Active Spiritual Warfare

Receiving the Holy Spirit

Ken

Three passages come to mind addressing the reception of the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit of God impress their significance upon you — Ezekiel 36:27, Acts 2:38, and Ephesians 1:13. 

Future Relationship With God’s Spirit Predicted. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV). Under the Old Covenant, God’s people were promised a future, abiding relationship with Yahweh, which was typical only of prophets or specially called servants of God. In the OT, the Spirit of Jehovah Himself would come upon His servants to accomplish appointed tasks, such as the recording of Holy Scripture. Joshua was called to lead Israel into the Promised Land and to judge Israel (Numbers 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9). “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21). But, the new relationship would not be limited to the prophets, but to inspire all of God’s people to obey Him. 

Present Relationship With God’s Spirit Promised to All Who Repent and Are Baptized. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). In the first sermon of the NT Church, Peter promised the same Holy Spirit, which had just been poured out upon the initial 120 disciples, to all who repent and are baptized. The question raised by the Jews at Jerusalem was not how to obtain the supernatural gift of diverse tongues spoken and understood by all, but how to rectify their sin of crucifying Jesus, whom God has made “both Lord and Christ” (2:36). God ‘s Indwelling Spirit was promised in exchange for the obedience of repenting and submitting to water baptism, whereby they covenanted their loyalty to Christ Jesus as Lord. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Again, obedience is both the result and the requirement of those who receive the Holy Spirit. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32).

Past Relationship With God’s Spirit Established Through Faith. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). No mention of anything but faith in establishing the sealing of the Holy Spirit of Promise. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2Timothy 2:19). Though the argument of faith without works is dead (James 2:17) is still true, the Holy Spirit commands departure from iniquity for those sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise. 

Father, thank You for Your love in sending Jesus to save us from our sins. Thank You for the Gift of your Spirit to inspire us to obedience and good works. May we never consider our obedience as any indication of our goodness, but only of Your goodness working within us. “Hereby know we that we dwell in [You], and [You] in us, because [You have] given us of [Your] Spirit” (1John 4:13). Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

Things Are Better Than You Think

Ken

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). Is it a strange thing that we have a God who “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power [Holy Spirit indwelling the saints] that worketh in us” (3:20), and yet we can become depressed about how things are not working out for us? Worse still, even some in the world have a more positive outlook on ‘why things are better than you think.’ Hans Rosling (1948-2017), a Swedish physician, geographer, and TED talk lecturer on global health, posthumously published a best selling book, Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think (2018). Possibly because the world considers such optimistic thinking useful to the world at large, even Bill Gates offered to purchase a copy of the book for any 2018 college graduate. However, any child of God is able to come before the Throne of Grace and claim the promise of Ephesians 3:20. Only sin, prejudice, or ignorance can prevent the results of Ephesians 3:20, which is far greater than even the unexpectedly positive TED Talks of Hans Rosling. Faith would dictate, we have a great God, who can accomplish so much more than the world can expect. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). 

Father, You are the God of bold children. May we speak the truth before the world, which can deliver all to an unimaginably higher level of living than any thought possible. May we cling to You in prayer, as the only one who can bring this to pass. Rebuke the devourer. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.

Threefold Branches of God’s Government

Ken

“For the LORD is our judge [judicial], the LORD is our lawgiver [legislative], the LORD is our king [executive]; He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22 KJV). Our civics lessons teach us the three branches of the United States constitutional government are the judicial, legislative, and executive branches. By providing checks and balances, it assures no single group will have too much power. As Abraham Lincoln once stated (1863), “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” Good government is an attempt to imitate God’s government but adapted to the limitations of its people. 

Israel was initially a theocracy led by judges until the people demanded a king. Israel’s founding laws were the Torah or the Pentateuch. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1Samuel 8:7). What a tragedy, when God’s chosen government is overruled by the will of the people! Participate in government, where possible; but, of more importance, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1Timothy 2:1-2). Remember, God’s people benefit from the peace and tranquility of the nations in which they dwell. 

Father, we desire the conversion of our nations to Your laws; but, we pray for mercy upon those who govern us and blessing upon them that we would live our lives for You in godliness and honesty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

To Whom Does God Draw Near?

