Pastor’s Blog

This section highlights musings from Pastor Hood dating back to 1995, prior to the opening of Remnant Christian Assembly. Many of this exhortations and lessons contradict the popular and prominent mindsets we see in Christendom today. Review as listed or search for a specific topic.

Pastor’s Blog

This section highlights musings from Pastor Hood dating back to 1995, prior to the opening of Remnant Christian Assembly. Many of this exhortations and lessons

Nobody’s Perfect

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. — Psalm 37:37 Perfection is an issue that is

The Need for Perfect Understanding

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent

Games People Should Play

We’ve held many open floor discussions for the singles over the years, both of the impromptu and the official variety. During most of these events,

The Challenge of Marriage

In a recent conversation regarding marriage, a young lady began to express her frustration regarding the fact that she was not married yet and how

Give Us Barabbas

><> INTRODUCTION Murder in the church — an oxymoronic phrase, as murder shouldn’t be taking place in the church, right? Yet, though murder shouldn’t be

The Challenge of Intercession

Consider Ephesians 6. Let’s look at Paul’s discourse on the armor of God. Our focus will be on a facet of this discourse that is

Scripture and Prayer (Understanding the Process)

When approaching God’s word, one should also be aware that one of the consistent components of scripture is prayer. Take a close, attentive look at

Halloween — What’s to Celebrate?!?!?

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the

Nobody’s Perfect

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. — Psalm 37:37

Perfection is an issue that is often brought up in Christian circles. Oddly, however, it’s not usually discussed within the spectrum of what’s on the mind of the Lord. This is something that has been on my heart a long time. A recent “episode” with a group of brethren brought the issue back to the forefront of my heart and the Lord began to impress this upon me as something to be elaborated upon through Cry Aloud.

What episode am I referred to? I recently gathered with a group of Christians for fellowship. During the outing, one of the brethren, seemingly upset about some of the topics discussed, voiced his displeasure, stating that, “We used to get together in the past and discuss issues in our lives and where we needed help. Now we just gather and talk as if we are already perfect.” In and of itself, that statement wasn’t really bad. What’s wrong with it was the fact that nothing strange, pompous, arrogant, self-righteous, self-sufficient or Pharisaic had been discussed. Several individuals did, however, simply bring up issues of excellence — just by discussing the word “as-is”, highlighting the will of God — the goal for our lives. Nobody laid a claim on having arrived, but simply identified what the will of God was for various areas of our lives.

When the brother made reference to being “perfect”, he wasn’t dealing with it in its proper scriptural context, but from a perspective of being without flaw. I recall the incident from a few weeks ago only as an example, but the message of “you’re not perfect” is resounding loudly in places where the people of God come for the purpose of being fed — radio, TV, periodicals and in church. This ought not so to be. This mindset is HIGHLY dangerous for the Christian. Everywhere you turn, you’re likely to hear someone “supposedly” speaking on the behalf of Christ make reference to not being perfect, but never informing or reminding the Christian that we are actually called to perfection. In my 19 years, I have never heard “perfection” elaborated upon with great thoroughness. For the protection of the sheep, this must change. Perfection must be understood and sought after by all who desire the Lord Jesus.

The scriptures speak, basically, of two types of perfection — maturity (completeness) and consummation (accomplished or finished). One of the tricks of the enemy is to ascribe things to us that are blatantly obvious. It is obvious that we are not “finished” in our walk with the Lord. It is obvious that God’s developing work in our life is not complete. All of us can identify areas where we need to grow. Even areas that we would consider ourselves to do well in are light years from where they could be given the time, wisdom and press to develop. Our focus should not be on this type of perfection (consummation), but should be on being complete and mature. This is the calling of the Christian.

To illustrate this difference, consider Paul’s familiar exhortation in Philippians 3:12-15. Both types of perfection are dealt with in this passage. This also illustrates how important word study is, as two different Greek words are translated into the same English word, but with different meanings. If we are not aware of the differences in meaning, we will wrest the scriptures and create one or more problems.

Philippians 3:12-15: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

The first mention of the word “perfect” means “to complete” (not “to be complete”), “to consummate in character” or “to fulfill” (also in John 17:23).

The second occurrence of the word (in verse 15) deals with completeness in labor, growth and mental and moral character. In other words, it deals with how we carry ourselves — our manner or life (conversation).
Can perfection be obtained by the Christian? Yes and yes. The first type of perfection (verse 12) is God’s responsibility. It is He that will complete His working in our lives and present us to himself without spot, wrinkle, blemish or any such thing. The second type in the Philippians passage is OUR responsibility.

Jesus’ exhortation for us to be perfect (Matthew 5:48) was not a new commandment, but a reiterated one. Here’s a list of scriptures regarding being “perfect”. These scriptures prove that attaining a certain level of perfectness is realistic, commanded and prepared for the believer. As Philippians 3:12-15 states, not desiring this type of “perfection” will result in the Lord informing the individual of such (the individual being worthy of correction, reproof and rebuke).

Here are our references with some short notes for your review:

(Genesis 6:9): These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Here, “perfect” means “to be entire from a standpoint of integrity and truth”. Note that the Holy Ghost didn’t say that Noah was trying to be perfect. It said that he was. This means that being perfect is attainable, realistic and pleasing in the sight of God. NOTE: The word translated “perfect” in this passage is also translated “upright”. Job was also referred to as “perfect” (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). There, the word “perfect” meant “complete” and “morally pious”. The word was also translated “undefiled”. This is the same word used in Psalm 37:37 — Mark the “perfect” man… He does exist.
(Genesis 17:1-2): And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. In this familiar passage, we see an exhortation for Abram to be perfect. The covenant between Abram and God was actually dependent upon it.
(Deuteronomy 18:13): Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. Yet another exhortation to be perfect before the Lord. Please note that this commandments appears in both the Old and New Testament (Covenant). God would not command it if it could not be done.
(Deuteronomy 32:4): He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. This reference speaks of the perfectness of God and, therefore, lends a point of reference to Matthew 5:48. We are told to be perfect as He is perfect. This verse gives insight into how He is perfect — in character, integrity and truth. A perfect Christian is one who walks in the integrity of the Lord (His light).
(1 Kings 8:61): Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. This exhortation to Solomon illustrates the need for a perfect heart. Here, the word translated perfect means “to be complete” and/or “friendly”. The word “friendly” brought James 1:21 to mind, which speaks of receiving the word with meekness (with a non-retaliatory, non-antagonistic heart and mindset). In other words, we should be approachable with the word of God, regardless of the level or content of approach — friendly.
(1 Kings 11:4): For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. This verse illustrates what an imperfect heart will do. An imperfect heart is geared toward things that are not pleasing in the sight of God. In Solomon’s case, the imperfectness manifested itself in the pursuit of strange women and false gods — things he had received emphatic instruction to avoid. What instruction have you received from the Lord? Are you pursuing the things of God or the things God warned you about? Those who pursue what God has warned them about are not perfect. Those who are seeking the things ordained by God are perfect.
(2 Kings 20:3): I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. This verse illustrates that we can and should be aware if we are being perfect. Hezekiah knew he had a perfect heart toward the Lord (same definition as in 1 Kings 8:61) and was not considered arrogant for doing so. Those who are standing properly before the Lord and don’t know it are in danger, just as those who are not standing properly before the Lord and think they are. Both are at-risk, vulnerable individuals.
(1 Chronicles 29:9): Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. This verse speaks about our giving. We should give with a perfect heart. A perfect heart in giving is marked by its willingness. The blessedness in this case extends beyond “the offering plate” as David was moved to rejoice because of the perfect heart of the people. There is nothing that a leader (e.g., pastor, minister) should want more than people in the fold he has been charged with to have perfect hearts toward the Lord.
(1 Chronicles 29:19): And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. This one is worth special noting because of its impression of intercession. David prays regarding the heart of his son, Solomon. This speaks to the need of intercession by parents. It also speaks to the need of intercession of leaders for those who God is raising up under them, especially during a time of release as it is here. Colossians 4:12 is another good reference linking perfectness and intercession.
(2 Chronicles 8:16): Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected. This reference speaks regarding the perfectness of our works. Solomon was building the temple. Once the work was completed (according to specifications) the Holy Ghost refers to it as being “perfected”. Perfect works are also referred to in Revelation 3:2 (I have not found thy works perfect [satisfied, completed, finished in accordance with expectation] before God). What has God charged you to do? What have you been given? The building of the temple was not a commandment, but something David was inspired to do. God simply sanctioned the project. Therefore, perfect works can be something God has either commanded or sanctioned in our lives.
(2 Chronicles 16:9): For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. God is committed to showing himself strong, but only toward those whose hearts are perfect towards Him.
(2 Chronicles 19:9): And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. We can’t discuss “perfection” without discussing faithfulness. We can safely say that faithfulness is the offspring of a perfect heart. You won’t see one without the other. A lack of faithfulness denotes a lack of perfection.
(2 Chronicles 25:2): And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. How this for a one-two punch? You can do that which is right in God’s sight, but with the wrong mindset. How can we identify this? Wrong motives, perhaps? Misdirected goals, maybe? No. Reading further in 2 Chronicles 25, shows that King Amaziah (the person referred to in verse 2) did the will of the Lord, but did not do so completely. He partially kept commandments, disorganized the army of Israel, withstood the word of the prophet, led God’s people into destruction insomuch that he was said to have turned away from following God. Incomplete obedience is a mark of imperfection. If Noah had used a type of wood not specified by the Lord, he would have been imperfect. If the ark of the covenant’s specifications had been changed presumptuously, it would have been imperfect. If the apostles had not preached what Jesus taught them, the work would have been imperfect and we would have a bad foundation. Are you complete/perfect in your works today? Are you doing what God commanded with a perfect (complete) heart or is your obedience partial? Partial obedience is also reflected in Matthew 7:22-23. It’s the will of the Lord that people prophesy in His name. It’s His will that demons be cast out. It’s His will that many wonderful works be done in His name. Doing that alone, however, is not enough. Jesus referred to these individuals as “workers of iniquity” which was more representative of their status than the works they did — partial obedience, doing the part that appealed to them.

