Insights, studies, and lessons learned.

Linking sickness and the demonic – Casting out demons

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I want to share an experience from last Sunday which involved casting out a clearly demonically related sickness (and accompanying demon) — and thus establishing the fact that the realm of sickness and disease is not something we need to tolerate nor is it ‘sent from God to teach us something’, but it is something which Jesus bore so we don’t have to (Isa. 53:4, Mt. 8:16-17) and thus needs to be dealt with in the way that Jesus prescribes such as when He told his disciples to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons…” (Matthew 10:8) — something which He said all believers should be doing as well.  (Mk. 16:15-20)

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

After speaking on the Mystery and power of the Gospel last Sunday at a church in Diepsloot, many people lined up to receive prayer, healing, infilling of the spirit, etc.  All were delivered from their various pains and such and one lady in particular asked for prayer against stomach pains.  I proceeded to command her stomach to be healed and released life (see Acts 3:6) at which she started doubling over in pain.

I asked her what she was feeling and she said the pain was now moving from her stomach and darting here and there — throughout her body.  At this I knew we weren’t simply dealing with a physical issue and proceeded to command the demon to leave after which her pain was gone, and I could tell she was completely set free (from both the pain and the evil spirit that caused it).

Along the same lines a friend of mine related an instance where he and another brother were praying for someone who was blind in one eye.  After quite a while of proclaiming healing for that eye the person exclaimed that his other eye was now blind too!  Well, this made it clear that it was not simply a physical issue — so they proceeded to cast out this demon after which the person was immediately set free — having perfect vision in both eyes.

Both of these situations are examples how satan has a deep interest in promoting (and causing and/or exacerbating) sickness and disease (whatever steals, kills, and destroys (see Jn. 10:10)),  because he’s out to destroy those who were created in God’s image (that would be us).  This is not to say that each and every cold or other sickness has its physical manifestations directly resulting from present demonic activity.  However, at minimum, every sickness and disease CAN be traced back to original sin, the fall, and thus stems ultimately from the direct work of the devil within the realm of mankind. (There’s no sickness, pain, nor disease in Heaven, after all.)  Based upon this, Jesus has come to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 Jn. 3:8) and redeem mankind from every curse (Gal. 3:13, which includes sickness and disease) and effectively offer salvation to all who will believe. (Rom. 10:9)

Now the word salvation (saved) is used both in instances of physical healing (James 5:15) as well as spiritual renewal and deliverance (Acts 16:31).  The reason for this is because it’s the same Greek word (sozo) used (the language which the New Testament was originally written in) which means to be set free from an oppressor and to be made whole.  The Devil is busy stealing, killing, destroying, and oppressing all mankind through various means, one of which includes sickness and disease — thus Jesus came to remove it (1 Jn. 3:8) and thus we see Him healing ALL the sick who came to him. (Mt. 8:16, Lk. 4:40, etc.)

Jesus came to offer us complete salvation — body and spirit.  Thus we have the symbol of communion at which Jesus took the bread and said “this is my body which is broken for you” (1 Cor. 11:24) (relating to physical healing see also 1 Peter 2:24), as well as the cup which symbolized the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of sins. (Eph. 1:7)  Both are components of salvation and both Jesus made available at cost of considerable pain and suffering which He had to endure.

The Bible says many are sick due to not correctly discerning the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 11:29-30) at the time of communion, so there’s something (a lot actually) to be said for understanding what Jesus provided for us.  Jesus provided his own body, whipped and beaten, as payment for our physical healing.  He provided his blood as payment for our sins.  Let us not minimize the stripes of Jesus he bore for us.  Let us not partake only of the blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, but let’s partake of his body as well for the healing of our bodies.   Jesus thought it important enough to provide both — so should we not partake of what Jesus suffered to provide?  Let us not allow His suffering to be in vain, but rather give him the reward for which he bore each and every stripe on his body.  Not to mention of course the healing benefit it provides for all who believe.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.”  (John 6:53)

For His glory and honor,

– Paul

 

Mystery & Power of the Gospel, revealed (AUDIO)

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Last Sunday I spoke again at Miracle Centre in Diepsloot.  The topic was on the “Mystery of the Gospel” which is now revealed.  (Please see below to download or play the audio files.)

