Signs of A usibe Ministries or Cults

 https://youtu.be/UVfhR4QKqCc?si=nJlbUCXUXW6DRTv0

HOW TO BUILD YOUR LIFE- for Success

Building Blocks of Our LIVES, Christianity, FAITH  - - - - - - - -  1 Cor 3:10-12

If you had only a few minutes to talk with a person who just received Christ as Savior what might you say? How might you direct them? What would you tell them do to succeed or advance in their faith? them? How might you tell them to run the race they'd just started s that they finish it and complete the race and cross the finish line successfully?

I think I would base what I  say on what Jesus and Paul said about building a life for a successful run.

Think of others behind us, if we fail, how many others will be lost?

If we lose hope or our vision- what about those behind us?  If we lose our inspiration?

Jesus spoke of His word and those who were DOERS of it, as building on a rock as contrasted to sand.

Paul talked about a Christ as a foundation to build other things on, precious things as opposed to inferior, wasteful substances.

Foundation scriptures to consider: Matthew 7:25-26; Psalm 11:3; Eph 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:10-12

How we build is so important as is what we build. Make no mistake, we are all, and have all built something into our lives. We are God's children by faith in Christ (Gal 3:26). God loves people, but He will not and cannot do certain things. I mean He will not do our part. He will do His part. He HAS already (1 Cor. 2:12) done certain things and provided them into the covenant. But He cannot override our unbelief is we do not receive what he put in the inheritance. Note carefully verses as Mark 7:13; Matthew 22:29; Matthew 13:58)

The WORD of GOD is the building block for our lives. Its instructions, warnings, exhortations. Nothing else can take its place for our success in life. 2 Tim 2:15 and 3:16; Proverbs 4:20-23. Psalm 1. Proverbs 3:5-6. Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19.  John 10:10. Acts 10:38;  Psalm 23 and 91, Psalm 103. I fully expect to be judged by the truths in these passages. There is a stress test in our lives.

I can think of many other scriptures. But what are people missing? I think the Church really doesn't teach the New Creation as it should. (2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10; Rom 8:29) The church has failed to employ or yield to the DUNAMIS and CHARIS. (1 Cor. 14; Acts 1:8). The Church must have a new revelation of RIGHTEOUSNESS. Romans 5:17;  1 Cor. 15:34; The Church doesn't teach FAITH correctly, it replaces FAITH with HOPE. Where Jesus said faith would bring something, we substitute HOPE and get nothing. Mark 11:23-24;  Te use of the NAME of JESUS is completely misunderstood. Many times we ask God to do something He told us to do IN HIS NAME. THINK.

The Church must teach the believer's authority. Based on covenant. Teach covenant. Where I've gone, I see these things slipping, people have substituted everything for these essentials of FAITH. 

People do not research the WORD, they as people's advice and substitue it. ("Well, what do you think about it?")

ILLUS: If we build something part way correct but leave a vital thing out, don't expect a good result.  I recently watched a home remodeling show in which they pulled back the walls, and revealed shoddy workmanship, even dangerous conditions of wiring, or pipes, or structural defects that others ignored.

The crew said- we are going to fix this and do it right!

It may take hard work, sacrifice, to do it right but we must BUILD for the long-haul. Think to the FUTURE. Ask God for a vision of reality in our own lives. Before we touch others TOUCH JESUS FIRST. Be filled and re-filled with the SPIRIT. That's where its at today. Go on into the deep waters of FAITH. Step out of the comfort zone. Do exploits. Start anew if you've failed. Heb 13:5

Be unusual, take the DARE. Be limitless. Matt 17:20

Preacher Ray at Great Day Fellowship

https://youtu.be/ZXo3J9DjbOk

THE USE of the NAME of JESUS in SPIRITUAL WARFARE

THE USE of the NAME of JESUS in SPIRITUAL WARFARE                                   (c) DDurek, 2015

I notice some things as we approach this topic. In the past some of God's people have either been: unknowing , unwilling, or unable to use His Name in combat. I have seen how that use of Jesus' Name in prayer has devolved into a few words we add at the end of a prayer as a lucky charm, thinking, oh boy, if I add these words, then I can get my answer. I do not approach this topic lightly. This is not taken from any other source or Bible Study. I have not even looked at my own past teachings and writings. I have studied this topic for years, yet I am taking a completely FRESH look at it. Do not think I am just warming over some leftovers sermons/ teachings. I mean to do an in-depth, thorough look at this important topic.

