fact is, how we think we feel and what we say about it has a definite effect upon how we actually feel. Jesus came to give us an abundant life--a life free from sin, sickness, poverty, fear, depression, worry, and defeat. However, most Christians have allowed Satan to rob them of their joy and peace, as well as their health and prosperity, through his influence upon their thoughts and their consequent speech. The average Christian keeps his mind and speech so cluttered with negatives and doubts that he has forfeited almost all hope and expectation for anything better, and has accepted a certain amount of poverty, sickness, and failure as inevitable. In order to rise above all these circumstances and walk in victory with our inheritance restored, we must change our thinking habits and eliminate certain negative expressions from our speech. Then we can begin to experience the dynamic power of faith and believing for God's promises. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

❤️BIBLICAL THINKING & CONFESSION. Part 1 of 4. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. -- Psalm 118:24. Live victoriously 365 days a year? Is it really possible? It is not only possible, but this blessing has also been promised to every believer who will appropriate it by faith. Jesus came to give us an abundant life--free from sin, sickness, worry, poverty, depression, fear, frustration, and defeat. Most Christians, however, have allowed Satan, who is described by Jesus as a thief (John 10:10), to rob them of their health and prosperity, as well as to usurp their rights and authority. Did you know that God never intended for His children to be sick and afflicted, nor poverty stricken and oppressed? Are you aware that it is His will for you to prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers (III John 2)? Did you know that He desires for you to live a fruitful and abundant life, walking in victory 365 days a year? God has pledged that His children, who obey His Word, shall enjoy prosperity in all things: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3 We are not suggesting that God intended for His children to live a life free from any problems or trials, or without testing; but we are saying that God has provided the means whereby these things do not need to dominate us, as they do so many, and that they can be controlled and overcome. Although most Christians have been reading the Bible for years, many of them do not seem to realize that God has invited them to walk through life on a pathway literally paved with His promises. There are thousands of promises in the Word of God made to the believer, and yet the average Christian has appropriated only one--the promise of salvation in John 3:16. A certain number have, to be sure, asked for the promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), and others have believed the promise of divine healing (Mark 16:18); but few Christians have grasped the full nature of their inheritance as joint-heirs with Christ. The Scriptures are filled with divine assurance, rights, privileges, blessings, and promises whereby God has made provision for the Christian's spiritual, physical, and temporal needs, as well as for the accomplishment of the work He has commissioned His church to do. All these provisions and blessings are available to the extent that we are willing to press through by faith and appropriate them. Jesus characterizes Satan as a thief who has come to rob you of your abundant life and defeat you through circumstances. The enemy has most Christians deceived into believing that all of the promises of temporal blessing were for the past and applied only to Israel, in heaven, in spite of such glorious promises as are found in Matthew 6:19-34; Mark 11:22-24 and 16:16-20; Luke 11:13; I Corinthians 3:21-22; Philippians 4:19; and III John 2. The Word of God promises the believer an abundant and fruitful life, with the assurance that he can rise by faith above all opposing circumstances, endure even the severest trials, overcome his problems, enjoy peace and security, and walk in victory 365 days a year. For most Christians, however, life consists in just "getting by somehow" from day to day--hoping they will not get sick, worrying whether or not the money will hold out until the end of the month, praying that their children will not get into serious trouble, hoping the old car will last through the winter, struggling to get through one more day, then catching a few hours of rest before beginning the endless cycle all over again the next day. Life consists of 365 days of cares, worries, and problems, with only an occasional ray of sunshine breaking through the dark clouds of life. This mediocre form of living is definitely not God's will for His children, but results from the simple fact that, although most Christians have been taught how to prepare for death, few have learned how to live. Thus, to them, one day looks like the next; it is filled with cares, problems, troubles, and worries. For most it seems that life has become sheer drudgery. How were your last 365 days of life as a Christian? Were they filled with joy, victory, and accomplishment? Were you able to overcome your problems? Did you endure your trials by faith? Was there a definite growth in your spiritual life? Did you experience an increase in your faith? Or were your last 365 days not much different from those of Mr. and Mrs. Average Christian--filled with cares, troubles, sickness, disappointments, and failures? Do you know that God has set forth in His Word certain principles concerning the Christian's thoughts, attitudes, and confession which will enable him to achieve emotional stability and peace of mind, as well as an enduring faith, empowering him to walk in victory over all circumstances each day? This is no empty hope, impossible of realization, but is more and more becoming the actual experience of many saints. Because of their uncompromising faith in the Word of God, they are as the Psalmist describes them: ...like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.