What is the Gospel?  What is the good news?  Is it that Jesus died for us?  Well, that’s what made the Gospel possible — but Jesus’ death isn’t the result, it is the cause and vehicle.  Jesus death and resurrection brought forth something so powerful and life-changing that God had to hide this knowledge  from the very beginning lest the devil would not have had Jesus crucified.  This knowledge of the Gospel and the mission He was to accomplish is what prompted Jesus to say, “the works that I do you will do also, and even greater … and whatever you ask in My name, I will do it.” (Jn. 14:12-14) — because He knew the transformational power that would become available to every one who receives Him.

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)

Well, it’s not a mystery anymore!  “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations … has now been revealed to His saints … for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” (Colossians 1:26-29, Hebrews 2:11)

To listen to a recording of this message, just click below.  The first file is the full audio.  The second is an excerpt.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:30 — 14.8MB)

Podcast (excerpts): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:23 — 2.3MB)

Healing and the prayer of faith (AUDIO)

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“And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:15)

This was the follow-up to Sunday at our Monday night Bible Training in Diepsloot. The topic was healing and how to effectively pray the prayer of faith. You can listen to the audio recording of this session down below.

First file is the full audio.  The second is an excerpt.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:46 — 18.1MB)

Podcast (excerpts): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 0:40 — 741.0KB)

Faith and living out what God put inside you (AUDIO)

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Last Sunday I spoke at a church in Diepsloot on the topic of living out what God put inside us.  Faith, living out of the fullness of Christ, healing the sick, what we’re here on Earth to do … all touched on in this audio.

“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” (Ephesians 4:13)

“12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:12–14) 

First is the African choir singing an a cappella song — beautiful :)  Second file is the full audio.  Third file is an excerpt of the full audio.

A true African experience in the beautiful acappella song sung by the choir at the Sunday meeting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:25:09 — 24.5MB)

Podcast (excerpts): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 0:45 — 810.8KB)

Video – Has science rendered faith in God obsolete? No. Dr. JP Moreland.

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In this video, Dr. JP Moreland shows how science does not render faith in God obsolete, but to the contrary shows how faith in God is a logical conclusion when looking at the evidence. 

Part 1

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Some say faith is similar to a belief in Santa Claus — something only sustained by emotionally needy individuals but which can not stand up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. JP Moreland shows otherwise.

Dr. Moreland shows how the claim that science is the only way to know reality is a self refuting statement. He goes on to point out scientific facts which point to an intelligent designer of the universe: 1) The universe began to exist at a certain point in time. 2) The exceedingly precise fine-tuning of the universe within multiple and varied physical factors (charge of an electron, mass of a proton, strength of gravity, rate at which galaxies are expanding from each other) — without which life could not exist. 3) Discovery of biological information which is a scientific precedent for determining intelligent life as per SETI investigations. 4) The existence of the mind and consciousness which is inexplicable if one holds to evolution when considering Mechanical Philosophy.

Prophecy concerning faith, love, truth, doubts, evil, salvation, etc.

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This is a prophecy I received for someone who had a variety of questions and doubts about faith and the workings of God in her life.  Many topics are covered here ranging from trials, doubts, the purpose of walking by faith instead of sight, the origin of evil, what is truth, what is love, etc.  I post it here  (minus any personal details) because I think others would benefit from the answers Jesus gave.  The prophecy may seem to abruptly jump from one topic to another, but this is because it was directly given to answer specific things this person wrote me about and wasn’t really meant to be a self-contained, stand on it’s own article.
God bless,
Paul

(MESSAGE FROM JESUS BEGINS)

Dear one whom I’ve created and fashioned according to my perfect will and foreknowledge,

You look back on your life with many questions and much wondering — and I do not fault you for this, for if you look back, the natural mind is quick to come up with many valid questions that seem unanswerable; but the truth is this: I’ve been with you at all times.

Do you think it chance that you’re in the place you are now in your journey and search for answers and truth, even having this discussion now?

I am the master potter and I’ve formed you for a unique and powerful purpose — a purpose you can not fully see nor understand at this moment. It’s a purpose you’ve caught a glimpse of in those times when you’ve trusted and called out to Me, yet it’s unfolding, fruition, and specific shape and color has yet to be determined as so much depends on the course you choose to take. Your mind is confused and you look back and wonder how I could have been with you through all those difficult times. Yet I tell you assuredly, I was there and I AM here.

There have been times when My ability to intervene has been limited due to choices you or others have made, but yes, you’ve learned much and have come through the wiser for it.