Although I am not teaching on PRAYER, The WORD reveals things that could hinder our prayers. Have you ever listed them out? Lets try to mention a few things- 1. Closing our EARS to the hearing of the WORD. (Prov. 28:9) 2. Not doing things that please the FATHER. (1 Jo 3:22)  3. Not KEEPING (guarding from loss, protecting within us- Prov. 4:20-23) HIS commandments. 4. Not loving the brethren. (the members of the body) (1 John 3:14-15) . 5. Not discerning the Body of Christ. (1 Cor 11) 6. Neglecting proper marital obligations to your spouse. 7. Asking amiss- to heap on our own lusts/ natural desires. (James 1)  8. Not knowing what it means to ask in HIS NAME. 9. Waiting for  God to do something He told us to do. 10. Ignorance of the WORD.   11. Ignorance of spiritual manifestations, administrations, gifts. (1 Cor 12) Entertaining a spirit of UNBELIEF.  12. Demonic interference/ turbulence. (Daniel 10:12-13) 13. Demonic attack (Job 1)  

Please note the many traditions can actually NULLIFY the EFFECT of the WORD (Mark 7:13) in lives. The Church is BIG on traditions, some good, some not. Note: if we can have things the WORD is silent on, why can't we have things that it (N.T.) does mention?

I notice that its NOT about saying the phrase IN HIS NAME... IT IS DOING it in HIS NAME... see the difference? Again, did He say- add these words at the end of every prayer and you'll be sure to get your answer? Sometimes I think the Church has got lost in an argument about something the Bible never indicated at all: Speaking the phrase "In Jesus Name" vs. how to use actually His NAME.

Notice there are extreme PROMISES we must come to terms with! Matthew 17:20. Mark 11:23-24 

Notice in John 15, He said that if we LIVED in HIM, and HIS WORDS LIVED in US...

There is a difference in the understanding between ASKING in PRAYER and DEMANDING in WARFARE. Demanding the enemy withdraw is different than asking the LORD to do it.  

First let us observe some things about how Jesus operated in His ministry. He came in the Name of the FATHER and did His deeds in the full authority of God, the Father. He told His disciples that as my Father hath sent me so send I you. You may say, "Well that was for His disciples". But note that He later also said, teach them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. (Matt 28)  So that implies that every disciple of Christ, not just the 11 apostles were under this commission. Every believer, or minister, to the degree that they believe it, can exercise the authority Jesus delegated and intended. He that speakes let him speak as the oracles of GOD. Jesus spoke with authority. We are to Do what JESUS DID.

(As an aside- I believe that Christ gets no glory if we don't accept the things he suffered to give us.)

Now as we begin this subject, let us see how Christ came into the world, rather how He ministered. Note He said the following things: My doctrine is not mine, but He Who sent Me. The works that I do, the Father IN me doeth the works. He was operating exclusively by the complete authority of the Father who sent Him. So Who was doing the healing? Jesus or the Father in Him? He also said- I see the Father working, and I also work. By the gifts of the Spirit he foresaw what the Father was going to do through Him and He simply acted it out. I can see Him in prayer, seeing the people He would minister to the next day. Jesus was always GOD, but set aside (emptied himself- the kenosis- Phil 2:70)   His divine qualities as omnipotence, omniscience, etc... to be as  Man. He never ceased being Divine God. Once incarnated, He's never ceased to be a MAN. He is the GOD/MAN. Luke 4:16; etc.

So Christ operated in the authority of the FATHER. He didn't say the words, IN my Father's name- be healed. He just did it. Can you see that much? Then, if Jesus said- His disciples, all of them then and now, were to go into the world exactly as His commission from the Father was, that shows us something about what it means to do things in HIS NAME and authority.

IN modern language lawyers will tell you all about the meaning of delegated authority. But let us digress. Does use of another person's name NOT imply delegated authority? Yes! Where does Jesus tell his disciples to use HIS NAME/AUTHORITY in spiritual warfare/combat?

How does an ambassador go out to represent a country? How are we ambassadors for Christ? What is a representative with FULL delegated authority? Name 2 kinds of POWER in the New Testament Scriptures. DUNAMIS and EXOUSIA. Dynamic, and delegated authority. Illus: I saw a small kid cross the street 182nd and Powell. A big truck was stopped at the light, the kid crossed with confidence, knowing that red light for the truck would keep it in place. If the truck driver disobeyed the law and hit the kid- his life would be forever affected negatively! Dire consequences for the disobedient one. When someone is protected by the law- its an invisible shield that all recognize as binding with real consequences for the lawbreaker. A civilized society must be founded on rules, regulations,  and yet have judges that judge responsibly and with discretion.

Note: the same act can be wrong in one instance, but right in another case. A killing could be justified in certain circumstances. 

We Need to know that we have been LEGALLY delivered from the Kingdom of satan. (Col 1:14) .

