This will be an ongoing blog, with information added periodically on the subject of cults, the Occult, and idolatry. These evil practices are one of the greatest reasons the world is in the condition it's in now. In Romans ch. 3 Paul gives a good description of the human condition without God:

                                                                 No One Is Righteous
Rom 3:9  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 
Rom 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 
Rom 3:11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 
Rom 3:12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 
Rom 3:13  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 
Rom 3:14  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 
Rom 3:15  Their feet are swift to shed blood: 
Rom 3:16  Destruction and misery are in their ways: 
Rom 3:17  And the way of peace have they not known: 
Rom 3:18  There is no fear of God before their eyes. 
​
An excerpt from David Guzik's comm. gives a good perspective on this:

These quotations from the Psalms (Psa_14:1-3; Psa_5:9; Psa_140:3; Psa_10:7 and Psa_36:1) and from Isa_59:7-8 support the statement: There is none righteous, no, not one.

i. Paul looks at the human condition from top to bottom. He begins with head and moves all the way down to the feet. Warren Wiersbe calls this passage “An X-ray study of the lost sinner, from head to foot.”
ii. This look at the human condition is depressing. What’s the point? The Apostle Paul wants us to understand our complete inability to save ourselves. The fall touches every part of man’s being, and the inventory of body parts corrupted by the fall demonstrates this.
b. There is none righteous, no, not one: When God finds none righteous, it is because there are none. It isn’t as if there were some and God couldn’t see them. There has never been a truly righteous man apart from Jesus Christ. “Even Adam was not righteous: he was innocent - not knowing good and evil.”

There is none who seeks after God: We deceive ourselves into thinking that man, on his own, really does seek after God. Don’t all the religion and rituals and practices from the beginning of time demonstrate that man seeks after God? Not at all. If man initiates the search then he doesn’t seek the true God, the God of the Bible. Instead he seeks an idol that he makes himself.

i. “You have gone through this form of worship, but you have not sought after God. I am sick of this empty religiousness. We see it everywhere; it is not communion with God, it is not getting to God; indeed, God is not in it all.” (Spurgeon)
d. They have together become unprofitable: The word unprofitable has the idea of rotten fruit. It speaks of something that was permanently bad and therefore useless.
e. With these references from the Psalms, Paul calls virtually every part of man’s body into guilt: throat, tongue, lips, mouth, feet, eyes are all shown to be filled with sin and rebellion against God.
i. Their feet are swift to shed blood: “For further details, read your daily papers!” (Newell) For example, the Los Angeles Times reported that in 1992 murders reached a record level of 800 in Los Angeles County.
f. There is no fear of God before their eyes: This summarizes the entire thought. Every sin and rebellion against God happens because we do not have a proper respect for Him. Wherever there is sin, there is no fear of God.
i. John Calvin on the fear of God: “In short, as it is a bridle to restrain our wickedness, so when it is wanting, we feel at liberty to indulge every kind of licentiousness.”

We are living in the last days described in II Tim. ch. 3:1-5
​
Ti 3:1  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 
2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 
2Ti 3:3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 
2Ti 3:4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 
2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 

Almost no churches will touch on this subject-because they are apostate, full of freemasons, and afraid of losing many of the people in their pews who practice idolatry, the Occult, and keep it under the rug. Some churches have gotten so bad, they have replaced the prayer meeting with "Christian tarot card readings", and yoga classes in their churches, along with other forms of idolatry and blasphemy right in God's face. These people are headed for hell, but for now they are enjoying their deceptions and dancing with the devil.

Specific false religions and cults will be added in their own area-separated with a graphic, for easy research and ability to find different topics. At the bottom there is a resource section-with some useful links on very good teachings on specific cults-that will help you learn the dangers of them, why they need to be avoided, and repented of if you've been involved in them, and renounce all activity with them. You may have to burn some books, get rid of some videos, objects and music if you find your being convicted by the Holy Spirit. I've gone through this, and know it will be warfare-but it's very important. I'd advise reading the book of Acts chapter 19, it will show you the evidence of how important it is to get rid anything in your life that is idolatrous, or of the Occult. By doing this, we're cleansing our temple, our body, and through repentance-coming clean with the Lord.

Many of the end time remnant Body of Christ have gone underground. I'm among them. I will continue to serve the Lord as I'm capable, with the ability given to me to do so. But, I've severed any connections with organized religion. 

The links provided will be from reliable sources, by reputable bible teachers and ministers, as I come across them. This will be for the purpose of providing like-minded believer's access to some reliable teachings on cults/false religions/and the Occult, to help them grow in their spirit, and be able to discern and guard themselves against the wiles of the devil in these last days.

May God surround His people with His angels, and guard their minds, bodies, and souls through their journey in this life- and until the coming of Jesus Christ.                                                         
Lorna Couillard

                            All False Religions-Cults-Worship of Graven Images-is Idolatry

​1Jn 5:19  And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 
1Jn 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. 
1Jn 5:21  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. 

When Christ went to the cross, died and rose again; His victory put away the old ordinances and laws of the Old Testament, and the practices the Jews observed. In the gospels Jesus brought with him a new form of worship, in spirit and truth. If you want to know them, read and study the Sermon on the Mount, and the deep truths of the parables. The things Jesus said on that mountain are what we as believer's are supposed to be cultivating in our lives, and practicing as we walk out our faith.

Down through the centuries pagan practices and rituals have been integrated in with the main holidays celebrated today-Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and other's such as St. Patrick's day. Some links will be provided below, that go into the history of these pagan roots, and why they are unbiblical, and dangerous to be involved in. When a person is involved in these practices they unknowingly open themselves up to spiritual bondage in many forms. When a new believer in Christ first hears this, their reactions can range from astonishment, anger, unbelief, to outright rebellion. It's to be expected. When I first began to read the truth of the demonic aspect of these holiday's, I didn't want to believe it, but the Holy Spirit continued to put the truth in front of me, and I came to the place that I knew I had to either choose to believe the word of God, or continue in rebellion. God pulled me through, and as time has gone on, the Lord has opened my eyes to how pagan they are, and why they should not be observed by a believer in Christ. The teachings here will hopefully open your eyes also. God loves us, and wants to bring us out of spiritual bondage.

Anger and resentment can result because of hard teachings on subjects like this, and bible teachings for women. My response to those who have this reaction is the same as Paul-who also dealt with people's hostilities, and misunderstandings:
Gal 4:16  Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

In the book of Galatians Paul told the people of his concerns for them, because many of them were going back to the pagan practices. He gives a stern rebuke to them.

                                                           Paul's Concern for the Galatians
Gal 4:8  Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 
Gal 4:9  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 
Gal 4:10  Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 
Gal 4:11  I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 

Some excerpts from commentaries to help bring clarity.

​You observe days and months and seasons and years:
The false teachers among the Galatians demanded the observance of days and months and seasons and years and other such legalistic matters acted as if this would lead them into a higher plane of spirituality. But all these weak and beggarly elements of legalism did was bring them into bondage.
i. Paul seems amazed that someone would turn from the liberty of Jesus to this kind of bondage. But legalism caters to and recognizes our flesh by putting the focus on what we achieve for God, not on what Jesus did for us. The liberty of Jesus gives us status as sons and a rich inheritance, but it won’t cater to our flesh.
ii. “Notice how such a verse is at a variance with any and every theory of a Christian sabbath, cutting at the root, as it does, of ALL obligatory observance of times as such.” (Alford)
iii. “When certain days are represented as holy in themselves, when one day is distinguished from another on religious grounds, when holy days are reckoned a part of divine worship, the days are improperly observed.” (Calvin) David Guzik comm.

Ye observe days. These are specifications of how they were "turning back" to the Jewish law. Compare Col_2:16. The days are the Jewish Sabbaths. The months are the new moons; the times are the Jewish festivals; the years are the Sabbatical years. In observing these there was legal bondage to an obsolete system. B.W. Johnson comm.

My prayer is that some who come here would receive the information with an open heart, and a desire to truly know God for who He is, not the imaginations of their own minds. God has revealed himself through His word, but it's up to us to search it out, and apply it to our lives. Christ came to deliver us, mind, body, and soul-let's praise Him for this unspeakable gift, and heed Paul's admonishment-stand fast in that freedom, and never go back to the chains of bondage.
​
                                                               Christ Has Set Us Free
Gal 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 

                                                                         Resource Teaching Links
Halloween─ should Christians celebrate Halloween? - Jim Staley - 
https://youtu.be/FNepPiAqN10
The Truth About Halloween - https://youtu.be/3wJp_n6y6tk

The Truth About Easter - https://youtu.be/pCE1dUoBNuo
​The Pagan Roots of Easter : https://www.thenightwatchman.org/watchman-blog/april-08th-2020

The Dark Origins of Santa and His Elves-  The pagan Origins of Santa Claus or Sinister Klaus and his evil demonic elves known as Krampus and other titles.
https://youtu.be/EWvOLTZoDXE
Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic-
https://youtu.be/HrKL7D7QZRA
More on Krampus at Christmas
brandnewtube.com/watch/christmas-is-satanic-look-into-krampus-amp-pagans-see-notes_xAxDwaioptFYQMZ.html

Christmas - What Your Pastor Doesn't Want You to Know - Part 1-  Is Christmas atheist rocket fuel? Review the pagan history of our December 25 Christmas traditions and their vast differences with the history of the birth of the true Messiah.
https://youtu.be/7zSPY-wu2pw
Christmas - What Your Pastor Doesn't Want You to Know - Part 2-
https://youtu.be/zwiCqokaq9k
Christmas - What Your Pastor Doesn't Want You to Know - Part 3-  https://youtu.be/cOIBRr9fsdM
Midnight Ride - True Origins of Christmas - The Spirits of the Earth
https://youtu.be/gFMjYBMDI-k

​ST. PATRICKS DAY
In researching this pagan holiday,  I've found it to be a twisted mixture of pagan influences of the Druids, witchcraft, Catholicism, and folklore-all of it demonic. Of course to entice the kids-the Leprechaun and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow story is added to the mix, making it a maze that's very difficult to sift through. However, when putting what the holiday represents today-which is parades, drinking, and debauchery- and study it with your bible in hand, you come away seeing it is a totally ungodly day, and no Christian should be involved in it.
St. Patrick's Day is Pagan-Today in Man Made Religion- 
In this video we discuss the man made pagan holiday of St. Patrick's day, is it acceptable to God.
https://youtu.be/Dz0RxrrCuaA
​Read the article here:
http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2014/03/st-patricks-daytruth-or-false-tradition.html
The History of Saint Patrick - a Short Story-A short history of St. Patrick-it reveals how man can twist and pervert information down through history, and make a pagan holiday out of pure fiction that they create themselves.
https://youtu.be/xOqWT2tk9Js​

​                                                             Reiki - Spiritual  Deception
What is Reiki-And Why Should You Not Be Involved In It.
Reiki is a healing therapy developed by Buddhist monks that is a hands on alternative method where the "healer" transfers universal power to the patient through their palms.