May I suggest that you not look back on your life with contempt and bitterness, but rather with the understanding that I can use EVERYTHING you’ve been through to help activate and propel you forward towards the very purpose and role which you alone can uniquely fill if you walk with Me in faith and trust? In so doing your individuality, gifts, talents, uniqueness, godly desires and dreams will find fulfillment as you embark on the mission of life with Me at your side to help you navigate the stormy seas of this world, as well as to embark on exciting missions of discovery and those that will help others as well.

Yes, I do have a calling for you — I have a unique plan and opportunity for your life — yet, as you’ve discovered, life is full of choices, and I have limited Myself to work within the framework of your choices.

What I’m offering you is not a set of rules or religion. It’s not a methodology or “toolbox” of self-help instruments to be used within the framework of limited understanding and what “you think” — it’s more than that. What I’m offering you is a passionate relationship with Me which connects you to my very essence.

Yes, you’ve tasted of Me in times past, yet, as you see, you’ve let the waves of problems and doubts distract you from Myself. Remember when Peter looked at the waves instead of keeping His focus on Me? He began to sink. Why? Because He knew in himself he couldn’t “do” the “impossible” of walking on the water — it was contradictory to every form of human understanding. As long as He focused on Me it wasn’t a problem to do the impossible, but as soon as he focused on the “impossibleness” of the situation by looking at the waves and listening to his mind of natural understanding which told him what he was doing doesn’t make sense, then he lost the power to keep going.

So it is, now, with you. You’ve begun to embark on a journey with Me, a journey which requires walking by faith and not by sight, yet the voices of natural “wisdom” call out, “That’s impossible! It doesn’t make sense! What are you doing?!” I know it’s much easier to believe in something you can see and touch with your physical senses or which somehow rely on human capability and ability to obtain things — however, like waves, what can be seen and touched is not the full embodiment of truth; and even though they may seem to dictate situations, they really don’t — only I AM and I do — and as Peter walked on the water, so I can help you walk on in faith if you choose to focus and keep your faith in Me. … for when I am not in focus through faith, the very channel and connection is broken which allows My power, love, truth, and all that I am to flow in abundance which enables you to do the impossible and walk on the water in your relationship with Me. It’s like unplugging a TV from the wall socket. The TV is still there, but there is no power, no life, no flow of electricity which enables one to see and be activated. The TV becomes nothing more than a bunch of components with no purpose.

Look at all those people of faith in Hebrews 11. See what they went through for Me. Why? Because they were focused on Me (Jesus) and knew they were helping to construct My Kingdom — a Kingdom of true love and eternal purpose. They did not conform to the clamoring voices of the world (and even their own human brain) which were so ready to tell them they were crazy. It was not a “pipe dream” they convinced themselves of — they were simply following that inner conviction of faith which was completely contradictory to the voice of natural reasoning and “wisdom” of man. They were thus connected with My true wisdom — they were connected with Me through the vehicle of faith. Faith is tied to the internal compass I’ve put inside you which points towards Me and helps you know which way is TRUE north (the way to truth / to Me) — as opposed to the changing magnetic north of the temporal realm.

I created all the universe not by some outer tool, but by my very essence of who I am. I didn’t use an outer “tool” of power — I AM power. I didn’t use a guidebook of truth, I AM truth. I didn’t use an outside motivator of love, I AM love. There is no power outside of Me, there is no truth outside of Me, there is no love outside of Me. So, why the walk of faith? Faith is the vehicle by which people can connect with Me. It’s the “spiritual connection” to Me. I’ve created it this way so that ALL could simply understand and experience Me (indifferent of culture, creed, geographical location, resources, etc.) and so that no man could attempt to take glory to himself, his ideologies, his “tools”, his own wisdom, his “religion”, experience, or what have you — not because I’m “selfish” and some sort of glory-egoist — but because there really is no full embodiment of truth outside of Me, plain and simple. The moment people rely and put their trust in visible systems, “tools”, religions, laws of attraction, or other “understandable” things and what have you, above Me — they’ve in essence traded Me for some outer “thing”. This outer “thing” could not possibly contain the full embodiment of Me / My essence — it’s just physically and metaphysically impossible. How could the infinite be contained? It’s a contradiction in terms.

