“Our Royal Nature” 5/26/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Godsmanforever

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org  from Spurgeon’s writing

Galatians 5:16-18 So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit,

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/5/4/2024/?ecid=ACsprvsQzTd-9bUTJv722AsTSd2knhQ-X7LZmWREwSFmwT7wcNfpY8rhelSQb_YEw5R_6WbBuKzM&utm_campaign=Spurgeon+Daily+Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–cIaLz6T6mxotUvvnL5NX-fA3XfY3I7ZbyHClAZeZdhN-DBkyv6xKboxW5CQfiH7b0h4r5Yl3xjQtG9XxVP8JHqE818N0nTVDlg4OpORIGXv6CXLg&_hsmi=305344608&utm_content=305344608&utm_source=hs_email

Our Royal Nature

You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable.

1 Peter 1:23

Peter earnestly exhorted the scattered saints to love each other “earnestly from a pure heart” (verse 22), and he did so not on the basis of the law or human nature or philosophy, but from that high and divine nature that God has implanted in His people. In the same way that a sensible tutor of princes might seek to foster in them a kingly spirit and dignified behavior, finding arguments in their position and pedigree, so, looking upon God’s people as heirs of glory, princes of royal blood, descendants of the King of kings, earth’s truest and oldest aristocracy, Peter said to them in essence, “See that you love one another because of your noble birth, being born of imperishable seed, because of your pedigree, being descended from God, the Creator of all things, and because of your immortal destiny, for you shall never pass away, though the glory of the flesh shall fade and even its existence shall cease.”

We would do well if, in the spirit of humility, we recognized the true dignity of our regenerated nature and lived up to it. What is a Christian? If you compare him with a king, he adds priestly sanctity to royal dignity.

The king’s royalty often lies only in his crown, but with a Christian, it is infused into his inmost nature. He is as much above his fellows through his new birth as a man is above the beast that perishes. Surely he shall conduct himself in all his dealings as one who is different from the crowd, chosen out of the world, distinguished by sovereign grace, part of God’s “peculiar people.”1

Such trophies of God’s grace cannot grovel in the dust like some, nor live in the fashion of the world’s citizens. Let the dignity of your nature and the brightness of your prospects, O believers in Christ, constrain you to hold fast to holiness and to avoid the very appearance of evil.

1) Titus 2:14, KJV

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org. Used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?” 5/25/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Verse of the Day - Ephesians 2:8-9                            Posted by www.gotquestions.org  

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/salvation-faith-alone.html

 

Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?

Is salvation by faith alone, or is salvation by faith plus works? This is perhaps the most important question in all of Christian theology. This question was the cause of the Reformation, the split between Protestantism and Catholicism. This question is a key difference between biblical Christianity and most of the cults. Is salvation through faith alone or through faith plus human works? Stated another way, am I saved by trusting in Jesus, or do I have to believe in Jesus and, in addition, do certain things?

The works in addition to faith needed for salvation differ in various religious circles. Many groups point to water baptism as a work that must be added to faith for salvation—if you’re not baptized, you’re not saved. Some go even further: you must be baptized by the right minister, using the right method, saying the right words.

Others suggest different rites to be observed in order to be saved, but the formula is always faith + [fill in the blank]. Salvation is through faith + receiving Mass, faith + going to confession, faith + tithing, etc.

Many passages of the Bible teach that salvation is through faith alone, not faith plus works. Ephesians 2:8–9, for example, is clearly worded and unequivocal: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Of great importance is the word grace, which refers to God’s blessings on the undeserving. The very idea of grace negates all attempts to earn salvation. Paul makes that argument when teaching on God’s choosing of the remnant of Israel: “Since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved” (Romans 11:6, NLT).

Other passages that clearly teach salvation through faith alone include Acts 16:31; Romans 3:28; 4:5; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; 3:24; Ephesians 1:13; and Philippians 3:9.

There are a few Bible passages that, at first glance, seem to teach salvation through faith plus works. One such is James 2:24, which appears to say that justification is by faith plus works: “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” This apparent problem is solved by examining the whole of James’ argument in his epistle. James is refuting the idea that a person can have saving faith without producing any good works (see James 2:17–18). Genuine faith in Christ, James says, will produce a changed life and result in good works (James 2:20–26). James is not saying that justification is by faith plus works, but that a person who is truly justified by faith will have good works in his or her life. The works are an outward show of genuine faith in Christ (James 2:14, 17, 20, 26)—and it’s that outward show that “justifies” the believer in the sight of other people.

