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| People Are Not Your Enemy |
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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]. People are not your enemy! Can you accept that? People are either instruments for God for righteousness sake or they become instruments for Satan to work evil. Yes, even well intentioned brothers and sisters in the LORD can often times be used of the Devil to do his work, if it is even just for a moment. Church can be one of those safe places where we can either be loved and blessed or it can become a den of vipers seeking to poison and kill you!
To talk to the average person, they will quickly tell you that Christians are not consistent and are not always what they seem to be. Most of us, have been called "Hypocrites" or worse by those in and out of the house of God. Have you ever wondered about that? Have you ever wondered how someone so sweet and nice and full of love can become a backstabbing, two-faced, lying enemy in about 15 minutes? It doesn't seem to make sense does it? How a believer can act one way one minute and another way another minute and then go right back to being good like the shifting of a manual transmission
The Bible does teach us that each born again believer has two natures. We have an "old nature" also known as the "flesh", and "the old man," and then we possess a "new nature" also called the "spirit" or the "spirit man." These two battle against one another constantly! That is why we are often inconsistent in our behavior. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want
Isn't that ironic? I think it is! We want to be good and to please the LORD yet this sinful nature this flesh prevents us from doing right and good. Now, we have to kill this flesh, this old man in order to have victory over it, but that is not the point of message at the moment. What I want all of us to understand is that, the sin nature, the flesh, the old man can raise his head at any given moment and be used as a tool of the Devil to accomplish his will. I tell you this so, that you will be able to identify what it is that comes against you to discourage you, to accuse you, to revile you. It is not the work of man, although that is what you see. It is actually the work of the Devil. He is the accuser of the brethren. He is known as the "Destroyer." He is the known as a "liar and a murderer." So the next time you run into that "buzz saw" of a Christian, which could be a Pastor, and elder, a deacon, a teacher, a church member that just seems to hurt you and wound you know and understand that it is really not that person but it is the Devil at work in them and through them.
That is why we are always to be wearing our armor of God! Because our own troops, our battle buddies, can accidentally wound us if we are not expecting it. Make sure we take every thought into captivity and bring it unto the obedience of Christ. If someone says something about you that is not true, or if someone does something to you that is offensive bring it to Christ and see what He has to say about it. If it is a lie, then do your best to ignore it and fight it off. If it is a frontal attack lift up that shield of faith and by faith you overcome the world.
These past weeks I have had a hard time of Satan using people to upset me and discourage me. They have gotten under my skin, and irritated me, to the point that I would like to do something about it and set the record straight! But that is the "old nature" rising up in me and I need to subdue him and allow the grace of God to be made manifest in my life. So that I am not overcome with evil but to overcome evil with good. I tell you this, so that you will realize that when someone close to you hurts you and wounds you chances are the Devil seized the moment of weakness in that person to get at you. Be stronger than that! Be aware of that! Don't let the Devil suck you in to anger, bitterness, and ugliness rather be gracious, kind, and understanding and allow God to work and get the glory through all the mess! So the next time a brother or sister in the Lord rises up against you, just recognize it for what it is and don't allow it to bother you. You have the victory in Jesus' name!