Reiki therapy is not Biblical.

Reiki claims to be a spiritual path leading to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attunement, harmony, good health and happiness. As a holistic therapy with Buddhist roots, it clearly has serious spiritual implications but does not and cannot supply answers for the basic spiritual sicknesses of mankind such as sin, guilt, fear and the need for forgiveness and salvation.

Only the Christian gospel provides a cure for such sickness. For Christians, only the power of God’s Holy Spirit can provide acceptable and effective healing. Jesus Christ healed when he walked the earth, and is the healer today. We need to be aware of counterfeits and not be involved in them, however harmless they may appear at first sight.

Most importantly we are told to not be involved with these practices:

Reiki is idolatry. What does scripture teach about idolatry? Go to Ex. ch. 20, and read the first of God's commandments.
​
Exo 20:1  And God spake all these words, saying, 
Exo 20:2  I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 
Exo 20:3  Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 
Exo 20:4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 
Exo 20:5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 
Exo 20:6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Practicing Reiki is calling on spirits, other than the God of heaven to heal-this is idolatry. All false religions, and cults create their own images, which they worship and extol as their gods. Reiki also does this. It is an abomination to God. Satan has the power to heal-but it doesn't last, and in the end it leads to the persons destruction-mind, body and soul.

The world is saturated with idol worship, including Satanism, with the statue of the Baphomet in public parks, and in front of public buildings in this country, and on many mainstream TV programs. That's why the world is headed for judgment, along with the shedding of untold numbers of innocent blood-that cries to God for justice, and it's coming.

Reiki is a tool of the Occult. It is a form of occult energy channeling - a subtle and powerful form of divination. Much the same as a diviners dowsing rod, a shamans power animal, a fortune-tellers psychically related intuitive knowledge and a witches curses, hexes and spells, Reiki utilizes unseen power that is real, and very powerful.  However, the power behind Reiki is not from the One true God and is deadly.

Lev 19:26  Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. 
Lev 19:31  Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. 

Deu 18:10  There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 
Deu 18:11  Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 
Deu 18:12  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 
Deu 18:13  Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 

There are passages in the Bible which make it clear that these things are an abomination to God. Some passages to study are:
​
“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?” (Isaiah 8:19)
Isa 19:3  And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards. 
Lev 20:5  Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. 
Lev 20:6  And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. 
1Ch 10:13  So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 
1Ch 10:14  And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. 

The Bible forbids divination because it involves lusting for secret knowledge that God has not chosen to reveal. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” 

Besides opening the door to demonic spirits, is that when one subjects himself/herself to a Reiki Master instead of Jesus Christ, the only Mediator between God and man, occult power comes and upon, in, and through the Reiki Master - and their undiscerning subject/clients. 

1Ti 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 

It is said people are not born with this healing gift of Reiki, but anybody can learn it. Reiki won’t harm you, it will heal you, it will lead you into spiritual paths, it will protect you and support you. It is said Reiki was used by Jesus and you will be doing good things and helping people. In order to know the truth you have to be willing to actually read what the bible says, and what it teaches; not what people are telling you it says. Jesus did not use Reiki to heal people. He was full of the Holy Spirit from birth (read the gospel of John)-and the power to heal came from the third person of the Trinity, not a channeled evil spirit. There is no reference to using Reiki anywhere in the Bible.

People who are practicing Reiki are generally deceived and unaware that they are calling upon spirits when sending Reiki or initiating others. Reikians invite spirits or demons by means of drawing the Japanese symbol of the specific demon and invite them by calling their name three times, thus sending Reiki energy to someone. Or by means of the same symbols, initiating someone spiritually into Reiki by ritually opening accesses for these spirits so the flow of the Reiki energy can come through.

Reikians are deceived by the manifestations and personal wellbeing in the short term, but they are not aware of the implications of sin and the wrath of God and demonic legal grounds, until their mental or physical health breaks down. (2 Cor 4:3-4)

Christians are involved in Reiki, thinking it is harmless, and another way to achieve the healing, and the good feelings they desire. Many Christians do not read their bibles, and do not exercise discernment in getting themselves involved in these dangerous practices. Reiki, which is another aspect of yoga, has become a cancer in the body of Christ, and I see greater dangers coming for those who do not study to know what scripture teaches us about these practices.
​
Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. (1 John 4:1 KJV)

Below are links to informative articles on Reiki, that have much more to add to what's in this blog. Just click the links below to go right to their page.

http://www.spiritual-research-network.com/dangers_of_reiki.html
http://www.the-saltoftheearth.com/danger-of-reiki
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/reiki.htm
https://truthinreality.com/2012/07/28/what-you-should-know-about-reiki/
http://bible-christian.org/reiki-ray-key/
http://aslansplace.com/language/en/reiki-and-biblical-discernment/

                                                                A Personal Testimony
After surgery in May of 2017 for uterine cancer, a series of chemotherapy treatments were set up for me in a local cancer center that I was to go to for the rest of the summer, through September. 

The first visit proved to be eye opening, and disturbing. What I thought was going to be a medical treatment dealing with cancer turned out to be much more. I was taken into a room where I was interrogated, and asked very personal questions by a woman who turned out to be a Reiki master, and another woman who sat and wrote all of my responses down. I soon realized I was being carefully scrutinized, my discernment was keen and correct. Not only was I going there for chemotherapy treatments, but these people were going to try to get me to submit to Reiki practices. I was being indoctrinated, but very underhandedly. They were not being totally honest about what they were really doing with their questioning; and my uneasiness got worse as time went on.

I told them I was a Christian, and a minister. This did not help me, it just brought further interrogations. However, I decided to do as the Lord tells us, "speak the truth in love", and let the chips fall where they may. My stand in faith proved to cause each visit to become more difficult. Whenever I shared my faith in Christ I saw marked opposition and manipulation to get me to stop. However, I sat there while getting treatments, and listened while several times other patients were "laid hands on", and Reiki practices and yoga were done on these people. I found this total hypocrisy, and wondered how the medical field had become so corrupted to allow this, and promote it. I increasingly saw the danger I was really in. However, I also felt the strong inner presence of the Lord as I sat there, and the peace only God can give in these situations. I silently asked for guidance, and what to speak. When I was asked if I wanted to participate in their practices-I refused. The expressions on their faces told me, I was now marked as uncooperative, and was avoided.

At the last treatment I went to, I was placed by the front desk where I could be observed and controlled. At the end of this session, I decided to not continue with this any longer, and canceled the last chemotherapy appointment.

What are my greatest concerns about this?
​
1. I wasn't told I'd have to be involved with a Reiki master when the appointments for  chemotherapy treatments were made for me. I wasn't given a choice of whether I wanted to talk to her or not, I was controlled and guided into it without pre-knowledge or consent.
2. The questions asked of me were very personal, which I didn't care; I answered them honestly. But, the questions had nothing to do with getting medical treatment for cancer, they were questions about my personal beliefs and practices in life; which had nothing to do with what I was supposed to be there for. I made it clear that I had no intention of allowing Reiki to be done on me.
3. When these people realized I was very serious about my faith in Christ, the atmosphere changed completely. I also saw evidence of a lot of gossip, which is to be expected in these places, but it shouldn't be there. It made me dread having to go any more, and the pain I was enduring from the treatments should have been enough to go through.

When I look back on it now, I believe God allowed me to go through this to open my eyes to the dangerous mixture the medical field and eastern religions such as Buddhism has become in this country. America was founded on a Biblical foundation, but has been hijacked by eastern religions. Now Christianity has been undermined, and those who stand for the Bible, and it's teachings are treated as if we have mental problems, and actively persecuted and shut down; unless we go along with it and condone what they are doing. In the local hospital in my area they are openly promoting Buddhism, and the chapel is mainly Buddhist. I've decided to never go to another hospital, if I can help it.

I've found there's a lot of big name bible teachers and preachers who are going right along with this new age form of mixing eastern religion with Christianity. They have become apostate, and full of mixture with the world. Many of the mega ministers are right in on this, but the masses are blind, brainwashed, and never read their Bibles. This country is so corrupt, and saturated with false religions now, that the real Christians who stand on the word of God are treated the same as the early believer's in Acts-and we will face the same persecutions they did. God grant us His strength and courage to endure to the end, and be found faithful.

                                                                    Test the Spirits
1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 
1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 
1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 
1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 
1Jn 4:5  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 
1Jn 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 

                                                                         Resources
Many excellent reputable teachings are here on many of the cults and false religions in the world today.  More will be added as time goes on. Also, if you go to the resource page of this site-you will find a great amount of information as you scroll down the page. Toward the bottom there's a full history of freemasonry (which is a cult).
 
