The Battle Belongs to the Lord

There is always good news and bad news. The bad news is that Christians in America are losing the culture wars. The good news is that when you’re surrounded by enemies in the battlefield, you can shoot in any direction and hit an enemy. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness from on high. Though many Christians are disappointed by the recent Supreme Court rulings, the world doesn’t define who we are, the Word does. We are Christians first who would rather obey God rather than men. Ours is not the first nation to remove the right to worship God freely and conduct our lives according to his righteous statutes. We know from whence we came as a Godly nation and the biblical foundations for which our forefathers fought and died. God has blessed our nation with prosperity and abundance. However, our greatness is not in America’s prosperity and materialism. Rather America’s distinction has been her liberty in law to seek the Blessor and not the blessings. We who have lived through the destruction of this liberty, find it difficult to separate our values as citizens of Heaven and citizens of America. Historically these values were one in the same, with unity of purpose as one nation under God. Our historical constitutional liberty of the “free exercise of religion” is being lost in the name of personal freedom to do what “feels right” and the “right of the individual not to be offended.” It’s no longer about biblical virtues that underpin the constitution, rather it’s about the fleeting feelings of popular secular carnal opinions. The world view in America has changed over the last 70 years and American values have been decoupled from God and his Word. As Americans, we are now polarized and cannot tolerate opinions that do not agree with our own polarized views. The free exercise of religion according to God’s righteous standard has been redefined and restricted by the Supreme Court who has acquiesced to the god of this world who is the author of the prevailing religion of secular humanism. America used acknowledge itself as a Christian nation founded on biblical precepts. We may have just witnessed the death knell of our historical biblical freedoms and the birth of Secular humanism as the prevailing religion that underpins American justice.

Our prayer needs to be, God don’t take sides, just take over… take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee. The spiritual battles underlie all secular and earthly battles. Though we live in the physical, fleshly and carnal world, this world is not our home, we’re just a-passing through. We’re not winning the physical battle. However, the spiritual battle is in God’s hand. The battle plan is the Lord’s and the final victory is in his hands. Or times are similar to when Jesus came to minister to the house of Israel. Jesus was diametrically opposed to the Pharisees, the religious leadership of his day. He did not come to minister to the religious leaders who thought they were self-righteous. He came to heal those who knew they were sick, broken, and living in sin. He came to deliver the prostitutes, the poor, the sinners, the sick and the down and out. Repentance, turning from sin and to the Savior from sin, is the first step in receiving Christ. God often gives us opportunities that we think are curses. The darker the night, the brighter the light shines. You have to pick your battles judiciously, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness and rulers of darkness from on high. We need to understand the spiritual enemy and the spiritual weapons of our warfare. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical, but spiritual to the pulling down of spiritual strongholds. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exaulteth itself against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to Christ.

Like Abraham’s brother Lot, when you’re living next to Sodom, it’s easy to allow the doctrines of Sodom to influence your attitudes and beliefs. However, according 1 Peter Chapter 3, Recompense no man evil for evil but repay with a blessing. Turn from evil and seek good. Seek to make peace for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and the Lord is attentive to their prayer. When we see evil in another person, the response of a man of God is to pray for him and for God’s grace and mercy to deliver him from evil. Pray for them who persecute you and despitefully use you, for great is your reward in heaven. God has called us to be a royal priesthood. A priest’s calling is to pray to God on behalf of the people and to intercede for them, standing in the gap. This is evangelism, to reflect Christ’s nature, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. Like Moses who prayed on behalf of sinful Israel for God not to destroy them for their wickedness, we need to plead for God’s mercy upon this land to which he has called us to minister.

God has called us to stand in the gap in our place on the wall… Our family, our marriage, our workplace, our neighborhood, our community, our state, and our nation. Our prayer is, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. We’re not defined by what we’re against but rather were defined by what we stand for… Stand up stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross… For we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. Therefore be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good. God has called us to be salt and light… To call them out of darkness and into his marvelous light. In the midst off the darkness of this fallen world… Give ’em Heaven!!!

Your brother in Christ,

Michael

You have not because you ask not

In Mark 10 Jesus’ disciples rebuked those who brought their children to Jesus so that he could touch them. Jesus said to his disciples, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of heaven. Unless you become like one of these children, you can’t enter into the kingdom of God.” Many adults have become disillusioned, disheartened, and hardened by the mistreatment of this fallen world’s “harsh realities.” They have lost the godly characteristics wrapped up in childhood innocence: a need to hug and be hugged… to touch and connect physically and emotionally, an inquisitiveness about life and things that really matter, a shameless and unfiltered bold audacity to ask “politically incorrect” questions, a meekness of heart to learn from others, and an implicit trust of others.

