My Story

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things. They have sung songs in my ears. Sometimes my cell phone rings in my ear even ... There is no hero of high moral
 

My​ ​Story 

I’m​ ​hearing​ ​voices​ ​in​ ​my​ ​ears​ ​that​ ​are​ ​not​ ​mine.​ ​Mostly​ ​male,​ ​sometimes​ ​female.​ ​I  don’t​ ​fear​ ​them​ ​because​ ​I​ ​know​ ​who​ ​they​ ​are.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​my​ ​story.  As​ ​a​ ​child,​ ​my​ ​father​ ​took​ ​us​ ​four​ ​kids​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Methodist​ ​Church​ ​in​ ​Ridgewood,​ ​New  Jersey.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​young​ ​and​ ​I​ ​wasn’t​ ​saved​ ​yet,​ ​but​ ​I​ ​knew​ ​Jesus​ ​loved​ ​me.  My​ ​parents​ ​were​ ​divorced​ ​when​ ​I​ ​was​ ​around​ ​8​ ​years​ ​old,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​all​ ​stopped​ ​going  to​ ​church.​ ​As​ ​we​ ​grew​ ​up,​ ​all​ ​four​ ​of​ ​us​ ​kids​ ​went​ ​into​ ​great​ ​rebellion​ ​and​ ​sin.​ ​We​ ​were  getting​ ​drunk,​ ​doing​ ​drugs,​ ​sexually​ ​active,​ ​and​ ​more.  My​ ​younger​ ​brother​ ​started​ ​behaving​ ​strangely.​ ​He​ ​had​ ​anger​ ​outbursts,​ ​was  irrational,​ ​and​ ​sensitive.​ ​He​ ​started​ ​to​ ​hear​ ​voices​ ​in​ ​his​ ​teen​ ​years.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​diagnosed  “paranoid​ ​schizophrenic.”​ ​He​ ​was​ ​in​ ​and​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​mental​ ​institution​ ​and​ ​put​ ​on​ ​heavy  drugs.​ ​He​ ​attempted​ ​suicide,​ ​but​ ​he’s​ ​still​ ​alive​ ​and​ ​has​ ​his​ ​own​ ​apartment​ ​near​ ​the​ ​hospital.  His​ ​psychiatrist​ ​told​ ​him​ ​to​ ​stay​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Bible​ ​and​ ​religion.​ ​They​ ​do​ ​not​ ​know  who​ ​God​ ​is.  I​ ​moved​ ​to​ ​North​ ​Carolina​ ​in​ ​1982​ ​and​ ​was​ ​invited​ ​by​ ​a​ ​friend​ ​to​ ​a​ ​new​ ​age​ ​church.  They​ ​were​ ​involved​ ​with​ ​contacting​ ​spirits​ ​of​ ​dead​ ​people,​ ​astrology,​ ​crystal​ ​power,​ ​seeing  auras,​ ​fairies,​ ​Buddhist​ ​wisdom,​ ​out-of-body​ ​traveling,​ ​etc.​ ​They’d​ ​sing,​ ​“”Surely​ ​the  presence​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​is​ ​in​ ​this​ ​place...”​ ​You​ ​cannot​ ​mix​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​with​ ​idols​ ​of  any​ ​kind​ ​or​ ​with​ ​spiritism.​ ​This​ ​was​ ​the​ ​devil’s​ ​church.​ ​I​ ​left​ ​there​ ​shortly​ ​after​ ​they​ ​moved  to​ ​the​ ​mountains.  I​ ​married​ ​my​ ​now​ ​ex-husband.​ ​We​ ​had​ ​a​ ​beautiful​ ​and​ ​healthy​ ​baby​ ​boy​ ​in​ ​1987.  Our​ ​son​ ​was​ ​four​ ​years​ ​old​ ​when​ ​my​ ​husband​ ​left​ ​me​ ​for​ ​another​ ​woman.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​greatly  depressed​ ​and​ ​had​ ​suicidal​ ​thoughts.  I​ ​called​ ​out​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​and​ ​said​ ​to​ ​Him​ ​that​ ​I​ ​couldn’t​ ​live​ ​my​ ​life​ ​without​ ​Him​ ​and  handle​ ​everything​ ​alone,​ ​including​ ​raising​ ​my​ ​son.  Then​ ​I​ ​heard​ ​a​ ​voice​ ​in​ ​my​ ​ear​ ​saying,​ ​“Drink,​ ​my​ ​daughter.”​ ​I​ ​thought​ ​it​ ​was​ ​God,  but​ ​it​ ​wasn’t.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​an​ ​angel​ ​of​ ​deception,​ ​a​ ​demon​ ​voice.​ ​Every​ ​now​ ​and​ ​then​ ​I​ ​would​ ​hear  a​ ​voice​ ​accusing​ ​me​ ​of​ ​something.  My​ ​son​ ​was​ ​growing​ ​up​ ​and​ ​he​ ​started​ ​playing​ ​drums​ ​for​ ​a​ ​punk​ ​rock​ ​band.​ ​Then​ ​an  old​ ​friend​ ​of​ ​his​ ​from​ ​high​ ​school​ ​invited​ ​him​ ​to​ ​church.​ ​Now​ ​he​ ​was​ ​reading​ ​the​ ​Holy  Bible,​ ​he​ ​was​ ​baptized,​ ​his​ ​clothes​ ​style​ ​had​ ​changed,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​had​ ​memorized​ ​and​ ​was  speaking​ ​God’s​ ​words.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​so​ ​beautiful​ ​to​ ​me.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​even​ ​a​ ​little​ ​jealous​ ​of​ ​him.​ ​He​ ​was  changing​ ​on​ ​the​ ​inside.​ ​Today,​ ​he’s​ ​playing​ ​drums​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​and​ ​God​ ​in​ ​his  church,​ ​but​ ​my​ ​son​ ​has​ ​also​ ​encountered​ ​demons.  A​ ​neighbor​ ​invited​ ​me​ ​to​ ​go​ ​with​ ​him​ ​to​ ​hear​ ​a​ ​Baptist​ ​preacher​ ​on​ ​a​ ​Sunday  afternoon.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​at​ ​a​ ​house​ ​that​ ​was​ ​converted​ ​into​ ​a​ ​ministry​ ​that​ ​served​ ​the​ ​poor​ ​and  homeless​ ​free​ ​food​ ​and​ ​clothing.​ ​That​ ​was​ ​where​ ​I​ ​learned​ ​I​ ​had​ ​sinned​ ​against​ ​God,​ ​and​ ​I  could​ ​find​ ​forgiveness​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​in​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​through​ ​the​ ​good​ ​news​ ​of​ ​salvation.​ ​That’s  where​ ​I​ ​invited​ ​Jesus​ ​into​ ​my​ ​life!  I​ ​was​ ​visiting​ ​different​ ​churches​ ​to​ ​find​ ​one​ ​to​ ​stay​ ​in.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​still​ ​hearing​ ​voices  occasionally​ ​and​ ​seeing​ ​little​ ​colored​ ​lights.  It​ ​was​ ​after​ ​my​ ​father​ ​died​ ​and​ ​we​ ​buried​ ​him​ ​in​ ​2010​ ​that​ ​the​ ​voices​ ​were​ ​there​ ​in  my​ ​ears​ ​all​ ​the​ ​time.​ ​I​ ​didn’t​ ​go​ ​to​ ​the​ ​mental​ ​health​ ​center.​ ​I​ ​knew​ ​who​ ​they​ ​were​ ​because  of​ ​my​ ​younger​ ​brother’s​ ​experience​ ​of​ ​hearing​ ​voices.​ ​However,​ ​in​ ​my​ ​great​ ​distress​ ​I​ ​cried  1   