(Psalms 64:4): That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. Perfect people are the targets of the wicked. This Old Testament verse is akin to 2 Timothy 3:12-13 — Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. This lends credence to the fact that perfect people exist NOW. If nobody’s perfect, then nobody’s obeying Christ and everybody’s in trouble.

(Psalms 101:2): I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Now this is a confession! A confession is something that grips the heart, not something someone tries to psych themselves into believing or something people manipulate into coming to pass by repeating it over and over. The psalmist was committed to perfection, just as we should be.
(Ezekiel 28:15): Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Lucifer was perfect until he turned to iniquity. Our purpose and embracing of perfection is something that must be maintained. Second Peter 3:17-18 echoes this sentiment saying, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
(Matthew 19:21): Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Jesus’ exhortation to the rich, young ruler regarded the one thing he lacked. If we lack something that God has ordered, we are not perfect. This is why we must embrace the instruction of the Lord. It leads us to or keeps us on the road of perfection. This is also another witness from the mouth of Jesus regarding the ability to be perfect. The people saying “nobody’s perfect” are lying to you. Guess where they’re getting that message from? Selah.
(1 Corinthians 2:6): Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought…. The word of God is directed to those that are perfect. Concurrently, Jesus instructed Peter to “Feed His sheep.” There is absolutely no mention of feeding (shepherding) those who are not sheep at any time in scripture. There’s a lot of “wolf feeding” going on and it must cease.
(2 Corinthians 13:11): Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Yet another exhortation to be perfect — and the promise associated with it.
(Colossians 1:28): Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus…. This verse was recently adopted as the signature verse for this ministry. Ironically, this focus and purpose should be embraced by all ministries. Any ministry that does not strive to equip people to be perfect in Christ Jesus is NOT doing ministry. They’re fakers and criminals in God’s sight. Ministry that does not seek to help present every man perfect (complete and mature) in Christ Jesus is falling short of the glory of God. This verse also implies that one does not attain perfection in Christ Jesus without receiving preaching, warning and teaching in all wisdom.
(Colossians 3:14): And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond (uniting principle) of perfectness. We cannot be perfect without charity (love). We’re probably all familiar with 1 Corinthians 13, but how many of us know how to walk in charity or attain unto charity. This is explained in 2 Peter 1. Attaining charity in Christ is preceded by diligence, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness and brotherly kindness. True charity only comes after these elements in our lives. Those who attempt or claim to embrace charity without these elements is…well…lying (1 John 2:4).
(2 Timothy 3:16-17): All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Lastly, the man of God — he that teaches the word of God — is ordained to be perfect in ministerial operation. This perfection is supplied by the word of God — not theological books, not life’s experiences, not “closet-born revelations”, but the word of God.

The notion that “nobody’s perfect” is a lie from the enemy. The enemy seeks to play word games with the people of God, as well as those that don’t know God, and trip up their understanding. The perfection that the devil and his children speak about is quite different that what we’re covering here today. If the devil can get us to think that nobody’s perfect, he can use that same mentality later to diffuse our confidence in, passion for, and efforts towards God.

Perfection is commanded. It is attainable. It is realistic. Are you perfect? Do you desire to be? Are you doing the will of the Father? With a perfect heart? Are you partial in your obedience? Do you do one thing God is pleased with, but not another? Are you presumptuous? Do you reject the word of God like Amaziah or do you receive it with meekness? Contrary to popular belief, our status and well-being depend upon whether or not we are perfect. If we are perfect, our end is peace (which is what God has called us to anyway).

Let’s embrace the call to perfectness. A myriad of blessings awaits us there. Until next week, keep the word and be blessed!

CyberSaint® is a registered trademark and outreach of Remnant Christian Assemblies Worldwide.

The Need for Perfect Understanding

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus… (Luke 1:3)

Where is your heart . . . concerning understanding? We hear about knowledge, wisdom and understanding. All are important, but understanding has a grace associated with it that is a bit different — something we need to take heed to. Think of it as the “icing on the cake”, if you will.

We know that knowledge has, basically, two definitions: 1) information and 2) discernment. Wisdom deals with “the capacity to understand and, as a result, to act wisely” (Louw-Nida). In other words, wisdom speaks to “knowledge that impacts our behavior”. “Understanding” takes things to another level. We can also think of “understanding” as “needful, thorough and replete knowledge . . . beneath the surface of a thing”.

Look at it this way. Everybody knows that there is such a thing as measles. While some may know it when they see it, only those exposed to a greater degree of knowledge and wisdom have a true understanding — from all angles — concerning the why, what, who, where and how associated with measles. Those are the people that prescribe the necessary resources and actions to help a person overcome. It goes without saying that this example can apply to several issues, so feel free to fill-in-the-blank. Through this, the difference between knowledge, wisdom and understanding are made clear(er).

It could be said that he who has understanding has a complete “grip” or “firm grasp” on a particular subject or thing. Louw Nida defines “understanding” as “insight — capacity for determining a right course of action”. Another Semantic Domains dictionary says, “prudent or skilled — implying this state is a result of proper teaching” (Swanson, J. [1997]. Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains) Those who “understand” are able to address and comprehend issues from various angles. When we have an understanding, we don’t just have information. We know where information “fits” and where it does not.

Consider the following scriptures that mention understanding and you’ll see the necessity prescribed by God, as well as a common theme:

Deuteronomy 1:13
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
Deuteronomy 32:28-29
For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
Ezra 8:18
And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen….
Nehemiah 8:2-8
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Psalm 49:20
Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels….
Proverbs 4:5-7
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 10:13
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Proverbs 14:6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Proverbs 15:32
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 21:16
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Proverbs 24:3-4
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Isaiah 56:11
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Matthew 13:15
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Matthew 13:19-23
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Mark 12:33
And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Romans 1:29-2:1
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Ephesians 1:15-18
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 4:17-18
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
1 Timothy 1:7
Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Jude 10
But these speak evil of those things which they know (Greek – understand) not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

As you can see, understanding is critical to our success and progress in Christ — as ministers and as believers. The focal point of today’s exhortation revolves around Luke’s statement (in Luke 1:3). Having had PERFECT UNDERSTANDING from the beginning, he was able to write . . . IN ORDER — doing so in an orderly way AND doing so in such a way that giving heed results in order in the listeners’ lives.

That being said, today’s prime message is this . . . we cannot do ministry . . . EFFECTIVELY . . . unless/until we have PERFECT UNDERSTANDING. Only then can we facilitate God’s call to order in the earth.

We are called to be like Solomon. We should have a passion for . . . PERFECT UNDERSTANDING. We must be like the rulers of Moses’ day — men (and women) of understanding. We must embrace reproof, knowing that it is a vehicle by which understanding comes. We must embrace understanding, knowing that it gives us the rooting we need to keep God’s word. We must pursue understanding, knowing that it doesn’t come by osmosis. We must value understanding, knowing that it comes from God and should never be taken for granted.

Do you have . . . PERFECT UNDERSTANDING? Are you pressing towards it? Do you have a heart for it? Once we pursue and allow God to equip us with PERFECT UNDERSTANDING, we can and will be nothing but a blessing unto the people of God. Without PERFECT UNDERSTANDING, your ministry won’t really be ministry at all, but a figment — a false sense of importance and authority with little to no impact.

NOTE: “Perfect understanding”, many times, is the difference between he that is called and he that is chosen.