---Psalm 1:3 What is the secret of such victorious living? It is thinking and staying in agreement with the Word of God! BIBLICAL THINKING. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. ---Proverbs 23:7. A person literally is what he thinks and believes. His personality is the sum total of his thoughts. You are today what your thoughts, beliefs, and convictions have made you. Many times you are defeated, not by your circumstances, but by your attitude toward your circumstances and problems. What you think and what we say. What we think and believe is generally what we talk about. Our speech is, in the final analysis, merely the vocal expression of what we think and believe. Therefore, if our thinking is wrong, then our speech will be wrong. If our thoughts are negative, then we will not make right statements based on scriptures. If our mind is filled with thoughts of trouble, fear, failure, and anxiety, then this will be reflected in what we say, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Sickness, failure, trouble, and adversity are often the result of wrong thinking. We generally experience what we think and believe, just as the Scriptures tell us: "as [a man] thinks is his heart, so is he." Therefore, we must correct our thinking habits, for our thoughts are the seeds we plant in the garden of our mind that will produce the harvest which we will reap. Satan works through the mind. Thus, much sickness, trouble, and failure begin in the mind and result from listening to lying, deceiving spirits from the Enemy. When you became seriously ill last winter, perhaps it was because you said, "I think I must be coming down with the flu, as I don't feel too well. There are so many who are ill and off work because of colds or the flu. If I stay at home today and lie down, maybe I will feel better; but if I don't improve, I'll just drop by the doctor's office for an examination." You fail in certain things you attempt to do because you think that you will fail; or you have convinced yourself that you lack the ability, so you do not believe you can succeed even if you try. Your marriage is not as harmonious as you would like it to be because you allow Satan to implant negative thoughts into your mind over every trivial thing that arises. As a consequence, you see the worst in everything---and, of course, you usually get what you expect. You cannot seem to get healed of some disease or affliction, or you fail to receive deliverance from some problem, because you do not think that you can. You think that it is too serious, or you think that the problem is too complicated, or you think you do not have enough faith, and so on. You get up some morning and say, "I sure hate to think of going to work today. The auditors are coming, and I know what an ordeal that will be! I always wind up with a splitting headache when they come." Is it any wonder that your day ends no differently than you expected? You receive the negative things you speak because you expect to receive them. How often, when something does not go as planned, or just as you wish, do you say, "Well, it happened just as I expected. Nothing ever seems to go right for me"? A person who speaks fear, anxiety, sickness, and defeat does so because he believes in fear, anxiety, sickness, and defeat! He believes in these things because his mind is always dwelling on them. You will ultimately come to believe what you think, if you think the thought long enough. If a person entertains thoughts of fear, and DOES NOT RESIST those thoughts, then he will begin to talk fear, which in turn will only add to his fears, setting up a cycle that increases the very thing he wants to be rid of. Countless numbers of Christians are being defeated today by negative thinking. They think they are either too young or too old for God to use them (forgetting that Samuel was a child, David a youth, Abraham and Moses advanced in age when they were called). They think they lack the education or the ability to serve the Lord effectively (overlooking the fact that many of the apostles were uneducated fishermen, that Jesus Himself had no formal education, and that David, the King of Israel, was but a shepherd). They think that they lack sufficient resources to undertake some work of the Lord, or do not have as much time as they would like to devote to spiritual interests because of financial burdens (apparently ignorant of the fact that Christ has promised to supply all their needs if they will "seek...first the kingdom of God," Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19). Thus, many Christians are not living victoriously because of wrong thinking. They think they will fail. They think they will have an accident. They think they will get sick, as though a certain amount of illness is inevitable. They think they will not receive a promotion at their place of employment. They think they may be an exception to God's promise to heal the sick. They think they will not have enough money to attend the conference. They think their children will become involved