6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
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| To add a comment to "People Are Not Your Enemy" |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| LOL...LOL...Brother Todd I tell you if you were here right now..I'd give you a big HOLY GHOST HUG for this powerful blog today.....First of all let me tell you..you just confirmed a poem that God is going to give me....that's right going to give me....When I got up this morning He gave me the title, (smile) like He often times does...but I will get the rest later....Here's the title...(smile)...You Talk It . . . But Tell Me Can You Walk It? And like yourself, I've been pondering some things about some folks who *I know* love the Lord, but they will change up on you like Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hide..LOL...But of course, *I know* what I'm dealing with, and you have so rightly and wonderfully layed it out here...This is a spiritual battle with the powers that be...and I'm glad to know that God our Father has given US power over ALL the power of the enemy and NOTHING shall by any means hurt us...So we press on...We press on fully suited up with whole Armor of God. Oh you said it right my friend....People are not our enemy....The devil desires to steal, kill, and destroy us..but GREATER is HE that is IN us...than he that is in the world...That's good news this morning my friend....Thank you for this powerful word, and I say to you Brother Todd....Keep your sword in your hand..and keep your eyes on the prize...expecting to receive that Crown of Righteousness that the Lord our God shall give to us on that day when He returns ;o) |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Hey Todd, I do have to take issue with this statement that you made. Also, as a sidenote the NIV and other translations add the word nature, but it is not the meaning of the word. You said, "The Bible does teach us that each born again believer has two natures." No, I disagree. It teaches that we have the old mind and a new mind, not natures. It comes down to determing what is flesh (sarx) is. Here is my two cents: If you want to act like the new creation (2 Cor.5:17), then you renew your mind, but you cannot change the nature of something. We do not have 2 natures. Think on this verse (out of a good translation) please, "knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin (Rom.6:6)." This old man with the nature of Adam (sinful nature - pre-programed to sin), was supernaturally crucified with Christ as soon as we believed. The "knowing this" becomes the all important thing. We don't have 2 natures but we do have the old mind that needs to be renewed (Rom 12:2). Gal. 5:17 actually says, "for the flesh (fleshly mind), lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Especially, if you do not take your thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:4,5) and determine, if they are godlike thinking from the new man or if they are thoughts that originate from the old dead man. If you want to... please read this article, http://www.mychurch.org/blog/24180/Birthright
http://www.mychurch.org/blog/24199/Whats-In-Your-Filing-Cabinet-or-Christians-Are-Double-Minded Your nature didn't make you do it... it was and is your thinking. My 2 cents. R... |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Bother Todd, this is a battle I fight against a lot believe or not from family members...
but a few others; but it is easier to take it from others for me, then family...
I had this happen to me twice in Bible study with a family member... the Lord was able to keep my mouth shut, out of shock and horror... but it did take awhile to get over it. I love that person but she wounded me in front of my friends and Christian sisters... I forgave, but it took awhile to put my trust out there again... but just like grand kids driving you crazy...lol I don't like that they got my # lol. I don't like how they win... I need prayer, that's for sure... I am sorry I go on.
this is a wonderful blog, Brother Todd. you made me realize it's not the family member or person, it's the devil seeing my weakness and poncing on it, and sometimes winning...
this has been most helpful for me.
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Hi Todd:
I don't know about you , but my old man died. He was crucified with Christ and in his place Christ joined my spirit and we became one.
With this line of thinking, that we have an old man and a new man, no wonder life is such a roller coaster for many.
What my old man left behind was habits and thought patterns that in some cases, I have yet to renew. After all, he spent 40 years teaching me how to think and act. So my responsibility now is to renew or re-train my mind, or better yet, begin to pull on the mind of Christ amid take authority over my body and command it to fall in line. In other words, to be spiritually mided!
8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
I appreciate the effort and the main message of encouragement here, but in my opinion, believing that we have two forces at work warring deep within us is just wrong.
Al things are new. Old things have passed away. In particular, my old man!
6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I love this verse. Notice here that Paul isn't saying faith in the Son of God, but the faith of the Son of God. We are one spirit with the Lord and because of that we don't have to operate entirely on our own faith. We have supernatural faith. The faith of Jesus dwells with us!
5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
All these verses, and many more speak in the form of past tense. It's already done. The battle is over for me. I am no longer just headed to a victory, I am coming from a victory. And that victory began the moment my "old man" was laid to rest!
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| Bro Todd: Great blog.......I do deal with it from family, as you know.....and I guess what bothers me the most is that it is the devil using them and I get frustrated because they won't listen to God and open their eyes....but I keep on praying :) |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Mind, smind. Nature, smature. It's all semantics. Paul uses both terms at different times in his ministry...the overall point he's making is that we are in need of constant vigilance now that we have "been enlightened". This NT teaching is clear. Paul even uses himself as an example of having two natures (or of two minds, or whatever) when he said, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief."