Lift up your voice for understanding and trust God to take you down the “path of impartation”.

Minister’s Moment: Volume 1, Issue 4
The Need for Perfect Understanding
Copyright © 2003, Darren Hood and Remnant Christian Assembly

Games People Should Play

We’ve held many open floor discussions for the singles over the years, both of the impromptu and the official variety. During most of these events, at some time or another, at least one or two people make comments or ask questions about games people play with regards to relationships.

Amongst the commentary, we’ve heard women complain about brothers who get close to a sister for the sole purpose of gaining entrance into a relationship with her friend, knowing the whole time that the person he befriended was developing feelings for him. Men complain about women who say they want brothers to approach them and show interest and then play hard to get, the old worldly mentality that assumes the person will want you more if you reject them.

Many of you reading this have either played games with people’s minds or have been the victim of the same. It’s not a pleasant thing to be involved with. Many games leave us battered, bruised, paranoid, untrusting, and apprehensive in our hearts, minds, and spirits. In this inaugural Marriage Prep column, I am going to deal with games people SHOULD play. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not justifying game playing. What I am doing is highlighting something that we should do when getting involved in a relationship and illustrating it in the form of a game.

The game we’ll use to illustrate our point is cards (in general). Actually, there’s only one aspect of cards that we’re going to use. Please bear with me, for the sake of edification, and picture in your mind the old cowboy movie where they’re sitting around playing some type of card game. Things usually appear to go well when, all of a sudden, one of the players has been found to have a card up his sleeve – a card that will alter the course of the game, as well as the mental state of those around him. The frustration experienced by the other players finds its foundation in the lack of truth and disclosure. Can you hear the parallel?

Anytime someone plays cards it becomes necessary, at some point or another, to reveal what is in your hand. Not revealing your hand, or misrepresenting it, is unfair to the other people and the perpetrator. In order to be successful in relationships, the similitude of this element must be followed. Part of the foundation to a healthy and fruitful relationship is honesty. You will never have proper interaction in a relationship until you are honest with yourself and your potential companion. The last thing you need to do is keep an ace up your sleeve. How many times have you heard someone say . . . I didn’t know that about you!!! Many times, after that statement is made, the relationship ends. Have you ever had someone deal with you in an untruthful manner or have you ever been guilty of the same? Have you ever withheld information from someone because of how they might respond? This will result in extreme frustration. Yes, it hurts sometimes when you find out the truth about someone or something, but it hurts a lot less than if you discover you’ve been deceived (and the effect usually doesn’t last as long).

There is another side. Have you ever been in a situation when someone, voluntarily or involuntarily, shows you “the ace up their sleeve” and you refused to see it or took it lightly? That also results in a great deal of unnecessary pain. Proverbs 20:17 says, Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. I have frequently seen and counseled with individuals over the years with this testimony. Many Christians suffering from loneliness have a tendency to ignore warning signs in a person’s life — deceiving themselves for the sake of being in the relationship that they feel they so greatly deserve. I strongly believe and know that if you are interested in someone, God will reveal essential parts of his or her personality to you so that you can make a sound, wise decision.

To further illustrate and drive the point home, I’ll use my wife and myself (see the credits on the inside cover – my wife and I were married in January ’97). Judge in yourselves the level of wisdom in this application. We went to extremes to lay the proper foundations for communication. We would take turns asking each other questions. Sometimes we had boundaries and sometimes we didn’t. We referred to this as playing cards – we weren’t afraid to put ALL of our cards on the table for the other individual’s viewing and evaluation.

Using this exercise not only encouraged us to communicate, but because honesty was employed and embraced, it gave us an opportunity to learn quite a bit about one another and minimized the so-called adjustment period that married people scare single people with. A properly-handled courtship can make marriage transition easy. Remember, Paul said that they that are married shall have trouble in the flesh – he never said how much, though. How much trouble we have is determined by several key factors. Two of them are how we communicate and the level of honesty in our dealings with one another.

If you’re in a relationship, set some time aside (if you don’t already) and lay your cards out on the table. Everybody has to deal with some quirks (and be dealt with). Love the other person enough as a brother or sister in Christ to let them know what they’re getting themselves into. Make a commitment to yourself to be honest. Don’t be afraid of what you’re going to find out or what someone will find out about you. Give the person a chance to love you for who you are and not who they think you are. No one can fall in love with you if you keep you hidden on a shelf somewhere. Ask God for the courage to come out of your fear of honesty. Trust Him for providing a companion in your life with the wisdom, love, and courage to love you where you are AND also with the ability to provide the help necessary to help you proceed where God wants you, both in life and in Him.

How about it? Are you up for a game of cards? This is definitely a game that we should play – prayerfully, fairly, and honestly.

“Games People Should Play” by Bishop D.W. Hood
Copyright © 1997-2000, Scenario Ministries International. All rights reserved.
Reprinted from Volume 2, Issue 2 of Scenario Magazine
Feel free to reproduce for non-commercial purposes
All links to this article MUST reference this web site.

The Challenge of Marriage

In a recent conversation regarding marriage, a young lady began to express her frustration regarding the fact that she was not married yet and how badly she desired to be married. In conversations such as this, being “ready” for married rarely comes up. If it does, “readiness” is usually based upon one’s desire as opposed to one’s preparedness.

I’m reminded of a comment that a dear friend recently made . . .

“EVERYBODY IS READY TO GET MARRIED,
BUT EVERYBODY ISN’T READY TO BE MARRIED.”

How true and liberating these words are . . . for those willing to listen and adhere.

Readiness is EXTREMELY important. As a matter of fact, without it, we are almost sure to suffer unnecessary hardship and possibly fail. How does one prepare for SUCCESSFUL marriage? When a Christian gets married, foresight and counsel play key roles. For this reason, let’s take a look at some marriage-related topics.

We’ll refer to this as THE CHALLENGE OF MARRIAGE. There are several key points — some exclusively for men and some exclusively for women. You can proceed to the section of your choice by clicking the links to the left.

Examine each key point. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself the question….are you really ready for marriage or are you just tired of being single?

MEN

» How to Possess a Vessel (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

This frequently overlooked passage should be a mainstay for brothers in Christ desiring to be married. Paul declares that every man should know how to select and marry a wife (the actual meaning) in an honorable fashion.

Paul contrasts this mindset with how men in the world pursue marriage — through the lust of concupiscence, driven by lust instead of by wisdom. Brothers, if your loins choose your wife (e.g., Samson), your eyes might be happy and your ego will be boosted, but you’ll be very, very, very sorry!!!

God wants His sons to consider much, much more than her looks. Keep reading. Other facets will become clearer as you review this article.

» Who Said It’s Not Good…You or God? (Genesis 2:18)

While many brethren take it upon themselves (alone) to determine when the time is right to get married, it behooves us to consider the fact that it was God who made the decree regarding Adam being alone.

Considering the fact that marriage is a gift (Matthew 19:11 and 1 Corinthians 7:7), more brothers should duplicate Adam’s efforts by being about the Father’s business and allowing Him to give the gift of marriage instead of forcing the issue.

How about it, brothers? Can you trust God to make the decree for you or are you determined to rush into the covenant?

» Are You “Headship” Material? (Ephesians 5:23)

This verse declares that the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church. This is a great responsibility — one that should be greatly respected and prepared for and, therefore, should not be taken lightly.

Are you read the SERVE as the head of one of Christ’s daughters? Are you ready to serve as a provider, covering, intercessor, etc.?

Give it some thought before you plunge into marriage without the proper “equipment”.

» The Call to Young Men (Titus 2:6-8)

Titus 2:6-8 says, “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

In short, this is a call to integrity. Every married man should desire to be a man of integrity. When the elements of Paul’s exhortation are embraced by the man, everyone else in the home benefits. To ignore this exhortation is to send one’s home into disarray.

You cannot successfully resist the devil if you are not a man of integrity.

» Can You Teach . . . Soundly? (1 Corinthians 14:35)

The focus in this verse is the implied message regarding men — if the wife must ask the husband at home, he must obviously be equipped to answer…PROPERLY.

Too many “non-apt-to-teach” brothers are walking down the aisle these days (or thinking about it). This results in poorly guided and cared for homes and children being raised without experiencing the authority of God in the home.

Brothers, allow the Lord to groom you while you’re single. Though you may not be responsible for teaching at church, you will definitely be responsible for teaching at home. Be ready!!!

» Are You Ready to Leave (Genesis 2:24)

Many of us have heard the slick catch phrase “leave and cleave”. Though cute, there is a message here that MUST be grasped by both men and women.

There is no greater relationship on earth than that of a husband and wife. Sadly, many married people suffer needlessly because one or more partners have left home “physically”, but not mentally or emotionally. As a result, people who are not part of this “one flesh union” have more authority/input in the relationship than they should and cause a great deal of pain and frustration.