Ken

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8 KJV). But, how do you draw near to a Holy God? “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (4:8). Flee known sin with abandon through repentance. Do you desire God’s presence closer to you? Only the Holy Spirit would place that desire in your heart. Fear and doubt better serve the Devil, when we wonder, if God can be trusted so much or at all. James instructs that anyone can quickly clarify their relationship to God. “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (4:8). It is like the sign next to the kitchen sink in the Fellowship Hall at Church: “Clean hands and a pure heart. Thanks! God.”

Instead of waiting for God to draw closer to you, take that thought as the Spirit of God already dealing with your heart. It is your move to respond to Him. As you make any effort to draw closer to Him in repentance, faith, prayer, seeking Him through His Word, attempting to serve Him — He will be responding to you. 

  1. Drawing near to God through trust enables us to better testify of Him. “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Thy works” (Psalm 73:28). 
  2. The LORD comforts those who trust Him with His presence. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). 
  3. God addresses the never repentant ones with disgust. “Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish! For I am doing a work in your days, a work you would never believe, even if someone tells you” (Acts 13:41 NET). 

Father, may we not be among the scoffers, but may we be awakened that You have already made Your move toward us. Help us to respond in faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

What Angers God?

Ken

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11 KJV). It is only fair to warn, God is a just God and does become angry with the wicked so that He will execute irreparable judgment, if He must. We have been rightly taught, “God is love” (1John 4:8, 16), but He is also a holy God. 

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). 

UCRT Cross Reference note on Hebrews 12:14:

“Holiness is an absolute requirement for salvation in this life.” The Greek verb underlying ‘holy’ does not occur in the future tense in the New Testament. Therefore, complete sanctification or holiness is a requirement in this life, not the other side of the grave (cf., Malcolm L. Lavender, The Fallacy of the ‘Sinning Christian,’ p. 95, and Lavender’s New Testament: A Literal Translation).

God’s anger is completely justifiable against wickedness, but humanity’s frustration about holiness is also recognizable. 

If we have been taught humankind is inescapably sinful, then only the grave would cure sin. However, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). Cleansing from all unrighteousness is then present holiness. 

If we have been taught that flesh is sinful, then again, only the grave can cure that. However, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 3:21). Baptism does not represent taking a bath for our flesh, but a good conscience toward God, which saves us. 

If we have been taught that obedience to God is a good work, then we are not saved by good works. However, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). Dead works and the works of faith must be carefully distinguished to walk in complete sanctification and holiness. 

After the Cross, the greatest discovery is to find the Promised Spirit of the New Covenant is for the express purpose of inspiring us to walk in obedience to the Living God. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Now, Peter’s inaugural sermon for the Church becomes more apparent. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The Spirit of Christ inspires — not forces — us to obey God. Once forgiven, we again can walk with God. 

Father, we are so desirous not to make You angry. We understand our obedience is not a tribute to us, but homage to You that You work in us to will and to do of Your good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). May we learn to walk in Your Spirit to Your glory and to put to flight the enemy. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. In Your name, we pray. Amen. 

earth

Remember Mercy

Ken

“O LORD, I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV). Mercy is never earned nor deserved. William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright (1564-1616), penned about “The Quality of Mercy”:
 
The quality of mercy is not strain’d.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesses him that gives, and him that takes.
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.
 
Father, exalt Yourself. In wrath, remember mercy. You alone can do this. Move upon the hearts of Your people to petition You so. Cause there to be a Remnant upon which You would manifest Your mercy. Cause Your mercy to be a gentle rain upon the parched ground of man’s inhumanity to man. In wrath, remember mercy. In Jesus’ name, we petition You. Amen and amen.

Eternity Written Upon Our Heart

Ken

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV). God created every human with an immortal soul. Immortality is an undying spiritual condition causing it to live somewhere forever. That human soul will live forever in Eternity, which is not just a long time, but a change of dimension. When the godly depart this life, they enter into the presence of God. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2Corinthians 5:8). The ungodly will find themselves separated and absent from God’s presence. “And in hell [Greek, hādes, grave, death] he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom” (Luke 16:23). The value of a human soul is it will live forever with God —  “in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11) — or, it will dwell forever apart from God — “cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). Human choice will separate the godly from the ungodly. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2Corinthians 7:10). Father, grant Your elect a willing heart. “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off for ever” (1Chronicles 28:9). Lord Jesus, return for us quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Feminization of God

Ken

“If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5 KJV). What is Solomon talking about? Seeking and searching for who as silver and hid treasure? The LORD is speaking about the Wisdom of God (cf. 1Corinthians 1:24), which here, is used in the feminine, as an attraction for “my son” (Proverbs 2:1) to his revered mother. “1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;” (Proverbs 2:1-3). Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are often grouped together, where wisdom is the chief or “principal thing” (4:7), the “beginning of knowledge” (1:7) is factual information behind the purpose, and understanding is the deeper comprehension of the knowledge, which comes “easy” (14:6). 