Sometimes we just get too hung up on words and miss the meaning of the lesson! Good job, Brother Todd, I appreciate your insight! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Great Blog! This has been a battle of mine for most of
my life. It has taken me to middle age to begin to really
understand this. And I am not saying that every time I
win this battle...but I am winning it more than I am losing
these days. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction!
I saw it was my own ego that made me upset when
someone wronged me in some way. What is the ego?
Just old satin flaring up in me when he flares up in
someone else. I am learning to turn to God when
these things happen. I ask Him to help me hold my
tongue, and to be kind to everyone, including the ones
who are not kind to me.Maybe even especially them!
I am no where near perfect, and will not be until I shed
this earthly body...but I promise to my God who has
brought me out of so very much!!!! To do my best to
make Him Glad He made me!
Bless you for this blog! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Well Brother Todd I reinterate again, just like you so rightly said in your blog....PEOPLE are not YOUR Enemy....There is a spiritual battle going on....I am so glad the Word of God says that He that endures to THE END...shall be saved....because some folks think they have arrived already...and are already in their GLORIFIED BODIES....free from sin...or free from the devil using them.....WAKE UP BODY OF CHRIST.....We are works in progess....working out our soul salvation with fear and trembling before the most High God...We are in a real battle...and the weapons of our warfare are not CARNAL...but they are Mighty through GOD to the pulling down of STRONGHOLDS....
I'm reminded of this word in the book of Peter...
1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
It lets us know straight up that EVERYBODY is not on the same page....We all may have accepted Jesus as our Saviour...but EVERBODY has not made Him both SAVIOR and LORD.....
You see saints of God, and I say it again....PEOPLE are not the enemy....but the devil can USE people if they are not walking totally in that divine nature spoken of in the verses above....
If you have not added to your faith...virtue...knowledge....temperance.....patience....godliness....kindness...and charity....
If you are lacking in any of these things (and knowledge of the Word of God is a BIG ONE)....you are BLIND and can not see and have forgotten that you were cleansed from your sins, and are sure nuff open target for the enemy to use....WAKE UP BODY OF CHRIST....Put on the whole Armour of GOD....that we can resist THE DEVIL and not each other...Selah |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| I love MarJay: speak in TRUTH and LOVE. Amen! Sister |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Hey brother
You are right on target...people are not our enemy.
I have the mind-set as MichaelALT, we are new creations! satan will try though, but it has been crucified in Christ! Amen brother!!! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| Indeed Todd, people are not our true enemies. There is a bigger picture, that only the spiritually enlightened may see. The defeated enemy, using any tool he can get his talons into, strikes at the heel of the victorious King. While it seems we may be caught in a crossfire, we can actually enjoy the fruits of victory NOW with our King, as we grow in wisdom and knowledge and abide in our Savior. You are right in your exhortation, we MUST recognize that our enemy is not people, it never is! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Good blog isn't? God is awesome... that we can all come together in different stages of walk...
and not condemn another for being were they are or not at which ever the case may be... because it isn't really about us is it? It's about Him and His glory... build up edify and encourage the body of Christ. God bless us all... Jesus loves us all... :) |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Your thoughts and words of wisdom really brought me clarity. I have been having thoughts of bitterness and anger lately toward one of my closest friends. I was hurt deeply. Anyway, it helps bring me on the road to healing as I process that my friend did not act alone, but was rather a tool of Satan. That makes so much sense, becuase at the time I simply could not understand why this person would hurt my feelings so bad; I count it all joy, because Jesus continues to have a plan for my life, no matter the pain!
Because he lives,
Starr |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Dear Brother Todd, You don't know how much your words help me. This blog spoke directly to my heart, through the power the Holy Sprit working through you to my mind, as well as to my heart.