out​ ​with​ ​great​ ​tears​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​to​ ​help​ ​me.​ ​I​ ​also​ ​told​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​that​ ​I​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​help  other​ ​people​ ​who​ ​hear​ ​voices​ ​of​ ​demons​ ​and​ ​were​ ​misdiagnosed​​ ​with​ ​a​ ​chemical​ ​imbalance.  If​ ​you​ ​have​ ​been​ ​diagnosed​ ​“schizophrenic”​ ​and​ ​are​ ​hearing​ ​voices​ ​of​ ​demons,  PLEASE,​ ​DO​ ​NOT​ ​GO​ ​OFF​ ​YOUR​ ​MEDICATIONS​ ​AT​ ​THIS​ ​TIME.​ ​WAIT​ ​UNTIL  YOUR​ ​DOCTOR​ ​HAS​ ​ADVISED​ ​YOU​.  I​ ​did​ ​go​ ​and​ ​get​ ​Christian​ ​counseling​ ​that​ ​greatly​ ​encouraged​ ​me,​ ​although​ ​it​ ​didn’t  help​ ​the​ ​voices​ ​to​ ​go​ ​away.​ ​But​ ​people​ ​prayed​ ​for​ ​me.  When​ ​I​ ​was​ ​a​ ​new​ ​Christian,​ ​I​ ​had​ ​just​ ​come​ ​out​ ​of​ ​pagan​ ​idolatry,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​needed​ ​to  learn​ ​God’s​ ​ways​ ​and​ ​teachings.​ ​I​ ​needed​ ​to​ ​repent,​ ​which​ ​means​ ​to​ ​confess​ ​my​ ​sins​ ​and  change​ ​my​ ​mind​ ​about​ ​the​ ​ways​ ​of​ ​this​ ​world​ ​and​ ​the​ ​false​ ​beliefs​ ​that​ ​I​ ​had​ ​learned.​ ​I​ ​was  now​ ​rebuilding​ ​my​ ​life​ ​according​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​holy​ ​word.    ​ ​The​ ​Enemy  I​ ​learned​ ​in​ ​God’s​ ​Holy​ ​Bible​ ​that​ ​there​ ​is​ ​an​ ​invisible​ ​war​ ​on​ ​planet​ ​earth.​ ​I’m  involved​ ​in​ ​this​ ​warfare,​ ​and​ ​so​ ​are​ ​you.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​two​ ​kingdoms​ ​in​ ​opposition.​ ​Every  person​ ​on​ ​this​ ​planet​ ​is​ ​currently​ ​in​ ​one​ ​of​ ​these​ ​two​ ​kingdoms:​ ​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ’s  kingdom​ ​of​ ​light,​ ​truth,​ ​and​ ​holiness;​ ​or​ ​Satan’s​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​darkness,​ ​deception,​ ​and​ ​sin.  This​ ​is​ ​what​ ​God​ ​has​ ​revealed​ ​about​ ​these​ ​invisible​ ​evil​ ​spirits:​ ​ ​After​ ​God​ ​had  created​ ​the​ ​heavens,​ ​the​ ​earth,​ ​the​ ​first​ ​man,​ ​Adam,​ ​and​ ​his​ ​wife,​ ​Eve,​ ​there​ ​was​ ​a​ ​great  rebellion​ ​in​ ​the​ ​highest​ ​heaven.​ ​That’s​ ​where​ ​God​ ​rules​ ​and​ ​reigns​ ​over​ ​all​ ​His​ ​creation​ ​from  His​ ​throne.​ ​God’s​ ​most​ ​high​ ​angel,​ ​named​ ​Lucifer,​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​be​ ​god​ ​and​ ​to​ ​be​ ​worshipped.  God​ ​is​ ​sovereign​ ​over​ ​all​ ​His​ ​creation.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​holy​ ​and​ ​righteous.​ ​He​ ​will​ ​not​ ​share  His​ ​glory​ ​with​ ​anyone.​ ​So​ ​God​ ​cast​ ​Lucifer,​ ​the​ ​devil,​ ​out​ ​of​ ​heaven,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​is​ ​here​ ​on​ ​earth  with​ ​one-third​ ​of​ ​the​ ​angels​ ​who​ ​also​ ​rebelled​ ​against​ ​God.​ ​Revelation​ ​12:3,4​ ​confirms​ ​this,  “...a​ ​great​ ​red​ ​dragon​ ​(Satan)...and​ ​his​ ​tail​ ​swept​ ​away​ ​a​ ​third​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stars​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​(angels)  and​ ​threw​ ​them​ ​to​ ​the​ ​earth...”  God​ ​has​ ​given​ ​Lucifer​ ​and​ ​his​ ​demon​ ​spirits​ ​over​ ​to​ ​their​ ​rebellion​ ​against​ ​God.  They​ ​are​ ​also​ ​called​ ​antichrists​ ​and​ ​the​ ​spiritual​ ​forces​ ​of​ ​wickedness​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavenly​ ​places  (Ephesians​ ​6:12).​ ​They​ ​are​ ​against​ ​God​ ​and​ ​God’s​ ​children​ ​on​ ​earth,​ ​and​ ​they​ ​oppose​ ​the  Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ’s​ ​building​ ​of​ ​His​ ​church.  Demons​ ​are​ ​invisible​ ​spirits,​ ​but​ ​are​ ​very​ ​real,​ ​powerful,​ ​and​ ​very​ ​evil​ ​in​ ​all​ ​their  ways.​ ​Satan​ ​is​ ​known​ ​as​ ​“the​ ​ruler​ ​of​ ​this​ ​world”​ ​(John​ ​14:30).​ ​Demons​ ​can​ ​speak​ ​into​ ​your  ears​ ​all​ ​manner​ ​of​ ​thoughts​ ​and​ ​cause​ ​great​ ​confusion.​ ​There​ ​is​ ​no​ ​truth​ ​in​ ​them.​ ​They​ ​are  known​ ​as​ ​the​ ​tempters​ ​(I​ ​Thess.​ ​3:5),​ ​and​ ​the​ ​accusers​ ​of​ ​the​ ​brethren.​ ​They​ ​try​ ​to​ ​get  people​ ​to​ ​do​ ​wicked​ ​things​ ​against​ ​God​ ​and​ ​His​ ​commandments.​ ​God​ ​says​ ​the​ ​devil​ ​came  to​ ​steal,​ ​kill​ ​and​ ​destroy.  I’ve​ ​had​ ​horrible​ ​and​ ​wicked​ ​thoughts​ ​that​ ​are​ ​not​ ​mine​:​ ​ ​lies,​ ​doubts,​ ​slanderous  thoughts,​ ​presumptuous​ ​thoughts​ ​about​ ​myself​ ​and​ ​others.​ ​They’ve​ ​accused​ ​me​ ​of​ ​many  things.​ ​They​ ​have​ ​sung​ ​songs​ ​in​ ​my​ ​ears.​ ​Sometimes​ ​my​ ​cell​ ​phone​ ​rings​ ​in​ ​my​ ​ear​ ​even  though​ ​it’s​ ​turned​ ​off.​ ​They​ ​count​ ​numbers​ ​in​ ​my​ ​ears,​ ​1-2-3.​ ​Occasionally,​ ​it’s​ ​as​ ​if​ ​bees​ ​are  surrounding​ ​me,​ ​a​ ​ringing​ ​noise​ ​in​ ​my​ ​ears,​ ​like​ ​bees.  Demons​ ​can​ ​also​ ​torture​ ​human​ ​beings.​ ​We’ve​ ​all​ ​heard​ ​about​ ​“voodoo,”​ ​mostly​ ​in  foreign​ ​countries​ ​where​ ​there​ ​is​ ​witchcraft.​ ​I​ ​have​ ​experienced​ ​the​ ​torture​ ​of​ ​their​ ​casting  spells​ ​on​ ​my​ ​body,​ ​like​ ​bee​ ​stings​ ​on​ ​my​ ​feet,​ ​dizzy​ ​spells,​ ​headaches,​ ​and​ ​painful​ ​body  aches.​ ​Also​ ​a​ ​sensual​ ​tingling​ ​on​ ​my​ ​skin​ ​that’s​ ​very​ ​irritating.​ ​IF​ ​YOU’VE  2   