Now, don’t get me wrong, you can find many good things contained in various religions, methods, ideologies, etc … the thing is, these are only tidbits of the full picture… An absolutely minuscule piece of the puzzle; therefore it’s not wise to put one’s trust in these puzzle pieces rather than in Me — who is the sum of all the parts and full embodiment. To cling to a part to the exclusion of the sum just won’t take a person very far in their quest for truth.

So, back to the “faith” question… Faith connects to Me — it enables fellowship and relationship. “Seeing my glory” and even flashing my words in the sky doesn’t automatically enable someone to have a love-connection with Me if their faith and trust has not been activated towards Me. Lucifer saw my glory and still chose a path he knew would lead away from Me — so “seeing” is not the same as believing / trusting / having FAITH in Me.

Faith is the means by which one can enter in to a relationship with Me — the infinite — the full-embodiment of love, truth and power — the eternal life giver. Faith is the means by which truth can begin to be assimilated and understood and practiced.

I came to Earth in human form (Jesus), I lived and spoke with people, I showed that I am truly God by proving my essence through the love I shared, the live I lived, the miracles I performed, the truth and wisdom I displayed, as well as through the culmination of the crucifixion (and subsequent resurrection) and the judgment I took upon myself by allowing myself to be separated from my divine power and essence in order to experience true death for every man when I cried out on the cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me!” In that moment I experienced and took on myself all the sins of all humanity and the consequent judgment of complete separation from all the is love, from all that is Divine. In other words, there was in that moment the complete absence of light — in which case only darkness remained. Of course My subsequent resurrection sealed the deal and offered ultimate proof that I AM and that even death itself can not contain Me.

I did all this so faith would have a portal — a door by which one may freely enter (made possible through having the ability to recognize and perceive it clearly). Through the door of faith in Me, Jesus, one may enter in to fellowship and relationship with Me and thus be connected to all that I am. There is thus no need for dependence on outer tools or methodologies to replace the fullness of all that I am. Yes, some “tools” and practices are helpful in living a life of faith and love, and that is the purpose of all that is shared in The Bible — to serve as an anchor by which one may keep firm in My truth and aid in a relationship with Me. However, when the Bible is read without faith, true understanding remains hidden from the reader.

You see, the Bible is unlike any other book in the world. It’s inspired by Me and therefore is meant to be understood not solely by physical, analytical methods of the mind — but through the understanding granted when combined with faith which is the linkup with My Spirit. Sometimes this understanding isn’t formed the very moment a passage is read, but as I said, if someone “abides” and continues in My Word, then he shall know the truth and the truth will make him free.

This faith can come in various manifestations — the faith of a seeker crying out for truth — the faith of someone hurting who looks to The Bible for answers — the faith of someone who wants to grow in their relationship with Me and thus finds food for their spirit… In each of these cases faith is creating a vacuum in a person’s spirit which causes the Words read on the page to be enlightened by My Spirit and the truth starts flowing towards the vacuum, thus granting understanding. As it is recorded in John 6:63 that I said, “The Spirit is the one who gives life; human nature is of no help! The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” So true understanding of the Bible comes when read in faith. Even the seeker who may not know that I, Jesus, am truth — if he reads the Bible with his innermost being calling out for truth, he is calling out for My very essence since He has faith that truth exists and that it can reveal itself… He may not know truth is Me, but I will help Him understand this very fact, for I am the way, the truth, and the life.

I’ve given a portion of my power to my creation — for example to the angels as well as to humans. My power can also be seen in what I’ve created — the beautiful natural world I’ve created for people to enjoy. However, My power and essence is not FULLY embodied in My creation nor any “method” of operation — My glory and essence is too “big” to be contained within any thing except Myself … in fact, I am not contained, I am beyond all things because I created all things. If I created all things, it’s impossible for me to be contained by any thing or things, including the human mind. However, I do desire that my crown jewel of creation — people, experience a relationship with Me and for this reason I’ve created them in my image so that they may communicate and experience Me through the spirit which I’ve given them.

You see, evil is not a thing or person, it’s an absence of Me. Darkness is not a thing, it’s a state where light does not exist. Some give to much credit to the ‘Devil’ — thinking he has all this power in himself and is thus someone to be feared because of the “evil” he “creates” and the power he has… but this is not the case. Yes he has some power, but he’d have no power if I completely retracted all that I’ve given him — he, along with all people and all creation would immediately cease to exist should I completely retract my power and essence … everything would return to the “natural” state of nothingness — darkness and void — emptiness. But because darkness is the absence of light, the disappearance of the Devil wouldn’t mean evil would end … those who exclude Me will always live in various measures of void and darkness, with the high measures manifesting what has come to be known as evil.