Christ lives in you,
Joey |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Hey... here are more of my 2 cents: People are not our enemy? Are you just talking about saved people or are you talking about all people? People are not our enemy? Is this biblically sound? Will people be sent to Hell... or not? Who will God hold responsible? Are people just puppets or do they have free will to pull the trigger? And if they do pull the trigger will they be held responsible for that, or will they say like the comedian use to, "the devil made me do it (flip wilson)?" 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? Could this verse be saying our biggest battle is not with others (as a confession from Paul), but with those things which we cannot see? Is that what Paul was referring to? The biggest thing is, who will God charge with the crime? People or unseen powers? Both. OK but what about are they our enemies? Friend of God or foe... so who should they be to me? R... |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Juan: Thank you, that is a fine compliment. Using your words to build and to bless!
Marjay: Thanks for the hug! And will keep that sword handy! It is indeed a spiritual battle for we wrestle not against flesh and blood! I appreciate your comment it's on the money.
R & Michael: Thank you guys for your comments. I feel like the Roman Soldier who said, "I have written what I have written." I think you all are confused about our standing and our state. Which is common and to me I think we will be splitting hairs. R, it was perceptive of you to notice how I used a certain translation to make my case. I used KJV most of the time, but it is not all right all of the time neither is the NIV for that matter. Suppose I could use the NASB but seems like nobody is familar with that any more. I am going to write a blog that will defend my position and I welcome you guys to poke holes in it. Fair enough? I love a good debate as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. So, if you all promise to fight fair and not bring my Momma into it, I think it will be a lot of fun. |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Cindy: It is frustrating beyond imagination. However, we must not lose heart and realize it for what it is. Satan desires to sift you as wheat. In other words he wants to wear you down by erroding your defenses. That is why it is important to pray and "word up" so that when those attacks come you can say like we did when we were kids: "I am rubber you are glue, what ever you say bounces off of me and sticks on you." (Except for the good things LOL!)
ED: Great comment and thank you, for eluding to Romans 7. Seems like some folks only read Romans 8. Which is fine with me, that is my favorite chapter in the Bible, but it is even better when we realize what the Spirit can do that is living in us in light of how miserable life can be when we live in the flesh! Love the comment and thank you! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| Cheryl: Thank you for the comment. But, you didn't go there did you? Siding with Michael, hmmmm LOL...I am just kidding, but check back as I write some stuff that explains this doctrine. We are crucified with Christ no argument there! Yes we are new creatures in Chirst! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| Mike: Thank you, for understanding the main idea. I was beginnig to wonder LOL if I was speaking another language. Seriously, though, there are spritual forces of wickedness at work and yes there is an epic battle for the hearts, minds, & bodies of mankind. |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Your words are brilliant. Thank you. I am going to save this for when I start going through again.
Have you ever wondered how someone so sweet and nice and full of love can become a backstabbing, two-faced, lying enemy in about 15 minutes? It doesn't seem to make sense does it? How a believer can act one way one minute and another way another minute and then go right back to being good like the shifting of a manual transmission
The Bible does teach us that each born again believer has two natures. We have an "old nature" also known as the "flesh", and "the old man," and then we possess a "new nature" also called the "spirit" or the "spirit man." These two battle against one another constantly! That is why we are often inconsistent in our behavior. |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| Amen brother, I'm with ya ;) |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Marilyn: Have I told you today how much I love you? You are so kind to me, and encouraging wow! GLory to God! Our words have the power to promote healing and blessing or they can wound and destroy. Great wisdom there and thanks!
Starr: I too have been working through an offense. It is not easy to let it go, but once we realize that we all are susecptible to that kind of behavior and that is is just the Devil at work, it is easier to forgive people. I am glad this little bit blessed you! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Joey: Glory to God! Praise the Lord! I bless you in Jesus name!