In order to receive God’s promises, we must ask. Ye have not because ye ask not. When we ask God for answers, we must ask with the right heart and for the right reasons. According to James 4:3, “”Ye ask and receive not, because when you ask, you ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” Lust is anything that we desire over our desire to walk humbly with God. Mark chapter 10 is about two groups of people, two individuals, and the questions that they asked Jesus. Three of the four asked amiss with the wrong motive so that they could consume God’s promises according to their own lustful hearts. Only one individual, blind Bartimeaus asked with the right heart.

As Jesus entered into Jericho with the crowds following, blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus. He had heard of Jesus. Bartimaeus was a desperate man and he threw away all dignity as he cried, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” Bartimaeus had been taught by his culture that he was blind because of his sin. Even though Jesus knew what was in the heart of man, he asked Bartimaeus, “what do you want me to do for you?” Jesus needed Bartimaeus to confess his need for help. In order to receive God’s grace, we must acknowledge our need. Bartemaeus said with childlike boldness, “Lord, that I may receive sight.” In this request, he confessed Jesus as Lord and master. To be convinced that you’re following the right master, first you need to know if the master can really help you. The second thing you need to know is if he really cares about you. The last question you need to ask yourself is, “can I trust my Lord and master?” These three questions illustrate the stages of discipleship starting with need and ending in gratitude. Bartimaeus heard of the miracles that Jesus did and understood that Jesus could heal the sick and restore health. Bartimaeus also understood that Jesus cared when he stopped and called him by name out of the midst of the crowd to minister to him individually. Trust doesn’t mean that you understand completely, rather it means that you are willing to act on his words. Jesus commanded him, “go thy way, thy faith has made thee whole.” Bartimeaus’ response demonstrated that he was a true disciple… one who is disciplined to follow his master’s footsteps… one whose heart’s desire is to “eat his master’s dust.” For he forsook his robe, his precious earthly possession, immediately received his sight and followed Jesus: the way, the truth and the life.

Healing may or may not be accomplished in this life. Does this mean that there is no faith? Jesus said, “set your affection on things above and not on things of the earth.” Even though deliverance may not be manifest in this present world, it will be realized in eternity. Death is not to be feared because our life is hid with Christ in God. Health and wellness may not be in this life. However, eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for them who love him. Our life is not dependent on what we know, but rather who we know.

Do we really want to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Only desperate men are audacious enough to cry out to God throwing caution to the wind. Jesus said, “Ye have not because you ask not.” Answers in this life depend on the questions that we ask our master. Meaningful questions provide meaningful answers. In the midst of the trials and tribulations of life, are we desperate enough to cry out to God for deliverance, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me?

Jesus said, “ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Jesus said that if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will God give to those who ask him. In the midst of the confusion and the questions of this sinful fallen world, the answers are found in faith through Jesus Christ. Meaningful questions lead to meaningful answers… meaning in this life is only through him, for he is the way, the truth, and the life… in him we live and move and have our being.

May God richly bless you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Michael

Amazing Grace

According to Romans 5:20 Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. Our worthiness is only in Christ. In our flesh we are helpless and hopeless, but in him we are made worthy by the payment he made on our behalf. Our worthiness is not in our accomplishments but only by his grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.”

Spurgeon wrote in “All of Grace” that every good thing we have is only by God’s grace. God who did not with hold his only begotten son has given us life through his grace. A man of God is a man of grace and truth. Grace is unmerited divine assistance for regeneration and sanctification. All men having a fallen sinful nature, need God’s assistance for salvation. Regeneration is the new birth. It is salvation through the faith of Jesus Christ. Sanctification is to be set apart for the purpose for which the Designer designed us: that we may be holy and without blame before him in love. Grace is the good done to those who didn’t deserve it by the one who wasn’t obligated to give it. In the flesh without God, there is none good, no not one. We cannot of ourselves perfect the flesh. Our worthiness is not according to the deeds of the flesh. Rather, our worthiness is by grace alone through faith alone.

Only the love of God through the truth of the Word of God offers grace. None of the other religions of the world are based on grace. Only the Truth of God through Jesus Christ offers grace unconditionally because of the great love whereby he loved us. Grace, though illogical according to the flesh, is unmerited divine favor. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Grace, therefore, is a foreign concept to the unsaved mind. Grace can be understood and received only by living in proximity to Jesus Christ through the Word of God. Spending time in his presence is the only way to understand grace. The world is not impressed by lavish buildings and great oratory. The world is only impressed by God’s amazing grace. However, those who do not believe think that men of God have ulterior motives, that they take advantage of others. They want the blessings but will not and cannot acknowledge the Blessor.