What about it? Are you ready to “leave” or are you still too dependent on your parents/family?

» Keeping the Prayer Lines Open (1 Peter 3:7)

It is imperative that a husband learn to give his wife the appropriate level of honor and regard. This is more than a notion, as indicated by 1 Peter 3. To neglect his charge will result in a short-circuiting of a husband’s prayer life. If the enemy can short circuit a husband’s prayer life, he can create havoc in the home.

Brothers, before you get married, learn what it means to honor your wife — because it is right, because she deserves it and to keep your prayers from being hindered.

» Help — The Male’s Perspective (Genesis 2:18)

God looked upon Adam’s situation, said that it wasn’t good for him to be alone and responded by giving him a help meet (help that is sufficient). From God’s perspective, Adam obviously needed help. I know you don’t have the authority to answer this question, but HOW ABOUT YOU???

I talked to a brother once who spoke of sitting back, taking it easy and just waiting on the Lord to give him a wife. I presented this question and issue to him: “If you’re not doing anything, it’s obvious that you don’t need help. That being the case, why should God give you help?”

Think about it.

» Easy Yokes and Light Burdens (Matthew 11:30)

The easy yokes and light burdens that Jesus gives us are a token of His love. Though things may appear tough at times, Jesus made it as easy for us as possible and as necessary, with all goals in mind. Likewise, brothers who will love their wife as Christ loves the church will do the same.

Brothers, before you get married, make sure that you’ll be as easy to deal with as possible. Don’t be one of those brothers that gives their wives grievous yokes and heavy burdens. Get yourself together before you get married. Don’t wait until you get married to work on everything.

That’s simply not loving.

» Valuing Companionship (Malachi 2:14)

Unfortunately, many people who get married, both male and female, view their spouse as an object. This mindset is contrary to the will and mind of God. Malachi 2:14 reaffirms that our spouse is our companion (friend).

Knowing this BEFORE you get married should help you decide who to marry. Those who are not capable of being friends ARE NOT marriage material. Likewise, those who do not appreciate friendship are not ready for marriage. Those who are successful in marriage spend much, much more time as “friends” than as “lovers”.

If friendship is a problem in your walk with Christ, ask Him to give you wisdom concerning this issue. God can transform you into friendship material, as well as bringing true friends into your life. This will bless you in your current and future states.

Women

» Help — the Female’s Perspective (Genesis 2:18)

One of the errors of the day is to refer to Eve as a “help mate” instead of a “help meet”. “Help meet” basically means “help that is sufficient for the task at hand. In other words, a help meet is a person who is equipped to assist someone accomplish a particular thing.

Since “help meet” refers to the sisters, ladies, ask yourself this question — are you help meet material? What help can you provide? If you can only “help” a husband sexually, you have nothing more to offer than someone who is not saved. When you qualify as a “help meet” then God can safely give you to someone.

Think about it.

» Are You Crown Material (Proverbs 12:4)

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…. The term “crown” doesn’t refer to something that the husband wears. It means “to protect or encircle from danger”. A woman’s crown potential is dependent upon her level of virtue. Virtue refers to “wealth, power and strength” and is reflective of one’s character and integrity. Do you have a level of virtue that translates into “crown” material? Do you have what it takes to “protect” a husband? Is your heart willing to meet this challenge?

Consider it carefully.

» Wisdom Check (Proverbs 14:1)

This verse lets us know that a wise woman builds her house. It also lets us know that a foolish woman tears her house down. Your level of wisdom will affect your walk with Christ now and will also affect your home life in the future.

Don’t take wisdom lightly. There is no middle ground here. If you are a wise woman, your home will flourish — even if you have a husband that’s not so bright (see 1 Samuel 25:3 — this is not an excuse to marry a foolish, ungodly or unsaved man).

If you lack wisdom, seek the face of the Lord. He gives wisdom liberally to everyone who asks for it (James 1:5).

» God’s Gift (Proverbs 19:14)

Have you ever heard someone referred to as “God’s gift to men”? This is usually regarded as an extremely high compliment, denoting that the person being spoken of is “the cream of the crop” or “the best thing going”. This term is used in secular circles on a consistent basis. Little be it known that there is such a thing as “God’s gift”, but it’s not based on the same criteria. Proverbs 19:14 lets us know that “a prudent wife is from the Lord.” Hence, a prudent woman is God’s gift to a man.

What is prudence? Prudence refers to “being circumspect and intelligent.” In other words, a prudent woman is sharp, has keen senses, walks in wisdom, is aware of what’s going on around her and keeps her purity and integrity in tact. A prudent woman is not heady, silly or uninformed.

What about it ladies? Are you one of God’s gifts? If not, He’s on standby to help you make the necessary changes — helping with the transformation!

» Handling Constructive Criticism (Titus 2:4)

In this exhortation regarding young women, there is a “hidden” message. Older women are exhorted to teach younger ones to be sober (sharp and aware). The Greek word used here is actually “teach to be of sound mind”, meaning, “to discipline”. This lets us know that young women should be able to respond properly to disciplinary tactics. In other words, you should have a good attitude when corrected and/or instructed.

How do you respond when corrected, challenged about your behavior or instructed? Do you resist, challenge back and give the person grief? If so, you’re not capable of being taught or dealt with constructively. Likewise, those who have this attitude and get married are bound to respond to their husbands improperly and, therefore, threaten the well-being of their home.

» Lookin’ Good, But Sayin’ Nothin’ (Proverbs 11:22)

With all this talk about character, some might wonder where beauty and attractiveness fit in. It fits in alright — to the point that we don’t need to address it (at least not now). For the most part, beauty and attractiveness is a non-issue because most of it is handled from the natural side. Please be aware that thought someone might be beautiful, that DOES NOT qualify or sanction them as marriage material. Proverbs 11:22 says (in modern-day terms) that a beautiful woman that doesn’t have any discretion (discernment, intelligence and understanding) is like a pig with a valuable jewel in its nose.

Sisters, is this what you want to be? If not, I suggest that you be careful and wise because there’s a lot of this “going around”.

Think about it!

» The Importance of Obedience (Titus 2:5)

Many single women (as well as married ones) cringe when the topic of “obedience to husbands” is presented. If obedience is properly understood, this will not be the case. Regardless of where your heart is concerning this issue, I beg you to consider God’s mind regarding obedience to husbands — a broad view is given here.

Titus 2:5 lets us know that when a woman violates the order of the home by disregarding and disrespecting her husband, it can result in blasphemy of hte word of God. That’s EXTREMELY serious. If you have a problem with the concept of obedience to a husband, do yourself and everyone else a favor and stay single until your attitude has changed. You’ll be glad you did!

» How’s Your Temper (Proverbs 21:19)

Today’s circles spend a great deal of time talking about abusive men, but you rarely, if at all, hear about women who are abusive towards men. Proverbs mentions this scenario several times. Proverbs 21:19 is just one of many exhortations. Interestly, this verse states that it is better for a man to live in the desert than with the contentious and angry woman (Hebrew definitions: brawling, quarrelsome, indignant and spiteful).

Much to God’s dismay, there are several women just like this that are planted in Christendom. Brothers usually end up with women like this because they allow themselves to be hypnotized — blinded by the beauty of the woman — receiving torment as their reward because they chose to forsake wisdom.

Sisters, what’s your temper like? Do you have it under control? Do you know how to express displeasure? Are you one of those women that always has to “speak her mind”? If so, you’re still single for a reason.

Proverbs 19:11 says the discretion of a man deferreth his anger…. To overcome anger, one must increase his/her discretion. By the way, “discretion” also means “prudence” (remember, a prudent wife is from the Lord).

This means that God won’t give a man a woman that will expose him to abuse. If you are a combative woman, ask God to give you grace to become peaceable.

See the next frame for further “personality-related” commentary.

NOTE: Of course, this works the other way around also.

» Diplomacy — The Mark of Sarah (1 Peter 3:4)

First Peter 3:1-6 is great commentary on the model of a successful wife — from an inward perspective. Tooooo many times, women who don’t feel that they’re getting what they want or what they deserve, will resort to “tactics” that are pretty much guaranteed NOT to get results — at least not the results that God has ordained for the victorious. Instead of embracing a meek and quiet spirit, dealing with matters based on character and integrity, many women will expend energy telling men how they feel (with no boundaries). They yell, scream and use abusive language. Sisters, to be ready for the challenge of marriage, you must approach matters like Sarah and the women of old. They “wore” the meek and quiet spirit the same way that other women wear jewelry and fine clothes.

Learn the value of meekness and quietness (diplomacy) — the opposite of loudness and stubbornness (see Proverbs 7:11). You must at least be pressing toward this attribute to be successful in marriage.