Dr Walter martin Witchcraft and Satanism- https://youtu.be/369MHlMUzBs
Roman Catholicism: Virgin Mary, Penance - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/XeQcQ2ZIsI0
Catholicism #1 Justification by Faith, Purgatory - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtCatholicism 
Catholicism #2 Mary, Penance - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/0coYKeB0DDE
Cult of Liberalism - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/4HTYocC0mAs
WHO IS JESUS? ANSWER TO JEHOVAH WITNESSES- Walter Martin
https://youtu.be/cgS7xkHRkCs
The Mystery of Predestination - Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/uuUKE5resPs
Spirit of This Age - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/S_RFs10ZuVA
New Age Movement - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/KQse-4xTptg
Freemasonry - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/hl6BY2hVdds
Christian view of Scientology - Dr. Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/78j3I0xRdZQ
Jehovah Witnesses Error-  https://www.thenightwatchman.org/watchman-blog/jehovah-witnesses-error
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                                                 THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS
Dr. Walter Martin-Kingdom of the Cults Part 1/7- Introduction to the Cults
https://youtu.be/ODUfbqDuP84
Dr. Walter Martin- Kingdom of the Cults Part 2/7
https://youtu.be/W947rQUXlLc
Dr. Walter Martin - Kingdom of the Cults Part 3/7 - The Maze of Mormonism-
https://youtu.be/uOD99-tQy9c
Dr. Walter Martin - Kingdom of the Cults Part 4/7 - Spiritism - Edgar Cayce, Jeane Dixon, Astrology- https://youtu.be/Mb5MiV1RUVw
Dr. Walter Martin- Kingdom of the Cults Part 5/7 - Psychic Phenomenon
https://youtu.be/DvHsWfMSsz0
Dr. Walter Martin- Kingdom of the Cults Part 6/7 - Unitarianism, The Cult of Intellect
https://youtu.be/RVwGaXt4pOk
Dr. Walter Martin - Kingdom of the Cults Part 7/7 - Zen Buddhism, Meher Baba, and Hare Krishna- https://youtu.be/cc75kxmbEjI
Dr Walter martin Witchcraft and Satanism- https://youtu.be/369MHlMUzBs

Walter's Last Message - Walter Martin- https://youtu.be/3pIZ1Dtvmms

Note: Teachings on subjects such as Transhumanism will be added here, because they are appropriate for this page. These are the elites endeavor to change humanity into their own conceptions. They are using technology and science to remake humans into their own forms of life-corrupting humans from God's image. This is idolatry at it's worst-and an abomination to God.
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Chuck Missler -- Transhumanism- Chuck Missler spoke at Calvary South Denver in Littleton Colorado on July 24, 2013 on the subject of Transhumanism.  (It is recommended that you watch this video at full 720p resolution so that you can clearly see all of the powerpoint slides used in this presentation.)    https://youtu.be/xkJe9re-8AI

​***The Strategems of Satan-Important teaching-going into Satan's origin-his final destination, government corruption-and the whole armor of God to war against this in these last days.  https://youtu.be/CyckH0XbH38
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***Hidden Treasures in Genesis-Very interesting point in this teaching-Lamech, Noah's father meant Lament-despair-Noah means "rest"-or "reset". The NWO being put into place now-by Satan and his puppets uses the term "RESET"-Chuck Missler didn't know it, but again, he is used by God to give a huge clue as the the time period we are in now, the very end. 
https://youtu.be/3jl2sVxBl9I

Demonism - Chuck Missler-  https://youtu.be/lgbiVTXRGF4

                                                           The Battle Against Deception
Mt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

These are the days we are living in; and unfortunately, it will continue to get worse until Jesus returns. How can we as believer's stand in this evil day? How can we shield ourselves from the false religions, and the rampant deception within the church? The transforming power of the Word of God. Going to the scriptures concerning everything that is questionable; and allowing God to speak to us thru His Word. The bible has the answer to every question known to man. The problem is; many times people do not like the answers.

We are given a free will to either heed the bible, or choose to rebel against it, and do what we want. However, the consequences are clearly spelled out to us in the bible also. People perish, and are lead into the ditch of deception, because of lack of knowledge of what the bible says. God's guidelines are clear, and easy to understand; it is our flesh that says "I want what I want, when I want it."

But, if we are serious about wanting a close walk with the Lord, and want his presence in our lives; the scriptures will be like fresh bread to our souls. We will hunger for it, and learn to depend on it to bring light to our path in all area's of our lives.

2ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

When it comes to discerning deceiving spirits, false manifestations, demonic activity, false religions; the guidelines below will help the believer to sift thru the enormous amount of deception that is out there today. Prayer, study of the scriptures, and heeding what the bible says; will protect our spirits, and hedge us in with the Lord. I hope these guidelines will help all who study them.

                                                            SCRIPTURES TO REMEMBER
⦁ When people tell you that Jesus is actually showing up or they saw Jesus in a vision etc., remember this: 

Mat 24 v 23-27 ”23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (i.e., we will NOT see Jesus again in ANY form until his second coming)

⦁ When people tell you that God ‘told them so’ or ‘gave them the vision/prophecy’ hence you MUST believe it, but it does not tie up 100% with scripture, remember this: 

Jeremiah 14 v14 “Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.”

Ezekiel 13 v 2-9 ”2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! 3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 Your prophets, O Israel, are like jackals among ruins. 5 You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the LORD. 6 Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, “The LORD declares,” when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. 7 Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The LORD declares,” though I have not spoken? 8 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign LORD. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.”

1jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 
1jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 
1jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 
1jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 
1jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

⦁ If someone tells you that Satan can’t make visions or prophecies come true, remember this: 

Deuteronomy 13 v 1-5 ”4 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

⦁ When people tell you that they can see Angles, or have an Angel guiding them, or have Angels imparting wisdom or biblical revelation, remember this: 

John 14 v 26 Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

⦁ When people tell you that these ’strange’ manifestations are from God, remember this: 

2 Timothy 1 v 7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Thess 2 v 9-10 “Even him who is coming after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not a love of the truth that they might be saved.”

⦁ If people tell you that Satan can’t cast out or deliver people from demons, remember this: 

Matthew 12 v 27 Jesus said to the Pharisees: “And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.”

⦁ If people tell you that signs and wonders bring people to greater heights in their faith or lead people into a truly born again experience, remember this: 

John 12 v 37 ”But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him.”
John 4 v 48 ”Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

John 6 v 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”

Matt 24 v 24: “For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

⦁ If people tell you that you are not to judge God’s ‘anointed’, remember this: 

Deuteronomy 13 v 12-14 “13 If you hear it said about one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you to live in 13 that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods you have not known), 14 then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you, 15 you must certainly put to the sword all who live in that town.” (Sword = Word of God)

Proverbs 17 v 150 “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD”

Proverbs 18 v 15 “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge”

Titus 1 v 9 “Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

1 Timothy 1 v 3 “That you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine”

John 7 v 24 Jesus said: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (using the Word of God)

Rom 16 v 17 “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them”

1 Corinthians 5 v 9 v 13 “9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler–not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES

(‘Do not judge those who are within the Church?’ - This is an angry response by Paul to those who say ‘do not judge those within the church’, he is saying, WHAT? REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.)

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

⦁ If someone tells you that to speak up or warn a brother that they are in error or deception is wrong and we need to instead ’show love’ for ‘God is love’, remember this: 

When we show someone they are in error it’s out of deep concern and love, the same love and concern that Jesus has when his Children go astray.

Acts 20 v 25-31 ”25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears“

⦁ If someone tells you that a particular person is anointed (hence you HAVE to listen to them) but you yourself are a truly born again believer, remember this: 

1 Jonn 2 v 27 “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”

I John 2 v 20 v 21 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth”

⦁ If any Christian seeks or needs signs and wonders to show them who Jesus is, then something is very wrong with their spiritual lives, because the Holy Spirit brings ALL things to your remembrance for those who are truly born again, remember this: 

John 14 v 26 Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

When viewing God's way of judging these matters- remember this:
2 John 1 v 9 “Whosoever transgresses and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son”
2 Thes 2 v 11 “For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false in order that all may be judged who did not believe in the truth but took pleasure in wickedness”

May the Lord richly bless you
In His Service,   
Lorna Couillard
2009 Teaching for Teen Challenge

                                                                 Do Not Love the World
1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 
1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 
1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 

In the last teaching, we sought to learn who the Father thru the story of the prodigal son. Tonight, we are going to look at Jesus. By using the scriptures, we are going to see what they say about Him, what He says about himself, and what this means to us.

Note: There is no issue more important than where are we going to go when we die. This is what Jesus came for, and what he spent His time teaching while He was here.

Mark 8:36 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul."
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In the 3rd ch. of John 1-7, Nicodemus came to Jesus to ask the most important questions recorded in history, how to receive eternal life.

Nicodemus was a scholar of religion, spending most of his life in the ancient scrolls and parchments. He was highly intelligent, but realized there was something missing in his life. He knew Jesus had a closeness to God that he missed. He wanted that closeness, spiritual power, and he came seeking Jesus for the answers.

Signs of a receptive heart:

1. He wanted to learn, he was willing to listen to someone else, instead of stubbornly holding to his own dead ideas that he knew were faulty
2. He acknowledged his own emptiness
3. He humbled himself to go to the one who could answer him, because he could see the fruit of Jesus' life, that he has answers that Nicodemus was looking for "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him."

Jesus gave him an answer he didn't expect: Nicodemus was looking for a tangible answer something he could write down and put into a practice; a law or principal to follow. But Jesus told him he must EXPERIENCE GOD in a relationship, NOT FOLLOW A FORMULA.

Many people are like Nicodemus. They are seeking answers to questions about God rather than seeking God Himself. They think that if all of their questions can be answered to their satisfaction, and the pieces properly assembled in their minds, then they will have the correct concept intellectually, and understanding will be theirs.

TRUE SPIRITUAL LIFE IS SPIRITUAL
IT IS BEING ALIVE TO GOD
A MAN'S NATURAL SENSES ARE DEAD TO GOD

EXPLANATION: A corpse lies unaware of anything around it. It cannot feel, or see anything. God is all around us, but the natural man is unaware of God as a corpse is to the sun or rain.
In receiving Christ we know God, we are awakened, and with this awakening comes new life.

Acts 17:28 "In God we live, and move, and have our being."

SPIRITUAL LIFE COMES BY REALIZING WITH THE HEART WHO HE IS, AND KNOWING HIM IN THE LIGHT OF THIS REVELATION. AND IT CAN ONLY COME BY REVELATION.
 IT IS NOT A PRODUCT OF REASONING POWERS
 IT CANNOT HAPPEN THRU POSITIVE THINKING
 IT IS NOT THE FRUIT OF RELIGION

Text Matt. 16:13,14
Thru the ages men have had many speculations, and reasoned in themselves who Jesus is. Human intelligence and reasoning has come up with a number of conclusions. He was John the Baptist reincarnated or one of the prophets, or just another spiritual teacher.