Grace is unconditional. It is not according to our deserving it. Jesus washed the feet of all twelve disciples including Judas, the one who would betray him. Jesus offered grace, not because they were deserving, but because they were undeserving and in need.

The story of Les Miserables is the story of grace. Jean Valjean had suffered miserably in this life, having been wrongly accused and condemned. In his rage and affliction, he stole precious candelabras from the church. When confronted by the Priest, the priest said, “but you forgot these other two candelabras.” He was saved by grace illustrated by the priest’s gracious gift. Having received grace Jean Valjean was now free to give grace.

Grace demands nothing in return. Grace is the pure act of giving according to the love wherewith he loved us. The worth that we find through Jesus Christ is only by his grace.

At a eulogy for a poor woman, many were astonished that hundreds attended her funeral. Her son stood up and said, “My mother taught me that it’s better to be loving than to be right. She was a good steward of the grace of God.” People are attracted by grace. Grace says, “”Father forgive them, for they know not what they’re doing.” If you’re going to err, then err on the side of grace rather than judgement. The story of the prodigal son is the story of the gracious and forgiving father. He did not recompense evil for evil. Rather, he said, “Let us eat and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Gracious acts look foolish in the eyes of the world. However, we who were unworthy were made worthy by his grace. He who knew no sin was made the perfect sin sacrifice on our behalf, that we who were dead in trespasses and sins may be made the righteousness of God in him. The grace of God triumphs over judgement when we accept his grace alone by faith alone unto salvation through his son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

Worthiness

Revelation 5: 11- 12: And I beheld and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousand of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Worthiness: most Christian men think they’re unworthy. When you call a man a “man of God” most men will look away because they don’t feel worthy. Men struggle to find a clear conscious, to validate their progress in this journey of life. The perfection that we have in Christ is a spiritual perfection, perfected by the righteous payment of Jesus Christ on our behalf. However, our culture validates us not by who we are and whose we are, but by our works and our accomplishments. The concept of the self made man is an “American ideal.” In contrast, God knows that in my flesh dwelleth no good thing. We are all broken, struggling with sin. We all miss the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. In order to be reconciled back to God, we must be broken of our pride. Pride lifts up self to validate itself. Pride is the essence of sin. Jesus Christ came to set pride in stark contrast to humility before almighty God. When Lazarus died, God gave Jesus an opportunity to teach his disciples an important lesson about humility… to allow God to work in us to will and to do of his good pleasure… to show his power in our weakness.

When we face life’s desperate situations, God says, “if the outcome is not what you desire, will you still love and worship me?” Until we make peace with the reality that not my will, but thine be done, we cannot receive reconciliation unto fellowship and communion with him. God’s not here to serve me, rather, we’re here to serve him.

When Jesus announced that he came to Lazarus’ house to work God’s will, Lazarus’ sister said, “he’s been dead four days and he stinketh.” When we speak about Christ and him crucified, it is onto those who perish the stench of death unto death, but unto those that believe, it is the sweet smelling fragrance of life unto life. In order to walk by faith and not by sight, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Humility allows God to work his will in our lives. Jesus came to make us free. He came to allow us to be free in Christ, to act not through the motive of guilt and shame, but to live shamelessly in service for our Lord.

Men often feel that they don’t live up to their parents’ expectations. They feel unworthy as they look at the accomplishments of others whom they view as successful. The root cause of these deep seated feelings of inadequacy is the adversary’s accusations that we don’t measure up. The point of repentance is when we realize that God loves us despite our failures in the flesh. We have been made righteous in God’s sight through the sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. Worthiness is not based on our performance, but rather in the spirit we received when we were redeemed through his redemptive work… For I was crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me. Therefore, we have been made worthy by grace alone through faith alone. Like Lazareth, we who were dead have been made alive through the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unworthy was I of I the grace that he gave, Unworthy to hold to his hand,
But he made me worthy, and now by his grace his mercy has made me his own.

Therefore, how shall we who were dead in trespasses and sins continue therein? We have been set free froom the bondage of sin. We have been made worthy by him who knew no sin that we may be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus Christ made us worthy… he came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

May God richly bless you.
Your Brother in Christ,
Michael

How Firm a Foundation

Life is a series of choices, many of which are contrary to the truth. God will give us signs along the way of life that he’s foreordained that we should walk. What distinguishes us from one another is the choices that we make along the road of life.