with drugs, or get into some kind of serious trouble. They think they will probably lose money on their home which they are selling. They think others do not really like their company. The list goes on, ad infinitum. Of course, they generally receive what they expect. The power of thought over our physical and mental well-being, as well as over our circumstances, is phenomenal. Medical science agrees with this. If your mind is continually dwelling upon some physical ailment, you can hardly expect your body to mend. If your thoughts are constantly occupied with some problem or imperfection, there is little hope for improvement. A pastor prayed for his wife's healing some time ago, her husband said one evening. "Nevertheless, she gets up every morning thinking that she is still sick because she still has certain symptoms, and she doesn't believe that she will ever get well." He said. This situation was remarkable because, during the same meeting in which the pastor had prayed for this woman he had also prayed for a man who had exactly the same condition. He was healed, although it happened gradually, and on the same night the concerned husband spoke about his wife, this man also came praising the Lord for his healing. Why then was one healed and the other not? They both had an identical ailment, and both received prayer. It was simply because the man had accepted his healing after prayer, and changed his way of thinking concerning his aliment, which had opened the channel of faith, so that healing could begin to flow to him. But the woman did not think that she was healed, because she had experienced no immediate improvement; and she now continued to be bound to her illness because of her negative thinking. Occasionally, a doctor will refuse to give a patient any further treatment or medicine because he knows the condition is psychosomatic and he cannot persuade the individual to change his thinking about it. There are many people who think they must be sick, or who think that they cannot get well, or who think that they must stay on medication, or who think that they must have surgery. In one instance a young woman became hysterical when her doctor insisted that, if she wanted to get well, she could no longer lie in the hospital, but must allow him to remove the cast and send her home. In another case, a Spirit-filled physician confided that many of his patients, some of whom are baptized in the Spirit, actually want to believe that they are sick. "For example," he said, "I will take their blood pressure, and they will immediately ask me, "Well, doctor, which is it--high or low?" They do not really expect it to be normal. They want to think that they are sick or that they have an ailment. Sometimes when I tell them there is nothing wrong with them, they will go to another doctor until they can find someone who seems to agree with what they think about their condition." Scripture tells us that we become what our thoughts, beliefs, and convictions have made us ("for as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he"). Therefore, it is imperative that we change our thinking habits and thought patterns from the negative to Biblical, and bring our thoughts into harmony with the Word of God. We must stop thinking and expecting sickness, poverty, inability, and failure. We are admonished in Romans 12:2 "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." How may we do this? Here are four basic principles to apply in order to develop the habit of Biblical thinking, which will in turn result in speaking in according to Scripture. 1. Accept the fact that attitudes are more important than circumstances. Any problem confronting you, no matter how difficult it may appear to be, is not as important as your attitude toward it. Usually it is not your circumstances that defeat you, but your attitude toward them and what you think about them. Remember this: circumstances give you neither defeat nor victory; they merely provide the opportunity to reveal what your thoughts and convictions really are, and what you intend to do about the situation. Often an individual allows his circumstances to overwhelm him mentally and, as a consequence, he is defeated before he even attempts to deal with the problem. Thus, in the final analysis, attitudes are really more important than circumstances. In view of this, here is what you should do when you are tempted to be depressed and discouraged by some serious problem, or overcome by circumstances. A. First, find a quiet place where you can be alone with the Lord and commune with Him about your problem. In many cases Christians have allowed some problem or trial to overcome them merely because they failed to spend sufficient time before the Lord seeking a satisfactory solution, hoping instead that things would just "work out somehow." We must learn to be still before the Lord and wait patiently upon Him if we would have Him speak to us (Psalms 27:14 and 46:10). B. Determine from the outset that you are going to maintain a scriptural outlook concerning the situation, regardless of how dark the picture may look at present. Keep in mind that no problem, no matter how difficult it may appear, is as important as your attitude toward it, for it is often your own attitude that defeats you. God cannot work in your behalf in an atmosphere of doubt, fear, or negative thinking. C. Pray about your need with a conscience that is free from any offense before God. It is at this point that Christians too often allow a spirit of pride or insincerity to defeat them. This is the time to be