We must know what John 16:8 means to our spiritual authority. How is satan judged? what does this mean.

Verses on spiritual authority- Luke 10:9-10; Acts 10:38; Acts 2:22; 

Uuderstanding the WORD

Jesus Christ is still the Only Hope for the world. For all people in particular.              3-22-2015 dd

There is no other answer for mankind, except to be born again from above, to be washed from sin, by full faith in the sinless blood of Jesus. To believe ON the Son of God is eternal life, to know Him (John 17:3)

How to Read, Study, understand the BIBLE

Make no mistake about, the Bible, a proper understanding of, is the most important thing in life itself for mankind. If you are able to really hear and understand what you hear, and read, you are blessed. (Rev 1)

But many people are ignorant about the Bible, its history, its richness, its message.

Only those who fear the Bible - refuse to read it and obey it.

Only those seeking to avoid personal responsibility seek to discredit its claims against their soul.

Because it unveils man's estate- fallen, guilty before God.

Pride of man does not want to hear this.

Better to hear and humble self now that to wait til later,

when every knee SHALL bow- but force acknowledging Christ.

This is a book, a personal love letter from God. But its also a warning.

A dire warning to all who ignore God's grace.

It reveals the cross- God's master stroke of wisdom. The cross- God's wrath against sin. The cross- the only way of salvation. The cross- the place of crisis for man. The cross- you either mock it- or see yourself up there- tied together with Christ. Bound to Him eternally through loves strong chord. Crucified WITH HIM- against sin.

You agree with God. Buried with Him into DEATH- you agree with God. But also raised with HIM to walk in newness of life. There can be no new life without a dying WITH CHRIST. Dying to sin- Dying to the OLD

LIFE. Corrupt to the core. Hell-deserving. Plucked up by the roots.  

God's WORD; its BREAD, its MILK, its MEAT

The message of eternal life is not complicated. Paul talked about the simplicity of the faith. Jesus thanked God that these things were revealed to babes. You don't have to specialized in theology to get to heaven, its knee-ology and child-like faith that gets the job done.  They say some things are better felt than telt, if you know what I mean.  Hebr 6:1 talks about the first principles of faith, understanding the WORD.

The Bible was written by inspiration, by 40 people over 1600 years from every occupation and personality.

It claims to be inspired and proves to be inspired. Though written by different people it is remarkable in its single message. The awesome responsibility of sinful men to turn around and receive the salvation provided by a merciful Creator.

The Bible is a progressive revelation to man. By this we mean that each successive generation of people could see more clearly the playing out of the plan of God for mankind. For example, we see Job's trials in a different light than he did in them. We look back at Israel's captivity and deliverance clearer than those as they lived it.

The Bible has history, poetry, songs, doctrine, genealogies recorded, etc. Its divided into 2 parts as we use it, but really we see more parts there. Dispensations are time periods of God's probationary testing of free moral agents, to help them learn obedience by what they experience and have revealed to them. Psalms says before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept Thy WORD. (Ps 119:67;  See also- 1 Pe 5:10)

Just as Philip in Acts asked a man on a chariot if he understood what he was reading, he replied- how can except someone explain it to me? So we too need a bit of explanation. Thank God people before us diligently studied the Bible and made many notes for us to learn. There is a vast wealth of information about what it means.

Its God's message to men. He explains what happened to mankind. The entrance of sin into man's world by Adam was the worst thing to happen. (Romans 5:12) We are now reaping the results. But there will be a day coming in which its described as a New World wherein dwells righteousness. (2 Pe 3:13) Righteousness lost and found is the theme of the Bible. God's intervention to lead men away from evil, sin, rebellion, and to create in them a new pure heart is what the Bible is all about.   Sin brought death. Death is separation from God and Life. Christ, the Innocent died to confer upon those who accept it, eternal life, and righteousness. (Romans 5:17) (John 5:24) 1 John 5:13-15)

We must approach it as any other book, and as no other Book.  The Bible is not boring, because it is alive. The Holy Spirit backs up the testimony of the WORD. He's present to glorify the things of Christ, make them real. Also John 16:8. If you seek God from a true and contrite heart humbly, you will find Him. He will lead you and guide you in the affairs of life.

Wisdom? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.

Rules of scriptural interpretation include these:  Take the WORD as literal as possible. When figurative language is used look for it to explain itself! (As in Daniel's image) . When Jesus called Herod a fox, we understand it was figurative. The parables of Jesus as not to be over-spiritualized just to get a new revelation. The ten virgins only means be prepared, that's it.