The Conclusion of the Matter (Prov. 31:30 & Eph. 5:25)

Put the two verses above (Proverbs 31:30 and Ephesians 5:25) together and the common denominator is “character”. A single Christian considering marriage must embrace character on an individual basis AND be able to properly discern the integrity level of friends, as well as a potential marriage partner. Just as a doctor must attend medical school prior to practicing and a mechanic must become certified before working in a particular establishment, a Christian seeking to be successful in marriage MUST become educated and grow in grace prior to entering marriage.

A potential husband must learn to love his wife as Christ loved the church BEFORE getting married. A potential wife must develop certain levels of prudence and wisdom BEFORE getting married. If you’re not married yet, consider and understand that God is more concerned about YOU than He is concerned about GIVING YOU to someone else.

Knowing that he loves us should let us know that He’s not going to put us in situations that aren’t in our best interest.

We could go on and on, but we’ll stop here. Well, are you up for the challenge? If you toes were stepped on, be sorry (penitent) but don’t be condemned. Because your actions are attitudes are condemned, that doesn’t mean that you are.

Marriage is ALWAYS bigger than the two individuals who are getting married. Enter into marriage soberly. Don’t spend so much time (or money) preparing for the ONE DAY that you spend no time being prepared for the hundreds and thousands of days that will follow.

The challenge of marriage awaits many. Don’t be caught with your guard down. Remember, Paul said that those who are married will have trouble in the flesh. Do everyone (and yourself) a favor. Keep your trouble to a minimum by accepting and adhering to the aforementioned challenges.

Until next time, keep the word and be blessed!!!

The Challenge of Marriage written by Darren Hood
Copyright © 1997, Darren Hood and Scenario Ministries International. All rights reserved.

Feel free to reproduce for non-commercial purposes
All links to this article MUST reference this web site.

Give Us Barabbas

><> INTRODUCTION

Murder in the church — an oxymoronic phrase, as murder shouldn’t be taking place in the church, right? Yet, though murder shouldn’t be taking place in the church, it is an extremely frequent and embraced tactic among people who profess the Lord Jesus.

One of the reasons that God has sent the “Murder in the Church” series of messages is to provide a sense of comfort to the victims. For too long (especially since murderers have been in the majority), victims have been left without much tangible comfort, but in this season, it is critical that those who suffer at the hands of the Cains, Sauls, and Pharisees of our day be encouraged to press on in the Lord, to embrace the word of God, and to endure hardship in the Lord so that the integrity of serving God is preserved.

What? Did you think that “murder in the church” was all about you? Did you think that people trying to “kill” you was a personal issue (only)? The enemy seeks to kill anyone with an “Abel-like spirit” (and has ALWAYS done so) because such a person is an affront to the kingdom of darkness. Remember, it only takes a little light to scatter darkness, so the enemy seeks to squash anything representative of the Lord Jesus — if it’s true.

The enemy, however, does not rise up against himself. Jesus mentions an interesting principle in Matthew 12:26 saying, “And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” The devil facilitates and protects his own agendas and programs. His whole system is set up to support itself. Hence, while the enemy wages constant war against the adulterated word of God and those that present it, he has established systems of belief (i.e., strongholds) that cause people to support his “fake Christian initiatives”.

It is this phenomena that is reflected by today’s topic of “Give Us Barabbas”. Many people’s lives cry “give us Barabbas” all the time, demanding and setting approval on and/or giving freedom of operation to “murderers”, while doing any and everything to stymie the work of Christ. If you don’t get this point, we’ll make it clear as we explain the issues surrounding Barabbas and what it means to us today. We’ll explain the spirit behind what represents Barabbas today, as well as looking at the people who demanded his release from prison when they had the option to have Jesus released.

When we are done, you (should) understand the importance of this matter and be able to examine yourself to see where you stand — at the moment of judgment and at the face of someone’s unjustifiable crucifixion/murder.

Today, we’ll present several issues in what we’ll call “snapshot” form, as there are many items to present. We’ll sum them all up at the end.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (Setting the Stage)

After Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, a murderous act in and of itself, Jesus was taken as a prisoner for questioning (i.e., interrogation). This was a standard procedure any time a person was under arrest, just as law enforcement officials do today.

The Pharisees and Sadducees has conspired to have Jesus brought up on false charges in an attempt to destroy His ministry, His influence, and His good name. Please keep in mind that such an attack is only successful to a degree, even though it appears to be successful visibly. In addition, the conspirators were using Roman law to carry out judgment against someone that was (in their minds) guilty of offending concerning THE law.

This act was actually condemned by THE law, but the Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t care. They just wanted Jesus dead. They had been thoroughly exposed and identified as false, jackleg leaders who didn’t have a remote idea of what they were doing. From the first exposure, they had determined to destroy Jesus and were (so they thought) about to finally see their plans come to pass after 3-1/2 years of planning, meetings, and attempts to make Jesus look bad.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (Last Chance at Repentance)

After Jesus was delivered to the officers and was being questioned, Pilate knew that Jesus had been delivered to the law because of envy. Knowing that one prisoner had to be released, Pilate presented an option to the people. The option — “Will you that I release unto you Jesus or Barabbas?” This option, unknown to many, was actually a last chance at repentance. “Are you sure you want to do this?” was the question that was being asked in the Spirit.

Instead of releasing Jesus, the voice of the chief priests and the people prevailed and Barabbas was released.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (The Dream and the Continued Effort to Release)

During the appeal to the people and presentation of the option. Pilate’s wife shared a dream in which she received revelation that Jesus was innocent. Matthew 27:17-19 says, “Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”

After hearing this, Pilate presented the option a second time, but the people would have none of it. Pilate continued to divert the people, but with no success. He asked them what they should do with Jesus and they insisted that He be crucified. Pilate even reminded the people that Jesus had “done no evil”. They were reminded that He was innocent. They didn’t care. It was obvious that something was wrong.

Knowing that justice had not been done (but yet willing to please the people — Mark 15:15), he delivered Jesus to be crucified.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (The Option and the Obviousness of the Choice)

Luke 23:20 lets us know that Pilate was “willing to release Jesus”. Pilate actually attempted to set up an obvious situation in which he could be free of the injustice that was about to be done to Jesus and put the “nail in the coffin” concerning a BIG problem that had arisen recently.

Knowing that one prisoner would be released to the people and desiring to release Jesus, Pilate presented the option of Jesus or Barabbas. Everyone knew about what Barabbas had done. Everyone knew how he had risen up against the government. Everyone knew that he had killed someone. Everyone knew that he hated Pilate.

Unfortunately, everyone was under heavy demonic influence. Given the choice of doing good for a child of God and a child of the devil, who do you think will get the benefit? The people chose to release a hardened, impenitent, and still dangerous criminal back into society That’s like giving a serial killer or a monster a full pardon to walk the streets.

Comparing the profiles of Barabbas and Jesus, it was obvious that something was wrong, but Pilate was left with no choice.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (The Persuasion of the Priests)

So bound by hatred and envy (a blatant manifestation demonic activity), the chief priests, desiring to make sure that nothing went wrong with their plans for death against Jesus AND knowing that an appeal would be made for Jesus’ release (because one prisoner would be released), made strong efforts to influence the people in a way that would ensure His death. Matthew 27:20 says, “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.”

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (The Willingness to Do Harm)

Matthew 27:24-25 says, When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”

Please take note of the passion behind the willingness to destroy Jesus. Look at all of the misdeeds that have taken place here:

Using the law for their own agenda
Embraced and released a notorious prisoner back into the public to do more harm
Despised the good that Jesus did
Despised who Jesus was (knowing full well that He was from God — see John 3)
Were fully willing to destroy Jesus
WERE SO WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY THAT THEY WERE WILLING TO CURSE THEIR CHILDREN!!!

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (The Futility of Washing One’s Hands)

Matthew 27:24 says, “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”

Pilate’s “hand washing” episode is familiar to many people, even spawning a cliche about “washing one’s hands” of a situation which one considers themselves to be innocent. What people don’t understand is that we are not clean unless God makes us clean.

While Pilate washed his hands before the people, remember, the Bible also said that he was willing to “please the people” (Mark 15:15). That, in and of itself, is an affront to God.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (Profile of Barabbas)

Do you know who Barabbas is? Knowing who he is and what he did (why he was in jail) helps to understand why his release, especially contrasted with Jesus was so ridiculous. It also, however, lays the foundation which enables us to see that people are doing the same things today.

Consider the following points about Barabbas:

Matthew 27:16 says that Barabbas was a “notable prisoner”.
The word “notable” is key. It confirms that Barabbas was not just any old general type of prisoner. The word “notable” means “well-known, notorious, and infamous”. This means that whatever he did was known by all and affected many.
He was a murderer.
He was guilty of insurrection against Pilate (i.e., part of a rebel force).
He was despised by the people for his acts.
He was also a robber.