I’ve given life to all My creation for a season. Choices are to be made and that’s what life on Earth is for. I extend my arms to all who would desire to come to Me and discover truth and eternal love. For those who come I also grant eternal life — a relationship with Me and a place in My eternal Kingdom of Love.

So in reality, you needn’t try to understand the role of the Devil. He’s simply chosen to depart from me and thus abides in darkness and void — the absence of love and light. The Good news of the Bible has nothing to do with the Devil, it has everything to do with a relationship with Me. This is what I offer to people, and this is what I offer to you.

I love you. My arms are wide open for you. Please choose to rest and abide in My arms so I may strengthen you and heal the wounds in your heart. It’s ok that there’s many things you don’t understand … full understanding is not necessary for us to share a wonderful relationship together; in fact, worrying too much about why this, that and the other is not spiritually healthy for you right now. I can guarantee that if you proceed in faith with Me, many of your questions will find their answers in time. There are many things I’ll show you, but they don’t need to all unfold at once. It’s a step by step process, just like a baby isn’t an adult by day two, nor is a caterpillar changed in to an unfettered butterfly except after time spent in the cocoon. I’m your cocoon. Yes, cocoons are needed sometimes in order for metamorphosis to take place… until that caterpillar enters the cocoon he doesn’t put himself in a position for me to do the miracle of transformation. Please, let me help you in giving you the desires of your heart. Let me help you experience the joy of salvation instead of slavery of the mind. Let me set you free from all the confusion you face … it doesn’t become clear by running away … it becomes clear by letting me renew your heart, mind, and spirit as you abide in Me and in My Word — in faith. If you lack faith in The Bible right now — that’s ok. But are you open to let me still work with you on this? That’s all I ask. You needn’t try and force yourself to have faith for it’s not something you’re able to do … trust in Me — I’ll raise Lazarus if you roll away the stone … just do what you CAN do and let me worry about what you can’t. If you’re able to simply give me a chance and trust that I’ll lead and guide you as a result of your direct faith in Me, then that’s all I require. Just lay out all your doubts to me and leave them on the altar. I’ll take them and work with you on them in time… but it’s always a step of faith to abide in Me — the natural mind can’t wrap it’s head around it, so I’d advise not to try and do so. If you can simply accept that I love you, that’s all I need to work with — we can take it from there. If you’re not sure of that, then I can still help you come to that place if you let me… It’s up to you — but just know that I do love you…

With much love,

Jesus

(Video) The Ultimate Proof of Creation.

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If you’re interested to find out why the Biblical account of Creation as recorded in Genesis is the only rational and logical explanation for the existence of the universe (contrary to theories like Macro Evolution), you won’t want to miss this video presentation below.  I consider this to be, as the title proclaims, “Ultimate” proof in the sense that there is no rational argument which can contradict these facts. Bold claim? Watch the video and see for yourself. Don’t forget to share it with your friends as well! Have a comment? Feel free to leave it below in the comment section.

Further description:

In this seminar Dr. Jason Lisle presents the ultimate proof for the existence of God and the truth of creation. He goes beyond the battle over “evidence,” and demonstrates why and how we are to defend the faith. Dr. Lisle shows why secular worldviews (such as belief in Macro Evolutionary theory) cannot stand up to logical scrutiny, and how only the Christian worldview can account for the world we live in.

Though this is presented in a format intended for Christians, the content itself will be very interesting for anyone interested to see why Creation, as recorded in The Biblical book of Genesis, is the only rational answer for the existence of the universe.

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Part 4

People (not animals) created in God’s image. The ‘Breath of life’ in Genesis 2:7. Why is there evil in this world?

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This is part of a series of posts I’ll be writing that show how the Biblical account of creation as recorded in the book of Genesis is the only logical explanation for the origin of the Universe (and us!) as opposed to Macro-Evolutionary theory. (The idea that human beings evolved from animals).