In the text Jesus asked his disciples, "But whom do you say I am?"

Here we are given the greatest revelation from Peter of the truth of who Jesus is "And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." 

1. The greek word apokalupto, means revelation, or "take off the cover". Peter was given a revelation from God who Jesus really was.
2. This revelation was given by the Holy Spirit to Peter, it did not come from his own human reasoning.

Now, his own spirit was enlightened, and he knew, he saw and understood.
 a. 1John 5:1 says "Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God."

Acts 16:31 says "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved."

                                                                 What Was His Mission

Jesus only came into the world for one reason; to save sinners. There is no other reason why He came from heaven to this sin sick world, it was for you and I.

Luke 5:32 "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Luke 15:1,2 "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them."

1Tim. 1:15; Paul said "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

1John2:2 "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

1John 4:10 "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Many people believe in Jesus, but are not saved; the bible tells us the devils believe and tremble.

James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God; you believe well: the devils also believe, and tremble." 

Christianity is not being Baptist, Catholic, Methodist or any other religion. It is not cooking church suppers, doing rummage sales for the poor, it's not being a police man for God by enforcing His laws. If God took the cover off and let you see, as Peter did, you would see Christ, and Christ alone.

Not a philosophy, not a protestant or Catholic ethic, not a theological position, not even a way of life......but a Person. Not merely Jesus......but Jesus the Christ.

In Acts 2:36 when Peter was restored by Jesus after His resurrection; Peter preached a powerful message and proclaimed "God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.

4. It is very important to know that we can be faithful to the teachings of Jesus, be an excellent churchman, yet not be a Christian.

What does propitiation mean?

Propitiation: Is a Greek word "hilasterion", meaning " an atoning victim. The Old Testament atonement was made by a propitiation, a blood sacrifice. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the alter to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes and atonement for the soul." Lev. 17:11

This Old Testament declaration of atonement through the blood was a picture of things to come. It was the prophetic announcement of Christ.

In the New Testament we read, "We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." Rom. 5:11

Now, atonement means restoration to Divine favor.

When Jesus went to the cross, and died there, He made atonement for your sins, all of them, and restored you, even while you still lived in sin. On the Cross He cried; it is finished. The price for your sins and mine were paid.

Salvation comes when we receive the free gift of His salvation, and simply ask for His forgiveness and cleansing. Then open your heart, and ask Him to come in, and help you live for Him in this life. There are no works that we can do to earn our salvation. 

When we are born again, our desires will change little by little; we won't want to sin anymore, this is the evidence of God's spirit living within us.

A man escapes the wages of sin because the Heavenly Father values His Son's sacrifice more than anything else. 

The Father freely accepts those who come to Him through this sacrifice. No matter what they have done, they will be forgiven if they will ask in the name of the Son.

However, if someone scorns, or smugly tries to rest on their own merits, or own imaginations, they remain in darkness, and headed for an eternity without God, and eternal damnation. We choose our own ultimate destination; God does not send anyone to hell, they send themselves.

                                                              Is There Any Other Way 

Let's see what the scriptures say.

What Jesus said about Himself:

John 8:58 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." Here He identifies Himself as the eternal, ever existing God, who spoke the same truth to Moses when he called him to service, in Ex. 3:14.

John 10:7-10 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

1Tim. 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

According to these and many other scriptures; Christ is the only way provided to us for salvation. He was more than a man called Jesus from Nazareth, He was the Christ from heaven. I would suggest doing a cross reference study of these verses-it would take many hours, but be invaluable in opening your eyes and spirit to get insight into the Person and Work of Jesus Christ, and His deity. 

The disciples were persecuted fiercely, imprisoned, stoned, and killed not just because they talked about a good man, or even because they repeated his teachings. No one resented that, they were stoned, beaten, and killed because they preached Jesus was the Christ. 

There is no stigma or persecution attached to the person who sees Jesus as a teacher only. When men consider Jesus as a teacher, most can accept His sayings about love, and the golden rule.

It is not the Jesus the "teacher" or Jesus the "good man", that people reject. It is Jesus the Christ.

What causes persecution; The message of the cross, The blood shed for us, The resurrection, The second coming.

We will have to make up our minds also is Jesus is worth it to us; to go thru whatever we may have to; to stand firm for Him. The bible never offers us, or promises us an easy walk, but does set us on the path of heaven, and a "city, whose builder and maker is God."

Satan hates these truths to be proclaimed, because he knows everyone who receives Christ is one he has lost from his grips of sin.

But, the one who proclaims that Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of the Father, is mocked, persecuted to this day. However, Jesus speaks comfort to us;

Joh 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

What he was telling his disciples, and us is, because He has overcome the world, we can also, as we continue to walk in His steps, and trust Him daily. He commissions us to go in His name, and proclaim these great tidings of salvation, and has promised us His abiding presence, in every situation.
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Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 
Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

Luke 2:11 tells us- "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord."
Jesus.....not a teacher only, but a SAVIOR.
Lorna Couillard
2007 teaching for Teen Challenge

Food for the remnant Body of Christ-a timely and powerful message of discerning the days we live in, and encouragement to the persecuted-  ​The Beginning of Sorrows- https://youtu.be/Gt-6hqCDx_8

                                                                 The Fall of Jericho
Text Joshua chapter 6 (read verse 1-5, advise the men to read the rest during their own study)
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Jos 6:1  Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. 
Jos 6:2  And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. 
Jos 6:3  And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. 
Jos 6:4  And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. 
Jos 6:5  And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. 

                                                                         Teaching
As I read of the account of the fall of Jericho, I made several observations that we can apply to our "walls of opposition" today.

1. Their faith: No doubt they were mocked, laughed at and scorned by the people of Jericho during the six days they marched carrying the ark, blowing their shofars, in silence.  But, they did as Joshua commanded, they did not voice unbelief, even if they were thinking it. They marched on, and blew those shofars into the atmosphere, declaring to the demonic forces that they had to bow to God Almighty. They were in enemy territory, and every move and decision they made meant life or death, they meant business with God, and the enemy. Following God is not a social activity, or a business, it is our walk of faith, in this world and the next. Satan wants one thing, to totally destroy you, because he hates Jesus Christ, and his people.

A. The Word says: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." (psalm 24) and "Every Knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Php. 2:10) This is the foundation of our warfare in this life.

B. In Matt. 28:18, after his resurrection, Jesus said "All power has been given to me in heaven and in earth." In our times of battle and opposition we know that if he suffered in this life, we will too, but he also told us "be of good cheer, I've overcome the world". We are not promised a life of ease, but that He would be with us, and in us through each battle, till we make it home to be with him.

2. Obedience: The people in one accord did as Joshua commanded, regardless of their feelings. There will be times in our lives when God will clearly show us His will, and we are left to make up our minds whether we will do it or not. He will not force us to obey, and at times the thing we are asked to do makes no sense in the natural. In my own life, every time I've chosen to obey even when it seemed foolish to do so, God has proven himself true, and I've seen some amazing answers to prayer at these times. I've learned, and am still learning to put away my rationalization, and cling to the Word of God, and when He speaks to me to do something, just do it.

Going on further in this area, we may be asked to do something in a prophetic sense that seems crazy, and as some of the prophets in the old testament found, sometimes the fulfillment of what we are asked to do, and pray for, may take years to see come to pass. I've had situations like this in my life-and this is another level of obedience, that many get stuck on, and some lose the benefit of seeing miraculous answers to prayer, because they aren't willing to take the risks, and it's true, sometimes this level of obedience is taking a great risk-you have to be willing to look like a fool to the world. Prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel knew what that meant.

A: Heb. 11:6 says "without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to him must believe that he exists, and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." And, in John 15:5 and 7 Jesus says "I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in Him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you."
These people knew they had no power of their own to take the walls down. Their dependence was on God alone. 

B. A similar corresponding reference can be seen in the story in 2Chronicles when the Moabites and Ammonites came against Jehoshaphat. In his prayer he speaks of their helplessness in the situation:
2Ch 20:11  Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 
2Ch 20:12  O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 

I strongly advise you to spend time on this entire chapter of 2 Chronicles chapter 20 and Jehoshaphat's prayer. I know if you do, you will come away being shown by God some very important points on effective warfare prayer, and prayer of intercession, and how to approach God in prayer, with reverence, and honesty-which are vital. If there is any dishonesty, or pretense in us, we will find this a great hindrance to receiving any answers to prayer.
​Pro 15:29  The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 
Psa 66:18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 
1Pe 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 

3. Worship from the heart. You may ask, where was the worship? There was no music, dancing, or singing...it was every step they took in obedience: this was worship, that got God's attention, and brought results.

We face the same dilemma's today in our situations.  In Ephesians we are told of Christ being seated now far above all principalities and powers, and dominions.

Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 
Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 
Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 
Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 

It's there where He is seated that we must focus our minds and hearts, and worship Him for who He is, not a god we may create in our own thinking.

The word of God tells us when we become born again, and are redeemed, we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies, this is a mindboggling truth-but one that will raise your faith when the Holy Spirit in you opens your eyes to this revelation:

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

If we truly desire to know Him, and seek him with our whole hearts, we will find Him. And when we truly connect with him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we will be as Isaiah when he saw Him on His throne, and he said "Woe is me, for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

When we open our hearts to Jesus for salvation, the Holy Spirit comes in, and the more we study His word, the more our eyes are opened to the truth of who Jesus is, who we are now as saved people of God, and what our privileges, authority, and responsibilities are in the kingdom of God. When these truths take root in our lives, and we walk them out day by day, we begin to see victories in our battles of life, and answers to prayer. As our faith increases, God will open the doors for greater service in His kingdom-which has no end.
Lorna Couillard
2008 Teaching for Teen Challenge

                                                          Decisions That Define Us
As we begin this journey as a believer in Christ, there are evaluations and decisions we will have to look squarely at, and make up our minds about as the Word of God illuminates places in our lives that need correction, where we need to repent, change our minds about, and change our pattern of living.