If given the opportunity, would you let someone like this back onto the streets to roam free? No! Nobody in their right mind would do such a thing.

><> GIVE US BARABBAS (Putting it All Together)

Now, it’s time to put all of this together so that we can hear, without doubt, what the Spirit is saying to the church. Consider the following:

The Pharisees and Sadducees used Roman law to condemn Jesus to death.
Didn’t mention this earlier, but the Pharisees and Sadducees hired liars to testify against Jesus, leading to His arrest and conviction — another act that violated THE law.
They did so out of envy, hatred, and blindness.
The people had an opportunity to free Jesus, but, instead, chose to condemn Him.
In order to seal Jesus’ fate, the people had to embrace someone else that was unworthy of embracing — ONE WHO WAS OBVIOUS AND NOTORIOUS FOR DOING HARM TO AND OFFENDING THE PEOPLE OF A TRUTH.
The people chose to ignore Jesus’ innocence and integrity.
The people allowed themselves to be influenced by obviously corrupt (and exposed) leadership.
The people wanted to see Jesus destroyed so badly that they were willing to be cursed. Now, that’s desperate.

The released party, Barabbas, was a known murderer, thief, and rebel. Yet, they still chose to let him go free. Barabbas’ freedom, given by a bunch of blind, self-seeking, people who, by the way, were mainly trying to conceal their own corruption, is just like what’s happening in the church today.

Many leaders today are like Pilate — knowing what the correct judgment is, but willing to do anything to keep the favor of the people.
Some people indirectly contribute to someone’s “death” (i.e., attack, persecution, discouragement, lack of support, oppression, etc.) and try to claim innocence since they didn’t agree with what was being done to them, but the truth is that they are accomplices and accomplices get convicted of crimes just like those that commit the crimes.
Many today are like those who had an opportunity to free Jesus. They know that someone is innocent. They have first hand knowledge of the good that someone has done. They know that the person is truly from God. Yet, these same people, knowing all that they know, are still willing to hurt the godly person and do things to HELP the devilish one(s).
Remembering that Barabbas was a robber, rebel, and murderer, PLEASE NOTE THAT HE WAS ACTUALLY A TYPE AND A SHADOW OF FALSE PROPHETS AND FALSE CHURCH LEADERS TODAY. JESUS’ DISCOURSE IN JOHN 10 ABOUT THE THIEF AND THE ROBBER IS NOT TALKING ABOUT THE DEVIL. THE DEVIL IS NEVER EVEN REMOTELY MENTIONED IN THAT PASSAGE. JESUS IS TALKING ABOUT “THOSE THAT COME UP SOME OTHER WAY”. HE’S TALKING ABOUT FALSE LEADERS. THEY ARE THE THIEVES AND ROBBERS!!!! THEY ARE THE BARABBASES OF TODAY!!!! PEOPLE WOULD RATHER EMBRACE, SUPPORT, AND ALLOW A FALSE, DEVILISH LEADER TO OPERATE UNINHIBITED THAN TO SUPPORT SOMEONE THAT STANDS FOR THE UNADULTERATED WORD OF GOD AND THE TRUE PURPOSES OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!!!

><> CONCLUSION

Where do you fit in this equation today? Are you in Pilate’s shoes? Do you know about someone’s mistreatment (a person serving God and set for the defense of the gospel) and have the ability to cause the improper treatment to cease? Are you in the chief priests’ shoes? Are you trying to evil affect the hearts of the people towards a righteous individual — especially for one’s own personal gain or cover-up? Are you in the shoes of the people — gullible, unsuspecting, and ignoring the obvious witness of God on someone’s behalf — and causing innocent people to suffer, hindering the gospel and all that it stands for?

Are you one of the people that DESIRES BARABBAS? Do you support BARABBAS? Do you desire to see him go free? Would you rather have a murderous, stealing, conniving leader at the helm of your ship or would you rather have Jesus and a pastor after God’s own heart, feeding you with knowledge and understanding?

Many today desire Barabbas. This is heavily reflected in the many highly offensive Christian TV and radio programs, as well as many of the books and periodicals available to us. Many of those who are thieves and robbers lack no support or freedom and, sadly, many more just like them are being and have been spawned by their ministries and are coming up through the ranks.

Review your choice today, for the question is still being asked — WILL YOU THAT I RELEASE CHRIST UNTO YOU? And people are making the wrong choice. Choose Jesus . . . and live. If you have chosen Barabbas in the past, repent. If you don’t understand what’s happening, ask God for wisdom and clarity. Ask God to enlarge your heart so that you can run in the way of His commandments —so you can be blessed of the Lord.

Remember when thieves and robbers and murderers are allowed to operate freely, people get hurt and lose their possessions. People lose that which is rightfully theirs. God put on human flesh so that we might have life and that more abundantly. Those who choose Barabbas are forsaking their own blessings.

Until next time, don’t choose Barabbas. Keep the word and be blessed!

The Challenge of Intercession

Consider Ephesians 6. Let’s look at Paul’s discourse on the armor of God. Our focus will be on a facet of this discourse that is often overlooked, simply because it is not mentioned as an article of clothing — prayer and intercession. In order to be successful, it’s a good idea to consider Paul’s commentary on this “weapon” given to us by the Father. Just in case you don’t have a Bible with you, the passage reads as follows:

(Ephesians 6:10-20) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

In this passage, Paul discusses prayer in a very, very specific manner — giving us a thorough way to look at our prayer life. If you ask someone how they’re doing in this area, not many will examine themselves in light of the elements Paul discusses. Let’s look at the elements one-by-one. They are: 1) praying; 2) always; 3) prayer and supplication; 4) in the Spirit; 5) watching thereunto; 6) with all perseverance and supplication and 7) for all saints.

1) PRAYING. Let’s define prayer and move forward. The word “praying” means “to supplicate or worship”. Therefore, prayer involves making a request for something that is needed AND includes adoration for Him that gives the provision. It is not enough to ask for something. We should adore Him as well. This definition lets us know that rehearsed, empty and vain words should not be a part of our prayer lives.

2) ALWAYS. This attribute of successful prayer denotes consistency. Two passages of scripture come to mind — Luke 18:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Together, these passages tell us to maintain a sense of prayer in our lives and shows its importance. Praying “always” is one aspect. Let’s go on to the next.

3) PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION. No, this wasn’t a typo. The word translated “prayer” in this part of verse 18 is different than the one mentioned at the beginning of the verse. It involves worship, but places emphasis on what is spoken. Hence, a prayer is a SPOKEN request. In other words, address your request to the Lord. Sometimes, we have requests, but we don’t express them. Hence, we have not because we ask not. Don’t get caught “holding the bag” when you can give it to the Lord in exchange for the blessing. SUPPLICATION involves the same element. It means “to petition” and comes from another word that literally means “to beg”. We’ve been taught that begging is a loathsome thing. From a prayer perspective, begging is actually honorable because in order to do so, one must recognize a need, be desperate enough to pursue it and be willing to humble oneself at the feet of He who is able to meet the need. Paul qualifies how we should do this with the next facet.

4) IN THE SPIRIT. Here, Paul is not talking about praying in other tongues/languages, but he is talking about the Spirit’s influence upon our prayers. This requires a sensitive heart, mind and spirit regarding the mind and heartthrob of God. To pray without the Spirit’s influence is to pray with the flesh’s influence and makes our prayer vain and, therefore, void of substance and power.

5) WATCHING THEREUNTO. This denotes awareness. It means “to keep awake”. In order to pray successfully, we must be in a constant state of awareness — regarding what we’re praying about — focused and intent.

6) WITH ALL PERSEVERANCE. As we embrace prayer, we should have a persistent attitude. Some people teach that we must only pray about something once and that anything beyond that is unbelief. The Bible does not teach this. We must be persistent. We must pray until the job is done — until something happens.

7) FOR ALL SAINTS. Remember Jesus’ model for prayer in Matthew 6? Our Father, which art in heaven…give US this day…. Successful, godly prayer will ALWAYS include the needs of others. Jesus didn’t say, “give ME this day….”, but “give US this day our daily bread”, denoting awareness and concern about others AND petitioning for needs. Let us always remember others in prayer — not just your friends either, but all saints. We’re not in this alone.

Successful intercession embraces all of these elements. How about it folks? Do you consider yourself an intercessor? If not, you should. We all have this responsibility. How do you fare in the facets that we’ve reviewed? As a single person, how you value and approach prayer will benefit you both spiritually AND naturally. Be diligent about the development of your prayer life. It can make or break you as a Christian.

Let’s not be deceived into misusing OR neglecting the weapons God has provided for us. Developing and/or maintaining a solid prayer life will help us to succeed in our walk with Jesus Christ. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God AND include prayer in your arsenal. Then, and only then, can we stand against the wiles of the devil.