EXPERIENCED​ ​ANY​ ​OF​ ​THESE​ ​THINGS,​ ​PLEASE​ ​GET​ ​CHECKED​ ​OUT​ ​BY​ ​A  PHYSICIAN​ ​TO​ ​BE​ ​SURE​ ​IT’S​ ​NOT​ ​A​ ​MEDICAL​ ​PROBLEM.  In​ ​America​ ​we’ve​ ​been​ ​glamorizing​ ​witchcraft​ ​on​ ​television​ ​and​ ​in​ ​the​ ​movies,​ ​such  as​ ​Harry​ ​Potter​.​ ​There​ ​is​ ​no​ ​hero​ ​of​ ​high​ ​moral​ ​character​ ​in​ ​Harry​ ​Potter​ ​movies.​ ​They​ ​are  demon​ ​inspired​ ​and​ ​against​ ​God​ ​and​ ​His​ ​commandment​ ​to​ ​us​ ​in​ ​Deut.​ ​18:14:​ ​“For​ ​those  nations​ ​which​ ​you​ ​shall​ ​dispossess​ ​listen​ ​to​ ​those​ ​who​ ​practice​ ​witchcraft​ ​and​ ​to​ ​diviners,  but​ ​as​ ​for​ ​you,​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​your​ ​God​ ​has​ ​not​ ​allowed​ ​you​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so.”  I​ ​have​ ​also​ ​seen​ ​the​ ​outlines​ ​of​ ​demons’​ ​body​ ​shapes.​ ​It’s​ ​like​ ​a​ ​charcoal​ ​drawing​ ​of  shadow​ ​people.​ ​Another​ ​time​ ​I​ ​saw​ ​a​ ​ghost​ ​dressed​ ​in​ ​a​ ​tan​ ​leisure​ ​suit.​ ​In​ ​God’s​ ​Bible,​ ​2  Cor.​ ​11:14,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​written,​ ​“For​ ​Satan​ ​himself​ ​transforms​ ​himself​ ​into​ ​an​ ​angel​ ​of​ ​light.”​ ​Light  means​ ​truth,​ ​but​ ​Satan​ ​has​ ​no​ ​truth​ ​in​ ​him;​ ​so​ ​he​ ​deceives​ ​people​ ​with​ ​false​ ​doctrine,​ ​and  nations​ ​can​ ​turn​ ​to​ ​false​ ​gods​ ​and​ ​beliefs.  Some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​visual​ ​things​ ​I’ve​ ​experienced​ ​are​ ​colored,​ ​black,​ ​and​ ​white​ ​lights.​ ​One  night​ ​my​ ​whole​ ​bathroom​ ​filled​ ​up​ ​with​ ​lights.  Demons​ ​are​ ​able​ ​to​ ​give​ ​you​ ​horrible​ ​dreams​ ​and​ ​visions.​ ​Sometimes​ ​when​ ​I​ ​wake  up,​ ​they​ ​bring​ ​accusations​ ​of​ ​me​ ​doing​ ​these​ ​horrible​ ​things​ ​in​ ​the​ ​dream.​ ​They​ ​try​ ​to​ ​get​ ​me  to​ ​think​ ​about​ ​the​ ​dream​ ​and​ ​its​ ​meaning.​ ​The​ ​dreams​ ​are​ ​useless​ ​and​ ​a​ ​waste​ ​of​ ​my​ ​time​ ​to  think​ ​about.   

Doctors 

I​ ​was​ ​advised​ ​to​ ​see​ ​my​ ​medical​ ​doctor​ ​for​ ​a​ ​possible​ ​imbalance​ ​in​ ​my​ ​blood  chemistry.​ ​The​ ​results​ ​came​ ​back​ ​that​ ​I​ ​am​ ​in​ ​great​ ​health​ ​except​ ​for​ ​high​ ​cholesterol.​ ​Now  that’s​ ​going​ ​down.​ ​I’ve​ ​also​ ​been​ ​to​ ​my​ ​eye​ ​doctor,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​have​ ​a​ ​good​ ​report!​ ​I​ ​know​ ​who  “they”​ ​are​ ​and​ ​what​ ​“they”​ ​do.​ ​Even​ ​better,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​who​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​is!​ ​And,​ ​I​ ​want​ ​you  also​ ​to​ ​know​ ​who​ ​God​ ​is​ ​and​ ​how​ ​He​ ​helped​ ​me​ ​and​ ​can​ ​help​ ​you​ ​also.   