There’s a lot to be said on this topic and soon I hope to post what I consider to be the ultimate proof that the Genesis account of Creation is the only logical explanation of how we humans got here.  Dr. Jason Lisle has an excellent book (which incidentally is called “The Ultimate Proof of Creation – Resolving the origins debate”) on the topic which I highly recommend.  (Check his video seminar in this post: HERE.)  You can also check out the “Answers in Genesis” web site (see the link at the bottom of the sidebar on the right) for scientific facts and other information which also confirms that the Genesis account of Creation is the only viable explanation for the existence of all things.

For now I just want to point out the following verse in Genesis to those (like myself) who believe the Bible to indeed be the Word of God:

“The LORD God formed the man from the soil of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)

Let’s take a closer look at this “breath of life” that God breathed in to the first human being.  The NET Bible translation note for Genesis 2:7 sheds light on the original Hebrew word used for “breath” in this instance:

The Bible differentiates between the “breath of life” given to human beings and the existence given to animals. Humans are more than a living, breathing organism — we are created in the “image of God” and therefore have characteristics similar to God such as:  The capacity for spiritual understanding and discernment, the ability to spiritually communicate with God, the existence of a conscience (built-in compass for knowing right and wrong), the ability to reason logically, self-awareness (did you know we can think about our thinking? :) realization and understanding of morality, personal dignity, freedom, exercise and conceptual understanding of free-will, etc.  These are all unique gifts from God to the human race since He created us “in His image.”  (These concepts can not be accounted for within the Macro-evolutionary worldview.)

“God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

Then how is it that some people reach the point of utter deprivation and evil if we are created in His image? Why in fact do evil things take place in the world?  Some people rebel against God’s voice through their conscience for so long that their conscience becomes “seared” and inoperable. They utilize their God-given gift of free-will to effectively cut themselves off from God and the influences of His loving Spirit.  In the absence of God who is light and love, only darkness and depravity remain. (John 3:19, I John 4:16)

“… influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.” (1 Timothy 4:2)

“They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:18)

“For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling mortal human beings or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creation rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!” (Romans 1:21–25)

So the Bible reveals the pointed difference between humans and animals in Genesis 2:7, contrary to the Macro-Evolutionary theory. (See also Gen. 1:21; Gen. 1:25; Gen. 6:20; Gen. 7:14 which reveal how God created each animal “after it’s own kind.”) It also reveals how neglecting to glorify God leads down the path of exchanging “the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling mortal human beings or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.” (Example:  Trusting more in human, naturalistic rationalizations (such as Macro-Evolutionary theories) than in God’s Word. See: Proverbs 3:5-6.)

Some champion Macro-Evolutionary thought because they prefer to avoid the sense of accountability that accompanies belief in God (not realizing that accountability is a necessary component of true love and freedom (John 8:36)).  Others are swayed by media outlets that often present Macro-Evolution as science and state it’s the only possible explanation of how we all got here.  This is a flawed concept because:  1) Science deals with things that can be observed and tested.  Macro-Evolution is a theory, having never been observed and which can never be tested; it is therefore something which must be believed by “faith“, and 2) Science would not be possible if Macro-Evolution were true; in fact, only the Biblical account of creation in Genesis provides an explanation for “preconditions of intelligibility”, laws of logic, uniformity of nature, morality, etc — ingredients necessary in order to “do” science.  For more on this topic, click HERE.

Buried with Christ – living a new life – Romans 6:4

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“Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

In II Corinthians 13:5 the Apostle Paul encourages us to “examine ourselves” to see if we are truly “in the faith”.

In a world where “Christianity” is often “practiced” as a fashionable mode of operation or a regimen of rules rather than experienced as a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ, it’s so easy to get sucked in to the “normality” and various pulls of life and forget that our relationship with Jesus should result in us living a new life — a life in which our visions, goals, time and viewpoints are markedly different than the world’s “me-first” prototype.

“… we have been buried with him through baptism into death …”

Jesus was crucified (for us!) and buried in a tomb. In the same way our old life characterized by “me-first” priorities should be dead, gone and buried. (See Luke 9:23.)

This is not to say we suddenly, magically lose all human and selfish desires. The difference is the “me-first” motivator is no longer in control. It doesn’t lead us around by the nose telling us what to do with our thoughts, time and life. In essence, it’s no longer enthroned as “god” of our life. Why? Because we’ve decided that God should have the place of God rather than allowing our own selfishness to usurp that position. We’ve therefore traded a temporal path of limited fleshly reasonings for God’s eternal path of truth and light. (I Peter 2:9)

WAIT! someone may exclaim. What’s so “bad” about a “me-first” attitude? Isn’t it natural, after all?