Scripture and Prayer (Understanding the Process)

When approaching God’s word, one should also be aware that one of the consistent components of scripture is prayer. Take a close, attentive look at the scriptures, especially Psalms, and you will see the element of prayer magnified. Scripture will either show you how to pray (directly), show you what is lawful and expedient to pray or simply provoke you to pray by confronting your life, heart and mind. See the prayers in the word and tap into them. Tapping into these facets will serve as a major asset in your walk with the Lord.

There are three major scriptural inroads to a successful prayer life (besides the most important factor – which is relationship):

2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
John 15:4-7
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

These scriptures illustrate conformity to will, knowledge and relationship with the Father. Consider the following listing of scriptures. Each portion demonstrates the element of prayer in the word of God. Let me reiterate a key point. If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. Since holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, then the prayers cited in scripture (the vast majority of them) manifest God’s will for us. We can, therefore, utlize these prayers or derivatives of them in our walk with God, reaping the fruits thereby. Keep these thoughts in mind as you read and meditate the following. Pay special attention to the “prayers of development” written in the Apostle Paul’s letters.

Ephesians 1:15-20
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places….
Ephesians 3:14-19
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Philippians 1:9-11
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Colossians 1:9-11
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalms 141:1-5
A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
Psalms 119:18
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Psalms 119:26-29
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
Psalms 17:5-9
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Show thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
Psalms 18:6-19
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Psalms 19:12
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalms 90:10-12
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalms 91:14-16
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
Psalms 106:12-15
Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Psalms 118:5-6
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Psalms 119:49
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
Psalms 119:66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Psalms 119:116 -117
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Consider the following exhortation:

Isaiah 50:10
Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

The Hebrew definition of “stay” in the aforementioned verse means “to support one’s self upon”.

Consider the following attitudes/exhortations – prayers and results!!!

Acts 4:24-31
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Matthew 26:39-41
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
John 17:15-17
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

An example of servitude in prayer

Colossians 4:12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis.

An example of recognizing God’s will and turning it into prayer

Proverbs 2:1-6
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

REMEMBER
YOU CAN’T LOSE WHEN YOU TAP INTO THE WILL OF GOD VIA HIS WORD
AND TRANSFORM IT INTO PRAYER. ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE.
BE WELL AWARE OF THIS ELEMENT WHEN ENTERING THE WORD OF GOD.

PROPER INTERACTION WILL RESULT IN THE ENHANCEMENT
OF A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN’S PRAYER LIFE.

WHEN YOU SEE WHAT GOD WILL DO AND WHAT HE WANTS TO DO,
IT’LL HELP YOU INTERACT WITH AND APPROACH HIM PROPERLY
AND YOU WILL, THEREFORE, PARTAKE OF THE BENEFITS.

Halloween — What’s to Celebrate?!?!?

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

— James 4:4

Halloween. It’s short for “hallowed evening”. A season represented by such icons as ghosts, witches, wizards, goblins (demons), fear and deceit. People spend a great deal of money dressing themselves and their children in costumes, spend money on exorbitant amounts of candy and other sweets and are willing to make a fool out of themselves in the name of . . . fun (?). People have even gone as far as referring to Halloween as a time of celebration, though, if you ask them what they’re celebrating, they don’t know. And if someone claims to be “celebrating harvest”, double check to see whether or not they’re a farmer. Today, we’re going to discuss the problem with Christians and Halloween, but from a scriptural perspective.

While those who are of the world may celebrate, those who are truly Christians must (and will) realize that we are in the world, but we are not of the world. What does the phrase “the world” mean? To find the appropriate definition, because the word “world” doesn’t appear in the Greek in the many scriptures, we can examine today’s text — James 4:4. The word “world” means “orderly arrangement or decoration”. “The world” also refers to (in accordance with the definition) the operating standards of unregenerate man. The fact that we are “not of the world”, means that we should not and must not operate, behave and think based on the same mindset that they do?

In His commentary regarding being “of the world”, Jesus said (John 15:19) “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Additionally, John 17:14-16 says, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. {15} I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. {16} They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Therefore, the key to not operating in accordance with the world is based on our ability and willingness to keeping the word of God.

In light of today’s text, a Christian who will be “friends with the world” is involved in a serious behavior and honor problem. The word “friendship” in this passage means “fondness”. Therefore, if a person, as a Christian, is fond of — has a heart/kinship and affection for — the mindset, philosophies and behavior patterns of unregenerate man, he or she is at enmity with God!!! In other words, such a person is behaving as God’s enemy (i.e., behaving as a satan [adversary]).

One such thing Christians should abstain from is Halloween. It is a time that represents all that is evil. The enemy, who has always sought to deceive those who belong to the Lord Jesus and call on His name to betray, deny and dishonor Him, deceives many during this time. Many Christians feel that participating in Halloween is harmless. Many feel that it’s all in good, clean fun. Many will tell you that they’re not paying homage to the devil by dressing up (we’re talking about grown people at work now). The truth of the matter is that, as alluded to earlier, this “holiday” has extremely high demonic/satanic roots and purposes. HOW CAN A PERSON BE INVOLVED, EVEN INNOCENTLY, IN SOMETHING WITH DEMONIC ROOTS AND NOT DISHONOR GOD??????? YOU CAN’T!

You see, the world — unregenerate man — is blind and cannot see or understand the judgment (discernment) of God. They don’t see anything dangerous about devils. They don’t see witchcraft as offensive to God. They even have TV shows that glorify “good witches”. The world doesn’t think that there’s an inherent danger to “casting spells”. The world thinks that Harry Potter is cute. Those who are Christians should be rooted, grounded and constantly maturing with regards to approving of that which is excellent before the Lord. We are called to “approve that which is excellent” (Philippians 1:10-11). Remember Romans 12:2? It says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” One of the purposes of the command to submit to mind renewal is so we can prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. If we are willing to be friends with the world — meaning that we will be subject to its thoughts, whims and dictates — we cannot prove (or submit to) the will of God.

The setup (and the need for renewing of the mind) starts as children. True to our selfish nature, we looked forward to Halloween and were sucked in because of the candy. It was all about us and how much candy we could get. We looked forward to dressing up and fooling our friends. We loved the idea of “wearing masks” and misrepresenting our true selves. We took great pride in our costumes and felt badly if we didn’t have a costume worthy of admiration. As we got older, the candy wasn’t such a big thing anymore, but the corporate world has proven that having fun during this season is still on the minds and hearts of many. Did you know that people spend more money on Halloween that on Christmas (though that’s silly too, but we’ll discuss that another time)? In their adulthood, many actually put more in it — spending foolishly on costumes and office decorations. For what purposes? They don’t know.

Another setup occurs as adults. We know that Halloween is condemnable, but we don’t want our kids to be left out. We don’t want them to appear strange or fanatical. Many think that if we don’t participate in Halloween, we’ll put a rift or gap between ourselves and those we’re trying to win for Christ. Buckling under the pressure, we run out and get costumes for our children and feel that all is well. Sucker! The devil pulled on your heart strings and you listened. Your children are depending on YOU to feed them with wisdom. They see fun. They don’t see danger. That’s your job! If you’re having a problem (yes I said a problem) in this area, ask God for wisdom and rectify it. You may not want to listen now, but when they’re sixteen and full of rebellion (with a taste for that which defies God), you’ll be dwelling in a patch of seeds you planted yesteryear.

In all of their celebrating, people don’t know that more children come up missing during this time than at any other time during the year, never to be seen again. People don’t know that Halloween was (and is) a time of pagan rituals and was merged with “All Saints Day” (a foolish catholic holiday) to come up with Halloween. People don’t know that bobbing for apples was a pagan ritual. People don’t know that the tradition of dressing up was related to the warding off of evil spirits. Many think that Halloween is a Christian holiday. It’s not. How in the world can something to do with fear, torture, murder, demons and witchcraft have anything to do with Christianity??? These things are all condemned in scripture.

Many Christians will say, “I’m not doing any of these things” and, in their heart, they’re not. What they’re doing is, by participating, sanctioning the event as harmless. They are saying that “It’s okay”. They’re saying that there are no risks and that all is well with Halloween. All of these things are lies. In sanctioning Halloween, many Christians, since we’re the light of the world and people look to us for information, whether we realize it or not, are casting a stumblingblock before the world. Ezekiel 22:26 says, “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.” True Christians are priests unto the Lord. One of our responsibilities is to declare that which is holy . . . and unholy. Halloween IS NOT A HALLOWED EVENING — not to Christians. It is hallowed to those who participate in occult practices.