Paul says those who have true faith in Jesus Christ will be “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14). To return to Ephesians 2, immediately after teaching that we are saved through faith, not through works (Ephesians 2:8–9), Paul says that we were created “to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Salvation comes by God’s grace through faith, and that faith is made manifest in good works. The works follow the faith and are a proof of it.

If we’re going to say that we are saved by works, we must qualify whose works. We are not saved by our own works, however meritorious they are in our own eyes. We are saved solely by the work of Christ on our behalf. His death and His resurrection are the works that save us. We receive our Savior by faith (John 1:12).

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Faith Alone, The Doctrine of Justification: What the Reformers Taught…and Why It Still Matters by Thomas SchreinerMore insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

RELATED ARTICLES

What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:8–9? Why is Sola fide important? How can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of ‘faith alone’ in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone?  What does it mean that salvation is by grace through faith?

Why is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint?

 

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

   

 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

 

 

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“The Authority of Jesus” 5/24/2024 Written by James Banks for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional 

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Written by James Banks for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the “Listen Online” link and listen to the audio version at the top, including the prayer at the end in the original post link below]

original post @ https://odb.org/2024/05/01/all-authority-always

God the Father gave all authority over everything to His Son Jesus Christ… Jesus can rescue us from our lifetime of sins and from an eternity in hell, if God draws us in (John 6:44), and the Holy Spirit works in us to understand and obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…

We must confess our sins to God with godly sorrow and a repentant heart…asking God to send Jesus into our heart to guide and direct every facet of our lives…

Once we are saved by God’s grace alone, we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit to help us walk in and by His full power, to live a life that God will bless abundantly…

2 Corinthians 9:8… And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  (NKJV)

Living a “Spirit-filled”, “Christ-centered” life as a redeemed, “born again” child of God will bless us in ways we can’t possibly imagine, as we live in obedience to God’s PERFECT WILL for our lives…

Not yet a “born again” Christian ?? Not 100% sure you will be going to heaven when you die ?? You absolutely CAN be sure you are heaven-bound when you are “born again” by God above… Open the P.S. below, and seek Jesus Christ to become your personal Lord and Savior before it’s too late…

Read this post by James Baker, “The Authority of Jesus” to learn more about the authority God has given to Jesus to make a way for those called by God to become redeemed, “born again” believers and members of God’s Kingdom forever !!

Blessings in Christ, bruce

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May 1

The Authority of Jesus

All authority . . . has been given to me.

Matthew 28:18

 

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Matthew 28:16-20

Even after Jesus had set my son Geoff free from years of substance abuse, I still had worries. We’d been through much together and my focus sometimes remained on his difficult past instead of the future God had for him. Parents of addicts often worry about relapse, and one day at a family gathering, I pulled Geoff aside. “Remember,” I told him, “we have an adversary, and he’s powerful.” “I know, Dad,” he responded. “He has power, but he has no authority.”

In that moment, I was reminded of Jesus’ incomparable authority to rescue us from our sins and transform our lives as we look to Him. Immediately I thought of His words to the disciples shortly before He returned to His Father in heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go . . .” (Matthew 28:18-19).

The crucified and risen Jesus has made a way for us to come to Him no matter what our past may be. He holds both our past and our future. Because He’s promised to be with us always (v. 20), we can be assured that He’ll accomplish His purposes and that our lives are in His unfailing hands. Jesus gives us unparalleled hope, a hope so good we can’t keep it to ourselves. The devil and the world may have some power for a little while, but “all authority” belongs to Jesus forever.

By:  James Banks

Reflect & Pray

How does Jesus’ authority give you hope? What has He done for you that you can share with someone today?

Thank You, dear God, for calling me to You in love. Please lead me to someone I can share Your love with today.