Destiny D: Amen! We all need to be reminded of this from time to time. It is easy to forget and focus at the person in front of your rather than on who the real enemy is. |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Todd,
Tucked away in my comment earlier was a compliment on the fact that I do completely agree that Satan works throuh people. I mean look at how Jesus tells Peter that He would build His church upon him and then turns around like three verses later and says, "Get behind me Satan"
I don't believe that I am confused as you so implied. And you're right, to a certain degree I suppose you could look at is as splitting hairs. The biggest difference between what you believe and what I believe is what comprises the flesh? You tend to believe that our nature or old man is the flesh, while I on the other hand believe that our flesh is our mind, will, emotions, conscious, our earth suits and possibly portions of the heart. My comment was simply stating that I believe my old nature was kicked out of dodge when the Holy spirit took up residency. I don't have room for all those natures running around inside of me. I am perfectly content with the new one.
And in love bro. I wasn't trying to poke holes in your blog. I love the stuff you write. Perhaps I should have emphasized that a little more the first time.
Love you man!
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| August 28, 2008 |
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R: Brother, so many questions, so little time. Thanks for the 2 cents, I'll give you a penny for my thoughts so I still come out ahead! LOL
I am going to answer your questions by number:
1. Well, I would say that unsaved people are enemies of God, the carnal mind is hostile towards God. But, we are to love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us. God reconciled the world to Himself through the cross. So we who were once enemies of God are now brought near by the blood of Christ. We are now sons of God if we believe on His name and are considered friends of God. But, Overall I am saying that even-though "Brothers and sisters" in the Lord offend us, they are not the real enemy. The Devil is the enemy and he loves to sow discord among the brethren.
2. I am talking about all people, but especially saved people who allow the flesh to rise up in them and be used as a tool of the Devil to harm us.
3. Yes, that is biblically sound. For we are not wrestling/battling with flesh and blood (people) we are battling against spiritual forces of wickedness. Yes, David had enemies, like Absalom, Saul, the Philistines but they were also opposing the will of God in David's life and their own hence they were being used of the Devil.
4. Yes, people will go to Hell. I don't necessarily like to say God sends people to Hell, rather people choose to go to Hell by not heeding the call of God and rejecting Christ. But, yes everyone who rejects the Son, will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
5. Are people just puppets? No of course not. However, God is sovereign He rules and reigns. Why do the heathen rage and the people plot a vain thing? God's will will be accomplished, regardless of what man says or does. Yes, man has a free will to pull the trigger, man can choose whomever he wants to serve. That is also true on a moment by moment basis. I can choose to serve God and deny myself, or I can choose to fulfill the lust of my flesh and disobey God. Will all will have to give an account of the things done in our body whether they be good or bad. The Devil doesn't make us do anything. We choose to do it. But when lust is conceived it brings forth sin and sin brings forth death. The Devil tempts us for sure, but there is no temptation taken you, but such is common to man.....God is faithful and also makes a way to escape that you might be able to bear it.
6. Yes, I think that is exactly his point. See Mike's comment above. There is a bigger picture.
7. Well, who will be charged for the crime? Yes, the Devil and his angels will be charged for the crimes against humanity. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire one day. As for men, if they repent and receive Jesus as Savior there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. He has forgiven us of all our trespasses. It is under the blood and he forgives and forgets. But for Christians we will be judged by Christ at the Bema Seat giving an account of our time and our talents the things done in the body but, as for our sin, it has been dealt with once and for all on the cross. As for, who will pay for the crimes. another truth is that there are consequences for sin. We can not just sin and get away with it. Be not deceived God is not mocked for whatever a man sows that shall he also reap. I suppose when it all comes down to it, all will be judged on one thing alone accepted Christ or rejected Christ.
8. Ok R, friend or foe who should they be to me? The devil is your foe. He is not your friend. People, are people, some good, some bad, but all capable of being very very very bad. We should love all men as Christ loved us. Being tender hearted and forgiving one another as Christ forgave us. There are people who are enemies of God and the cross, but as far as I am concerned there is a spirit of lawlessness at work in the world and they have succumbed to it. If they would turn from their sin and turn to God then they too can be brought near to God and receive His fellowship. So they are not really my enemy but God's enemy, it is my job to reconcile them to God. |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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| Michael: You are a good man full of the Holy Spirit. No harm no foul. I understand where you are coming from I really do. I do think that you would be interested to at least hear me out as I respond. You did not offend me and I hope that I did not offend you. Quite honestly, this is the first time out of all my blogs that I have gotten such a response of saying I don't agree with you, so that is a good thing! Discussion is good, and freedom of speech is tolerated here. You won't find me deleting comments or getting ugly. So, I want some feedback, we will just agree to let the Holy Spirit lead us in all truth. Don't worry about it man! It's all good! |
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| August 28, 2008 |
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Carrie and Pasha: I can't believe I forgot you guys! Carrie, thanks and let's thank the Lord!
Pasha: This is a battle we all fight and will continue to fight until we see Jesus. We must crucify our old nature, we must die daily to the flesh. We can overcome and God is greater! The very Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you! You have victory over the world the flesh and the Devil! We all just have to learn to walk in that victory. |
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| August 29, 2008 |
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Hey Todd, I guess I am seeing this discussion like the "hate the sin but love the sinner" article. So, I'll ask the same question here, can we really seperate the two? What will go to hell... the sinner or the sin? This statement (love the sinner but hate the sin) seems like this to me, "hate the gun, but love the guy who killed the family with it." Isn't this the same as people are not our enemy? Jesus made a whip and cleared "thieves" from the temple (Mat. 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46; John 2:14:15). Was this the right thing to do? People were not Jesus' enemy? This excerpt from our Pastors Bible study, "Gentiles (as symbols of the godless) and sodomites are called "dogs" in the Bible (Mat. 7:6; 15:26; Deut. 23:17-18; Ps. 22:16; 59:5-6; Phil. 3:2; Rev. 22:15). And Jesus was harsh (not only to the Pharisees, as some believers wrongly assume but) to all the unrepentant (see His use of "hypocrite). Jesus instructs Christians to not "cast your pearls before swine" (Mat. 7:6). Yet the silly dilemma now is, "Who could Christ possibly have meant by that, for we are too loving, tolerant, polite and respectful to refer to any human being by that mean-spirited term." In the King James Version, the seductive women among the people of God are worse than "whores" (Ezek. 16:33). That crude term appears in the Bible dozens of times. The men who use those women are "whoremongers" (1 Tim. 1:10; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8; 22:15), which is the most raw term in the English language to describe promiscuous men. God describes other sinners in terms of filthy excrement (Isa. 64:6) and even worse (2 Ki. 18:27; Isa. 36:12). Sinners truly are repulsive, regardless of how men may try to sanitize them. So are they enemies or not? The Bible does not say, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." It says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). And that God hates "all workers of iniquity" (Ps 5:5)... but should I? "The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man" (Ps 5:6), but I shouldn't? Also "the wicked and the one who loves violence [God] hates." (Ps 11:5). "The face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (Ps 34:16). God "loves righteousness and hate[s] wickedness (Ps. 45:7)... and so on and so forth. Yet, people are not our enemy? I guess I don't get it. |
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| August 29, 2008 |
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| R, well I would say this: Those that practice evil or do evil are really enemies of God. The Bible commands me, (it is not optional) pray for your enemies do good to them, overcome evil with good. Of course there are people who will come against you and they look like enemies, however there is a spirit of lawlessness that is driving them. There is a bigger picture than just what you see. I may see a man who is hurting me and hating me, but Jesus said, in so many words that it is not you but they are hating the Spirit in you which is me. So, you need to take your thinking one step further than just what you see in the natural. We are fighting a spiritual battle. It is good verses evil, God verses Satan for the hearts of men. God loves all people including sinners. Yes He hates those that practice lies and wickedness, and such but when it comes down to it, what is His response? Forgive them, for they know not wha they do. Don't you think Caiphas was an enemy of Christ? Yet, Jesus did not come off the cross and whip his butt. He displayed meekness and temperance and even made is possible for Caiphas to be reconciled to God. If we are going to bring this down to the base level for example I don't think terrorists are our friends, they are our enemies that want to kill us and destroy us. But, truth be told, what they really hate is our God and what is driving them is Satan. |