The gospels were written with a particular audience in mind. Matthew- to the JEWS, Christ King of the JEWS. Mark's narrative from Peter- Jesus, Tireless Servant of God and Man, Luke- Jesus, True Son of Man, JOHN- Jesus, Son of God,  God revealed in the flesh, God incarnate.

Value of the WORD: what it can do

It is alive, living, vital- Heb. 4:12, it opens the eyes, gives light to the soul!

Ps 119:130- and understanding to the simple. 1 Cor 1. 

Emphasizes its appeal to / meaning for the soul of man- John 6:60

Makes thee wise unto salvation- 2 Tim 3:15

               John 17:3- Have you had an encounter with Christ that has been life-changing?

               Titus 2:12- Have you experienced the grace of GOD in such a way that is life-altering?

               If not - your eternal soul is in extreme danger! Mark 8:36-37

Keeps one from sin- Psalm 119:7-9

The washing and CLEANSING of the WORD - Eph 5:26

Brings great peace and protection from stumbling away - Psalm 119:165

The fire shut up in the bones- it brings! Jer. 20:9

The joy and great rejoicing it brings- Jer. 15:16

Ways to study the scriptures:

Doctrinally - 2 Tim 3:16

Dispensation-ally- Eph 1:10, 3:2

Devotionally- Psalm 23

Dynamically- Acts 1:8

Ways NOT to apply approach the WORD

A sword fight with a brother or sister. 2 Cor 4:2

Foolishly, in unbelief- Luke 24:25

In human, prideful ways- 1 Cor 1

With closed ears- Prov 28:9

With closed heart- Matt 13:15; 1 Cor 2

As a scoffer or mocker- 2 Pe 3:3

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We Read and Study the WORD- For It Reveals the Character and Nature of God

When we speak of the character and nature of God- this is very important. Some people nowadays impugn the LORD. They see a different God in the OT than the NT and call it a contradiction.

The un-saved cannot receive spiritual things! 1 Cor 2. they cannot grasp God fully. They can receive the gospel. They cannot understand the greater things of God. In darkness they will stumble. John 3:19

If you understand God's revelation to man- as progressive, you can see it better. I see God in the OT as trying to preserve a natural people, undefiled so that the Messiah, Redeemer can be born.

Why does God seem so hard in the OT?  He hates sin and what it does to man. The nations that were occupying the Promised land, had heard of the miracles God did in Egypt. They were afraid of the people of Israel. They could have left the land. They refused and were kicked out by force. One time bees went in and drove the people out.

We have accounts of people like Rahab the harlot, who sided with Israel, and were spared. God had said the land was filled with blood. The people there made their children pass through the fire. God hated this.

Man has failed in every dispensation under best of circumstances. He proves that human flesh wars against the perfect life of God.  Instead of blaming God, try humbling ourselves before HIM! Hebr 11:6, man's pride is the problem. He refuses to humble himself and must suffer the consequences. Leaving LIFE - you get DEATH. Drawing away from perfection- you get miserable existence. Its our choice!

The God of the OT is not a different personality than of today. We are in a different dispensation- NOT LAW.

Christ died and rose- the hope of all mankind. The fruits of Christianity- wherever the true gospel has gone- the people have been blessed! There is a country in the Pacific- that suffered for years- the churches banded together prayed for revival. And the nation was healed. The land saw miraculous healing. The people prospered every way.

I heard of a time in Africa- where the people repented, prayed, and a storm came over- and filled their water reservoir-! They got blessed! I see in the OT when Israel obeyed God- the kingdom did well, when they forgot God- they suffered. This is a simple principle of the WORD.

God hasn't changed- men are the ones who drift away for God! And suffer the consequences! There is a law of nature - of sowing and reaping.

GOD is KIND, God is merciful and just to all! Luke 6, Exodus 34:5-7

GOD is JUST- He will call all beings, creation into a final judgment - men are accountable Heb 9:27

GOD is UNCHANGEABLE- His traits, and qualities, character, plans,  and purposes. Mal 3:6

GOD is SUPREME- there is no one higher, or better! the MOST HIGH GOD

GOD is MERCIFUL- allowing men to repent, turn around, be converted. Act 17- repentance - a command!

GOD is TRUE- He cannot fail to keep His WORD to us. Every promise is true! Find one and make it yours!

He cannot deny Himself! His WORD has absolute integrity!

Millions have put their trust in Him- and have never been disappointed.  

Total Freedom Now

Total Freedom Now

Jesus purchased our freedom- why not enjoy it now?
His blood secured it to us forever, why wait an minute more?

   He tore up the veil to the holiest place, why create it again?

God's people, God's children are born-free.