Over the years these decisions have been put before me in my mind, and I've had to wrestle with them in my soul, and ask the Lord to help me to put into practice, in order to align myself with His will, and come into a meaningful relationship with Him.

Tonight I will share them, and hopefully God will be able to use it in your lives, and the Holy Spirit will be able to show you area's in your life that need adjustments.

To make up my mind to take control of my own body, and take authority over it. (Advise them to study Proverbs).
Pr 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Pr 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
⦁ My mind-what I chose to think about, and allow to come into my mind.
⦁ My body-what I allow myself to eat, my actions, my responses, my appetites
⦁ My spirit-what I chose to believe, what I allow to affect my spirit (video games, violent movies, pornography, drugs, alcohol, etc.)
⦁ My emotions-Realize I DO have control over them, and can subdue them if I really want to.

To honor the past - we don't live in it.

Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Php 3:13 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing [I do], forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Lu 9:62 But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

⦁ We can do nothing to change it. When we are born again, and surrender our lives to Jesus, we begin to see by studying the word of God, who we are in Christ. That our sins are washed away, we have been cleansed by His blood, and stand now in His righteousness. That is what Christ came for, and what His will is for every person-but it is by our free choice. He waits patiently for even the most wretched sinner, to turn and come to Him for redemption. For those of us who have-we are now new creatures, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. We are His sons and daughters, purchased by His blood, and covered in a robe of righteousness. When people or the devil speaks in your ears bringing up your past sins to condemn you, you can simply point to Jesus, and say "Yes, I have sinned, but my sin debt is paid in full, by Jesus Christ". It shuts the mouths of your enemies, the devil, and sets your spirit free.
⦁ The solution is to open our hearts and receive God's forgiveness. Forgive ourselves, and other's who may have hurt or abused us in the past.

To live in the present with our eyes on the future.

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. Php 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
1ti 6:8 but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

⦁ As Paul came to the place of being content in all things, this is our goal
⦁ However, remain in faith to the possibilities of change

Realize God will even use the bad experiences in our lives to work for our good, if we will let Him.

To see past events - successes and failures - as stepping-stones not stop signs.

Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Ro 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

⦁ Each experience good and bad of our lives can be used for our advantage. 
Every successful person has had their share of failures, and setbacks, do not allow yourself to think your the only one, or that failure is impossible to overcome. (Ex. Abraham Lincoln failed over 30 times in the Senate before finally becoming President. Edison failed year after year for many years before finally creating a light bulb that actually worked)
There are plenty of people in this world who will try to rail on you with their criticism, many of them won't attempt anything themselves, and want to see you fail also. Rise above the critics, and dare to do what God may put on your heart, let Him guide your footsteps, and see where it leads. Set yourself free from people's condemnations, and explore the possibilities of what you can do, with God's help.

To not allow people to define who I am, but only the Lord himself, and His Word.

This is important, set boundaries in your life, and be aware of those who wish to set themselves up as your guide, and mentor-what are they teaching/preaching?...the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or their own doctrines, opinions, and attempting to categorize you, because they feel they have reached some level of authority over you. If you are born again, you are under the authority, and the precious blood of Christ. He will teach you and guide you into all truth, through His word. God may use somebody to reveal something to you, and teach you a truth-but if they do, it will be evident by the fact that the Holy Spirit has confirmed what was said through them by scripture, and not just ones taken out of context. It will be truth revealed by at least two or three verses, and the Lord will give solid conviction that this is from Him.
There are many mega churches and teachers who know how to twist the word of God today, and make it say just about anything they want-but if you really search for truth, pray and ask God for discernment, you will see through the layers of deception as you listen to them, and you'll know if they are truly serving the Lord, or promoting themselves.

⦁ Evaluate yourself by what the bible says about you and your life, not by people's personal opinion of  you.
⦁ Let the Holy Spirit be the one to show you where you may need to make changes in your life, or any sin you may need to repent of. He will lead you, and bring light to your spirit by the scriptures to show you any area that He may be dealing with you about.
Read a portion of "Who Am I"

To pursue learning in order to be transformed, not learning in order to know.

Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Ac 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Ac 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Ac 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Ac 4:11 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

⦁ Our motives for learning should be to know for the sake of illumination of our minds and spirits to come into line with the will of God.
There is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in a field of employment, or education. However, knowledge can become another idol, and people can become arrogant, and puffed up in pride and superiority. It is a good idea to check our hearts as we are learning and gaining knowledge, and humble ourselves if we allow this in our lives; before the Lord humbles us.

To be  a person of engagement not observation.

⦁ Joy and fulfillment will come as we actively engage in the good wholesome activities and employments God has blessed us with, and using our talents as the Lord opens the doors for us to do so.
As we walk with the Lord and pray for opportunities; we will become aware when the doors do open, and as we line ourselves with His will, we will begin to see His favor in our lives. Even when obstacles come, or trials, we will still know the abiding presence of the Lord, His peace, and see His hand of protection on us. When we become aware of His guidance and direction in our lives; it becomes fuel to our spirits to keep seeking Him, and His will for our lives. Becoming aware of His active presence in our lives also builds our faith, and encourages us along the way.

To focus on what could be, not on what is or has been.

2co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

⦁ Looking back too much to our failures, and mistakes can cause us to despair, to lose faith
We can become hopeless, and eventually totally paralyzed to the point that we will refuse to try anymore. This is the work of the devil. His whole mission is to "kill, steal, and destroy". We must believe Jesus words to us "I have come that they may have life, and life more abundantly".

To not be limited to the four walls of a building or organization.

Our influence is not restricted by location, or structured by a denomination - not even the nations are out of bounds. The commission given to us in Matt. ch. 18 by the Lord was to go "to all the world and preach the gospel."

Mt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Lu 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. Lu 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: Lu 18:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. Lu 18:37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. Lu 18:38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. Lu 18:39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. Lu 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Lu 18:41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. Lu 18:42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Lu 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

⦁ When Jesus was here, he walked the highways, and byways, and ministered to the people wherever He went with his disciples. He showed us by example how to live out our Christian walk, among the people, wherever we find ourselves at the moment.
⦁ As soon as Jesus spoke in Matt. 20:28, in Luke 18:35-43 the story continues, and he heals the blind man to make the point that "He came to minister, not to be ministered to."

This He did to also emphasize that this is to be our example.

To raise up world changers - not tour guides. To train disciples and servants, not committees.

As you study the book of Acts, you see the disciples preaching and ministering everywhere they went. They were not concerned with buildings or creating new rules and laws to try to keep. Their entire focus was on the great news that Jesus died for their sins, and rose again to life; to give them that same life. They could not keep silent, their joy was too great.

To be a people of destiny, not of our history.

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Ps 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Ps 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Pr 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Job 5:17-26 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:  For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

⦁ No matter what we have done, or how old we may be; it is never to late to decide to change.

⦁ Our true destiny begins to be lived out the day of our salvation, and our obedience to the Lord from that point on. As pilgrims and strangers here, we are looking for an "eternal city, whose builder and maker is God". Our destiny is heaven, and our eternal home.

To decide that it is better to fail while reaching for the impossible that God has planned for me than succeed settling for less.

1co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

⦁ Advise: take time to seek God for His direction for your life.
⦁ Ask Him to reveal  His goals to you.

Ask the Lord to open doors of opportunity for you, and watch things begin to happen.

To have decided that nothing short of His Kingdom come, His will be done in my world as it is in Heaven will satisfy.

Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Mt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Php. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We can allow God to rule in OUR LIVES AND HEARTS, AND ALLOW HIS KINGDOM TO REIGN IN US, RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW, REGARDLESS OF WHAT ANYONE ELSE DOES. When we do, we will experience a level of peace, self control, and steadfastness of faith that we never thought possible before. His abiding presence in our lives will become stronger and stronger as we yield ourselves to Him and His Word. This is what is called "being transformed by the renewing of our minds." If we have any questions about any situation, as to whether it is the right thing to do or not, simply ask yourself "what does Jesus say about this," and obey.

To have decided that I will not be satisfied until our world cries out "Those who have turned the world upside down have come here too." In the book of Acts the disciples were threatened, imprisoned, stoned, chased out of cities, mocked, and rejected-they just kept preaching, and testifying of Jesus. Their message was boldly, and simply proclaimed:

Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ac 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Mr 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

⦁ It takes time to even begin to think about this decision-we begin to think on these terms and make these kinds of decisions after we've reached a level of maturity. Some believer's who are called out for ministry begin to make these decisions early, other's takes time. A desire begins to develop in us to see other's saved, to come to know Christ. We are no longer content to just be assured of our own salvation; we look around us and see a world in darkness, and realize without Christ these poor souls are headed for hell, as we were before we were redeemed. We aren't content to just live for our own pleasure; this is the work of the Holy Spirit in us, growing us up in God. We begin to see that our labor in this life can't be just for this life alone, and for our own selfishness. A desire to bear "eternal fruit", begins to develop in us, to see other's come to Christ and receive His free gift of salvation. Many Christians struggle with this desire a long time, and some bury it because it causes them discomfort, and they  allow this desire to die, because of laziness, not wanting to pay the prices, and fear. The decisions to obey the prompting of the Lord in service begin to create multiple struggles in our spirit, it always boils down to just one thing really, "do I really love the Lord, and will I chose to obey, or not."

⦁ The decisions to "make a difference" for Christ in our lives continues to grow and develop more as we continue to walk with Jesus and truly come to know Him. The love and forgiveness He has poured out on us becomes to heavy to keep to ourselves, and we must share it with other's. 
When we come to this place of decision we also begin to realize that we are "called and chosen", just as the first disciples were. We become aware of the great privileges God has given us, to work alongside with Him in the harvest fields. To have our eyes opened to this degree is an honor, a privilege, and greatly humbling. I pray that each of you will come to this place  in your walk with Christ.

These are some of the decisions that should define who we are as believer's in Christ.

These decisions are not destinations - but rather journeys - journeys along an ancient path - we have not found some new way - but rather rediscovered the path as old as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The same path followed by Moses, Joshua and Caleb - Paul, John, Peter. The path followed by the first century church - a church that revolutionized the culture of the first century and beyond.