For further study, read Hope: Discovering the One True Source.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“WHY DO WE NEED JESUS?” 5/23/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional   

  Jn 14:6 Photos and Images

Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare” @   http://atimetoshare.me

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/03/26/why-do-we-need-jesus

“WHY DO WE NEED JESUS?” 5/23/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Many people ask this question for many reasons… Some are atheists who don’t believe God and hell are real ?? Many believe Jesus was a good profit, but never rose from the grave. The Jewish people don’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and they are still waiting for their Messiah to show up…

I’m here to tell you that not only is Jesus the Son of God…Jesus is alive and well, sitting at the right hand of God the Father in heaven !!

How do I KNOW this ?? Because back on 06/02/2002, I made the “Sinners Prayer” at 11:45 am in church, after the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was preached…and at that moment in time, a 1,000 pounds came off my shoulders, and I KNEW I was a redeemed, “born again” child of God !!

The Bible teaches us this in…Romans 8:15-16… For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (NKJV)

My life changed in the blink of an eye, and all my priorities changed dramatically !! God became most important in my life… Then my wife and eventually my children, then church, and finally my job…

Previous to this “born again” moment in my life, it was all about me, and my wife… I was going to church every week…but not reading the Bible…and anything I thought I was doing for the Lord, I was really doing to make myself feel good…

Whether you give hundreds of thousands of dollars away to help the poor and needy, or just what you can afford to give, makes no difference to the Lord… Your money, and your visits to the old age home, can’t buy you brownie points for God to let you into heaven… Jesus tells us this, in…

Matthew 7:21-23… “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (NKJV)

That ” ‘I never knew you; depart from Me”, is Jesus telling people at the gates of Heaven to turn around a proceed directly to hell…

God gave us the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, to save sinners from eternal punishment… [See P.S. below] You must understand and obey the gospel of Christ, or the apostle Paul tells us this, in…

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9… in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (NKJV)

Read more about why you need Jesus in today’s post by Kathy, “WHY DO WE NEED JESUS?”, to find out more…and seek the Lord while He may still be found !!

Isaiah 55:6… Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near. (NKJV)

Blessings in Christ, bruce

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Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare” @ http://atimetoshare.me

WHY DO WE NEED JESUS?

                                 Posted on March 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It’s easy to see why we need someone to rescue us from the ugliness that has covered the world.  Identity theft has run amok – human slavery still exists as children are sold into prostitution – morality is at an all-time low – everything except the One True God is worshipped – the criminals are now heroes, and the heroes are crooks.  Lives are spent fighting continuing wars.  Lives are cut short before they have a chance to breathe because they might prove to be an inconvenience. Lives are shortened at the end for the same reason.  How is it possible to survive where it seems there is no peace – no love – no hope?

We need a Savior not because we deserve it, but because we have turned so far away from what God wants and expects from us.  Our lives are increasingly being covered with scum and depravity – hunger and homelessness in a land of plenty.   It didn’t just happen overnight.  It has insidiously maneuvered its way into our lifestyle, our civilization, our homes, and even our churches.

We could give up.  We could let the world overtake us, but what would be the consequence of that?  God’s Word tells us that the wages of sin is death.  We don’t have the means to buy our way out.  There is no amount of human knowledge, wisdom or strength to cover the cost.  The only way for us to escape is through our Savior, Jesus, Christ.

Is there hope in this disgusting, sinful world?  No!  It comes as a free gift from God when His own flesh and blood died to set us free – to pay the ransom we could never pay – and conquer death to show us that we would receive eternal life through Him.

Our Savior will return again to take us to heaven.  Come quickly, Lord, Jesus!

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“Persevere in Faith” 5/22/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your … | Bible apps, New king james version, New king james

Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ” @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com

Original post @  Persevere in Faith – Drawing Closer to Christ

 

Persevere in Faith

 

Hebrews 10:38 BSB, “But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

Living by faith is a powerful yet challenging journey. It increases our intimacy with and trust in God. It challenges us to believe in Him and what He says, even when we have yet to see what we are hoping to see. It is not based on what we feel like doing, it is based on what God says we should do. Living by faith is an opportunity to rise above the natural and trust God for the supernatural blessings that only He can orchestrate in our lives.

If you are like me, you have had times when you were tempted to shrink back in your faith in God, or even times when you did shrink back. But God is always faithful to forgive us when we ask and give us the strength to keep moving forward in faith and trust. He understands our weaknesses.