I think the answer to this is clearly visible in the world around us. Flip on the news (or just look around) and we can see the results of the me-first attitude. What’s the motivating factor of every crime? — “I want that!” (me-first). (James 4:1-3) What’s the motivator of every unkind action? “I’m more important — I need to consider myself first.”

Me-first attitudes are not just actions — they’re characterized by lack of action as well. If love is seeing a need and filling that need, me-first attitudes are seeing needs and doing nothing.

“… as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.”

Now the power and life of God enters the equation and provides the solution to the me-first attitude.

Jesus was raised from the dead through the power of God. This same power (God’s Spirit) baptizes (immerses) and transforms our spirit when we truly make the decision to yield our life and receive Jesus as Lord — letting Him be God instead of us. See I Cor. 12:13, Titus 3:5, Lk. 11:9-13, John 1:12 and Acts 5:32.

This baptism and renewing by the Spirit of God is what gives us the power to live a new life in Christ. No longer do we need to try on our own to do the right thing, figure out eternal truths, etc. Now we have God’s Spirit and Word as a guide, counselor, and provider of power to live a new life. See John 14:15-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8.

Have we truly been “born from above” (John 3:3) by enthroning Christ as Lord in our life, and are we thus living our life with God’s Heavenly Perspective instead of a me-first attitude? (Col. 3:1-4) When people look at us do they see the love, joy and “peace that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) which comes as a result of living a new life with Jesus? Are we walking by faith instead of sight — looking past the temporal enticements and keeping our eyes, heart, visions, plans and actions within God’s eternal realm of love and truth? (II Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1,6, Heb. 11:13-16; II Cor. 4:18; I Peter 4:1-2; Romans 8:5-17)

“I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:16–21)

Let’s make a difference in this world! Let’s let God’s light shine through us in such a way that people will clearly see Him. Let’s live a new life — in Jesus.

Vision vs. busyness

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One thing I keep getting reminded of is the importance of living with vision.

It’s so easy in this day and age to get so busy with so many things … sometimes to the neglect of what’s most important.

Have you ever stopped to identify your personal “mission statement”? Something that clearly outlines what you’re striving for in life?  Without this mission statement (and a plan to implement it) there can be a tendency to simply float along in life and wonder if we’re accomplishing anything of lasting value.

What is the high, over-arching goal that motivates you — the goal you’re working towards which, at the end of your life, if you were faithful to that vision you’d feel you really accomplished what God wanted you to?

As a Christian, a primary goal we have is to keep the fires of love burning brightly in our relationship with Jesus not only for our own sake, but that others may also realize that God truly exists.  People are much more open to truths they see lived rather than ones they only hear about.  Jesus says, “Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) So clearly one of our goals is to take steps that contribute to the reality of God’s love and joy being birthed in the hearts and lives of others (Mk. 16:15) — as others are helped to discover the reality of a personal relationship with Jesus.  (Proverbs 11:30)

There may be multiple important goals in our lives, but the important thing is — 1) Have we identified these goals and 2) Are we implementing a plan to ensure these goals are receiving the time and attention they deserve?

Are we acting on what God has already revealed as His will through His Word — and have we taken time to hear from God for any specifics — to get His personalized plan and counsel as how to best use the time He’s entrusted us with?

‘Only one life, ’twill soon be past.  Only what’s birthed in God’s love will last.’

No matter what your personal method is for finding out what’s most important to you — it’s definitely a good thing to make time to do.  There’s nothing that results in that hollow, empty feeling more than simply letting the days role by without taking steps to meet our higher goals in life.

And, as you may guess, I can highly recommend asking God for His guidance on the matter; the One who created us definitely knows us best — even better than we know ourselves.  He can speak fresh words of guidance straight to our heart whenever we stop to listen, as well as when we specifically take time to study the vast wealth of wisdom in His Word (The Bible) as well.

Have you ever stripped your soul bare and laid it before the Creator of all things? It’s amazing what He can create when we give Him EVERYTHING to work with rather than just a part. He has a key to unlock every door, but they only unlock the doors He has for us to walk through . . . let’s not waste time with those other doors.

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

May God bless you as you clearly identify and chart a plan of progress to reach your life goals!

May He be able to say to us in that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)