It is a path that will impact the world we live in today. It is a path of Bold Faith - believing that what God says is really true and acting on it; Outrageous Generosity - giving our life away in order to demonstrate His Kingdom; Radical Love - loving God with everything in us and our neighbor as ourselves.

It is a path of liberty, freedom, and healing. On this path you find significance, purpose, and destiny.

This is a path less traveled – however - it is not a path only available to a select few - but to whosoever will - may come. It is for people of every nation, tribe and tongue - for those in any occupation or vocation.

No matter where you are in your life journey - there is room on this path for you.
Lorna Couillard
2008 Teaching for Teen Challenge

​Text: Luke 15:11-32
There have been many teachings on this familiar story. Most of them centered on the two son's. The foolishness of the younger, and the sullen angry older son. However, I've observed several things about the Father in this story that I believe are quite interesting, and we can glean much wisdom from him.

⦁ 1. The Father did not  dispute with the son when he demanded his share of the inheritance. There is no mention of him trying to talk the son out of what he wanted. It merely says "and he divided unto them his living."

⦁ 2. He did not follow the son; he freely let him go. Sometimes we have to let go of people. If they are bent on going down the wrong road, we cannot force them to change. Sometimes they have to learn the hard way. God will not conform to us in our sin-we must conform to Him through repentance and a contrite heart in order to have a deep relationship with Him; and restoration of our souls.

⦁ 3. When the son came to his senses and decided to go back home-even when he was still a "great way off" his father saw him and had compassion, running to meet him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. His father never gave up on hoping his son would come home. Though he did not follow him-he did keep watch from his own boundary, looking to see if he would come back.

We should never give up on those who are astray. Prayer can change things, and circumstances. Corrie Ten Boom has said "No matter how deep we go in sin-God's love goes deeper still."

Interjection: For some of us who have totally ruined our lives; either by drugs, alcohol, sexual abuse, or all of the above; I believe have had the experience of knowing the flow of forgiveness and love of God and it is at times overwhelming, and words are unable to express the power of it. In my own life-during the first months after my salvation there were many moments alone when the presence and love of God was so real and powerful, that all I could do was weep, and allow Him to hold me. Words could not come while my soul was being held by Him-I believe this son experienced this also as he wept in his father's arms, held firmly in his warm embrace. Here we can see love "spirit to spirit."

As we continue to walk out this life with it's sorrows and hardships, even after we have known the Lord for many years; I've found there are times when all I can do is let Him hold me, words won't come, He understands-and doesn't expect me to say anything. The work He is doing in my soul and spirit need no words. This is what He desires to do for all of us, He can and will carry us thru if we will let Him.

⦁ 4. The son is so convicted of his behavior and conduct he is willing to become one of his father's hired servants-he doesn't consider himself worthy of being his son. But the father would not consider this-he is his son forever-and now is restored.

⦁ 5. The father never brings up to the son all that was squandered by him. Everything the son misused and threw away was restored. The father showed no anger, resentment, or unforgiveness. His response was a celebration. This is the same response we see in the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd comes home rejoicing; for he had found his sheep-which had been lost

⦁ 6. The father did not go to the older son to ask for his approval, or opinion on the issue. Many times when a wayward soul comes back to God; the "pious, righteous" ones seem to think they should be consulted on how to "restore the wayward back into the flock". Any person turning back to the Lord needs no-one's approval or consultation. The whole issue is between he and God alone. Ps. 51:4

⦁ 7. The father did take time and had compassion on the older son-he went out to him and tried to reason with him, to try to restore the family relationship. There are similarities to this story and the story of Jonah. The heavenly Father takes special time to go out to the sullen prophet-and reminds him of the importance of forgiveness and mercy to the repentant people of Nineveh.

⦁ In the story of Jonah, the Lord intreats the prophet as he sat under the hot sun, angry because God spared the people. Here also we see the example of the "pious righteous" spirit of one who feels the wicked people of the city should pay for their sins. Restoration and forgiveness was not on Jonah's mind-but vengeance and judgment.

As we see the conduct of the father in the story of the prodigal son, we get a clear picture what our attitude should be. We see in the actions of the Father, all the attributes and fruit of the Spirit exhibited; (Gal. 5:22,23) which are: love, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, joy. Here we are shown by example how the fruits of the Spirit are played out in a very difficult family relationship problem. Jesus is giving a wide scope of problem solving solutions in this story; as well as giving a teaching that could go down many roads. But, the main point I want to bring out tonight is The Father's exemplifying the fruits of the Spirit here, gives us a glimpse of what Paul is speaking about in Galatians ch. 5:22,23. If we cultivate and develop these attributes in our lives; as Paul says "against such there is no law."

A review of the important lessons here are:

Some people are bent on sin-and we must let them go if they won't listen. But, we can continue to pray, and watch for them; hoping they will return. When we see true repentance-be quick to forgive and don't harbor resentment. Mercy is God's way.

As for the righteous pious ones-remind them gently of God's mercy and grace on THEIR lives, that their sins and faults lay bare before God also; who freely forgave THEM. 

We need to remind ourselves regularly that our souls only have redemption and the promise of one of those mansions Jesus talks about in heaven because of the great sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross for us "when we were yet sinners". And, the Father's great love for us-his patience in waiting for us to come home from the pig sty we've been in. When we returned, didn't we find His love and forgiveness almost unbelievable? His presence and peace more than we ever deserved?

Indeed, any lost wretched soul who comes to Him is cradled in His arms, the tears, the heartache, sorrow, regrets, are healed as He continues to hold us and restore us. He not only restores, he plants us in His fields, so we can have the honor of working with Him, rescuing other's who were like us. He trusts us to work along side Him in His kingdom to bring in a harvest of souls with the same broken lives and hearts that we had before we knew Him. He grants us honors and privilege's-as though we had never sinned. Only God can do this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Lorna Couillard
2007 teaching for Teen Challenge

Perhaps you came by chance to this site, and read this. I hope you come away seeing, Jesus loves you, and will forgive you, no matter what you may have done. He came to save, and forgive sinners-that's all of us. I pray you will take Him at His word-and let Him in your heart, and life, today.

                                                                  The Lord's Prayer
Text Matt. 6:5-13

In this teaching tonight we are going to open the front door of faith and begin with the Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's prayer is recited by people many times in a monotone, ritualistic, and just empty word's. When I first was saved I studied Jesus' teachings on prayer because I was hungry for the truth, and wanted to know Him, not mans opinion or formula. I came away changed forever, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see the power and effectiveness of the prayer, when it is spoken literally, and in faith. I was also shown thru study, the depth of the scriptures relating to each request made by the Lord, and how to appropriate scriptures to these verses. When Jesus was walking here on earth, every word He spoke was significant, with great purpose. He never wasted his words. His words are living, and full of power. That is why this prayer is so important. As we study it tonight I hope the Holy Spirit helps you grasp the importance of every word Jesus spoke in this prayer, and that He meant every word He spoke. In the Lords prayer, Jesus encompasses all the attributes of it which are: praise, reverence, petition, and gratitude. We will also see that this prayer is simple, to the point, not repetitious, it is the perfect model prayer.

Read Matt. 6:5-8,  In these verses the Lord clearly lets us know what He thinks of meaningless, insincere prayers. The power of our prayers doesn't come from the abundance of our words, but the honesty of our hearts.

"Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name." (ask the men if they know of a place in the bible where the Father is described)

 In The very first sentence, Jesus establishes our relationship to God: He is our Father, and He desires our love and devotion, to come to him with open arms and without fear. Jesus' teaching  in Luke ch. 15 on the prodigal son reveals to us more deeply what this means, and the depth of the love of God for every one of us. When the son came to himself, and started back home, even when he was still a long way off, the father saw him, and ran to him, embraced him, totally restored that son. This is our heavenly Father. In John 14:9 Jesus said to Philip "he that has seen me has seen the Father: Jesus is our greatest example of the Father and His great love. In the old testament, the book of Hosea gives us understanding of God's longsuffering and mercy. As our Father, in prayer we should consider these things;

⦁ The Father already knows our needs, but he invites us to come to Him and make our requests known, because He loves us. Matt. 6:32, Ps. 139:2, Heb. 4:14-16

⦁ We are to pray to the Father because He alone is all powerful, all loving, all wise. We are to pray in the name of Jesus because all power and authority has been given to Him because of His victory over the devil on the cross, when He rose again from the dead. Eph. 1:20-22, Col. 1:12-17, John 16:23,24.

⦁ We are to give reverence to the Father and the Son, and acknowledge His holiness. Ps. 89:7

⦁ Over the years the Lord has proven to me the importance of honoring Him, treated Him with respect. I've also come to know the truth that He honor's those who honor Him.

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
⦁ Paul gives us a clear image of the kingdom of God in Romans ch. 14:17 which says "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

⦁ When we go to the gospels, Jesus describes what the kingdom is supposed to be like here on earth in even more detail in Matt. 25:31-46. This could be an entire study in itself, but there isn't enough time tonight. I encourage you to do this on your own.
​
Note: At the end of this teaching, there are more verses and commentary added, on "thy kingdom come"-for emphasis.

⦁ It is no coincidence that the very last thing spoken in the bible in Rev. 22:20 by Jesus himself is "Surely I come quickly", and John responds immediately with the following words "even so, come, Lord Jesus." When Christ returns, this sin sick world will be restored to the beauty and glory that it was before Adam and Eve fell....and God's kingdom will be here for eternity. 

⦁ Is. 64:4, and1Cor 2:9 tells us  "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

⦁ Paul goes on to say further in 1Cor 2:10-12 "But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but by the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." As we walk out our pilgrimage down here, and grow and mature, the Holy Spirit reveals the riches in glory in Christ Jesus, as we seek to know them. But, we will only know in part, and see in part until Christ comes and we reign with him in His kingdom.....I am waiting anxiously for that day.

⦁ Acts 14:22 tells us "that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." When we walk with God on this earth we are going to come up against opposition, and persecution whether we like it or not, if Jesus suffered, we will suffer. We have to settle this in our hearts, and make up our minds whether we will walk this out for Him or not.

Give us this day our daily bread.
Throughout the bible we are given many promises of God's desire to meet our needs, and bless us abundantly, but there are conditions. Our obedience, and the condition of our heart opens the door to His blessings. We only have time for a few tonight.