Hebrews 4:15 NLT, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”

Photo by: Dick Scholten of Utah, USA 

When God allows us to go through challenges in life, it is a time for us to stand firm in our faith, resist the devil, obey God and believe by faith for the blessings that He has for us. Through our perseverance and obedience, He rewards us.

 

Hebrews 11:6 NLT, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Photo by: Pixabay

 

Sometimes we wonder if God is listening to our prayers or if He sees our struggles. However, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When we ask Him for the ability to see our situation from His perspective, it helps the journey to become more meaningful and we can learn as He teaches us.

Although a life lived by faith will carry us through many different seasons, God’s love will always remain the same. He is our anchor. No matter where you find yourself today in your walk of faith, keep believing and hoping. Trust God to faithfully direct your paths and provide all you need. He sees you and your circumstances and as it says in Romans 8:28, He is working things out for your good as you love and trust Him.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV, “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Photo by: Wolfram K of California, USA 

 

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

   

 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

 

 

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“Church Doctrines: What Does it Mean to be Saved?” 5/21/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Romans 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/05/19/church-doctrines-what-does-it-mean-to-be-saved/

Church Doctrines: What Does it Mean to be Saved?

POSTED ON MAY 19, 2024 BY BETH ANDREWS

During a conversation with the Jewish ruling authorities, Jesus made an odd statement. He said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). The Jews immediately countered him saying they had never been slaves so why would Jesus say they needed to be “set free?” (v. 33).

Jesus pointed out that “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (v. 34). And Paul said everyone sins (Rom 3:23), All men are slaves to sin – it is our nature – our very human DNA. We are helpless to push back against our evil master. Unless. Unless we have been “set free from sin” (Rom 6:18) through faith in Jesus Christ. Then, Paul said, we are “slaves to righteousness leading to holiness” (Rom 6:18) We are “set free from sin.” So why do we – as born-again believers – still bear the guilt of our sin?

We’re like ex-prisoners who refuse to accept release. Perhaps it seems more pious to continue to mourn our sin, but in truth, it is implying that Christ’s work on the cross is insufficient. What sin have you committed that is greater than the blood of Jesus? What failure exceeds the power of God to forgive and restore? Are you listening to the enemy read off your list of pardoned crimes – or will you listen instead to the sweet voice of Jesus say “Forgiven!”?

Charles Spurgeon says, “We stand in the sight of God accepted, as though we had never been guilty.” Paul said, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). If you have repented of your sins and received Jesus as your Savior, you are no longer guilty. That abortion? Not guilty! That affair? Not guilty! That time you stole something? Not guilty!

That season of addiction? Not guilty! Whatever that thing is that weighs you down with shame – in Christ Jesus, you are declared by God “Not guilty!” And you are set free from the burden and the penalty of your sin. That’s what it means to be saved.

It’s time to come out of the prison of guilt and shame. It is time to take off that orange jumpsuit and put on the snow-white robe of the redeemed. Beloved, it’s time to get out and get on with your new life in Christ.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“Demonic Activity in the End Times” 5/20/2024 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

65,500+ End Of The World Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock | Post apocalyptic, Destroyed city, Zombie

Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries” @  https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/

Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/demonic-activity-in-the-end-times/

­­­­­­ Demonic Activity in the End Times

OCTOBER 27, 2023~ BRM7

By Bill Rudge

Remains of Canaanite child sacrifice altar at Megiddo in Israel. Photo by Bill Rudge

When the Israelites were about to enter the land of Canaan, God spoke through Moses to warn them not to imitate the detestable practices of those nations. The Israelites were forbidden to practice divination, witchcraft, sorcery, interpret omens, cast spells or communicate with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-11).

During the Apostle Paul’s time in the first century A.D., Ephesus was a center for sorcery, mysticism, magical beliefs and practices, as well as the worship of Artemis and a variety of other gods and goddesses. Many of the Ephesian converts to Christianity had trusted in magic for protection from, and power over, evil spirits (Acts 19:17-20). The Apostle Paul taught them that the power of God – far superior to the powers of darkness – was not received through invoking gods and goddesses or reciting magical words and names, but through faith in, and authority from, Jesus Christ.