Delivered form the authority of darkness. Col 1:14

Redeemed from curse of the law - Gala 3:13

Citizens of a new better country, paratkers of a better covenant, based on better promises

Galatians 5- from the old ways, new liberty in the Spirit. 

               People will always try to yoke you up to the wrong thing

                                       or load you with untested armor not suited for you

               Try Jesus' yoke Matt 11:28

               Faith that works by Love , 1 Cor 13, gifts work best by LOVE, AGAPA,

               Jesus was moved with compassion

               Here Paul tells us that LOVE/ agapa is in motion, moving always, like faith.

               Jesus was moved with compassion

               He was love-in-action

               He was the Model of this new kind of love. This love-nature of God is born in us

               A New Creature- Gala 6:15, What is the New Creation? 2 Cor 5:17

               2 Pe 1:4- a new nature

               Restoring a brother or sister - also Romans 15:1-2

Romans 6-8:13- from flesh and its dominion, by walking, yielding to the spirit realm

Romans 7- because of death to the law.

Acts 1- From squabbling about time of His return

Romans 15- freedom from pleasing ourselves.

Freedom in actuality and not just doctrinal, or theoretical.

Freedom from frustration. Freedom from FEAR. Fear of future.

Freedom from the past and its tentacles. Let It Go.

Freedom from the sense-realm.

The Comforter- illus: blow wind blow.

That pardon refused, no pardon at all.

John 8- freedom in Christ, the word in us.

1 John 3- a new kind of love,

Romans 5:17- a new kind of righteousness

Romans 10:17-  a new kind of faith Mark 11:23-24

Deliverance and Discretion

Deliverance is salvation, rescue, retrieval, restoration, healing, completeness, bringing back to an original state, to a pristine unblemished condition. This IS the new birth, the New Creation-ones. John 3:3, 2 Cor 5:17. God makes all things new. His life flowing through a thing- renews it continually.  Its the absence of: death, separation, hopelessness, darkness.. etc. Also called His Divine Nature in us. 2 Pe 1:3-4, 1 Cor 1:30

• Awareness of a problem alone does not solve it. But a correct, proper response can.
• There is a difference between helping and hindering.
• There is a difference between wise acts and foolish acts.
• There is a connecting link between wisdom and discretion
• There is a benefit to wise decisions and choices.
• There is a connection between believing and acting
• There is a connection between believing and speaking.
• We are often smarter than we realize
• Smart people hang out with smart people.
• God's people have a different kind of smartness. 

I wondered why there seems to be no middle ground between a fool and a wise person?

Maybe the 'tween is called a disciple or a learner, yet even that one falls on-can be counted wise.

(A fool who holds his peace can be counted as a wise one.)

So there is a process involved in leaving foolishness and going on over to wisdom/discretion.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. God's wisdom brings discretion. Discretion saves us.

Saves us from BAD decisions!

• There is a connection to what we believe and what we say. Words are directive. Just listen!

A boat's rudder has a great power. Ability.

The motor has one sort of power- the rudder has another kind of power.

See that?  Once is directive, one is inertial. The tongue is like a rudder of a ship. Its directive. It sets the direction for that thing to go! Where is the source of power? the motor? the gasoline? the ignition switch? The pilot? The boat? Perhaps its a combination of things that add up to a whole.

Prophesy has a creative element. Prophesy to the wind. Prophesy to these dry bones, speak to the mountain, speak to the storm, speak to the inanimate object, telling it what its going to do. Mark 11:23-24, John 15:5.  Moses wished all God's children's operated in the prophetic, and "Is Saul also among the prophets?" still speaks today. God's Spirit falling upon, coming upon, resting on, is for some activity, purpose, calling, directive, production, labor, fruit, edification.

Paul prayed, and asked others to pray for utterance- the ability to speak the best, most productive words,

words that set a directive, words that build up, not tear down, words that edify, charge us or others up.

• There is an evil side in the power of words. Its called inciting a riot with words that inflame to evil. History evidences many who controlled, dominated, destroyed many. They did evil by bringing out the worst in people. Instigators.

• Supernatural/spiritual realities trump natural facts. Because we are in league, partnership, covenant with the LORD. Certain battle have already been successfully waged on our behalf. When we prophesy the WORD, will of God over a thing we are aligning with a reality that circumvents any fact of the natural realm. Faith in any covenant reality changes circumstances. Paul and Silas' chains and bruises were facts. The covenant Presence of God with them in that cell, meant the bonds could not hold them. See that? The law of gravity is a fact. The law of lift is a reality that causes a jumbo 747 to fly off into the clouds!

Illus: ships that never sailed. They were designed to, but never caught the wind and saw adventure.