⦁ The psalms and proverbs have many promises we can stand on. Ps. 34:9,10 says "O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." The word fear here also means reverence, and respect. Ps. 37:25 David says toward the end of his life "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." The new testament has many promises as well, "Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made unto God." But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus", But we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like 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." Cast all your care on the Lord, for he cares for you."

Note: We as Christians complain far too much, especially in this country. We should study what the persecuted Christians have to endure in other countries."

⦁ Prov. 30:8,9  sums up what should be in our hearts concerning our life here "remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." These verses are in line with Jesus speaking in Matt. 6:33, 34 "But, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof."

⦁ God has created us speaking spirits, and given us the privilege of prayer to make our requests known, and has given us the choice to speak in faith or unbelief. The story of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt shows the results of murmuring, complaining, disobedience, and unbelief. For 40 years God was longsuffering, but in the end they all died in the wilderness, except Joshua and Caleb, they had a spirit of faith. We need to learn from them. What is in our hearts, and what we speak out of our mouths determines our destiny.

And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
The most difficult thing a Christian is taught to do by Jesus, is to love those who do not love us. His life exemplified that. Matt. 5:48 tells us "Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." We cannot do this without the help of the Holy Spirit, I rely on and ask for His help in this area all the time. But while we are down here on this earth the Lord's work in us is to transform us into the image of His Son......and until we meet him face to face, it is a continual work. There is no such thing as easy Christianity.

⦁ Jesus' words in Luke 6:35-38 teaches us "But love your enemies, do good, and lend hoping for nothing again; and your reward will be great, and you shall be the children of the highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. Be therefore merciful, as your father is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged, condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:"

⦁ The most profound verses on this subject are Matt 6:14,15 "For is you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But, if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This is as clear as can be, and the choice is ours. I want to be forgiven, and be in right relationship with the Lord. Reading this helps me keep a respect, and reverence for God, and His holiness.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
Again, God created man a speaking spirit. We are living spirits, that live in a body, and when this body lives out it's span of time, which God has allotted us-it returns to the dust it came from. But, our spirits goes either to heaven, or hell. It's final destination depends on what we've done in our bodies, while here on earth. This world is the land of "in-between"- where decisions and deeds are done, that will determine where we will spend our eternity.
 
As speaking spirits, the Lord has given us authority, and power in prayer for protection from the enemy and to be able to change the circumstances of our lives. In the next several teachings I will go further into this realm, but tonight we can only touch on it.

⦁ In Mark 11:22-26 Jesus teaches us the power of our faith and our words, "Have faith in God. For verily I say to you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things  which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatsoever things you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have aught against any: that your Father which is heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

​Here we see the necessity of our forgiveness again in order to receive answers to our prayers. When we harbor unforgiveness, the door of heaven is closed until we do. Over the years the Lord has proven His Word and His promises to be truth, but they must be appropriated correctly, and we have to line our lives up with his instruction, in order to see the results we desire in prayer. Forgiving those who have done evil to us, and hurt us doesn't mean we condone what they did-it means let it go, give the offense to God in prayer, and ask for our hearts to be healed. Harbor no resentment or bitterness-don't allow the devil any place in our hearts, that will hinder our prayers. Also, it doesn't mean we must associate with, or allow an abuser in our lives, let them alone, but we must not harbor unforgiveness.

⦁ In James 4:7 It tells us what we must do to stand in a place of authority against temptation and evil, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Our greatest weapon against the devil is our obedience to the Word of God. But, when it becomes necessary to speak to him as Jesus did in the wilderness, it is the word of God that we use to destroy the works of the devil. When tempted by Satan Jesus reply was "It is written", we need to study to show ourselves approved unto God, to be able to rightly divide the Word of truth, and use it against the devil to cast him down. It is only by study and digesting the word that we learn over time to use the scriptures' appropriately, rightly dividing the word of truth and walking it out in faith.

Note: we would find we'd have much less turmoil, and much more peace and fulfillment in our lives if we would pray more often in this area. The Lord wants to guide us and give direction, but we must seek Him for it. He won't force His will on us. Many heartaches come from decisions made in the flesh, from our own selfishness, and from our own wisdom.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the glory forever. Amen.
In eternity, we will look back and see the great privilege we have been given to be born in this generation. It is the most dangerous, but the most glorious at the same time. Because this is the generation that God is going to take back from Satan the rulership of this world, when Christ returns. We as believer's have been given the power and authority to work with Him to accomplish this. He has equipped us with all power over the enemy to rescue the last harvest of souls from darkness, to bring them to salvation under the blood of Christ, and to hold back the devils attacks while the Holy Spirit and God's angels assist us in this last great harvest. We need to digest the scriptures that tell who we are in Christ, what authority we have, and use it, as the disciples did in the book of Acts. God means business in these last days, and we must also.

⦁ I encourage you to read the following scriptures and study them on your own, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and reveal to you your place with him. I encourage you to study the book of Ephesians, it teaches us of Christs' victory, and authority, and how we need to walk as his people. Paul's prayer in Eph. 1:17-23. In this prayer we are told of Christ's supremacy over every principality and power, and every name that is named, and that He has put ALL things under His feet. When this sinks down into us, then faith rises in our spirits to understand the scriptures' in the gospels when Jesus speaks of our authority over demons and all the attacks of the enemy.

⦁ In 1Peter ch. 2:4-9, we are described as living stones, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. James 2: 5, tells us "God has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him." This flies in the face of the ones preaching prosperity, praying for 3-4 cars, and million dollar houses. Heb. 11:10-16 clearly explains we are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God, and Jesus tells us to lay up our treasures there. We are strangers and pilgrims here in this life.

⦁ 2Peter 1:11 says the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ is an everlasting kingdom. As we digest this we need to say with Paul in Col. 3:1-4 "If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory."

⦁ In ages to come, we will be ruling and reigning with him in the millennial kingdom described in Rev. ch. 20, and then on into eternity. As we serve him, we will continue to grow in grace, knowledge and wisdom, our development and growth will not end when we get to heaven, or when we reign with Christ here. I pray that God will cause you to seek a glimpse of what eternity will really be like. There are times as I ponder on these things, that I am left in total awe of God. (This may be the place to end.)

Points to Review: Prayer Is;

Asking and Receiving: In the known will of God. We know that prayer for healing, reconciliation, our daily needs, etc. are examples of praying in the known will of God. 1John 5:14,15
Seeking and Finding: When we don't know God's will, seek Him until we find it. This is prayer for knowledge of the unrevealed will of God. Daniel is an example of this kind of seeking. God honors our seeking hearts. Col. 3:1, Jer. 29:12,13
Prayer is knocking and Opening: When we know the will of God, but find a closed door, hindrance, or attack of the devil, we keep knocking until God opens the door. If we are shown we need to make a change in our behavior, repent of a sin, or seek Him for strength to endure a hardship-we know we can come to Him, and we will get the help we need, so our prayers are effective. This is tenacious, miracle working prayer. Knocking prayer perseveres until the impossible becomes possible. Matt. 17:14-21
Lorna Couillard
(2007 teaching for Teen Challenge)

The Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer
​https://youtu.be/MDCbJ4vnMNg

Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

In the King James version of this verse, as "it is" is emphasized in italics-why? Because the will of God in heaven in unobstructed, uninhibited, and there is no opposition to His will-in heaven. God's will reigns supreme, and his angels and the saints that are there now, do His service and His will perfectly, and with joy. There is no evil there, no rebellion, no deceit, there is no one there that practices a lie. In order to get a deeper picture of the perfect will of God, you will have to take the time to study who God is, how he guides us in His word,  and what His guidance and direction to us is. The only way you can do this, is by picking up the bible, and begin to read it, and study it. Below are some commentaries from other's and their thoughts on what can be gleaned by this verse-may it deepen your understanding of what God's Kingdom is- and what it looks like.

If you do, you would get an idea why so many saints down through the ages have prayed for it, and waited earnestly and expectantly for it to come in it's fulness-including myself. 

Those who have had their eyes opened, and their hearts pierced with a clear picture of what God intended in the beginning for his people when he first created man; then what Satan did to this world and Adam and Eve when they sinned in the garden, and then look at the world we live in today-it will break your heart, and you will never feel like you belong here anymore. I do not belong here, not in this world. My eyes are fixed on heaven, where my future with Him, is ever before me.

                                                                    Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come. The Messiah's kingdom had not yet come, but was proclaimed by the Lord as at hand. It did speedily come, but in its fulness, and in its final triumph over evil, it has not yet come. For this coming we may now pray, and the prayer is answered in part by each success of the gospel.
Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. None can pray thus who have not merged their own wills into the divine will. He, in effect, prays the prayer of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but thine, be done." It is mockery for disobedient lips to utter such a prayer. B.W. Johnson comm

(excerpt) "In this petition the disciples were taught to pray for the success of the Gospel, both among Jews and Gentiles; for the conversion of God's elect, in which the kingdom of God would greatly appear, to the destruction of the kingdom of Satan, and the abolition of the kingdom of the beast, in the latter day; which will usher in the kingdom, of the mediator, he will receive from his Father, and this will terminate in the kingdom of glory: in a word, not the kingdom of nature and providence is meant, which always was; but the kingdom of heaven, which was at hand, nay had taken place, though as yet was not very visible, and which is spiritual in the hearts of God's people, Jews and Gentiles; and which will appear exceeding glorious in the latter day, and at last be swallowed up in the ultimate glory; all which must be very desirable by the sincere lovers of Jesus Christ.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. There is some appearance of this petition still remaining, in what the (t) Jews call the short prayer:
"what is the short prayer? R. Eliezer says, עשה רצונך בשמים, "do thy will in heaven"; and give quietness of spirit, or acquiescence of spirit in thy will, to them that fear thee below.''
Christ says "thy will"; not the will of wicked men, nor the will of Satan, nor a man's own will, but the will of God: by which is meant either his secret will, which is the rule of all his proceedings both in providence and grace; is unknown to us, till facts make it appear; is always fulfilled in heaven and in earth; and sometimes is fulfilled by those who have no regard to his revealed will; and is what ought to be submitted to patiently, and without murmuring: or rather his revealed will, which consists partly in the declarations of his grace and mercy; as that salvation is by Christ, whoever believes in him shall be saved, that all the redeemed be sanctified, persevere to the end, and be glorified; and partly in the commands enjoined his people, which will of his is good, perfect, and acceptable. The will of God may be said to be done by us, when our wills are resigned to his; when we patiently submit to every adverse dispensation of providence; when our hearts and actions are, in some measure, conformed to his law; when what is done, is done in faith, with a view to his glory, and without dependence upon it; of which such only are capable who have a spiritual understanding of the will of God, believe in Christ, receive grace and strength from him, and are assisted by his Spirit. These desire to do the will of God, as it is done in heaven; meaning not so much by the inanimate creatures, the sun, and moon, and stars, as glorified saints and holy angels, who do it voluntarily and cheerfully; speedily, and without delay; constantly, and without any interruption; and perfectly and completely." John Gill comm.
                                                                     
Second Petition:
Thy kingdom come — The kingdom of God is that moral and spiritual kingdom which the God of grace is setting up in this fallen world, whose subjects consist of as many as have been brought into hearty subjection to His gracious scepter, and of which His Son Jesus is the glorious Head. In the inward reality of it, this kingdom existed ever since there were men who “walked with God” (Gen_5:24), and “waited for His salvation” (Gen_49:18); who were “continually with Him, holden by His right hand” (Psa_73:23), and who, even in the valley of the shadow of death, feared no evil when He was with them (Psa_23:4). When Messiah Himself appeared, it was, as a visible kingdom, “at hand.” His death laid the deep foundations of it. His ascension on high, “leading captivity captive and receiving gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them,” and the Pentecostal effusion of the Spirit, by which those gifts for men descended upon the rebellious, and the Lord God was beheld, in the persons of thousands upon thousands, “dwelling” among men - was a glorious “coming” of this kingdom. But it is still to come, and this petition, “Thy kingdom come,” must not cease to ascend so long as one subject of it remains to be brought in. But does not this prayer stretch further forward - to “the glory to be revealed,” or that stage of the kingdom called “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Pe_1:11)? Not directly, perhaps, since the petition that follows this - “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” - would then bring us back to this present state of imperfection. Still, the mind refuses to be so bounded by stages and degrees, and in the act of praying, “Thy kingdom come,” it irresistibly stretches the wings of its faith, and longing, and joyous expectation out to the final and glorious consummation of the kingdom of God.

Third Petition:
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven — or, as the same words are rendered in Luke, “as in heaven, so upon earth” (Luk_11:2) - as cheerfully, as constantly, as perfectly. But some will ask, Will this ever be? We answer, If the “new heavens and new earth” are to be just our present material system purified by fire and transfigured, of course it will. But we incline to think that the aspiration which we are taught in this beautiful petition to breathe forth has no direct reference to any such organic fulfillment, and is only the spontaneous and resistless longing of the renewed soul - put into words - to see the whole inhabited earth in entire conformity to the will of God. It asks not if ever it shall be - or if ever it can be - in order to pray this prayer. It must have its holy yearnings breathed forth, and this is just the bold yet simple expression of them. Nor is the Old Testament without prayers which come very near to this (Psa_7:9; Psa_67:1-7; Psa_72:19, etc.)." Jemieson-Fausset-Brown comm

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done:

                                                              The Thousand Years
Rev 20:1  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 
Rev 20:2  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 
Rev 20:3  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 
Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 
Rev 20:5  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 
Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

                                                                   The Defeat of Satan
Rev 20:7  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 
Rev 20:8  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 
Rev 20:9  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 
Rev 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 

                                                 Judgment Before the Great White Throne
Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 
Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 
Rev 20:13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 
Rev 20:14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 
Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 

                                                      The New Heaven and the New Earth
Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 
Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 
Rev 21:5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 
Rev 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 
Rev 21:7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 
Rev 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

                                                                 The River of Life
Rev 22:1  And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
Rev 22:2  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 
Rev 22:3  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 
Rev 22:4  And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 
Rev 22:5  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 

                                                                  Jesus Is Coming
Rev 22:6  And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 
Rev 22:7  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 
Rev 22:8  And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 
Rev 22:9  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 
Rev 22:10  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 
Rev 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 
Rev 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 
Rev 22:13  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 
Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 
Rev 22:15  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 
Rev 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 
Rev 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 
​Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 
Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 
Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 
Rev 22:21  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

As I listened to this, it was as a mirror of what we are living in right now, if David Wilkerson was here today, he would be amazed at the accuracy of what the Holy Spirit gave him, when he preached this message. Being in heaven, I don't believe he will mind if I take this, and send it out again, and let the world-and the devil hear it; as many events unfold, that describe what he said years ago.

Also listening to this, it caused me to nod my head in agreement in many areas. Over the last year and a half, I've known how Jeremiah must have felt, when he tried to warn his people before his nation was invaded-but no one would heed him. It is the same here in this country now. This country is just what Mr. Wilkerson described in his message-another Sodom's sister. He used the verses of Ezekiel 16:46-52, as I read the chapter, I decided to go back to verse 35 and gone on to verse 58, because it gives a very clear message that pertains to this day we are living in right now.

Today, the revealing of the Anti-Christ and the Beast system is showing itself through the implementation of the NWO, and the enemies within this nation and nations of the world who have joined hands, and forces to put this into place. The Covid plandemic, and the vaccine agenda are a great part of getting it up and running. David Wilkerson could not have known that then-but the general warning in this sermon is powerfully accurate. Islam has been an evil source of much death and suffering, and will indeed be part of the end-time wars, but the real enemies are the Satanic elites/globalists who have in the last 20 years, raised their heads in pride, enough to now be recognized, and are now right in your face-telling you what they are going to do, and how their going to do it. To name some of them, Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci, Klaus Schwab, Obama, Soros, and many more. Many of this countries most deadly enemies are within, and running much of the government agencies, which are working tirelessly to run it into the ground. Do some studies on the Bilderberg's, Vanderbilt's, Rockefeller's, Clintons, and the British royals.  

As for the churches, this message is totally accurate about their apostasy-but I'll add to what he said. Now, I watch videos, media interviews, and read articles about mega pastor's endorsing, and promoting these vaccines-opening their churches as vaccine stations, and even go door to door trying to get people to take them. I groan in my spirit when I see and read this-because I know they are doing it out of ignorance, from not doing any critical studying about what is in these vaccines, nor are they hearing the hundreds of doctor's who have given warnings to not take them, and why. The information is there-these pastor's are either too lazy, bought off, or willfully going ahead with this, because of not wanting to lose their people. They will lose them anyway, and when they realize the truth it will be too late. Franklin Graham, Robert Jeffress, and T.D. Jakes are a few, along with many other's who have chosen to believe the narrative fed to them by mainstream media-without reading the facts given even by the CDC themselves, on the deadly ingredients in these poison shots. I am watching this country dissolving and collapsing, and still the majority of the masses go on, in apathy. 

This is what several generations of drug addiction and brainwashing has done to make people willing to be groomed, and then taken to the slaughter. The media won't be able to avoid having to start reporting the tragedies, when the millions who've taken the vaccines, begin to collapse and become permanently disabled, or die. Many already have, but in months to come, there won't be any way for the media to keep it covered up. The warnings sounded by Mr. Wilkerson, and many other's who've been rejected, were trying to warn us. This nation did not listen.

This video describes the agenda of the elites/globalists-and what they are striving to put into place-it is the Anti-Christ Beast system. We are already living in a portion of it, but the next few years is going to be the greatest push by them to get this completely up-and running:
​
Spacebusters 2020 Doc, Part 5- New World Order- I will add, yes, pray, but it's very important who you pray to: not Buddha, not Mohammed, but to the Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ. It is Christ who we worship, and pray to, and through-Every knee will bow, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
https://brandnewtube.com/watch/spacebusters-2020-doc-part-5-new-world-order_rV1FXBq9i4JYWsO.html

​Survey: 43% of Millennials ‘Don’t Know, Care, or Believe God Exists’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/05/20/survey-43-millennials-dont-know-care-believe-god-exists/​
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NYC Education Dept. Sponsors Drag Queen PBS Series for Children Ages 3-8-  The series, titled “Let’s Learn,” features a drag queen going by the name “Lil Miss Hot Mess.” The drag queen, née Harris David Harris, is a media personality from San Francisco, California, and bills himself as one of the first drag queens to host a reading hour for kids. My comment-the picture below is meant to emphasis the filth, and degradation this country has gone to-and why we are headed for judgment. 
www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2021/05/20/nyc-education-dept-sponsors-drag-queen-pbs-series-for-children-ages-3-8/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=daily&utm_campaign=20210520

​If this Youtube sermon below gets deleted, just click the link to watch it.
David Wilkerson - Sodom's Sister | Must Hear
https://youtu.be/XRPjJfeDZp0

​Eze 16:35  Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: 
Eze 16:36  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them; 
Eze 16:37  Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness. 
Eze 16:38  And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. 
Eze 16:39  And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare. 
Eze 16:40  They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords. 
Eze 16:41  And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more. 
Eze 16:42  So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. 
Eze 16:43  Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast fretted me in all these things; behold, therefore I also will recompense thy way upon thine head, saith the Lord GOD: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness above all thine abominations. 
Eze 16:44  Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. 
Eze 16:45  Thou art thy mother's daughter, that lotheth her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, which lothed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite. 
Eze 16:46  And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. 
Eze 16:47  Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways. 
Eze 16:48  As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. 
Eze 16:49  Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 
Eze 16:50  And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. 
Eze 16:51  Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done. 
Eze 16:52  Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters. 
Eze 16:53  When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them: 
Eze 16:54  That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them. 
Eze 16:55  When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate. 
Eze 16:56  For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, 
Eze 16:57  Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of thy reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about. 
Eze 16:58  Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. 

When Jesus fought the devil in the wilderness, he used just one thing, the word of God. These scriptures were given to me, to stand on in this battle I'm facing in my area:

Isa 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. 
2Ti 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 
2Co 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 
2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 
1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 

I stand with Christ, and will overcome-these verses sum up my life:

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?