Jesus made three distinct points in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 7:

1. Enter the road of life through the narrow gate… Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many go in that way. Straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The major religions of the world say that there are many roads leading to the same destination. However Jesus said that there are only two roads: one leading to life and the other to destruction. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life… no man cometh to the father but by me.” Only those who come through Jesus Christ are the ones who enter into the road of life. The world will say that Jesus’ illustration of the straight gate to the narrow road teaches intolerance. The world’s definition of tolerance means to be tolerant of every doctrine except the doctrine of Jesus Christ which is the truth of the Word of God. The word “civilization” means to be civil toward those who are different from you. Christians are called to be civil to those in the world. However, Jesus did not call his disciples to be dishonoring to the truth by tolerating doctrines that are contrary to the truth. For instance, Hinduism teaches the doctrine of reincarnation but the truth of the Word of God says that there is no such thing as reincarnation. The Bible says clearly that it is appointed for all men once to die and then comes the judgement.

2. Preparation is important: We are all building a house in preparation against the storms of life. A wise man, preparing for the future, builds his house on a rock. The foolish man, not preparing for the storms ahead, builds his house on the sand. The storm rages against both houses. The Storms of life will ravage both those who are prepared and those who are not. Which house stands and which one fails depends on the preparation. Jesus said, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. However some troubles are not fixable in the day of trouble. We must be prepared in advance. We must have already put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil in this the evil day. Then when this life is over, and having done all, to stand righteous before him in the day of judgement.

3. Foundations are important: the ultimate foundation will reveal whether the house will stand against the storm of the final judgement. What is the foundation of your life? God does not judge by the world’s standards: strength, riches, and intelligence. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord.. Though unseen in this life, In the day of judgement everyone’s foundation will be exposed. The ultimate question is: am I building my house upon the rock or upon the sand? The rock is Jesus Christ while the sand is the wisdom of this world. The man who builds his house on the sand is foolish according to the Word. When you ask a foolish man a “why” question about a wrong choice, the answer is always, “I don’t know.” No one plans to lead a life of mediocrity and failure. Sin is both wrong and foolish. Jesus approached foolish builders to teach them how to build a house upon the foundation of the rock.

Jesus’ simple teachings relating to life, taught his followers to know the joy of building upon a firm foundation. Living life founded upon the rock of truth results in love, joy, grace, mercy, wisdom, and peace… These qualities are obtained only through the narrow gate, Jesus Christ the foundation of our life. The firm foundation of life is the rock, Jesus Christ himself. A life of choices bound by wisdom to follow in his footsteps allows God to work with us and within us to will and to do of his good pleasure. For we are His workmanship, his poem, his magnum opus, his masterpiece created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Our father has prepared the narrow path through the straight gate, his son Jesus Christ. This is the path of righteousness he foreordained for our walk with him as his disciplined followers through this journey of life.

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael

What a Concept!

The most important thing about a man is his concept of who God is. As the apostle Paul said, we have been given the mind of Christ. What is your concept of God? Some think God is the traffic cop, waiting for you to make a wrong move. If this is your concept of God, this will keep you from intimacy with your Heavenly Father. Is God your scorekeeper? Corinthians says that he keeps no score of wrongs done. Is your concept of God a charitable foundation who metes out charity in times of trouble? Is god your ER physician to whom you run when you’re bleeding and wounded? Why does God allow suffering? God perfects us through trials and tribulation… through the crucible of fiery trials of this world.

The sons of Isachar understood what God was doing through tribulations and the evil of this world. For tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit whiich is given to us. Men of God understand the purpose of God’s deliverance from the trials of this world.

Matthew 16:13ff. In Caesarea Phillipi Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Some said that Jesus was Elijah or Jeremiah returned from the grave. Then Jesus asked, “but what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is the most important question that anyone could ever ask. For whosoever confesses with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believes in his heart that God has raised him from the dead shall be saved. Your concept of Jesus Christ will determine your eternal destiny. Simon Peter answered Jesus’ question, “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “blessed art thou Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father which is in heaven.” The question is, “Can I really trust God through the trials of life, and no matter what will I still love and serve him?” Even though we’re not in control, will we relinquish our lives to His sovereign will? Would we purpose in our hearts to be faithful to him regardless of the circumstance and situations of life? Do I believe that God will deliver me? Is my prayer that God will deliver me, not from the storm, but through the storm? Does God need to explain why he is doing what he’s doing? Is God answerable to me? In order to approach the throne of his grace, I must humble my heart under the mighty hand of God. My job is to surrender my heart to him, believing that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. It’s easy to think that God is like the unreasonable bosses and taskmasters in our lives. Is your concept of God molded by the world’s definition of dominion? To know God we must spend time in his presence, and in his word.