Who​ ​God​ ​Is 

God​ ​is​ ​not​ ​a​ ​man.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​Spirit.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​holy.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​sovereign​ ​Creator,​ ​Ruler,​ ​and  Sustainer​ ​of​ ​His​ ​creation.​ ​He’s​ ​morally​ ​pure,​ ​righteous​ ​(He​ ​always​ ​does​ ​what​ ​is​ ​right),​ ​He’s  just​ ​(He​ ​loves​ ​justice),​ ​full​ ​of​ ​knowledge,​ ​truth,​ ​and​ ​all​ ​wise.​ ​He​ ​knows​ ​everything.​ ​He  understands​ ​everything,​ ​and​ ​He’s​ ​all​ ​powerful.​ ​God​ ​is​ ​love.​ ​But​ ​God​ ​hates​ ​sin​ ​and​ ​is​ ​willing  to​ ​show​ ​His​ ​judgment​ ​and​ ​wrath​ ​against​ ​it,​ ​whether​ ​individually​ ​or​ ​on​ ​nations.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​also  merciful,​ ​kind,​ ​compassionate,​ ​and​ ​slow​ ​to​ ​anger.   God​ ​has​ ​revealed​ ​Himself​ ​in​ ​His​ ​Holy​ ​Living​ ​Bible​ ​as​ ​One​ ​Great​ ​God​ ​but​ ​in​ ​three  persons.​ ​People​ ​have​ ​marveled​ ​over​ ​the​ ​ages​ ​at​ ​this​ ​wondrous​ ​fact.​ ​Here’s​ ​what​ ​God​ ​has  revealed​ ​about​ ​Himself:    1. Genesis​ ​1:1-3:​ ​ ​“In​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​God​ ​created​ ​the​ ​heavens​ ​and​ ​the​ ​earth​ ​(that’s  Elohim,​ ​the​ ​Most​ ​High,​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Father).​ ​The​ ​earth​ ​was​ ​formless​ ​and​ ​void,​ ​and  darkness​ ​was​ ​over​ ​the​ ​surface​ ​of​ ​the​ ​deep;​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Spirit​ ​of​ ​God​ ​was​ ​moving  over​ ​the​ ​surface​ ​of​ ​the​ ​waters​ ​(that’s​ ​the​ ​person​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit).​ ​ ​Then​ ​God  said,​ ​“Let​ ​there​ ​be​ ​light”​ ​and​ ​there​ ​was​ ​light​ ​(that’s​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ,​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​God,  the​ ​Word).   2. Genesis​ ​1:26:​ ​“Then​ ​God​ ​said,​ ​‘Let​ ​Us​​ ​make​ ​man​ ​in​ ​Our​​ ​image,​ ​according​ ​to  3   

3.

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5. 6.

 

Our​​ ​likeness.”​ ​Notice​ ​the​ ​One​ ​God​ ​speaks​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Trinity,​ ​of​ ​being​ ​more​ ​than  one​ ​person!  John​ ​1:1-5:​ ​ ​“In​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​(the​ ​earth’s​ ​creation)​ ​was​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​(another​ ​name  for​ ​Jesus),​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​was​ ​with​ ​God,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​was​ ​God.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​in​ ​the  beginning​ ​with​ ​God.​ ​All​ ​things​ ​came​ ​into​ ​being​ ​through​ ​Him,​ ​and​ ​apart​ ​from  Him​ ​nothing​ ​came​ ​into​ ​being​ ​that​ ​has​ ​come​ ​into​ ​being.​ ​In​ ​Him​ ​was​ ​life,​ ​and​ ​the  life​ ​was​ ​the​ ​Light​ ​of​ ​men.​ ​The​ ​light​ ​shines​ ​in​ ​the​ ​darkness​ ​and​ ​the​ ​darkness​ ​did  not​ ​overpower​ ​it.”  John​ ​1:9,10,14:​ ​ ​“There​ ​was​ ​the​ ​true​ ​Light​ ​which​ ​coming​ ​into​ ​the​ ​world  enlightens​ ​every​ ​man.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​in​ ​the​ ​world,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​world​ ​was​ ​made​ ​through  Him​ ​(Jesus),and​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​became​ ​flesh​ ​and​ ​dwelt​ ​among​ ​us,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​saw​ ​His  glory,​ ​glory​ ​as​ ​of​ ​the​ ​only​ ​Begotten​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Father,​ ​full​ ​of​ ​grace​ ​and​ ​truth.”  Colossians​ ​1:16:​ ​ ​“For​ ​by​ ​Him​ ​(Jesus)​ ​all​ ​things​ ​were​ ​created​ ​both​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavens  and​ ​on​ ​earth,​ ​visible​ ​and​ ​invisible,​ ​whether​ ​thrones,​ ​or​ ​dominions,​ ​or​ ​rulers,​ ​or  authorities;​ ​all​ ​things​ ​have​ ​been​ ​created​ ​through​ ​Him​ ​and​ ​for​ ​Him.”  Hebrews​ ​1:1-3:​ ​ ​“God,​ ​after​ ​He​ ​spoke​ ​long​ ​ago​ ​to​ ​the​ ​fathers​ ​in​ ​the​ ​prophets,​ ​in  many​ ​portions​ ​and​ ​in​ ​many​ ​ways,​ ​in​ ​these​ ​last​ ​days​ ​has​ ​spoken​ ​to​ ​us​ ​in​ ​His​ ​Son  (Jesus),​ ​whom​ ​He​ ​(the​ ​Holy​ ​Father)​ ​appointed​ ​Heir​ ​of​ ​all​ ​things,​ ​through​ ​whom  also​ ​He​ ​made​ ​the​ ​world.​ ​And​ ​He​ ​(Jesus)​ ​is​ ​the​ ​radiance​ ​of​ ​His​ ​glory​ ​and​ ​the  exact​ ​representation​ ​of​ ​His​ ​nature,​ ​and​ ​upholds​ ​all​ ​things​ ​by​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ ​His  power.​ ​When​ ​He​ ​had​ ​made​ ​purification,​ ​He​ ​sat​ ​down​ ​at​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​of​ ​the  Majesty​ ​on​ ​High...” 

So​ ​you​ ​see,​ ​it​ ​was​ ​the​ ​triune​ ​God​ ​who​ ​created​ ​all​ ​things​ ​in​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​on​ ​earth.​ ​It  was​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​who​ ​spoke​ ​and​ ​the​ ​universe​ ​leapt​ ​into​ ​existence.    