honest with God and yourself if you expect His help. Admit your faults and mistakes concerning the situation. Confess your own weaknesses or sins, for as often as not, those things which seem to bother us so much in others are actually in us and need to be purged from our own hearts (Matthew 7:1-5). Many times the solution to our problem, which God will show us if we allow Him, involves a change in our own attitudes or conduct. We are assured in John 3:21-22 that if our hearts do not condemn us when we pray, God will answer our petition and grant us a solution to our problem. Maintaining a stubborn attitude of self-righteousness about the situation, or attempting to pray with an unforgiving spirit (Mark 11:25-26), constitutes a basic hindrance to prayer which must be removed before we can expect heaven to undertake on our behalf. D. Next, calmly assess the whole matter in the light of the Scriptures, making a mental note of all those things which are definitely in your favor in the situation. Of coarse, you may be tempted to think that your problem is beyond solution. It may seem impossible to maintain a right attitude about it. It may appear a waste of time even to assess your situation, when it seems there could not possibly be any points in your favor, nor anything to encourage you to believe that things could ever get any better. But such an attitude will invariably result in defeat, "for as [a man] thinks in his heart so is he." Remember, too, that no problem is impossible for God to solve ("with God all things are possible," Matthew 19:26). No situation is so bad that some favorable aspects cannot be found which are in your favor. If you will calmly and sincerely assess the situation, these favorable aspects will often point toward a solution, or at least present you with some other alternative besides defeat in the matter. Years ago, a man suffered several serious trials of his faith within a relatively short period of time, tempted to be discouraged. After working a long time on a manuscript for his book, the publisher who had promised to publish it turned around and rejected it, giving no reason whatsoever. He had to give up a teaching position, after many years of preparation, because he would not compromise his Christian convictions. He lost the confidence of some of his friends and members of a church for several years, because of misquotations and other things said about him by certain individuals. He had to face the fact that now he had no regular income. Finally, he was struck with two serious illnesses. Certainly he was tempted to be discouraged by so many adverse circumstances, but instead he determined to maintain a Godly pleasing attitude. He began to count his blessings, rather than sit around and complain about all the problems. And he found, upon assessing the situation, that he could rejoice in a number of things: Although the publisher had not kept his word, there were others to whom the manuscript could be submitted for publication. Although he was rejected by the place where he taught, and some of his friends and relatives thought his convictions were somewhat extreme, he rested in the Lord's promise in Psalm 27:10: "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." Although he had given up his teaching position, and the Lord had discouraged any attempt to establish an independent Bible institute, yet God had directed in establishing a New Testament church, with no outside religious organization dominating its message or ministry. And in this small body of believers there was a unity of spirit and a oneness of purpose which few other churches enjoyed. His family supported his decisions in these matters. In spite of the serious illnesses, he remained in relatively good health. Although he had no regular income, God had provided his family with a home paid for, and was continuing to supply all of the material needs in other ways. Because he had decided to keep a Biblical outlook about these trials, and could praise God in them (Matthew 5:10-12; James 1:2-4), he could clearly see the many favorable aspects in the situation. And just as in the case of Job, God ultimately turned all these trials into blessings. He received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the entire church also received this blessing in a short period of time. His manuscript was accepted and published by another publisher, and was soon recognized as the leading book in its field at that time. He received supernatural healing of his ailments. He was blessed with material prosperity. The Lord increased his ministry, so that he was traveling extensively as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. He became the author of several well-received and widely read books. The glory belongs to Jesus for changing these circumstances so dramatically. But the point is, attitudes were more important than adverse circumstances. It is not your problems, nor your circumstances, which defeat you, but your attitude toward those problems and circumstances. It is what you think about them, "for as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." The Christian life does not mean freedom from trials, but it involves developing right attitudes toward them, so that we may learn to endure and overcome them, thus maturing in the faith and glorifying God. If you calmly assess your situation in the light of God's promises to you in His Word, it is certain that you will find some aspects in your favor, which will ultimately lead to a solution. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.