According to E. M. Lockridge, I wonder if you know him… That’s my King.

The Bible says
He’s King of the Jews
He’s King of Israel
He’s the King of Righteousness
He’s the King of the Ages
He’s the King of Heaven
He’s the King of Glory
He’s the King of Kings
and he is the Lord of Lords

Now that’s my King!
David says the Heavens declare the glory of God
And the firmament showeth his handiwork. No measure can define his limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

He is enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

That’s my King!

He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centerpiece of civilization.. He stands alone in Himself. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and saves. He guards and he guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He rewards the diligent. He beautifies the meek.

Do you know him?
He is the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the pathway of peace. The’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He”s the leader of the legislators. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of Kings, and he’s the Lord of Lords.

His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. The heavens cannot contain Him. No man can explain Him.
The Pharisees couldn’t stand him. Pilate could not convict him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him. The grave couldn’t hold Him.

That’s my King, that’s my King!!!

Rise up Oh men of God, have done with lesser things.

May God Richly bless you!
Michael

A Fighting Chance

As men of God, sometimes we wonder if the battle will ever end… if we will ever win. The Apostle Paul said in Philipians 3, “I count myself not to have attained… but this one thing I do, I press toward the mark of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The challenges in life are what give us the ultimate victory in Christ. Oswald Chambers wrote a book called “A Fighting Chance.” Either we are victims of things that happen, or we take the initiative though the power of God and we make things happen. In God’s economy, there are consumers and there are producers, there are takers and there are givers, there are spectators and there are participants. Christianity is not a spectator sport. You’ve got to play to win. The greater the battle, the greater the victory. You have to put yourself in the game of life. Only then can God give you a fighting chance.

Romans 8:35-39 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall famine or nakedness or peril or sword? As it is written, for these things we are killed all the day long. We are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither life, nor death, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor death, nor any other creature shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The fight is against apathy and the way of the world. In our own strength we cannot fight against the powers of darkness. From the inspired words of the great hymn by Martin Luther:
A Mighty Fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing… Did we in our own strength confide, our battle would be losing, were not the Right Man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Doth ask who that may be? Christ Jesus it is He. And He must win the battle.

Chambers said that little boys during the French Revolution carried banners with the words, “Tremble tyrants, we are growing.” God said to Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, “Can these bones live? They are without life, without sinew, muscle and flesh.” Ezekiel said to God. “If you say so, they can live.” God said to prophesy my word over these dry bones and they shall live. So Ezekiel prophesied and there was a great rattling as bone connected to bone. Then sinew and muscle formed and joined bone to bone and then skin came upon the flesh. Then Ezekiel said, “but Lord, they have no breath in them.” So then the Lord breathed upon the dry bones and the bones began to move according to the power of God… Only the word of God and the spiritual breath of God gives life.

When the Lord arrives, the devil and his minions must leave. Even the devils believe and tremble. They know who has the greater power… Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Jesus Christ said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were (spiritually) dead, yet shall he live.” Without the spirit of God, the unsaved man is spiritually dead. He cannot put on the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-17. He is not equipped to stand against the schemes of the devil, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. God’s Salvation is only through accepting the Lordship of Jesus Christ according to the power of the Resurrection.

There are four categories of men after hearing the spiritual life-giving gospel of salvation.
The first is those who reject the message outright. The second category is those who vainly attempt to receive salvation, but there is still something missing and they know it. The third is those who think they are saved, but they’re not. They remain lost, blinded by the sinfulness of their own pride. As the scripture says in Matthew 7:22-23:
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The fourth category is those who after receiving the message unto salvation, know whom they have believed and are persuaded that he is able to keep that (spiritual life) which he’s committed to them against the day of judgement.

For those in the fourth category Jesus prayed to his father, “those that thou hast given me… protect them from the evil one.” The power of the darkness of this world constantly surrounds us. If we think that we can avoid the fight, then the battle is already lost. Casual Christians are casualties of the spiritual battle. My prayer is not that God is on my side, rather, my prayer is that I am on God’s side.

What is our responsibility? Our responsibility is our response to His ability. Men of God have been called to fight the good fight, to over come the world through the spiritual life-giving power of the Resurrection. Overcomers having received spiritual life will stand victoriously in His presence in the day of God’s righteous judgement. Therefore be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Put yourself in the game. Give yourself a fighting chance. On God’s team the odds are in God’s favor. The victory will be in this life or the next… Now thanks be unto God who always giveth us the victory in Christ Jesus and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

O Victory in Jesus, my savior forever; He sought me and bought me,
With his redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew him,
And all my love is due him; He plunged me to victory; Beneath the cleansing flood.

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael