This teaching will focus on three areas that are vital to a serious believer called to a service of prayer, spiritual warfare, and the ongoing conflicts we can expect to face in this area, throughout our walk with God.

A prayer servant will quickly learn that intercessory prayer and spiritual warfare are inseparable, and inter-twined. It is also a life-long journey of learning, growing, and expanding our ability to gain ground in the spiritual realm, to get the wisdom, guidance, and spiritual level of authority to see answers come-on a personal, community, national, and world level. As you continue to go deeper into this realm, the attacks from every direction will also increase, and the warfare is brutal. Satan gives no quarter, and you will learn to use the word of God with skill, and know how and when to speak-or stay silent-or you will be defeated repeatedly, become discouraged, and quit. This is the devils strategy. He will use anybody, and anything to bring you to ruin. You'll find yourself going to your knees in prayer often-for strength, and the wisdom to battle through the attacks, and seeking God on how to pray with skill-to get the doors in the spirit realm opened, and see the answers to prayer come. I recommend the book Rees Howells Intercessor to anyone who is really serious on learning how to pray with power.

In the last ten years I've seen an increase in the demonic activity on the surface of the earth-due to so much witchcraft, Satanic ritual going on world-wide, the activity by scientists working with CERN, increasing demonic activity in schools and government, and the overpowering of governments by the Luciferians. They and the Catholic Church have been duped into joining the televangelists to get the NWO in place. They are deceived and blind, and totally apostate. Anyone who truly walks with Christ-can see this. My warning is-come out of them, all of them, and seek Jesus Christ alone. In this day-He is the only one you can trust.
​
The links to articles/videos on this subject, will bring clarity to what the agenda is:

Pope Francis in the Cradle of Islam: What Might It Bring?-Christian, Muslim and Jewish clerics urge interfaith harmony. Only concrete steps will build it.
https://www.usip.org/publications/2019/02/pope-francis-cradle-islam-what-might-it-bring
Comment: What will it bring?...A One World Religion, for the New World Order.
Pope Poses With Wealthy Televangelists
https://trinityfi.org/investigations/601/
Kenneth Copeland Calls for End of the Protestant Reformation
https://amazingdiscoveries.org/blog/kenneth-copeland-calls-end-protestant-reformation/
Popes Message at Kenneth Copeland Conf- Bishop Tony Palmer speaks first
https://youtu.be/cSapH_xEPp8
Pope meets evangelical leaders to strengthen religious freedom
https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/coe/pope-meets-evangelical-leaders-strengthen-religious-freedom/
Pope Francis Learns What Rick Warren, Russell Moore, N. T. Wright Think about Marriage
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/november/pope-francis-rick-warren-russell-moore-n-t-wright-marriage.html
Kenneth Copeland Carries On Tony Palmer’s Crusade to End the Protestant Church
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=28318

There are some true fellowships. If you can find one in your area-join it, or seek an on-line church that's truly following Jesus and the bible. This is the age of deceit, and it's only going to get worse.

The teachings below are a compilation of several I've used when teaching bible classes at home years ago, and at Teen Challenge. When going through them, I encourage you to have your bible with you, do the research-and read the scriptures that are referenced, to establish the truth of the teachings-and allow the word of God to teach you, and renew your mind. I don't ask anyone to believe me-go to your bible, read the verses and cross-reference them, do your own searching and praying-ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you. He will not fail you, if you really want to know Him.

This is how our spirits grow, become stronger, and wiser in how to appropriate the word of God in our own lives, to be able to stand strong in a world of sin, and corruption. God will strengthen you, and increase His power in your life to see mighty answers to prayer, and power over evil forces that come against us in our daily walk. But, we have to seek Him, and study to show ourselves approved unto God. If we don't we are open for deception, and failure. Jesus said it clearly and well in Joh 10:10-  The thief cometh 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.

There is a certain prayer that moves the Lord, if done by one who believes Him, and can bring changes to circumstances, and in some cases, to change His mind. This is called INTERCESSORY PRAYER. He desires it from any who will seek Him, and any whose hearts trust Him. verse: IITim. 2:15, 23-24

Intercession: The definition of Intercede is "To act as a go-between for two parties. To plead on behalf of another. A mediator, or the act of mediation." To carry this further, to mediate means to: settle a dispute, or carry out a process. A lawyer is a form of mediator, and we can see the correlation of a lawyer standing on behalf of their client before a judge. This is the picture of an intercessor. One who stands as a lawyer, or mediator for someone or on behalf of something that needs to be acted on or brought into being before the Lord,  and using all the skill they have to argue the case for them.

As believer's we are all called to intercede for other's, our families, our church, those who need to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. 

However, there are some in the body of Christ who have been called to a life of prayer and intercession, as a service to God.

We are given burdens in the Spirit by God for individuals, churches, cities, nations. Many times the Holy Spirit will give specific instructions on how to pray. As we grow in our walk, each experience teaches us to get better at it, and able to hear the voice of the Lord more clearly. Becoming a mighty warrior of prayer, and an adversary of the devil to be reckoned with doesn't happen over-night. We are called to go down on our faces before God on behalf of people, cities, or nations, to stand in the gap for them, repent of the sins and evil they have committed, when they won't do it themselves, to save them from the judgment they deserve. (Such as Abraham when he interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah)

​In heaven, we will be surprised, and humbled to be shown those who prayed for us in silence-without our knowledge-and how we were spared many times from accidents and schemes of the devil-by answered prayer by people we never knew.

The following scriptures will help comprehend the importance and impact of this kind of prayer.
1. Isa. 55:6, 8-9
"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts."  
Interpretation: Before it is too late, start asking Him. 

2. "Oh the depths of riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out. For who hath known the Mind of the Lord, or who hath been His counselor?"

Interpretation: Expand deep study before getting answers.  Rom. 11:33-34
3. "And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me and said unto me: Speak....for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them." verse Ezek. 11:5
Interpretation: Expect the Lord to be ready to answer. 

4. John 15:26 "But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance, whatsoever I had said unto you." 

Rom. 8:26-27 "Likewise, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered, And He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (The Father). 

Interpretation: Pray any way, anytime, anyway. The indwelling Spirit will correct any mistakes in our petitions or worship.

5. John 14:23 "Jesus answered and said unto him (Jude) 'If a man love me he will keep my words: and My Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him." 

John 15:5
 "I am the Vine, you are the branches: He(God) that abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing."  "I have called you friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you....that you should go and bring forth fruit.... that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My Name He may give it to you." John 15:15b-16
Interpretation: Jesus promises fruit, If we abide In the Vine. He then guarantees God's assent, because it is in His Will Already.

Summary: The Lord asks that we seek Him diligently although no man's mind would be totally able to comprehend His immense wisdom. He states that He knows our problems in advance of our prayers, and has provided His intercession on our behalf. We are reassured of fruitfulness IF WE STICK CLOSE BY "ABIDING IN HIM". More descriptions of God's eternal nature: 1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 12:24.

Does God ever change His mind?

His eternal Nature:
6. Mal. 3:6 "And fear not Me, says the Lord of Hosts. For I am the Lord, I change not...." 
Num. 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent; has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?"
Rom. 11:29 "The gifts and calling of God are without repentance." 
Ps. 110:4 "The LORD(GOD) has sworn and will not repent: Thou art a priest after the order of Melchizedec."  

Interpretation: The nature of God cannot change, righteousness and omniscience are immutable.
Expanded study: A REPENTANT FATHER OF MERCY Isa. 16:5

7. Jer. 18:8 "If that nation against whom I have pronounced, turns from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to bring against them." 
Jer. 18:10 "And if it do evil in my sight, that it not obey My voice, then I will repent of the good, where with I said I would benefit them."
Jer. 42:10 "If you will still abide in this land,.... I will plant you and not pluck you up; for I repent Me of the evil I have done unto you." 

EXAMPLES:
Josh 10:12-14 "Then spoke Joshua to the Lord...and the sun stood still in the midst of the heaven and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves...and there was no day like that before or after it, that the Lord harkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel."   

 20 Jonah 3:9-10 "Who can tell if God will turn and repent and turn away from His fierce anger that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He had said He would do unto them; and He did it not." 

1Sam. 10:11; 1Sam. 31:6  "Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying 'It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be King; for he is turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.' So Saul died, and his three sons..."

11Sam. 24:1,16 "And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel....and when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said....'It is enough.' "

Interpretation: God clearly discloses in these verses that His UNCHANGING NATURE INCLUDES BOTH MERCY AND ANGER, THESE ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN HIS JUST JUDGMENTS. He alters decisions to fit the circumstances. Only His LAWS are fixed in stone, not HIS LOVE. HE ALONE IS GOD WHO CAN LOVE SINNERS. Ps. 136; 1John 3:16; John 3:16

​ILLUSTRATION

The ancient account of the time of Noah is another illustration of when God elected to change His mind. The anguish of God's heart shows through this pain-filled decision He was forced to make. It foretells  that He saw you and me "down the line" by sparing Noah; we too could experience His grace much later.

8. Gen. 6:5-7 "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created. But Noah, found grace in the eyes of the LORD." 

EXPLANATION: Although God's nature can never change, His DIVINE VERDICTS CAN CHANGE. Although God is the same "yesterday, today, and forever: as regards to His person, yet His Book reveals that He can and does change His method of operation to fit the changing situations. Heb. 13:8

SUMMARY: That is where prayer comes in. Prayer changes things, God is moved by it. His hands are set free by our prayers to accomplish His Will, His Words are set free to accomplish their goals. His Spirit is directed by the Father to convey  (yes, or no, or sometime), and to explain(teach) them to the petitioner. John 6:38, Isa. 55:11

That is why Jesus prayed and taught His disciples to follow His example. That is why He was upset at their failure to pray with Him at least "for an hour" before His arrest. That is why St. Paul repeated the admonition to "pray without ceasing". That was the reason Paul prayed behind prison bars all night. GOD DOES HEAR, HE DOES REACT. HE EVEN ALTERS HIS PROCEDURES WHEN HIS PRIOR APPROACH FAILED TO GET THE JOB DONE. Luke 22:44, John 5:30, Matt. 26:40, Acts 12:5, 1Thess. 5:17, Acts 16:25, Deut. 12:28, Mark 7:14

DOES INTERCESSORY PRAYER WORK?

1. Who can call on the Lord for answers?  Joh 6:37  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Jesus is the open door-that no man can shut. Anyone who calls on Him in faith, He will hear, and answer-for salvation, and answer to prayer. The walk of faith, and prayer deepens each day-if we abide in Him.

2, Why would God answer? (His love)John 3:16
  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life." 

3. What is the Answer? (His gifts)John 16:23-24
 "Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it unto you. Hitherto you have asked nothing in My Name; ask and you shall receive, that you joy may be full." 

4. How is it possible? (faith)Mark 11:22-23
"Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith." 

5. When Is The Answer Received? (Now)Mark 11:24
"Therefore, I say unto you, Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." 

6. Why Is The Answer Not Received? (asking amiss)James 4: 2-3
"You lust, and have not; you kill and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not because you ask not. You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. (idle pleasures) 

7. What Is The Bottom Line? John 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me." 
Luk 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luk 18:2  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 
Luk 18:3  And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 
Luk 18:4  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 
Luk 18:5  Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 
Luk 18:6  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 
Luk 18:7  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 
Luk 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

​Here, in this parable Jesus gives us the answers to all the questions above-if we can hear it. But, the most important thing to my mind is-he ends it with a question, and we should take it seriously. When He comes again-will there be any faith on the earth?

PAULS THOUGHTS ON INTERCESSORY PRAYER:

"I exhort you that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be given for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life; in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, Our Saviour." 1Tim. 2:1-3

 "Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers." Rom. 1:9
 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved." Rom. 10:1
 "For this cause also we....do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding...being fruitful...strengthened in all might...giving thanks unto the Father." Col. 1:9-12
 I thank God...that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day." 11Tim. 1:3

CHRIST OUR INTERCESSOR
                             
The prophet foretold of one of the Messiah's ministries, which Paul would later expound upon; our intercessor.
"The Messiah made intercession for the transgressors." Isa. 53:12
Paul speaks of his unshakable reliance upon Jesus'  dependable intercession for us before the Father.
"It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Rom. 8:34-39
Hebrews speaks to us of of Jesus' Authority to be our intercessor:
 "But this Man (Jesus) because He continues forever has an unchangeable priesthood." Heb. 7:24-26, 28
"Wherefore He is able save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing that He ever liveth to make intercession for them, for such a High Priest became us, Who is Holy, harmless and undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens...the son Who is consecrated forevermore."

Heb. 4:15  "We have a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we, yet without sin."  

John also reaffirmed Jesus' role on our behalf:
1John 2:1-2 "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous: and He is the propitiation (reconciliation) for our sins; and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world." 

THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR INTERCESSION

Rom. 8:26-31 "Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh INTERCESSION for us with groaning which cannot be uttered (put into words). And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the Mind of the Spirit, because He (The Spirit) maketh INTERCESSION for the saints according to the Will of God....What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us." 

James tells us "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives liberally...but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." James 1:5-6

Hebrews also tells us "Let us come boldly unto the throne of Grace....and find help in time of need." Heb. 4:15-16

CONCLUSION

The conclusions to our study is this:​
 1. Prayer can and does change God's mind
 2. Prayer re-aligns our minds to conform to His
 3. From our point of view He seems to change; but our prayers actually change us.
 4. As we pray, we draw nearer to His Throne of Grace, bringing light and proper perspective to the perplexities of our prayers. Rom. 12:2
 5. Prayer changes our needs. As we approach the Throne, the size and nature of our burden seem to lose immensity and importance. Prayer in faith-opens our eyes to who God is-and who we are. The thing being prayed for becomes small in perspective to the God who created this universe, and maintains it.

​Dan 3:28  Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 
Dan 3:29  Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 

When we finally allow His finger to touch our load, things change: not God's position, just His posture; not our petition, just its purpose. We see His answer unfold, which was prepared in advance for a better result, than what we had envisioned. 

Question: How long does it take?...
Answer: As long as it takes.

The answer may be seen before you finish praying...., and it may take many years. We will find out as we persevere, and keep praying for the thing put in our hearts and spirits-and don't give up.
Study the promise given to Abraham- God promised him a son, it took over 20 years to see the fulfillment to that promise. Gen. 17:16-21

Another example: Gen. 18:20-33  Here we see an example of intercessory prayer when Abraham goes before God for Sodom and Gomorrah. Here we see some interesting points about this. Abraham humbled himself, referring to himself "but dust and ashes". It is good for us to go into the presence of God and get on our face before the Lord. James 4:8 tells us "draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. God is not going to make you humble, you must humble yourself. 
Abraham continued to intercede on behalf of the cities, until God agreed to spare them for only ten's sake. I've often wondered, if Abraham had continued instead of stopping at ten, if the Lord would have spared those cities even for only one. This world would be in a worse mess than it is, if it wasn't for praying, believing Christians. 

Summation: Intercessory prayer is a powerful weapon, and tool given to us by God in order to "occupy" (Greek for "go to work", "get busy"). It is our connection with the Father, at His Throne, where we are promised an open door, and authority to wield this weapon with assurance and power, by the leading and direction of His Spirit within us, guiding us as we pray. 
Every answered prayer becomes fuel to our spirits, strengthening us, and compelling us to increase our faith, and boldness, and we become a powerful adversary against the powers of darkness around us, and effective servants of our Lord.
​Lorna Couillard

When we are saved, every Christian enters a battle ground, and until we reach heaven, it is ongoing  warfare against the powers of darkness. Before we got saved we belonged to Satan but were ignorant of it, our eyes are blinded. 

As we grow, and study the scriptures we can get out of balance, coming against demons, rebuking them in everything, and come away discouraged, and even lose faith because we don't see a change in the situation.

There are times when demons need to be addressed. But, many times it is the transforming power of the scriptures applied to our everyday life, and our conduct that gains the victory over Satan in our lives.

The enemies we combat are:

⦁ The world: James 4:1-4- "(read text) Our hearts are exposed by the things we chase after, and think are so important. The desire to consume, to be important, to be rich, is the fuel the devil uses to drive us to envy, jealousy, and an evil heart. If we refuse to repent, and allow God to help us change, it leads to greater sin such as murder, and war. 1John 2:15-17 clearly tells us "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. For all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides forever."
⦁ Flesh: 1Peter 4:1-4, Col. 3:5-11"-(Read text) Those of us who have been saved from addictions, such as drugs and alcohol see the truth of these scriptures. It is in these addictions, that all other evil is fed and grows to the point that we do not have control of ourselves. It takes the transforming power of the Lord to get us back on the right track. If we are serious about wanting to change, he will reach out to us, and has the power to set us free. I can testify to that.
⦁ The Devil: 1Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
⦁ Principalities and Powers of Darkness: Eph. 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The demonic forces that come against us in this life are very serious, and have one main objective; to destroy you, and ultimately have you join them in hell when your life here is over. They will do whatever it takes to try to steer you away from Christ, and back into darkness. It takes discernment to see the difference between sins of the flesh, and when someone is also bound by demonic activity, both originate from the devil. However, there is a difference between someone who is being sorely tempted, and one who has allowed demons to oppress them consistently and allowed them to attach themselves to the persons soul. This is an area where a lot of Christians get out of balance. But, if you sincerely go to the Lord in prayer, and study His Word, the Holy Spirit will give clear direction.

The Conduct of the Soldier of Christ

We are given clear guidance on how to wage this war; our victory hinges on our obedience to the Word of God. Walking out our faith in obedience to the scriptures is the greatest weapon against anything we face. Our warfare is directly the opposite of the devil's, we are now promoting peace, light, and righteousness in a dark world, where once we were partaker's of that darkness. It is absolutely necessary to line up our conduct with what we are saying with our mouths. Confessing the word of God is useless if we aren't walking the talk. Prov. 20:11 tells us "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right".

These instructions are:

⦁ Avoid worldly entanglements, and endure suffering, avoid arguments: 2Tim. 2:3-14 In this text we are given clear instruction on what to avoid to live at peace with other's as much as possible. No one likes to be misunderstood, but there are times when it is best to just stay silent rather than try to force someone to agree with us, or prove we are right. There are some people we should avoid, the ones who we ran with when we lived in sin, sometimes even our relatives.
⦁ Be sober, watchful, 1Cor. 16:13 "Watch ye, and stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1Thess. 5:5-8 "Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, or of the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation."
⦁ Put on our armor, and pray: Eph. ch.6:10-18 (read text) This is a study in itself, but we only have time to touch on it now. I highly recommend you take the time to study this chapter, and do some cross referencing. If you do, the Lord will open to you the power of these scriptures, and strengthen your spirit.

How Do We Gain the Victory

God doesn't expect us to do this warfare alone, and in our own power. We are given an arsenal to equip us and win the battles in life. We need to know what our weapons are, and how to use them:
11Cor. 10:3-5 tells us," For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

⦁ God's Word-Heb. 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." If we allow it, the word of God will expose what is in our hearts to us, and will work with us to purify, and bring us out of darkness.
⦁ Faith- 1John 5:4-5 "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? "Heb. 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
​
Christ's promise-John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." This passage tells us much more than it seems at first glance. Let's break this down; Jesus was fully man, he experienced and suffered all the tribulation and temptations we do, and overcame them. He did this by the help and power of the Holy Spirit. He showed by example that we can be victorious if we keep our eyes on Him. When he was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit, and tempted by Satan, here we are shown how to win our battles also. Jesus answer to the devil was "It is written." The word of God, rightly used will put the devil to silence. As James 4:7 tells us "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Every time we win a battle of temptation, our spirits become stronger, and more able to stand against the next one that comes at us.

Spiritual Authority

Authority is delegated power; In Luke 10:19 Jesus tells us "Behold, I give unto you Power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

The value of the authority rests on the power behind our authority. The devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority. The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing him can exercise his authority and face the enemy fearlessly.

Example: A policeman who directs traffic during the rush hour just raises his hand and the car stops. The man doesn't have the physical power to stop the vehicle if the driver chooses not to stop. But, they don't use their own strength to stop traffic; they use the authority invested in them by the government they serve. The devil's recognize the power and authority behind the name of Jesus Christ, it is His authority that they submit to, that has been delegated to us as believer's.

In Matt. 28:18 Jesus said to the disciples "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. This is the same as authority. When Christ ascended, he transferred His authority to the Church. Christ's authority has to be perpetuated through His Body, which is on earth. Christ is seated on the right hand of the Father, the place of authority, and we are seated with him. To sit on the right hand of a king or pope means authority.  When we received Christ as savior, we died with Him, and are raised with Him. 

The source of our authority is found in the resurrection and exalting of the Lord Jesus Christ by God.

Eph. 1:18-23 "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 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: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church."

Eph. 2:5" Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ(by grace you are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

We need to realize that the authority that belongs to Christ belongs to individual members of the Body of Christ and is available to us.

The elevation of Christ's people with Him into the heavenlies clearly points to the fact we are to sit with him; sharing not only his throne, but also his authority. 

Romans 5:17 tells us "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."

We are not just to reign with Christ in heaven, we are to reign in life by Jesus Christ now. Throughout history, whatever the king said was law; he was the last authority. In the same way, we partake of the authority that Christ's throne represents.

Why do we not see this authority used as it should be in the Church?

⦁ Lack of knowledge: Hosea 4:6 says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." This verse says "my people", not unbeliever's. The authority vested to us is almost never taught today in the churches. But, if any person is hungry to learn the truth, Jesus is ready and willing to teach you, in John 8:32 he tells us "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."
⦁ Authority is abused: The misuse of this authority results in defeat. God is not obliged to honor us if we try to use this authority to promote ourselves. Authority over the devil is successful when we know how to use it, the same as well trained policeman, who knows who his boss is, and works with integrity.
 
Lack of Faith: In order for this to work, you have to know who you believe, and what is yours without reservation. The devil knows if we really believe what we are doing or not.

When circumstances don't change immediately, some people become discouraged and slip back into the natural; They talk unbelief and defeat themselves. They give the devil dominion over them.

Smith Wigglesworth often said, "I'm not moved by what I see. I'm not moved by what I feel. I'm moved only by what I believe." We have to stand our ground. The authority is ours whether we feel like it or not. Authority has nothing to do with feelings, but we must exercise it in order for it to work.

⦁ Pastor's and Leaders fear those who would get out of balance: Unfortunately, I've seen many Christians get very out of balance, and not able to discern when to use the authority over the devil, or when to take the matter to prayer, and faith. It takes careful observation to know when something is a problem of the flesh, or a spirit behind the problem. We need to learn the difference, and the many ways God has to deliver us or other's from bondage. God is patient with us as we learn. 

For example: The spirit of a rebellious person is only set free by honest repentance. All the rebuking and casting out in the world is not going to work, until the person is truly sorry for their sin, and makes up their mind they want to change, no matter what they have to do. God can and will help this person, and reach out to them in power to help them come out of darkness, into the light. I am a testimony of this. 
​
Nothing ever really changed for me until I became honest with myself and with God. The power of God to deliver me was there, but He would not force himself on me. I had to open my heart to Him, and take hold of him and his promises to set me free. When my heart changed, he revealed to me several demonic spirits that needed to be dealt with, and showed me how to cast them out. This did not take a long time, and I knew when they left. The compulsive desires I had were gone, and I knew the difference. I knew I as free.

⦁ We are not to pray the devil out; but speak to him and tell him what to do: It is a waste of time to pray to the Lord to deliver us or someone else. Jesus has done all He is going to do about the devil. He has won the victory when he rose from the dead. The authority has been delegated to us, and we are to speak to him, and take dominion over his attacks on us.
⦁ We have authority over the devil over our own lives and household, but not over someone else's. A believer can break the power of the devil anywhere in their own life, or their immediate family, they have authority there, but not in someone else's. Spiritual authority is like natural authority. For example: I don't have authority over someone else's money unless they give me permission to use it. I don't have authority over someone else's children.
You can make the devil desist in some of his maneuvers in somebody else's life, but you can't always cast him out, because you don't have authority in that household. Only through intercession can you exercise spiritual authority in another person, or somebody else's family."
"Important point"-When you get out beyond the written word of God, you've gone too far. Stay with what the Word says about the matter, don't add anything to it.
⦁ Unwilling to change and grow: When a person first gets saved, they rely much on the pastor or Christians over them, and this is ok. But we who are older must teach people so they can grow and use their own authority. As we grow older in Christ, we should be stronger in faith, not weaker, but many times older Christians become callous and set in unbelief because they've gotten off in the ditch in their walk, and not prayed themselves out. Some never learn to use their authority because of bad teaching. Some just become unwilling to accept what the word teaches and stay in the babyhood stage of Christian development.

It's my prayer that we may press on and allow the Holy Spirit to mold us, and grow us up in Christ, and become victorious in our walk in this life.
Lorna Couillard

Have you been called by God to do something for Him, but been held back, and felt inadequate because of the criticism, and evaluations of other’s? A past sin you’ve been forgiven of, but other’s won’t let you forget, and use it to continue to condemn you? Perhaps Mrs. So and So, the preacher’s wife, the women’s group or men’s group that you spend too much time with; and listen to them more than spending time with God alone, and His word.

In ministry there is a lot of competition, undermining, and manipulation. People place themselves in positions of authority over other’s when they have no right to. You have to spend a great deal of time in the Word of God, and in face-to-face prayer with the Lord to learn to discern when someone is honestly giving you Godly counsel, and when they are trying to abuse you, or use you for their own agenda. Another unfortunate aspect of abuse is money. Most large ministries are driven by the prosperity gospel they have created; it is “another gospel”. Sadly as you observe, and line up their teachings with the word of God, you find that just about every aspect of their relationship to you as a person, and as a potential “partner” in their ministry; hinges on money. I am extremely thankful for the many years of studying the scriptures myself, walking with the Lord day by day, and watching Him answer many of my prayers, guiding me in many of my most important decisions in life, and showing me His hand in my life; before I was ever aware of these charlatans. When I did start becoming aware of them, by this time my discernment was keen and alarms went off in my heart as soon as I listened to their deceitful doctrines. As Jesus says, my sheep hear my voice, and know Me. Joh 10:27

When Jesus heals someone, delivers someone, breaks bondages in their lives, there is no price tag attached to it. Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed, no strings attached.

I never tire of seeing Him do this for the everyday person, one who has no religious background, no theology. He just shows up in the persons life himself and starts opening the scriptures to them, and setting them free; right in front of the modern day Pharisee’s. His word is powerful, what Jesus did when he walked the earth, he still does today.

Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

When we give to the Lord out of a thankful heart, with no ulterior motive to receive anything in return, without any desire to be seen of men, to be praised by other’s, this honors God. It is simple child-like faith and reverence. Very rare today. Mat. 6:1-4

What signs will there be in my life if I'm in rebellion?

1. Sin Ruling Your Life
The word of God will help give us direction on how to search our hearts, and our conduct, to see if we are out of the will of God. Proverbs tells us of seven things God hates:

Pro 6:16  These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 
Pro 6:17  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 
Pro 6:18  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 
Pro 6:19  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 

You could do an extensive study on these verses-and corresponding texts, that would take you a long time to cover-and when you do-ask yourself, is any of these things in me? Am I doing any of this in my life? Be honest with yourself, and God. He already knows the truth-and you need to know this. If it's there-repent, and turn away from it. It is causing you and other's great harm.

2. Unanswered Prayer
Psa 66:18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 
See also: Job_27:8-9; Pro_15:8, Pro_15:29, Pro_21:13, Pro_28:9; Isa_1:15; Joh_9:31; Jas_4:3
A very short, and to the point verse-but one of the most important ones I refer to constantly. If I find my prayers aren't being answered, if I pray-and the heavens are as brass, and my prayers are falling back to the ground-I know something is wrong, and it's with me. I've done something/said something- that has changed my position with the Lord, and nothing will change, until I find out what is wrong with me, and I get right with God again. Confession of sin, and repentance-is the only thing God will hear at this point. If your prayers are never answered, if you aren't hearing clear guidance on any subject you pray-you need to do nothing else-but get right with God. He will not change-the change must come in you.

3. Consistent Lack of Peace-Overcome with Fear-Anger-Rage
If we are walking with Jesus daily-we will experience a peace, steadfastness, and stability in the face of any adversity, trial, or problem. These problems will all come in our life, but we will be held in check by His Holy Spirit, and we will know His peace, guidance and strength-no matter what comes. I've lived through enough at this point in my life, to know the truth of this. 

Luk 8:35  Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. 
2Ti 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 
1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 
1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 
1Pe 5:9  Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

People who live unstable lives, full of rebellion, with selfish motives and hearts-exhibit instability, irrational behaviors, and emotions that go from one extreme to another, that they can't/won't control. People like this will become destructive, abusive, and violent. They must have their own way. Many adults show by their conduct-they are still school yard bullies-in adult bodies. They are spoiled, selfish, and self-centered, and were brought up being given whatever they want-and now they are in grown bodies-and feel they have the right to do and say whatever they wish to get their way.

People in this category will often antagonize, harass, and provoke other's to get them to react, and respond to them-it is a form of entertainment to them, and they will collect others in a group to do this. They're goal is to get you to do something they can accuse you of-they want you to get so upset, you'll do something they can point their fingers at. Jesus was taunted and tricked the same way-He knows what we go through by the hands of the wicked.

If you get in their path, there is no predicting what they may do. Society today, is overrun with this kind of problem now.
​
Pro 25:28  He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. 
Pro 20:11  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Luk 6:43  For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 
Luk 6:44  For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 
Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. 

How can spiritual abuse be detected:

The proper role of a church leader, pastor, teacher, is to lead people to Jesus Christ, and teach them how to be His disciples, in submission to Him and His authority. Abusive leaders, instead, lead people to themselves, and indoctrinate them to be their followers, in total submission to them, their church, and their authority. In essence, these dominating leaders teach they are the church-members' master, and savior, rather than Christ. They indoctrinate members to believe the spiritual leaders of the church themselves are the members' "spiritual covering" (a totally false and patently unbiblical concept), and any member who ever leaves the church will be "out from under" their "covering," be without any covering or what they call, "uncovered,". They are warned that they will experience grave consequences as a result. They will accuse anyone of questioning them  of being in rebellion, and without the blessings of the “group”, or approval of their “spiritual authority".

Is it biblical to submit blindly to every instruction of every church authority? 

No. The Bible teaches explicitly that we should test leaders, and not just follow those who assert themselves. The apostle Paul warns the Corinthians against false apostles and rebukes them for tolerating them. They get no credit for their suffering at the hands of the abusive and deceitful leaders. 2CO 11:13 "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve..... 19 You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! 20 In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. 

Jesus commends the Ephesians for testing those who claimed to be apostles, but were found false. REV 2:2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 

PREPARE FOR PERSECUTION- Abusive, deceitful and hypocritical Christian leaders often teach an authoritarian message to try to obtain absolute unquestioning obedience. Once obtained, they can manipulate others for their own benefit (for example in the accumulation of power or money or covering up an immoral lifestyle) rather than that of service to Christ or the flock. Disobeying or opposing the leader is considered as if it were disobedience to God.

If we have found ourselves in the middle of such abuse, the toll it can take on you can be devastating. If you have suffered from severe spiritual abuse, it can take years to recover. I pray for anyone who reads this, that God will restore them and heal them. He is the only one who can. If this abuse has caused you to lose your faith, have become so discouraged that you’ve fallen into a sin, gone back to an old pattern of addiction; God does not hate you, he does not condemn you, has not given up on you. He loves you, and can restore you; again. Just go to the Lord, and talk to him, tell him everything, allow Him to heal you. You can find Him once again, to be the friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is not to blame for the abuse you’ve received, place the blame where it belongs, on those leaders who treated you wrongfully. Forgive them, and learn from it.

You may feel like a battered ship, that's been through a war zone at sea, and landed on the rocks through a raging storm. The word of God, and prayer is what will set your anchor on solid ground, and keep you till the storm is past. Jesus is our anchor, our guide, and our authority, in this life, and the next. His word is final. If we remember this, we can sift through the opinions, false teachings, and attacks from those who seek our demise.

At the end of our life, we will not see these people on the side-lines when we stand before God. He will not be asking them their opinions of us. We will stand there alone. We will have a private audience with Him; and He will open the books. He will judge us according to our deeds. Rom 2:5,6

Reading and studying the Word of God, and prayer is the most vital thing you can do for yourself, and your greatest protection against being deceived, and abused again. 

Below are links to several web-sites that deal with spiritual abuse. There is good material in them, that you can read, check out with your bible, and study for yourself. They can help you on the road to recovery.
Lorna Couillard

www.spiritual-research-network.com/spiritualabuse
www.readingremy.com/how-to-recover-from-spiritual-abuse
www.spiritualabuseawareness.com/
www.batteredsheep.com

Does the word of God forbid women to preach? It's an age old debate, that will go on until Jesus returns I'm sure. But, let's take a look at what scripture teaches-and what it doesn't teach on this subject.
In the book of Joel a prophesy is given that speaks of a coming future event:

                                                    The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit On All Flesh
Joe 2:28  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 

Joe 2:29  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 
In verse 28 we see "your sons and your daughters will prophesy". 

Meaning-Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy - Shall preach - exhort, pray, and instruct, so as to benefit the Church.
Sons, daughters, old, young- not merely on a privileged few (Num 11:2:29) as the prophets of the Old Testament, but men of all ages and ranks. See Act 21:9; 1Co 11:5, as to “daughters,” that is, women, prophesying.

Now, let's move forward to the New Testament, when Peter stands preaching on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. Here we see the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophesy.

Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
​Act 2:14  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 
Act 2:15  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 
Act 2:16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 
Act 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 
Act 2:18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 

In verses 17 and 18 we see Peter included daughters and handmaids-these will all prophesy-sons daughters, young men, old men, servants, handmaidens-without distinction of sex, age, or rank.
Also take note: Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. "To prophesy" in the New Testament means to communicate religious truth by divine authority, as well as to foretell the future. The prophecy was fulfilled in the inspired speaking on Pentecost and afterwards, as well as by the daughters of Philip (Act 21:9). It will be seen that both sexes are included.

Again, let's move forward again to Acts ch. 21:8,9:
Act 21:8  And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 
Act 21:9  And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. 
Here we see Philip the evangelist has four virgin daughters, and they all prophesied. 

Probably these may have been teachers in the Church: for we have already seen that this is a frequent meaning of the word prophesy; and this is undoubtedly one thing intended by the prophecy of Joel, quoted in Acts 2:17 and 18, of this book. If Philip’s daughters might be prophetesses, why not teachers?
This shows the prophetic spirit in the Old or New Testament is not confined to a single sex. Deborah and Huldah are Old Testament examples, and in the New Testament, Elisabeth, Mary, Anna, and the daughters of Philip are instances.

Consider this: The first person to preach the resurrected Christ, was a woman- Mary Magdalene. John 20:18. A great sinner- of whom Jesus had cast out seven devils.

Add the account of Jesus with the woman at the well. In John ch. 4:1-45, the story tells of Jesus stopping and asking the Samaritan woman for a drink of water, and a conversation develops and he tells her about her own life, and gives some important truths about the worship of God.

Today, this woman would be seen as a great sinner-Jesus told her she had five husband's, and the one she was with now-wasn't her husband. Today, she would be buried in the media's attacks, and slander. But, there Jesus sat-telling her one of the greatest truths' in the bible-and spending time with her-as an individual of great worth. The Pharisee's of today, could learn a lot from this, if they had eyes to see, and chose to.

She in amazed, leaves her water pots and immediately goes to her village and tells the people all that Jesus said to her. She preached to them. They listened to her, found Jesus and led him to their village and he stayed with them several days, and many believed in him. I wonder how the story would have been different, if she had kept quiet, and said nothing.

If God has laid his hand on you, and your a woman-don't allow people or the devil to intimidate you, or tear you down. It matters not whether you have a high education, great intellect, or great standing in society. Many people men and women-have stood on street corners, and proclaimed the gospel, and the risen Christ. If Christ is first in your life and preaching, the Holy Spirit will more than make up for your lack-whatever it may be. The first disciples were not college educated people with degrees on their walls-they were tax collectors, fishermen, ordinary people-and God used them. They weren't perfect people, they were sold out to Jesus, and gave their lives with boldness from the Holy Spirit to proclaim the risen Christ.

Kathryn Kuhlman said "If everything was taken from me, and I was left with only the clothes on my back, I'd stand on a street corner, and preach."

When your called by God, nothing and no one will be able to kill what the Holy Spirit has planted in you. Use what you have, to do what God's called you to do. 

I'd only admonish-ask yourself this question often: "Is what I'm preaching, pointing to me-or to Christ". We have to forget the "I" in our preaching, and be single minded on Jesus Christ. Paul died in prison, but while he was there, he still used what he had, to preach-his pen, and scrolls; which we now read in scripture in his epistles and letters.

The world and the devil will come against you with all it's got-to shut you up. But, if your called by God-you'll do it-whatever comes.

You may have to speak things no one wants to hear-but if it's from the Lord, and he's requiring it of you, you'll pay the price. He's made it clear to me- preaching His word in truth-has no room for compromise. We may be ignorant of a thing until we are shown the truth; but after that, there's no more room for excuse. The world loves to cover the truth with smoke/mirrors, lies, and compromise.

When scripture is put in context, it brings things into proper perspective and shows the true intent of God's callings individually, whether they be men or women. 

A good teacher of the Word of God will be a Berean, and search the scriptures to get the answers to the difficult passages-to get a clear understanding of what is really being said and taught. Paul made statements about women keeping silent in the church-which has brought a lot of the controversy about women preaching. I've added links to some articles below, that answer the debates on what Paul said, and what he really meant at his time in history-we have to take everything into account-including the cultures of the day involved. These articles give sound biblical teaching and direction on the subject:

Three Women from history who might change your thinking about women preaching-
https://www.wycliffecollege.ca/blog/3-women-history-who-might-change-your-thinking-about-women-preaching

Excerpt from the article-
"Like Narducci, Fell explains that Paul’s injunction against women speaking in Corinth had to do with the general confusion of the church at the time. But she also points out that only a few verses earlier, Paul adjoins men to be silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:28, 30). She, too, reads Paul’s directive for women to be silent in light of Paul’s earlier instructions about how women should behave when they pray and prophesy in 1 Corinthians 11, and comments on the similar Pauline restrictions on women in 1 Timothy 2:11-12, arguing contextually that Paul is writing to novices rather than forbidding women’s preaching entirely."
Another detailed article- Women in Church History - https://godswordtowomen.org/pastors.htm

A good teacher in any capacity will use every means at their disposal to bring understanding, enlightenment, clarity, and inspiration to the subject being taught-this is the aim in every form of teaching; whether in grade school, on into college, and higher institutions. It's no different for bible teachers; a good teacher of the Word of God will use reputable commentaries, teachings and all various forms of media to give the best presentation of what scripture is teaching. I keep this in mind in what I present, teach, and post on my pages. God can and does use many various means, to achieve reaching people to help present the gospel, and bring them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and into a relationship with Him. This is the most important goal.

People God calls and uses aren't perfect, he continues to work with them, and mature them, and chastises them, like all the people in the Bible were. He uses imperfect vessels to work in His kingdom, and proclaim Christ as Savior and Lord, to a dying world.

Let's fulfill our callings, and be at peace with one another.
Lorna Couillard
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Articles/videos of notable women pastor's, leaders, and teachers
Articles- 10 Awesome Women Pastors from History-
https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/mutuality-blog-magazine/10-awesome-women-pastors-history
Rare Unabridged Corrie Ten Boom interviewed by Kathryn Kuhlman - 
https://youtu.be/1OaP_aSjyC0
God's Perfect Logistics - Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/suSr1dV-gVw
God's Love by Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/S56B2zNAkek
Prayer by Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/oN55q2JxI7Q
Corrie Ten Boom - The Holy Spirit Gives Power- https://youtu.be/V2e56rZOj9M
Kathryn Kuhlman preaching on the topic "The Gift of the Holy Spirit". - https://youtu.be/CMt6iTX9ibM
The Power Of God | Kathryn Kuhlman - https://youtu.be/iPmRWvfpo0s
Kathryn Kuhlman speaks about the price for the anointing and why she can't get young people to face facts.- https://youtu.be/T9u3ZkOA8yU
Maria Woodworth-Etter-
http://www.revival-library.org/index.php/pensketches-menu/american-pentecostal-pioneers/mariah-woodworth-etter​
Maria Woodworth Etter, Pioneer Woman Preacher-
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/it-happened-today/9/16

This will be an ongoing teaching, 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                            

​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 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. 

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
​
                                                 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.
​​
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
​
***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

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. 

The gift of prophecy is a difficult subject to teach on, because many will pick and choose what they want to hear, and use this gift for their own profit. It's been so from the beginning of time and will become worse the closer we come to the coming of Christ. Jesus also said in the last days:

Mat 24:5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 

Christ is the greatest of the prophets, and when the false Christ's claim to be him-we will know them by their fruits, and by examining them by the word of God.

There's many today hinging their credibility, and their status in the world by the predictions they make, and forming their reputations and popularity by using this as a platform to gain a following. Making predictions doesn't make someone a prophet called by God; even if they come to pass. Anyone with keen intelligence, discernment, and good outside sources of information, can help the person to connect the dots to an event, long before it may happen, and be right-this isn't prophecy from God. 

The word of God gives guidance on how to evaluate the prophetic message given, and the individual who's giving it, to make sure we aren't being deceived. These are perilous times, and it's crucial that the word of God be the final word on every matter for the believer in Christ. Below is a short teaching on prophetic gifts, and servants of God called to a prophetic ministry.

Text references: 1Cor. 12:4-10, 1Cor. 14:1,3,5,39-40

Among the nine gifts of the Spirit:

There are 3 gifts of revelation, or gifts that reveal something. The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the gift of discerning of spirits.
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There are 3 gifts of power, or that do something; the gift of faith, working of miracles, and gifts of healings.

Then there are 3 gifts of inspiration; gifts that say something; of utterance: prophecy, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

Scriptures stress that the gift of prophecy is the most important gift. Paul said "greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaks in tongues." (1Cor. 14:5). Tongues with interpretation equals prophecy; but tongues with no interpretation is either an incomplete prophetic utterance (caused by someone hindered by fear or uncertain in his gift, or some other error), or a counterfeit from Satan.

Tongues is inspired utterance in an unknown tongue.
Interpretation of tongues is inspired utterance in your own tongue to give forth that which was spoken in tongues.

Prophecy is inspired utterance in a known tongue.

The gift of prophecy is often confused with the office of a prophet. Everyone who prophesies is not a prophet. Operating in the simple gift of prophecy does not qualify someone to stand in the office of a prophet.
Someone standing in the office of a prophet will be used consistently in the gifts of revelation; (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits, along with prophecy).

The office of a prophet is a ministry, a calling. Everyone does not have the same calling or ministry. 1Cor. 12:28,29

The prophetic gift is different from the office of the prophet because Paul encouraged the whole Church at Corinth to covet to prophesy. He tells them to "desire spiritual gifts, but rather the ye may prophesy". He is not telling everyone here to seek the office of prophet, but that all may prophesy; which is to edify, build up, comfort, and exhort the body. The simple gift of prophesy carries no predictions of the future in it. 1Cor. 14:3

If someone is called by God to stand in the office of prophet; He will equip them by the Spirit with the necessary gifts to stand in that office. And, men in the Body of Christ will know you are called and equipped; it won't have to be proclaimed or defended.

Important point: If others who have the Spirit do not know you are called and equipped with these gifts, take no offense when they do not accept what you say. Rather, humble yourself before your brethren and take a lesser place. If the Lord sees fit to exalt you; then you will have praise of both God and man.
Anyone who claims the office of prophet when they are not called by God or equipped, or imitate other's ministries; cause confusion and division in the Body of Christ. Here is the words of Jesus' to be heeded "you will know them by their fruit".

However, another important point, that few enjoy pointing out-Many of the prophets in the Old Testament never lived to see the fulfillment of their messages-and many who were labeled false prophets, were tortured and killed. Only after many years (sometimes hundreds of years) did the fulfillment of their messages come to pass. This fact makes it clear to me-don't be quick to label someone a false prophet-if you see a total consecration to Christ in their life-they may be speaking under the unction of the Holy Spirit-and it's important to take all prophetic messages to the Lord in prayer-and ask for true discernment, before making any judgement.

The purity and accuracy of the message will be a direct result of the level of consecration, maturity, and obedience of the servant giving the prophecy.
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Improper Manifestations

1Cor. 14:32 "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."

In error; some people think if they display some kind of physical manifestation this means they are anointed. This will include jerking, jumping, yelling, elaborate gestures, etc. At times; when speaking under the anointing and power of the Spirit; emotion may spill over into the message; but our hearts will witness that it is sincere, and honest. But, not in a display of a "pattern" of manifestations. This is not a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Pride can cause someone with this gift to be corrupted. Many examples are given in scripture of this. We must be examining our motives, and hearts. All messages must be filtered thru this one point; "does it glorify Christ Jesus; or me?"

The gifts of God are perfect, the Holy Spirit is perfect. But the gifts are not always perfect in manifestation, because they are manifested through an imperfect channel: men and women. The Spirit of God flows thru us as water flows through a pipe. Sometimes the Spirit picks up something of our own personalities within that gift manifested.

Immaturity, pride, wrong manifestations can scare many people off; and cause a body of believer’s to shut out the gifts. Proper teaching correction is necessary.

An example of God using a prophet in the New Testament to give guidance to someone is found in Acts ch. 21: 10,11 

Act 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Act 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 

An important point here is; when God spoke thru the prophet Agabus, the Spirit only told Paul what was going to happen if he chose to go. It was up to Paul to choose whether to go or not. The prophet is only a messenger; he does not use his influence to persuade people, or tell them what to do.

What Prophecy Is Not

The gift of prophecy is not to be used to introduce new doctrine. The bible is our source of doctrine. Anyone who claims to be a prophet; and comes to you saying they’ve been given a “new light”, “deeper revelation”, or “deeper truth”, should be avoided. Evidence of error in these people’s doctrines are a muddled, twisted use of scriptures; leaving a vague, murky interpretation that could be changed and excused when their prophecies do not come to pass. Confusion is another fruit of false prophecy.

Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 

The gift of prophecy is not to settle arguments. Arguments should be settled according to the Word of God. Matt. Ch. 18 gives clear guidance for this problem.

The gift of prophecy is not to be used to satisfy curiosity; or promote any particular church or denomination to prove how spiritual they are.

A true word of prophecy will edify, exhort, and comfort. It will help people become better Christians. The Spirit of God can tell us things if He wishes, but we need to know the difference between the true and the false; or stay away from it, and get into the Word of God until we do.

The difference between an operation of the Spirit of God and an evil extrasensory manifestation is:

1. A true Word of prophecy will center around Christ. Evidence of a true word of prophecy will be:
a. There will always be a thread of restoration and redemption within the message; even if the message carries a stern rebuke.
b. It will always point to the power of Christ and His shed blood on the cross; never to the messenger himself.
c. In prophecies of judgment; there will always be a cry, a pleading for repentance; and turning back to God. Judgment can be stopped when a person or nation repents.

2. Familiar spirits are familiar with us. These are demonic spirits. We are not to have anything to do with them. They know facts about us; and so does the Holy Spirit. However the difference in their operations are:
a. A familiar spirit will tell things and reveal things for public display
b. to incite curiosity
c. to attract attention to the messenger himself, or man’s flesh
d. to gain money, to elevate himself into a position of authority
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For teaching on familiar spirits, go to these verses- Lev. 20:27, 1Sam 28:7-8, 1Ch 10:13, 2Ch 33: 6, Isa 19:3, Isa 29:4

Seven Steps to Judging Prophecy

1. The first step: “By their fruits you shall know them.” Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

2. Does it glorify Christ? Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. If the prophecy is right, and the prophet is right, they will testify of Jesus. If either attracts attention to man, it is wrong. John 16:14 “He shall glorify Me”. If they lead us away from Jesus, they are a wrong spirit.

3. Does it agree with Scriptures? If it is a right message it will be according to the Word of God, because the Word and the Spirit always agree. The Word of God was inspired by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not going to tell us one thing, and the Word of God another through prophecy. If it doesn’t agree with the Word of God; dismiss it.

4. Has the prophecy been fulfilled? Some prophecies are spoken out of someone’s own mind, and presumptuous; and are not fulfilled. Our guidelines are in Deut. ch. 13 and ch. 18 

Deu 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 
Deu 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 
Deu 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 
Deu 13:4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 
Deu 13:5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. 

Deu 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 
Deu 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

5. Sometimes a prophecy is wrong; even if it comes to pass. In Deut. Ch. 13:1-5, even though a prophecy came to pass, it was not from God. How do we know? Does the prophecy lead you away from God, or to Him? Does it lead you to the New Birth, the fundamentals of scripture; or away from them? Does it cause you to become more reverent toward God, and cause you to desire to come nearer to Him; or away from Him?

6. Does the prophecy produce liberty or bondage? If it is spoken in the realm of faith; it will produce liberty. If not, it will produce bondage.

2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

God is not going to lead us back into fear and bondage. We have been delivered from fear.

7. Our spirit will witness to the anointing. When something is not right; something inside of you, the unction, the anointing that abides in you will tell you something is wrong. The Holy Spirit inside of us will tell us when things are not as they should be.

1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 
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.

If someone claims to have prophetic gifts, and makes public predictions frequently, but lives a double life, beware. What do I mean by this.

A public figure who claims to be a Christian, but also associates with people who are clearly not Christians-and endorses them and elevates them in their public platforms. Many are doing this today, and most in the world find no problem with it. But, Jesus said your either for Me, or against me-you can't have it both ways. It's a common problem today-those in power, who are making  a lot of money, and have public popularity will make many claims of being a Christian, but not walk it out, and it shows in who they allow in their lives, and who/what they endorse. If you claim to be a believer in Christ, have a large media platform-and also put somebody on who's a spiritualist, occultist, someone who endorses reincarnation, yoga, Buddhism, etc., you are showing me-and anybody else who is a serious Christian-that your a phony, and playing a game, to keep the people coming. You may fool the masses of blind pagans-but you won't fool anyone who's sold out for Christ. I'll refer you back to the verses in Deut. ch. 13 and 18 above, study them and allow them to take root in your soul, to give you the discernment you need to spot a false prophet in this world today.

You won't fool us, because we see through the smoke and mirrors-we see it's really all about YOU, it has nothing to do with Christ in your life. You throw out the name of Jesus occasionally, or claim to be a Christian because it keeps the shallow, empty headed ones, who also have no serious commitment, following you. You've mastered the techniques to keep all the different groups contented enough to support you, and sending the money to keep you where you are. But, for some of us, the truth is as plain as day-and we know Jesus Christ is not your Savior, nor your God. You have many gods-and the greatest one is yourself.

​The martyr's down through history, and to this day, paid the prices, and know what it means to take up their cross and follow Christ. The majority of the world, won't pay these prices-they cling to the world, and all it has to offer. Only those who've surrendered their lives to Jesus completely, and have come to know the reality of WHO He is, understand this. 

Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 
Mat 16:25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 
Mat 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

Mar 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

Anyone today, who is used by God in the prophetic ministry-who proves to be a true servant of Christ's, will only speak when they are as sure as they can be, that God is truly requiring it of them, and they won't do it with any desire for recognition, or popularity. They will do it with great reluctance-and only to obey the Lord. They will only speak what is given to them-and no more. Then, they will leave it. They've done what was asked, and will not seek or desire to go any further with it.

May God protect His people today, in these perilous times-as the days grow darker.
Lorna Couillard.
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A teaching on the prophet John the Baptist, of whom Jesus said, there was no greater prophet than he-
John - The Voice in the Wilderness
https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/john-the-voice-in-the-wilderness

One of the signs of a crumbling society is the increase of crime, decline of moral standards, and lowering of conduct and manners. It's prevalent in society here in the United States now. The bible defines this decline as sins, and works of the flesh:

Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 
Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 
Gal 5:21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
 
Jesus said that these works of the flesh come from out of the heart of man-who is born in sin and rebellion.

Mat 15:18  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 
Mat 15:19  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 
Mat 15:20  These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

James goes further, and describes how those who live in the flesh, and walk according to the course of this world will speak and do the things that their emotions, and lusts desire:
​
Jas 3:3  Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 
Jas 3:4  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 
Jas 3:5  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 
Jas 3:6  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 
Jas 3:7  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 
Jas 3:8  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 
Jas 3:9  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 
Jas 3:10  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 
Jas 3:11  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 
Jas 3:12  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 

Jesus went on to say we will be held accountable for our words:

Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 
Mat 12:37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. 

We will also be rewarded according to our deeds:
​
Ecc 12:14  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
2Co 5:9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 
2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
​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.

This is a very sobering truth, but a very sad one, because the conduct, and pattern of life for the vast majority today-do not believe this. They don't believe they will ever stand before God and be shown the account of their life-and will reap the rewards for them. They live as an animal, because they've been taught by both their parents, and schools that they've come from a swamp-are nothing but another life form, with no soul, and no God to answer to. At the moment of their death, they will meet the God they've been told doesn't exist, and will either enter into heaven, or drop into hell. I watch with sadness, the masses of people living with no thought of this at all, and continue on living lives of vanity, selfishness, or doing good works to try to earn God's blessings. It will not work. The only way to heaven, is through the cross-admitting your a sinner, in need of a Savior, and asking for His forgiveness, mercy and turning to Him for salvation. Jesus Christ is the door to eternal life, there is no other way.

Many cities in the country are crumbling, with homeless camps and drug addicted, mentally ill people living on the streets, and the problems are enormous. The filth, squalor, violence and crime on the streets is becoming a problem that can't be ignored, but leadership has no solutions-because it's rooted in immorality, and the debasement of a society that has lost it's sense of right and wrong. Like Jesus said-out of the abundance of the heart....comes every evil work.

Below is a visual compilation of the works of the flesh, which is an ever-increasing situation throughout the country now.

The Hall of The Flesh
1Co 6:9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, 
1Co 6:10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
​shall inherit the kingdom of God. 

Definition of vulgar
1 a: lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste : COARSE
b: morally crude, undeveloped, or unregenerate : GROSS
c: ostentatious or excessive in expenditure or display : PRETENTIOUS
2 a: offensive in language : EARTHY
b: lewdly or profanely indecent
3 a: generally used, applied, or accepted
b: understood in or having the ordinary sense
they reject the vulgar conception of miracle
— W. R. Inge
4: VERNACULAR
the vulgar name of a plant
5 a: of or relating to the common people : PLEBEIAN
b: generally current : PUBLIC
the vulgar opinion of that time
c: of the usual, typical, or ordinary kind
COARSE, VULGAR, GROSS, OBSCENE, RIBALD mean offensive to good taste or morals. COARSE implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.  found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive  VULGAR often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.  a loud vulgar belch  GROSS implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.  gross eating habits  OBSCENE applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters. Profane, barbaric, lewd.
Definition of rude
1 a: being in a rough or unfinished state : CRUDE
d: SIMPLE, ELEMENTAL
2: lacking refinement or delicacy:
a: IGNORANT, UNLEARNED
b: INELEGANT, UNCOUTH
c: offensive in manner or action : DISCOURTEOUS
d: UNCIVILIZED, SAVAGE
e: COARSE, VULGAR
Definition of vain
1: having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : CONCEITED
2: marked by futility or ineffectualness : UNSUCCESSFUL, USELESS
vain efforts to escape
3: having no real value : IDLE, WORTHLESS
vain pretensions
4. archaic : FOOLISH, SILLY
Definition of vanity
1: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : CONCEIT
2: something that is vain, empty, or valueless
Definition of vainglory
1: excessive or ostentatious pride especially in one's achievements
2: vain display or show : VANITY

Definition of cruelty
1: the quality or state of being cruel
2 a: a cruel action
b: inhuman treatment
3: marital conduct held (as in a divorce action) to endanger life or health or to cause mental suffering or fear
Definition of brutality
1: the quality or state of being brutal
2: a brutal act or course of action

The bible has the answer to every problem man faces-if they would heed it.

Jesus said it in one simple statement-the golden rule-do to other's what you would want done to you.

Mat 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 

How do you desire to be treated? Do the same to those you come in contact with, and interact with during the course of a day. Speak to them in the same manner you'd want to be spoken to, and don't spread stories, gossip and exaggerate-which is lying. If you want to be treated with respect-treat other's in the same manner. If you have an issue with someone-go to them and deal with them in person; not behind their backs. If you come across an elderly senior, treat them with the respect your going to want-when you become one yourself; and I can assure you-you're not far behind them. If you witness someone being abused in any way-have the courage to speak up, and intervene to put a stop to it, if you have to. Courage, and empathy is something very important, and lacking today; many would rather turn a blind eye, walk away and say nothing. I couldn't live with myself-I gotten into trouble more than once, standing up for an elderly person I saw getting abused, and I'd do it again.

Going further, Paul warns in Colossians to put off the old man with it's deeds:

Col 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 
Col 3:6  For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 
Col 3:7  In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 
Col 3:8  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 

The temptations, lusts, and attacks from those who live in the world and love it, will be with the believer until we are called home. We may give in to anger, we may stumble, we may fall and say or do something wrong-repent right then, don't let it fester; don't let the devil use it to torment you. Repent immediately, and recover your ground in Christ-then just walk on with Him. If we love Jesus, we'll want to do right, and live right. Our righteousness doesn't come from the good we do in itself, but why we are doing it. We are His servants, His chosen, and the work given to us, is a privilege.

As we yield our bodies and minds to the Holy Spirit, He cultivates our minds and spirits and strengthens us-and develops the Godly traits deep within, and it strengthens our armor against the wiles of the devil, and the evidence of this is the fruit that develops in our life and conduct:

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 
Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 
Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 
Gal 5:26  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

The increase in technologies has it's advantages, but also many disadvantages. I've watched the rudeness, coldness, and callous behavior increase tremendously since hand held phones, and devices have come on the scene-at times people are rude intentionally. When I see this, it just causes me to feel sorry for them, they are wasting their time with me.

I try not to pay any attention to it anymore, because it's gone too far now. But, it's a sad development to watch. Another aspect to the new technologies is the ability of people to intrude into other peoples private lives, when they have no right to-that's another detriment that has no solution now-except to endure it, and try to find ways to get rid of it out of my life-if there's any way to do it. Again, this has developed a mentality in many people that think they have the right to hack into every aspect of your life-and don't see why it's ethically wrong-and most don't want to see they're doing wrong, because they enjoy it-so sin rises another notch in society. I'm ready to get off this planet, whenever the Lord says it's time for me to go home.

As this darkness continues to worsen, believer's are having to find ways to deal with it, and strengthen their souls to stand against the tide of evil. Jesus said it would be this way, and to look up, our redemption draws nigh. As I wait, I go to the verses below often, for instruction, and encouragement in these dark days-they are food for the soul:

Col 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 
Col 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 
Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 
Col 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 
Col 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 
Col 3:6  For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 
Col 3:7  In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 
Col 3:8  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 
Col 3:9  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 
Col 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 

May God be with His people in these trying days-and abide with us as we journey to the finish line, and home; to dwell with Christ, free from this world of sin.
Lorna Couillard
In Closing: If you died tonight, where would you go? Are you ready to meet Jesus? If not, the gospel message below can help you and guide you to just open your heart, talk to Him right where you are, and admit to Him you are a sinner, and ask for His forgiveness, believe He has died and risen again to forgive your sins, and ask Him to come into your heart and be you Savior and Lord. He will do it-and when He does, He'll start renewing your mind, and heart.
Then, start reading the bible, and talk to Him every day, and ask Him to guide you and help you live for Him. Start applying the word of God to your life and pray every day. 
If you do this-Welcome to the family of God.

The ninth commandment is an avoided topic in church for good reason. The preacher/teacher who brings this up very often, will find the pews and offering plates begin to empty quickly. This world, and the churches-are rife with it. But, the devil uses gossip and slander in every area of our lives to tear apart individuals, families, relationships, businesses, and the destruction of your eternal soul-if he can do it.

I've come to look at this commandment as Satan's "directed energy weapons". He is ruthless in how and who he uses to slander and gossip to achieve his goals. He'll use family members, friends, co-workers, people in your life that you may have thought were trusted friends, people you love and may have told them things about yourself that you thought would never be shared with anyone else-to find out you have been betrayed. 

Whole communities can destroy somebody, and you'll find you've become "what's for dinner" on their menu at the local gas station, village store, and the street corner in town. People's poison can create enemies for you, that you don't even know personally-you may not even know their names, nor done anything to them personally; but the conduct, behavior and reactions make it very clear-you've been the topic of gossip sessions. When you don't want to hang out with the town troublemakers and gossips-this will add to the problem.

You may have long ago been redeemed by the love and mercy of Christ, to find those who you thought had forgiven you as well-still spreading stories and lies, that you've never done, but the poison has worked. The pain this sin inflicts to the heart and soul of a person, is just as destructive as being shot with a gun, because the one slandered lives with the ongoing consequences of the mouths who've done this. The damage done to the soul is invisible to the world, but not to God, nor the devil.

Jesus dealt with this his entire life. His mother, Mary was slandered, accused of being pregnant out of wedlock-a serious accusation in that day. Jesus was accused of being a bastard child, and Joseph-his stepfather lived with this stinging accusation during the years he raised Jesus as a young boy. When his ministry began-the Pharisee's and Sadducee's accused him numerous times by insinuation that he was a bastard, possessed by demons, and did all they could to trap him in His words and actions. His responses were powerful, direct, and brought them to silence. 

Joh 8:19  Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
Where is Your father? The Pharisees intended this as a deeply cutting insult to Jesus. They refer to His virgin birth, and to the rumors that it was not a miraculous conception, but an illicit one. (excerpt from David Guzik)

This is just one example of what the Lord dealt with, I encourage you to study the Gospels, and follow Jesus as he is followed, harassed, and falsely accused throughout his ministry. Many times they plotted to kill him, but weren't successful, because it wasn't his time to die yet-but eventually, they caught him. But, it was in God's timing, and after they thought they had gotten rid of this troublemaker-Lo and behold, He rose from the dead!

The way Jesus confronted his accuser's is a teaching for us-when we are treated the same way. There is a time to speak and rebuke, and there's a time to be silent, and let God take care of our enemies-with prayer, and asking for the Lord's wisdom, we are helped by the Holy Spirit to respond in the way that will help us stand in victory, no matter what the devil throws at us, or what people say about us.

Many times in the Gospels Jesus tells us that whatever they have done to Him will be done to us; we must stay close to the Lord, read and take in His word as meat for our souls, because it is the only thing that is going to keep us going, when the world turns against us.

Mat 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 
Mat 5:12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 

Joh 16:1  These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 
Joh 16:2  They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 
Joh 16:3  And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 

Several excerpts from good commentaries will be put below-that do a good job of defining and exposing how Satan uses this sin to destroy many-and some posts will be added to give some insight on how to deal with it, and not allow it to destroy you-if you are someone who's going through being slandered.

​There is victory in every circumstance, when we let Jesus into our lives, and seek Him for wisdom, His help, and direction on how to deal with it.

I've found through the years, the older I get, the less it matters what people think. If you know the love and companionship of the Lord, you'll become comfortable with yourself, your faults, and imperfections. God will deal with you as a Father, and correct you when you need to be-but what He desires the most, is your love and friendship. If you have that, it doesn't matter what the world or the devil thinks.