Sin 

God​ ​wants​ ​a​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​His​ ​people​ ​He​ ​created,​ ​but​ ​He​ ​is​ ​holy​ ​and​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a  sinful​ ​nature.​ ​Our​ ​sins​ ​have​ ​separated​ ​us​ ​from​ ​our​ ​God.​ ​Our​ ​God​ ​has​ ​given​ ​us​ ​His​ ​Ten  Commandments.​ ​In​ ​reading​ ​them,​ ​we​ ​see​ ​how​ ​sinful​ ​we​ ​all​ ​are​ ​and​ ​how​ ​we​ ​need​ ​mercy​ ​and  forgiveness​ ​from​ ​God,​ ​our​ ​Creator:    1. You​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​no​ ​other​ ​gods​ ​before​ ​Me.  2. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​make​ ​for​ ​yourself​ ​an​ ​idol​ ​(carved​ ​image),...you​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​bow​ ​down​ ​to  them​ ​(worship​ ​them)​ ​nor​ ​serve​ ​them.  3. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​take​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​your​ ​God​ ​in​ ​vain,​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​will​ ​not  leave​ ​him​ ​guiltless​ ​who​ ​takes​ ​His​ ​Name​ ​in​ ​vain.  4. Remember​ ​the​ ​Sabbath​ ​Day,​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​it​ ​holy.​ ​Six​ ​days​ ​you​ ​shall​ ​labor​ ​and​ ​do​ ​all​ ​your  work,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​seventh​ ​day​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Sabbath​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​your​ ​God.​ ​In​ ​it​ ​you​ ​shall​ ​do​ ​no  work...the​ ​Lord​ ​blessed​ ​the​ ​Sabbath​ ​Day​ ​and​ ​made​ ​it​ ​holy​ ​(set​ ​apart).  5. Honor​ ​your​ ​father​ ​and​ ​your​ ​mother,​ ​that​ ​your​ ​days​ ​may​ ​be​ ​long​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​land...  6. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​murder.  7. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​commit​ ​adultery.  8. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​steal.  9. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​bear​ ​false​ ​witness​ ​against​ ​your​ ​neighbor.  4   

 

10. You​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​covet...anything​ ​that​ ​is​ ​your​ ​neighbor’s. 

Also,​ ​“You​ ​shall​ ​love​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​your​ ​God​ ​with​ ​all​ ​your​ ​heart,​ ​with​ ​all​ ​your​ ​soul,​ ​with  all​ ​your​ ​mind,​ ​and​ ​with​ ​all​ ​your​ ​strength.​ ​You​ ​shall​ ​love​ ​your​ ​neighbor​ ​as​ ​yourself.”  It​ ​says​ ​in​ ​Romans​ ​3:23,​ ​“For​ ​all​ ​have​ ​sinned​ ​and​ ​fallen​ ​short​ ​of​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​of​ ​God.”  Just​ ​like​ ​me,​ ​you’ve​ ​also​ ​sinned​ ​against​ ​God​ ​and​ ​His​ ​Commandments.​ ​I’ve​ ​lied,​ ​stolen,  committed​ ​idolatry,​ ​been​ ​sexually​ ​immoral,​ ​used​ ​God’s​ ​Holy​ ​Name​ ​in​ ​vain,​ ​coveted,​ ​been  drunk,​ ​and​ ​used​ ​drugs​ ​to​ ​get​ ​high.​ ​I​ ​wasn’t​ ​going​ ​faithfully​ ​to​ ​church​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​God​ ​and  didn’t​ ​honor​ ​my​ ​mother​ ​or​ ​father.​ ​But​ ​God​ ​says​ ​in​ ​Romans​ ​6:23,​ ​“For​ ​the​ ​wages​ ​of​ ​sin​ ​is  death,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​free​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​God​​ ​is​ ​eternal​ ​life​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus​ ​our​ ​Lord.”     

5   

Jesus​ ​Christ,​ ​Savior,​ ​Lord,​ ​and​ ​Our​ ​Hope!! 

God,​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Father,​ ​sent​ ​His​ ​Son​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​into​ ​the​ ​world​ ​for​ ​the​ ​purpose​ ​of  paying​ ​our​ ​debt​ ​for​ ​us.​ ​Here’s​ ​God’s​ ​story:  The​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​emptied​ ​Himself​ ​of​ ​all​ ​His​ ​glory​ ​and​ ​majesty​ ​in​ ​Heaven​ ​and  was​ ​born​ ​a​ ​human​ ​being,​ ​the​ ​God-Man.​ ​The​ ​prophet​ ​Isaiah​ ​spoke​ ​of​ ​Him​ ​(9:6-7):​ ​ ​“For  unto​ ​us​ ​a​ ​Child​ ​is​ ​born,​ ​unto​ ​us​ ​a​ ​Son​ ​is​ ​given;​ ​and​ ​the​ ​government​ ​shall​ ​rest​ ​upon​ ​His  shoulder.