Why is the Wisdom of God spoken of as “she” (Proverbs 2:4)? Though children are to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20) and wives their husbands (Genesis 3:16; Romans 7:2; 1Corinthians 11:3; 1Corinthians 14:34; Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1Timothy 2:11-14; 1Peter 3:1), for parents came before and named their children, and Adam came before and named his wife Eve, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), and God named Adam (Genesis 2:19). I believe Yahweh feminized Wisdom as homage to the feminine virtue, whom He knew would become downtrodden through the ages by the male persuasion, who are just as inclined to marginalize Him as they have disadvantaged their mothers, wives, daughters, and widows. 

Heavenly Father, we know there is purpose in everything You reveal to us in Scripture. In the vanity of our minds, may we never approach You as anything other than the First, the Highest, the Greatest, the Most Powerful, the Wisest, the Most Loving God. Before You, we humbly bow. Keep us in Your love. Cause us to be useful in Your eternal purpose. Build Your kingdom through us. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Why Do We Give?

Ken

The Hebrew word for tithe signifies the tenth part. Long before Jehovah gave the Law to Moses, commanding Israel to set aside a tithe of all their increase or income (Deuteronomy 14:22) for the support of the Temple, the Levites, the resident foreigners, the widows, and orphans (Deuteronomy 26:12), long before that, Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). Tithing was an homage to God, acknowledging supernatural help in our natural world. If the word tithe is barely used in the New Testament, why should we tithe? Certainly God does not need the money, but the care of God’s work does require our assistance (Malachi 3:19). We give because we desire to support God’s ministry, since we know faith without the works of our tithes and offerings is only a profession. Ask Jesus about the significance of the widow’s offering of the two small copper coins (Luke 2:1-4).

I was newly married over fifty years ago, and I heard the pastor of our church preach about bringing the tithes into the storehouse. My wife and I, in our exuberance, gave considerably more than our tithe. She had a good job as a telephone operator. And, I was just completing an undergraduate degree at Cal State. A few months after I filed my first joint income tax with the IRS, I was audited. I don’t blame them. My father was the church treasurer. But, they finally decided I didn’t do anything wrong. What is my point? Don’t give to receive either praise or condemnation from man. “That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:4 KJV). 

Father, You own the cattle on a thousand hills; yet, for our benefit, You require us to support Your work with our tithes and offerings, promising us to pour “out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive” (Malachi 3:10). Cause us to be generous with our giving, as You are generous with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.

The Case for God

Ken

Why does an Almighty God trouble Himself with a sinful, frivolous humanity? Obviously, God did not make a mistake, when He created us, so why His angst in dealing with us? He fully demonstrates the scope of Perfect Love displayed with the majesty of His Awesome Sovereignty. For us to even glimpse the wisdom of His actions is almost beyond our understanding. So, we read with reverence the prophecies of His upcoming dealings with us. 

Isaiah 63:1-19

“1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in His [Messiah’s] apparel, travelling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art Thou red in Thine apparel, and Thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with Me: for I will tread them in Mine anger, and trample them in My fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon My garments, and I will stain all My raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in Mine heart, and the year of My redeemed is come [Revelation 18:20]. 5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me. 6 And I will tread down the people in Mine anger, and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. 7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. 8 For He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour [Luke 2:11]. 9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old. 10 But they rebelled, and vexed His holy Spirit: therefore He was turned to be their enemy, and He fought against them. 11 Then He remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is He that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? where is He that put His holy Spirit within him [Ezekiel 36:27]? 12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make Himself an everlasting name? 13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? 14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst Thou lead Thy people, to make Thyself a glorious name. 15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of Thy holiness and of Thy glory: where is Thy zeal and Thy strength, the sounding of Thy bowels and of Thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? 16 Doubtless Thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: Thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; Thy name is from everlasting. 17 O LORD, why hast Thou made us to err from Thy ways, and hardened our heart from Thy fear? Return for Thy servants’ sake, the tribes of Thine inheritance. 18 The people of Thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down Thy sanctuary. 19 We are Thine: Thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by Thy name” (Isaiah 63:1-19 KJV).