⦁ Notice this is done without the person being present who is being talked about-they can't defend themselves.
⦁ When the person being slandered isn't present-there's no interest in whether the story is completely true-this is the realm of fabrication, and inserting lies when it's convenient-to slant the story in the accuser's favor. The town troublemakers, boozers' and coffee clutch crowd like this, and thrive on it.
⦁ Take into consideration that if the person being talked about is being treated this way-most likely you will be also. In fact, many times before your completely out the door as your leaving.

When I listen to people emphasizing love while they are talking about somebody else, my mind goes to these two direct energy weapons; because those accused of "not loving" many times are simply standing up for something, or someone, or not buckling under the bullying their getting from the mob. When somebody is being talked about to me-I put a stop to it fast, by simply asking if they'd like to bring to person to me, and talk it over with them there, face to face. This usually causes people to turn and walk away, and that's fine with me.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor: We can break the ninth commandment through slander, talebearing, creating false impressions, by silence, by questioning the motives behind someone’s actions, or even by flattery.
i. “Slander . . . is a lie invented and spread with intent to do harm. That is the worst form of injury a person can do to another. Compared to one who does this, a gangster is a gentleman, and a murderer is kind, because he ends life in a moment with a stroke and with little pain. But the man guilty of slander ruins a reputation which may never be regained, and causes lifelong suffering.” (Redpath)
ii. “Talebearing . . . is repeating a report about a person without careful investigation. Many, many times I have known what it is to suffer with that. To repeat a story which brings discredit and dishonor to another person without making sure of the facts, is breaking this commandment . . . How many people, especially Christian people, revel in this, and delight in working havoc by telling tales about others. To excuse the action by saying they believed the report to be true, or that there was no intention to malign, is no justification.” (Redpath)
iii. What about inappropriate silence? “When someone utters a falsity about another and a third person is present who knows that statement to be untrue but, for reasons of fear or being disliked, remains quiet, that third person is as guilty of breaking this law as if he had told a lie.” (Redpath)
b. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor: The New Testament puts it simply. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds (Col_3:9) “How very strange that we have ever come to think that Christian maturity is shown by the ability to speak our minds, whereas it is really expressed in controlling our tongues.” (Redpath)
i. “What a startling revelation it would be if a tape recording could be played of all that every church member has said about his fellow members in one week!” (Redpath)
ii. Satan is always there to encourage a lie (Joh_8:44; Act_5:3); and Jesus Himself was the victim of false witness (Mar_14:57); in some ways, we might say this was the sin that sent Jesus to the cross. David Guzik comm.
Thou shalt not bear false witness, etc. - Not only false oaths, to deprive a man of his life or of his right, are here prohibited, but all whispering, tale-bearing, slander, and calumny; in a word, whatever is deposed as a truth, which is false in fact, and tends to injure another in his goods, person, or character, is against the spirit and letter of this law. Suppressing the truth when known, by which a person may be defrauded of his property or his good name, or lie under injuries or disabilities which a discovery of the truth would have prevented, is also a crime against this law. He who bears a false testimony against or belies even the devil himself, comes under the curse of this law, because his testimony is false. By the term neighbor any human being is intended, whether he rank among our enemies or friends.
Adam Clarke comm.

Exodus 20:16
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."-- Exo_20:16.

​St. James called the tongue a world of iniquity. And against its lawlessness, which inflames the whole course of nature, each table of the law contains a warning. For it is equally ready to profane the name of God, and to rob our neighbour of his fair fame.
Jesus Christ regarded verbal professions as a very poor thing, and asked, "Why call ye Me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I command you?" He aimed a parable at the hollowness of merely saying, "I go, sir." But, worthless though such phrases be, the act which substitutes professions for actual service is no trifle; and our Lord felt the importance of words, empty or sincere, so profoundly as to stake upon this one test the eternal destinies of His people: "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Now, the tongue is thus important because it is so prompt and willing a servant of the mind within. We scarcely think of it as a servant at all: our words do not seem to be more than "expressions," manifestations of what is within us.
But a thought, once expressed, is transformed and energetic as a bullet when the charge is fired; it modifies other minds, and the word which we took to be far less potent than a deed becomes the mover of the fateful deeds of many men. And thus, being at once powerful and unsuspected, it is the most treacherous and subtle of all the forces which we wield.
And the ninth commandment does not undertake to bridle it by merely forbidding us in a court of justice to wrong our fellow-man by perjury.
We transgress it whenever we conceive a strong suspicion and repeat it as a thing we know; when we allow the temptation of a biting epigram to betray us into an unkind expression not quite warranted by the facts; when we vindicate ourselves against a charge by throwing blame where it probably but not certainly ought to lie; or when we are not content to vindicate ourselves without bringing a countercharge which it would perplex us to be asked to prove; when we give way to that most shallow and meanest of all attempts at cleverness which claims credit for penetration because it can discover base motives for innocent actions, so that high-mindedness becomes pride, and charity withers up into love of patronising, and forbearance shrivels into lack of spirit. The pattern and ideal of such cleverness is the east wind, which makes all that is fair and sensitive to shut itself up, forbids the bud to expand into a blossom, and puts back the coming of the springtime and of the singing bird.
There are very gifted persons who have never found out that a kindly and winning phrase may have as much literary merit as a stinging one, and it is quite as fine a thing to be like the dew on Hermon on as to shoot out arrows, even bitter words.
It is a pity that our harsh judgments always speak more loudly and confidently than our kindly ones, but the reason is plain: angry passion prompts the former, and its voice is loud; while the calm reflection which tones down and sweetens the judgment softens also the expression of it.
It has to be remembered, also, that false witness can reach to nations, organisations, political movements as well as individuals. The habit of putting the worst construction upon the intentions of foreign powers is what feeds the mutual jealousies that ultimately blaze out in war. The habit of thinking of rival politicians as deliberately false and treasonable is what lowers the standard of the noblest of secular pursuits, until each party, not to be undone, protests too much, raises its voice to a falsetto to scream its rival down, and relaxes its standard of righteousness lest it should be outdone by the unscrupulousness of its rival.
And there is yet another neighbour, against whom false witness is woefully rife, both in the Church and in society. That neighbour is mankind at large. There is a prevalent theory of human sinfulness which unconsciously scoffs at the appeals of the gospel, striving indeed to influence me by love, gratitude, admiration for the Perfect One, and desire to be like Him, by the hope of holiness and the shame of vileness, but telling me at the same time that I have no sympathies whatever except with evil. The observation of every day shows that man’s nature is corrupt, but it also shows that he is not a fiend--that he has fallen indeed, but remembers yet in what image he was made. But the world cannot upbraid the Church for these exaggerations, since they are but the echo of its own. Excerpt from Expositor's Bible
See also:  Exo_23:6-7; Lev_19:11, Lev_19:16; Deu_19:15-21; 1Sa_22:8-19; 1Ki_21:10-13; Psa_15:3, Psa_101:5-7; Pro_10:18, Pro_11:13; Mat_26:59-60; Act_6:13; Eph_4:31; 1Ti_1:10; 2Ti_3:3; Jas_4:11

Jas 3:3  Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 
Jas 3:4  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 
Jas 3:5  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 
Jas 3:6  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 
Jas 3:7  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 
Jas 3:8  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 
Jas 3:9  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 
Jas 3:10  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

We cannot control what other's do, but we can choose to control ourselves, and our own actions. I can decide to read and appropriate what God is teaching me, no matter what other's may do. It's worth the cost, to walk with God, His way. I'd rather know His abiding presence, than go back to what the world has to offer-the path of the world leads to destruction.
​
Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
Jas 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 
Jas 4:9  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 
Jas 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 

Psa 34:11  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 
Psa 34:12  What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 
Psa 34:13  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 
Psa 34:14  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 
Psa 34:15  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 

Eph 4:31  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 
Eph 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 

1Pe 4:4  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 
1Pe 4:5  Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 
1Pe 4:6  For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 
1Pe 4:7  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 

See also: Psa_39:1; Pro_18:21; Mat_12:35-37; Jas_1:19, Jas_1:26,
Lev_19:16; 2Sa_19:27; Psa_15:3, Psa_50:20, Psa_101:5, Psa_140:11; Pro_6:19, Pro_10:18; Pro_18:8, Pro_25:23, Pro_26:20; Jer_6:28, Jer_9:4; Rom_1:29-30; 1Ti_3:11, 1Ti_5:13; 2Ti_3:3; Tit_2:3, Tit_3:2; Jas_4:11; 1Pe_2:1; 2Pe_2:10-11; Jud_1:8-10; Rev_12:10
1Pe_2:12, 1Pe_3:16; Act_13:45, Act_18:6; 2Pe_2:12; Jud_1:10
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In closing, when finding ourselves in situations of suffering and falsely accused-the verses below are a reminder to us that nothing that is done to us, is missed by God. One day, the balances will be weighed, and everyone will be rewarded according to their deeds.

Psa 28:3  Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. 
Psa 28:4  Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. 
Psa 28:5  Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. 

Isa 59:18  According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. 
Isa 59:19  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 

​Jer 25:14  For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands. 

​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.