​ ​And​ ​His​ ​name​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​called​ ​Wonderful​ ​Counselor,​ ​Mighty​ ​God​,​ ​Everlasting  Father,​ ​the​ ​Prince​ ​of​ ​Peace.​ ​Of​ ​the​ ​increase​ ​of​ ​His​ ​government​ ​and​ ​peace​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​no  end.”  He​ ​was​ ​born​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Virgin​ ​Mary.​ ​Matthew​ ​1:23:​ ​ ​“Behold​ ​the​ ​virgin​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​with  Child,​ ​and​ ​bear​ ​a​ ​Son​,​ ​and​ ​they​ ​shall​ ​call​ ​His​ ​name​ ​Immanuel,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​translated,​ ​God​ ​with  us​.”  While​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​on​ ​earth,​ ​He​ ​lived​ ​a​ ​perfect​ ​sinless​ ​life​ ​that​ ​no​ ​human​ ​being​ ​has​ ​ever  done.​ ​He​ ​lived​ ​in​ ​perfect​ ​submission​ ​to​ ​His​ ​Father​ ​in​ ​heaven,​ ​even​ ​unto​ ​death​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross.  He​ ​obeyed​ ​all​ ​God’s​ ​laws​ ​and​ ​commandments​ ​perfectly,​ ​and​ ​He​ ​fulfilled​ ​all​ ​the​ ​Old  Testament​ ​prophecies​ ​about​ ​Himself.   Christ​ ​did​ ​many​ ​good​ ​and​ ​wonderful​ ​things,​ ​and​ ​many​ ​miracles​ ​to​ ​prove​ ​He​ ​wasn’t  just​ ​a​ ​man​ ​but​ ​God​ ​Himself.​ ​He​ ​made​ ​the​ ​lame​ ​to​ ​walk,​ ​the​ ​deaf​ ​to​ ​hear,​ ​the​ ​mute​ ​to​ ​speak,  the​ ​blind​ ​to​ ​see,​ ​He​ ​healed​ ​sick​ ​lepers,​ ​raised​ ​the​ ​dead​ ​to​ ​life​ ​again,​ ​and​ ​healed​ ​other  illnesses.  He​ ​proved​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​Master​ ​over​ ​nature​ ​by​ ​calming​ ​the​ ​storm​ ​at​ ​sea,​ ​walking​ ​on  water,​ ​turning​ ​water​ ​into​ ​wine,​ ​feeding​ ​thousands​ ​of​ ​people​ ​with​ ​just​ ​a​ ​few​ ​loaves​ ​of​ ​bread  and​ ​a​ ​few​ ​fish,​ ​and​ ​called​ ​the​ ​fish​ ​to​ ​Peter’s​ ​boat​ ​for​ ​a​ ​great​ ​catch!  Jesus​ ​spoke​ ​about​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​He​ ​spoke​ ​with​ ​authority​ ​and​ ​wisdom,​ ​so​ ​the  people​ ​marveled​ ​at​ ​His​ ​teachings.​ ​He​ ​forgave​ ​sins​ ​and​ ​was​ ​worshipped.  He​ ​is​ ​an​ ​awesome​ ​and​ ​amazing​ ​God​ ​who​ ​has​ ​great​ ​compassion​ ​and​ ​mercy​ ​for  people​ ​who​ ​are​ ​suffering.​ ​He​ ​also​ ​cast​ ​demon​ ​spirits​ ​out​ ​of​ ​people.​ ​Here​ ​are​ ​some​ ​examples  from​ ​the​ ​book​ ​of​ ​Matthew:    1. Matt.​ ​8—Two​ ​extremely​ ​violent​ ​demon-possessed​ ​men​ ​of​ ​the​ ​country​ ​of​ ​the  Gadarenes​ ​came​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tombs​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​Jesus.​ ​The​ ​demons​ ​within​ ​the​ ​men​ ​knew  Jesus​ ​was​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​commanded​ ​the​ ​demons​ ​to​ ​“Go,”​ ​and​ ​they  left​ ​the​ ​two​ ​men.​ ​Notice​ ​here​ ​that​ ​even​ ​the​ ​demons​ ​know​ ​that​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​is​ ​the  Son​ ​of​ ​God.  2. Matt.​ ​12—A​ ​blind​ ​and​ ​mute​ ​demon-possessed​ ​man​ ​was​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus.​ ​The  Lord​ ​healed​ ​him:​ ​ ​he​ ​saw​ ​again​ ​and​ ​spoke.  3. Matt.​ ​15—A​ ​Canaanite​ ​woman​ ​had​ ​a​ ​severely​ ​demon-possessed​ ​daughter,​ ​and​ ​by  her​ ​faith,​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​healed​ ​the​ ​girl.  4. Matt.​ ​17—A​ ​man​ ​asked​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​for​ ​mercy​ ​for​ ​his​ ​demon-possessed​ ​son​ ​that  suffered​ ​severely​ ​and​ ​had​ ​epileptic​ ​fits.​ ​He​ ​often​ ​fell​ ​into​ ​the​ ​fire​ ​and​ ​the​ ​water.​ ​Lord  Jesus​ ​rebuked​ ​the​ ​demon,​ ​and​ ​it​ ​came​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​child.​ ​The​ ​child​ ​was​ ​healed.    I​ ​believe​ ​today​ ​that​ ​there​ ​are​ ​many​ ​people​ ​all​ ​over​ ​the​ ​world​ ​who​ ​are​ ​demon  oppressed,​ ​and​ ​even​ ​demon​ ​possessed,​ ​that​ ​need​ ​help,​ ​deliverance,​ ​and​ ​salvation​ ​by​ ​the  Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ.​ ​I’m​ ​hoping​ ​and​ ​praying​ ​that​ ​my​ ​story​ ​will​ ​make​ ​a​ ​difference​ ​in​ ​many  6   