God has a controversy with many of His people during this season because of a willingness to participate in (and/or ignorance of) Halloween. This season is a great opportunity to declare the word of the Lord. The world thinks Halloween is okay. Considering its icons, message and origins, a person who is enlightened cannot and will not agree with their declaration. Remember, to think in accordance with unregenerate man is enmity with God. You are behaving as an enemy. Another word for “enemy” is “satan”.

If you have been an enemy in the past, please know and understand the following passage. Philippians 3:18-21 says, “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: {19} Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) {20} For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: {21} Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Enemies of the cross aren’t in the world. They’re in the church.

Are you God’s enemy or His ally? Don’t answer the question. Your conduct (and plans) speak for you. If you have already bought costumes, take them back!!! If you have planned to distribute candy, take it back!!! Have nieces and nephews talked to you about their costumes only to have you say, “That’s nice?” Do you know what kind of seed are you planting? Is your church holding a “harvest festival” or something like that so kids don’t feel left out??? Why do Christians feel like they must offer substitutes? Don’t do anything. Tooooo many children in church are taught to quote (and memorize) scripture, to sing in front of the church during certain seasons and other “outward things”, but are NOT taught things that will actually make a difference in their lives. I’ve seen too many children grow up to be hypocrites…. because that’s what they were taught to do. Don’t kill your children by exposing them to a demonic holiday and having them think it’s innocent.

SIDE NOTE: For those of you caught up in the Harry Potter phenomenon, what’s wrong with you???? Wake up!!! It’s yet another ploy of the enemy to get people to warm up to and think innocently concerning the things of the devil. The difference is that this is one of the more blatant devilish campaigns. Children are actually being taught to have a zeal for the occult through this phenomenon. They want to cast spells. If you check your communities, you’ll find that there are no massive prayer vigils regarding the “Harry Potter invasion”. Everybody wanted to pray when the planes crashed on September 11, but the “slow death” presented by Harry Potter goes unnoticed and is not taken seriously. Don’t be a fool!!!

We must be determined to take a stand during this time. Isaiah 26:9 says, “With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” Want to make an impression for God? Don’t celebrate Halloween. When someone asks you why you’re not dressed up or such like, you then have an opportunity to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and lead a soul to safety — to plant and water for the Lord. We are responsible for the judgments of the Lord being in the earth. Like John the Baptist, we must cry out concerning the word of God and declare its truth. One of the ways we can do this is by NOT participating in things that are contrary to it.

First Peter 4:4 says, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you….” People will talk about you for not participating. The children of Israel were thought strange because of their separateness and their seasons. Christians shouldn’t be any different. Let the world talk. We don’t serve them anyway. As the children of Israel appeared “strange” for not embracing the ways of the heathen that surrounded them. Now that God’s people are all commingled with “heathenish equivalents”, many of us have forgotten not to embrace the ways of everyone around us.

Saints, don’t celebrate Halloween. After all, what’s to celebrate anyway??? Absolutely nothing. Strive to be the friend of God. How do you do that? In John 15:14, Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He commands us not to be conformed to this world. Those who celebrate Halloween are conforming. If you choose to ignore this message and/or think that I am speaking from myself, you WILL eventually find out the truth. We’re praying for you because we don’t want you to die. We don’t want you to help anyone else die either. Again, there’s nothing to celebrate. Don’t be a fool.

Until next time, keep the word (take off that mask) and be blessed!

Flattery Will Get You Nowhere

We live in a flattery-filled society — people always saying nice things that don’t really reflect the thoughts of their heart. You know — compliments that people really don’t mean. “That sure is a wonderful dress” OR “You’re doing a wonderful job” OR “It’s always so great to see you”. Basically speaking, flattery is really a complimentary statement that clouds one’s true sentiments or flatterers true condition. It is insincere. It is hypocritical. It is dissimulatory. It is impure. It is .. . . cursed. The title, shown above, has been a common saying for years among men. Have you ever wondered what God has to say about flattery? First, let’s consider what flattery is from a direct definition-based standpoint. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “insincere or excessive praise.” That’s good. It gives us some clarity. Strong’s definitions include: 1) to eulogize; 2) to address by an additional name (flattering titles); 3) to be smooth (or smooth-tongued); 4) to delude and 5) something that tends to coax (blandishment).

Let’s take a closer look at what some of the Strong’s terms refer to. It’ll help us understand this matter.

“To eulogize” means “to speak or write in high praise of”. Think of a funeral. The “eulogy” is the time where the speaker (if politically correct) will say all of the nice things he/she can about the deceased party (even if nobody thought the deceased party was worthy of such compliments).

“To address by an additional name” is the definition applied in Job to addressing people with “flattering titles”. Someone sees you and calls you by a title instead of by your name — as a supposed means of compliment when they actually don’t think of you in conjunction with the title that they’re addressing you by. For example, the Pharisees and others, attempting to deceive Jesus with a question, would first approach him with complimentary words (e.g., Good Master, we know that thou teachest the way of God in truth….) when their goal the entire time was to catch Him in His words. They didn’t think of Him as a Good Master at all. If you address someone by a title, you had better mean it from the bottom of your heart.

“Smooth-tongued” refers to folks who speak in such a way that they’re able to influence and coax by their words, mannerisms, etc. — no truth presented, just mannerisms, methods and . . . carefulness — with a selfish and sinful goal in mind. Example? Look at how the serpent approached Eve in Genesis. This is an excellent example of “smooth talking”. We need the discernment of God to help us overcome smooth talking — which is marked by false pretenses. Many times, we don’t recognize falsehood until we see the situation/matter for what it really is.

The word “delude” is akin to the words “delusion” and, hence, “illusion”. An illusion is something we see that’s not there. A delusion is something we believe that’s not true. To delude someone is to “mislead the mind or judgment of”. You can see this in the comments on “smooth-tongued” also. False witness, slander, backbiting and other sins of the tongue (to be dealt with in another upcoming message) are also examples of deluding (for the purpose of “striking” a person, group of persons or purpose. In other words, a “deluder” is one who contributes to someone’s false conceptions and ill-begotten convictions.

Coaxing is “persuading/manipulating someone gently [e.g., with compliments or false supportive behavior] by means of great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity”. This is also the method referred to in 1 Timothy 4 where Paul speaks of people “giving heed to seducing spirits”. It’s extremely important for us to endure temptation and keep the word of God to overcome this means of attack.

Definitions enhance our ability to communicate, but the word of God, according to Jeremiah, is the hammer that breaks the rock into pieces. It is the element that builds us up in Christ. Consider the following passages of scripture and the light that they shed on flattery:

(Job 17:5) He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
(Job 32:21-22) Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
(Psalms 5:9) For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
(Psalms 12:2-3) They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
(Proverbs 6:23-24) For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
(Proverbs 7:21-23) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
(Proverbs 20:19) He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
(Proverbs 26:28) A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
(Proverbs 28:23) He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
(Proverbs 29:5) A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
(Daniel 11:32) And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
(1 Thessalonians 2:4-5) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:

Do you have a compliment for someone? Do you mean it in your heart? Do you have an ulterior motive for providing support or giving that compliment? Have you been the recipient of a lot of compliments? If so, do you sense the “inflation” of the heart/ego that can result from such communication (the net has been spread)? Are you given to flattery? Have you been subjected to flattery? Are you a perpetuator of flattery? Have you been overcome by flattery?

When you tell the pastor that you enjoyed the message, why did you do it? Do you spend as much (or more) time praying for people that you compliment? Flattery is dangerous. When we receive it, we don’t always know how to handle it. When we give it, we don’t always consider the possible effects. Some people live (and kill) by it, blinding the recipients to the forthcoming blow. Take flattery away and there are several things that we wouldn’t even consider doing. Flattery, many times, paves the way for the unthinkable.

Does this type of “word” contribute to paranoia? Not if you handle it soberly. What wicked people call paranoia, God calls soberness and awareness. Truthfully, how many of you knew these things about flattery? If you’ve been enlightened, take the time to praise God for His word. It’s just as important to be aware of those who praise you as much as those who attack you. If mishandled, both situation could lead you to the same place.

Be strong in the Lord and remember . . . flattery will get you nowhere, whether you are the giver or the receiver of such. Until next week, keep the word and be blessed!

Pastor’s Blog

Pastor’s Blog

Nobody’s Perfect

The Need for Perfect Understanding

Games People Should Play

The Challenge of Marriage

Give Us Barabbas

The Challenge of Intercession

Scripture and Prayer (Understanding the Process)

Halloween — What’s to Celebrate?!?!?

Nobody’s Perfect

The Need for Perfect Understanding

Games People Should Play

The Challenge of Marriage

Give Us Barabbas

The Challenge of Intercession

Scripture and Prayer (Understanding the Process)

Halloween — What’s to Celebrate?!?!?

Flattery Will Get You Nowhere

Ministry Info

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