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| August 29, 2008 |
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| Hey Brother Todd, this is so awesome that I posted a link of it to one of my blogs about bullies, thank you brother for your heart and loving, gentle service to the Lord...You shine the True Jesus to others...a humble servant. |
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| August 30, 2008 |
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Hey Todd, I'm pretty sure our Pastor disagrees with you and it would be interesting to witness you two talking it through. Todd said, Yes He (God) hates those that practice lies and wickedness, and such BUT when it comes down to it, what is His response? Forgive them, for they know not what they do. Did Jesus say this to people who would not repent of their evil? No, He did not. You and countless others take Jesus' words on the cross and think He forgives everyone without repentance. That is flat out wrong. How do I know that? Because there are plenty of verses that say people who do evil things will go to hell after the cross. At the abortion clinic, there are some real enemies of God and there is no question in my mind that they are real enemies of mine. People who would prevent us from trying to talk a man or woman out of having an abortion. They are evil to the core and enemies of mine and God's. However, I do pray for them, I pray that their callous heart and mind would be broken so that the light of Christ might have some effect on it and them. While on the otherhand, I am very aware that God says people like this will not escape punishment if they do not change, so I am glad that God's justice will stand. They will be held accountable, not some spirit or vapor. The most narrow thing for me is that it is not my place for the vengence, that is God's. That sometimes is the hard thing to remember. But people? Are they my enemies? Yes, because they are enemies of God's also. |
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| August 30, 2008 |
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| R: It is my opinion that when Jesus died on the cross He died for the sins of the world. Not just for the elect (those that will be saved), all though only the elect will be the ones that appropriate that blood and actually receive the forgiveness for their sin because they repented. Don't lump me in with the universalists or those that believe in annialation. I will go back to the original verse. "For we wrestle not with flesh and blood" that means our contention is not with people it is with the spirit world. " I have enemies all the time (people who are not my friends and can't be trusted) but what I am saying is and I stand by this, that Satan uses their flesh or carnal mind as you say to do his work against me. Thus, I have a greater enemy than the abortion clinic, it is Satan who is a murderer and that spirit of murder is working in and through those people. They have the opportunity to repent, and if I hate them, how am I showing the love of Jesus that can save them? I then become a stumbling block to them. |
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| August 30, 2008 |
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Dear Brother Todd,
I really liked your message, this Marilyn's grandson Fox |
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| August 30, 2008 |
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Hey Todd, We are showing the love of Christ to them (people at the abortion clinic), by wanting to save the children that they are trying to murder. Again, we are right back to where we started aren't we?, you say it is a spirit that is to blame... while I understand the Bible to say, it is the people who will be held accountable, not a spirit. If it were a spirit, then everybody would go to Heaven and no one would go to hell. It would be as Filp Wilson said, the devil made me do it. But you know what?, because I don't think we are going to come to terms on it... I'll butt out. Have a good day. R... |
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| August 30, 2008 |
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R: You are fine. I don't think we are all that far apart. I do have a verse for you though, tell me what you think about it. in which you (A)formerly walked according to the course of (B)this world, according to (C)the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in (D)the sons of disobedience. Eph 2:2 NASB
God Bless You, and thanks for your input. |
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| August 31, 2008 |
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Hey Todd, Thanks for not rolling up the Welcome mat. I'll share with you what I think. "the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience..." The spirit? In other words, the way in which they behave, thier sinful nature. They show what nature they have and it is the selfsame as their father (the evil one). But what you seem to be saying is, can a Spirit / demon possess a person and make them behave more devilish than normal? Yes. But is a spirit (a demon) in every person? No. Spirit then means at least two things to me: 1. It is a demon * 2. It is their natural behavior |
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