people’s​ ​lives​ ​who​ ​are​ ​seeking​ ​answers​ ​that​ ​psychiatrists​ ​who​ ​do​ ​not​ ​know​ ​God​ ​cannot​ ​give  them.   

The​ ​Good​ ​News 

God​ ​loves​ ​justice,​ ​and​ ​our​ ​sins​ ​we’ve​ ​done​ ​against​ ​God​ ​and​ ​His​ ​commandments  deserve​ ​punishment.​ ​So​ ​God​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Father,​ ​because​ ​of​ ​His​ ​great​ ​love​ ​and​ ​mercy​ ​toward  us,​ ​sent​ ​His​ ​Son​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​into​ ​human​ ​flesh​ ​for​ ​the​ ​purpose​ ​of​ ​paying​ ​our​ ​debt​ ​for​ ​us.​ ​In  doing​ ​so,​ ​He​ ​satisfied​ ​God’s​ ​justice.​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​died​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross,​ ​enduring​ ​the​ ​suffering  and​ ​the​ ​wrath​ ​of​ ​God​ ​that​ ​was​ ​poured​ ​out​ ​on​ ​Him​ ​for​ ​our​ ​sins.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​written​ ​in​ ​Isaiah​ ​53:5-6,  “He​ ​was​ ​pierced​ ​through​ ​for​ ​our​ ​transgressions,​ ​He​ ​was​ ​crushed​ ​for​ ​our​ ​iniquities,​ ​the  chastening​ ​for​ ​our​ ​well​ ​being​ ​fell​ ​upon​ ​Him,​ ​and​ ​by​ ​His​ ​stripes​ ​we​ ​are​ ​healed.​ ​All​ ​we​ ​like  sheep​ ​have​ ​gone​ ​astray,​ ​each​ ​of​ ​us​ ​has​ ​turned​ ​to​ ​his​ ​own​ ​way,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​has​ ​laid​ ​on​ ​Him  the​ ​iniquity​ ​of​ ​us​ ​all.”  Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​came​ ​to​ ​His​ ​world​ ​as​ ​our​ ​Redeemer,​ ​to​ ​set​ ​the​ ​captives​ ​free​ ​from​ ​sin,  and​ ​to​ ​give​ ​His​ ​life​ ​a​ ​ransom​ ​for​ ​all.​ ​“Redeem”​ ​means​ ​to​ ​rescue​ ​from​ ​the​ ​power​ ​of​ ​sin​ ​and  its​ ​penalties;​ ​to​ ​pay​ ​off​ ​a​ ​debt;​ ​to​ ​regain​ ​possession​ ​of​ ​by​ ​paying​ ​a​ ​price.​ ​He​ ​bought​ ​His  children​ ​with​ ​a​ ​price,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​price​ ​was​ ​His​ ​blood​ ​shed​ ​for​ ​our​ ​sins​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross.  John​ ​3:16:​ ​“For​ ​God​ ​so​ ​loved​ ​the​ ​world​ ​that​ ​He​ ​gave​ ​His​ ​only​ ​begotten​ ​Son,​ ​that  whosoever​ ​believes​ ​in​ ​Him​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​perish​ ​but​ ​have​ ​eternal​ ​life.”​ ​He​ ​came​ ​to​ ​give​ ​us​ ​a​ ​new  life​ ​and​ ​a​ ​more​ ​abundant​ ​life​ ​in​ ​Christ.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​buried,​ ​and​ ​on​ ​the​ ​third​ ​day​ ​He​ ​rose  victoriously​ ​from​ ​the​ ​grave!​ ​He​ ​was​ ​seen​ ​by​ ​His​ ​followers​ ​and​ ​over​ ​500​ ​brethren​ ​at​ ​one  time.​ ​Forty​ ​days​ ​later,​ ​He​ ​ascended​ ​up​ ​to​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​is​ ​now​ ​seated​ ​at​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​of​ ​His  Father.​ ​All​ ​authority​ ​has​ ​been​ ​given​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​on​ ​earth.  Do​ ​you​ ​believe​ ​the​ ​testimony​ ​God​ ​has​ ​given​ ​about​ ​His​ ​Son?​ ​Every​ ​person​ ​must​ ​give  an​ ​answer.  There​ ​is​ ​a​ ​place​ ​called​ ​Heaven​ ​and​ ​Paradise​ ​where​ ​God​ ​dwells.​ ​Believers​ ​who​ ​are  “born​ ​again”​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​will​ ​go​ ​directly​ ​there​ ​when​ ​they​ ​die.  There​ ​is​ ​a​ ​real​ ​place​ ​called​ ​Hell.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​a​ ​place​ ​of​ ​great​ ​suffering​ ​and​ ​torment​ ​where  there​ ​is​ ​weeping​ ​and​ ​gnashing​ ​of​ ​teeth.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​where​ ​people​ ​are​ ​separated​ ​away​ ​from​ ​God​ ​and  His​ ​glory​ ​until​ ​Judgment​ ​Day.​ ​Then,​ ​they​ ​will​ ​be​ ​sentenced​ ​to​ ​everlasting​ ​destruction​ ​in​ ​the  Lake​ ​of​ ​Fire.​ ​Those​ ​people​ ​who​ ​won’t​ ​believe​ ​God’s​ ​testimony​ ​about​ ​His​ ​Son,​ ​or​ ​who​ ​won’t  turn​ ​away​ ​from​ ​their​ ​sins​ ​(repent),​ ​and​ ​those​ ​who​ ​blaspheme​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​will​ ​go​ ​there  when​ ​they​ ​die.  There​ ​are​ ​only​ ​two​ ​ways,​ ​and​ ​you​ ​must​ ​make​ ​a​ ​choice.​ ​Matthew​ ​7:13-14:​ ​ ​ ​Jesus​ ​said,  “Enter​ ​through​ ​the​ ​narrow​ ​gate;​ ​for​ ​the​ ​gate​ ​is​ ​wide​ ​and​ ​the​ ​way​ ​is​ ​broad​ ​that​ ​leads​ ​to  destruction,​ ​and​ ​there​ ​are​ ​many​ ​who​ ​enter​ ​through​ ​it.​ ​For​ ​the​ ​gate​ ​is​ ​small​ ​and​ ​the​ ​way​​ ​is  narrow​ ​that​ ​leads​ ​to​ ​life,​ ​and​ ​there​ ​are​ ​few​ ​who​ ​find​ ​it.”​ ​John​ ​14:6:​ ​ ​Jesus​ ​said,​ ​“​I​ ​am​ ​the  way​,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​truth,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​life.​ ​No​ ​one​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​but​ ​through​ ​Me.”​ ​And​ ​in​ ​Acts  4:12:​ ​ ​“There​ ​is​ ​salvation​ ​in​ ​no​ ​one​ ​else,​ ​for​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​other​ ​name​ ​under​ ​heaven​ ​that​ ​has  been​ ​given​ ​among​ ​men​ ​by​ ​which​ ​we​ ​must​ ​be​ ​saved.”  God​ ​has​ ​fixed​ ​a​ ​day​ ​in​ ​which​ ​He​ ​will​ ​judge​ ​the​ ​world​ ​in​ ​righteousness.​ ​By​ ​faith​ ​in  Christ,​ ​God​ ​will​ ​declare​ ​you​ ​righteous​ ​in​ ​His​ ​sight,​ ​gifting​ ​you​ ​with​ ​Christ’s​ ​perfect  righteousness.​ ​He​ ​will​ ​make​ ​you​ ​right​ ​and​ ​a​ ​new​ ​creation​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​all​ ​because​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​love  and​ ​mercy.​ ​Will​ ​you​ ​be​ ​separated​ ​from​ ​God​ ​forever​ ​by​ ​rejecting​ ​God’s​ ​grace​ ​and​ ​mercy​ ​that  comes​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​alone​ ​in​ ​His​ ​Son​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ?​ ​It​ ​is​ ​written​ ​in​ ​Eph.​ ​2:8-9,​ ​“For​ ​by​ ​grace​​ ​you  7   