There is a trend today toward meditation and mysticism (experiencing god), incantation (a series of words said as a magic spell, charm or prayer), invocation (the summoning of a deity or the supernatural) and possession (by what Scripture defines as demonic entities). “Christians” who lack discernment are tolerant of everything, focus more on love and unity rather than biblical truth, and seek mystical encounters with “God.”

They are easy prey for the angel of light to seduce with imitation and counterfeit experiences and phenomena – deceiving them with “another Jesus” who is not the Jesus of the Bible (2 Corinthians 11:4).

The Spread of Evil

Many people today wonder why God seems so distant. Perhaps they should consider what practices and beliefs they have opened their minds and lives to, and to whom or what is the true allegiance of their hearts.

Increasing violence and unrestrained wickedness in our society reflects the glaring truth that evil exists. Satan is the motivating influence for much destructive behavior and many of the atrocities humans commit against each other. In his strategy to annihilate humanity’s allegiance to its Creator, Satan inspires both false religions and the untruth that there is no Creator.

Scripture indicates that we will see increased demonic activity and unexplained phenomena in the end times. The days prior to the Lord’s coming will be especially chaotic and treacherous because of demonic deception and the proliferation of evil. We will see uninhibited, unrestrained and unrepentant immorality, sorcery and violence as the coming of Christ draws closer. Wickedness will reach its crescendo right before Jesus returns to subdue those who would pervert and destroy His creation.

During the Tribulation people will refuse to repent of their sorceries, idolatry and worship of demons (Revelation 9:20-21). No wonder God allows the release of demonic beings from the abyss (bottomless pit)! The true intent of Satan and his demons is to inflict harm – torture and destruction on human beings – even those in allegiance with them. Those involved or dabbling in New Age spirituality: magic arts, sorcery, idolatry, mysticism and occultism, would do well to consider the account of demonic beings released from the abyss during the Tribulation (Revelation 9:1-11).

Spiritual Warfare

We are currently in the midst of a most intense spiritual warfare, and it is going to get stronger the nearer we draw to Christ’s return. There is a growing spirit of rebellion, greed and immorality in the world today, with apostasy in the church – as prophesied in Scripture. Satan knows his time is short and is intensifying his efforts to oppose God’s prophetic plan and to wage war against (seek to destroy) believers in Christ, as he orchestrates his plan of world dominance through the Antichrist.

Nevertheless, it is an assured fact that all who have ever lived on this planet, including all the angelic beings, every demon, and Satan himself, will bow before Jesus Christ and confess (acknowledge) that He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Evil and death will eventually give way to everlasting peace and joy as all of creation is restored to Paradise when Jesus ushers in His Eternal Kingdom. Be certain you are a part of it!

POSTED IN BLOG, END TIMES AND PROPHECY

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“Don’t fear death, cause you CAN live forever !!” 5/19/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

John 11:25-26 - Bible verse (NKJV) - DailyVerses.net

 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend  @  https://www.facebook.com/louis.mize

“Don’t fear death, cause you CAN live forever !!”

 

And it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this, the judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

I have some very wonderful news for people who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news is something very wonderful comes right after death. There is definitely life after death. And the judgment that comes after death for the believer is NEVER penal in nature. You see, because Christ bore the sins of all believers on Calvary’s Cross, our judgment will be based, not on our own righteousness, but on and in the righteousness of Christ! Death for the believer is the ultimate victory over life on earth.

Psalm 23 promises us this in verse 4: Yes, all of us will walk through the valley of the shadow of death, without fear of evil. And God’s rod and staff that COMFORTS us, is always redemptive in nature! The believer will see death as just a fleeting shadow, that very soon passes away into eternal and everlasting life.

People will reveal the true state of their spiritual condition in the direction we turn when faced with sorrow, hardships, uncertainties, and the death of a loved one. We will grieve for we will miss their bodily presence with us on earth. But for certain we know this: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

We know and believe that nothing could be better for the believer in Christ than to be present with the Lord. And even though we must pass through the valley of the shadow of death, we will emerge ALIVE on the other side, because of our resurrected Christ’s glorious victory over death and the grave. Praise God for these truths! For God’s rod and staff is for comfort and redemption for all true believers in Christ.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“God Will Finish His Work” 5/18/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on May 18, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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Ephesians 5:18 Inspirational Images

Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org  from Spurgeon’s writing

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/5/15/2024/

God Will Finish His Work

God Will Finish His Work

 

… made perfect.

Hebrews 12:23 

Remember that there are two kinds of perfection that the Christian needs—the perfection of justification in the person of Jesus, and the perfection of sanctification accomplished in him by the Holy Spirit. At present, corruption still remains even in the hearts of the regenerate—experience soon teaches us this. Within us there still are lusts and evil imaginations. But I rejoice to know that the day is coming when God shall finish the work that He has begun; and He will present my soul not only perfect in Christ, but perfect through the Spirit, without spot or blemish or any such thing.

Can it be true that this poor sinful heart of mine is to become holy even as God is holy? Can it be that this spirit, which often cries, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”1 shall get rid of sin and death—that I will have no evil sounds to vex my ears, and no unholy thoughts to disturb my peace? May this happy hour come quickly! When I cross the Jordan, the work of sanctification will be finished; but not until that moment shall I ever claim perfection in myself. Then my spirit will have its last baptism in the Holy Spirit’s fire.

I think I long to die to receive that last and final purification that will usher me into heaven. An angel will not be any purer than I shall be, for I shall be able to say, in a double sense, “I am clean,” through Jesus’ blood and through the Spirit’s work. We should extol the power of the Holy Spirit who makes us fit to stand before our Father in heaven! Yet we must not allow the hope of perfection there to make us content with imperfection now. If it does this, our hope cannot be genuine; for a good hope is a purifying thing, even now. Grace must be at work in us now or it will not be perfected in us then. Let us pray to “be filled with the Spirit,”2 that we may increasingly bring forth the fruits of righteousness.

1) Romans 7:24
2) Ephesians 5:18

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org. Used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“Hitting Rock Bottom” 5/17/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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Philippians 4:6-7, New Living Translation (NLT) | Pray, Peace, Philippians

Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms” @  https://davidkitz.wordpress.com/

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/04/23/hitting-rock-bottom/

 

Hitting Rock Bottom

 

23TuesdayApr 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 142, Psalms

Tags  betrayed, David, God, Jesus, Prayer, Psalms, sorrow, the LORD, troubles

 

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 142:1-4
A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.


I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge; no one cares for my life (NIV). *

photo of man sitting on a cave

Photo by M Venter on Pexels.com

 

Reflection
Have you been in a cave? Despite what we read and know about cavemen, caves are not great living spaces. They are dark and dank. They may be fine places to retreat to in times of mortal danger, but they leave much to be desired as a permanent habitation.

 

In desperate times, people hide in caves. That’s where David found himself as he hid from his jealous master, King Saul. Though he was innocent, Saul in a jealous rage attacked David and repeatedly tried to kill him. See 1 Samuel 19:9-24. Eventually, David fled to a cave in the Desert of En Gedi. This psalm, Psalm 142, was born in a desolate place—a cave in the Desert of En Gedi. See 1 Samuel 24.

 

Here David hit rock bottom. From this low point in his life, he called out to the LORD with these words: I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

 

The Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible. With this psalm David provides us with an excellent example of prayer—prayer from the lowest position—the position of weakness and vulnerability. The future looked bleak for David. He was living the precarious life of a fugitive. At any time, he could be discovered or betrayed. Would today be his last day?

Where did David take his troubles? He took them to the LORD.

Where do you go with your troubles? Where do you take your complaints? The LORD’s complaint department is open for business. There you will find a listening ear.

There are a host of things that are unfair in this life—sometimes brutally unfair. Are we supposed to suppress our outrage? Should we hide our hurt and pretend that all is well, while on the inside the bottom is falling out of our life? No. A thousand times, no! Take it to the LORD in prayer. That’s what David did. He cried out to his God, and his God answered.

Response: LORD God, when I reach a low point, you are there. Hear me when I am down. I bring my troubles and sorrows to you. They are more than I can bear. Jesus, be my burden bearer. Amen.

 

Your Turn: Are you in a cave or a desert place? Take some time to call out to God.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

 

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

   

 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

 

 

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