have​ ​been​ ​saved​,​ ​through​ ​faith​,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​not​ ​of​ ​yourselves;​ ​it​ ​is​ ​the​ ​GIFT​ ​of​ ​GOD​,​ ​not​ ​as​ ​a  result​ ​of​ ​works,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​no​ ​one​ ​may​ ​boast...”​ ​Because​ ​salvation​ ​is​ ​a​ ​GIFT​ ​of​ ​GOD​,​ ​you  cannot​ ​add​ ​to​ ​it​ ​any​ ​works​ ​or​ ​good​ ​deeds​ ​of​ ​your​ ​own.​ ​Romans​ ​11:6:​ ​ ​“But,​ ​if​ ​it​ ​(salvation)  is​ ​by​ ​grace,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​no​ ​longer​ ​on​ ​the​ ​basis​ ​of​ ​works,​ ​otherwise​ ​grace​ ​is​ ​no​ ​longer​ ​grace“​ ​(the  unmerited​ ​favor​ ​of​ ​God).  The​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​to​ ​go​ ​and​ ​make​ ​disciples​ ​of​ ​every​ ​nation​ ​on​ ​earth.​ ​A​ ​disciple​ ​is​ ​a  student​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​who​ ​does​ ​what​ ​God​ ​says​ ​and​ ​follows​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​by​ ​faith.​ ​In  John​ ​8:31-32​ ​Jesus​ ​spoke,​ ​“If​ ​you​ ​continue​ ​in​ ​My​ ​word,​ ​then​ ​you​ ​are​ ​truly​ ​disciples​ ​of​ ​Mine;  and​ ​you​ ​will​ ​know​ ​the​ ​truth,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​truth​ ​will​ ​make​ ​you​ ​free.”  Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​of​ ​all​ ​creation,​ ​and​ ​He​ ​has​ ​the​ ​right​ ​to​ ​rule​ ​over​ ​our​ ​lives.​ ​He  is​ ​building​ ​His​ ​kingdom​ ​that​ ​is​ ​not​ ​of​ ​this​ ​world.​ ​This​ ​world​ ​and​ ​all​ ​that’s​ ​in​ ​it​ ​is​ ​passing  away.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​calling​ ​out​ ​a​ ​people​ ​for​ ​His​ ​own​ ​possession​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​and​ ​serve​ ​the​ ​living​ ​God.  In​ ​Luke​ ​9:23,​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​said,​ ​“If​ ​anyone​ ​wishes​ ​to​ ​come​ ​after​ ​Me,​ ​he​ ​must​ ​deny  himself,​ ​and​ ​take​ ​up​ ​his​ ​cross​ ​daily,​ ​and​ ​follow​ ​Me.”​ ​Mark​ ​8:35-38:​ ​ ​“For​ ​whoever​ ​wishes​ ​to  save​ ​his​ ​life​ ​will​ ​lose​ ​it,​ ​but​ ​whoever​ ​loses​ ​his​ ​life​ ​for​ ​My​ ​sake​ ​and​ ​the​ ​gospel’s​ ​will​ ​save​ ​it.  For​ ​whoever​ ​is​ ​ashamed​ ​of​ ​Me​ ​and​ ​My​ ​words​ ​in​ ​this​ ​adulterous​ ​and​ ​sinful​ ​generation,​ ​the  Son​ ​of​ ​Man​ ​will​ ​be​ ​ashamed​ ​of​ ​him​ ​when​ ​He​ ​comes​ ​in​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​of​ ​His​ ​Father​ ​with​ ​the​ ​holy  angels.”  Christ​ ​is​ ​my​ ​Good​ ​Shepherd​ ​who​ ​leads​ ​me​ ​to​ ​His​ ​lost​ ​sheep.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​my​ ​Master​ ​and  Teacher​ ​as​ ​I​ ​learn​ ​from​ ​Him.​ ​In​ ​Matthew​ ​11:28-30​ ​Jesus​ ​says​ ​to​ ​you,​ ​“Come​ ​to​ ​Me,​ ​all​ ​who  are​ ​weary​ ​and​ ​heavy​ ​laden,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​give​ ​you​ ​rest.​ ​Take​ ​My​ ​yoke​ ​upon​ ​you​ ​and​ ​learn​ ​from  Me​,​ ​for​ ​I​ ​am​ ​gentle​ ​and​ ​humble​ ​in​ ​heart,​ ​and​ ​you​ ​will​ ​find​ ​rest​ ​for​ ​your​ ​souls.​ ​For​ ​My​ ​yoke  is​ ​easy​ ​and​ ​My​ ​burden​ ​is​ ​light”​ ​And​ ​again​ ​in​ ​Revelation​ ​3:20:​ ​ ​“Behold,​ ​I​ ​stand​ ​at​ ​the​ ​door  and​ ​knock.​ ​If​ ​anyone​ ​hears​ ​My​ ​voice​ ​and​ ​opens​ ​the​ ​door,​ ​I​ ​will​ ​come​ ​in​ ​to​ ​him​ ​and​ ​will​ ​dine  with​ ​him​ ​and​ ​he​ ​with​ ​Me.”  This​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​salvation​ ​brings​ ​us​ ​into​ ​an​ ​intimate​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​God.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​a​ ​shared  life​ ​with​ ​God.​ ​We​ ​become​ ​the​ ​temple​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Living​ ​God!​ ​In​ ​2​ ​Corinthians​ ​6:16,​ ​just​ ​as​ ​God  said,​ ​“I​ ​will​ ​dwell​ ​in​ ​them​ ​and​ ​walk​ ​amongst​ ​them.”​ ​The​ ​true​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God​ ​are​ ​“born  again”​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​who​ ​dwells​ ​in​ ​us.  The​ ​Lord​ ​said​ ​to​ ​offer​ ​those​ ​who​ ​believe​ ​repentance​ ​and​ ​forgiveness​ ​of​ ​sins​ ​in​ ​His  Name.​ ​This​ ​means​ ​to​ ​turn​ ​away​ ​from​ ​sin,​ ​to​ ​change​ ​your​ ​mind​ ​and​ ​agree​ ​with​ ​God’s​ ​ways  and​ ​teachings.​ ​The​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​in​ ​Luke​ ​13:3​ ​“...unless​ ​you​ ​repent,​ ​you​ ​will​ ​all​ ​likewise  perish.”   Receiving​ ​Christ​ ​and​ ​all​ ​the​ ​promises​ ​and​ ​benefits​ ​is​ ​an​ ​awesome​ ​gift​ ​from​ ​God.​ ​But  we​ ​are​ ​still​ ​in​ ​a​ ​fallen​ ​world​ ​that​ ​is​ ​getting​ ​worse​ ​and​ ​worse.​ ​In​ ​following​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​you​ ​will  suffer​ ​persecution​ ​because​ ​of​ ​Him​ ​and​ ​the​ ​gospel.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​through​ ​many​ ​trials​ ​and​ ​tribulations  we​ ​enter​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​But​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​is​ ​with​ ​us​ ​through​ ​it​ ​all.​ ​We​ ​can​ ​trust​ ​Him  to​ ​help​ ​us.​ ​We​ ​also​ ​have​ ​our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​to​ ​help​ ​us​ ​in​ ​many​ ​ways.  The​ ​Bible​ ​says​ ​in​ ​John​ ​1:12​ ​“...but​ ​to​ ​all​ ​who​ ​received​ ​Him,​ ​who​ ​believed​ ​in​ ​His  name,​ ​He​ ​gave​ ​the​ ​right​ ​to​ ​become​ ​the​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God.”​ ​Are​ ​you​ ​willing​ ​to​ ​surrender​ ​your  life​ ​under​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​and​ ​lordship​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​and​ ​His​ ​living​ ​word?​ ​Will​ ​you​ ​receive  the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​by​ ​personal​ ​invitation​ ​into​ ​the​ ​door​ ​of​ ​your​ ​heart​ ​today?​ ​If​ ​so,​ ​pray​ ​to​ ​Him  sincerely​ ​from​ ​your​ ​heart:    “Lord​ ​Jesus,​ ​I’ve​ ​sinned​ ​against​ ​You​ ​and​ ​Your​ ​commandments.​ ​I’m  8   

sorry​ ​and​ ​ask​ ​for​ ​Your​ ​forgiveness.​ ​I​ ​believe​ ​You​ ​died​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​for​ ​all​ ​my  sins.​ ​You​ ​were​ ​buried​ ​and​ ​rose​ ​from​ ​the​ ​dead.​ ​I​ ​turn​ ​from​ ​my​ ​sins​ ​and​ ​I  invite​ ​You​ ​to​ ​come​ ​into​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​my​ ​life​ ​as​ ​my​ ​Savior​ ​and​ ​my​ ​Lord.​ ​I  surrender​ ​my​ ​life​ ​to​ ​You​ ​and​ ​Your​ ​plans​ ​for​ ​my​ ​life,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​want​ ​to​ ​follow  You.​ ​Thank​ ​you,​ ​Lord,​ ​for​ ​saving​ ​me!​ ​Amen.”    You’ll​ ​want​ ​to​ ​find​ ​a​ ​faithful​ ​church​ ​to​ ​worship​ ​and​ ​serve​ ​our​ ​God​ ​and​ ​to​ ​fellowship  with​ ​others.​ ​By​ ​faith,​ ​pray​ ​and​ ​ask​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​to​ ​lead​ ​you​ ​where​ ​He’d​ ​have​ ​you​ ​go​ ​to​ ​church.  He​ ​is​ ​able!  The​ ​Lord​ ​said​ ​to​ ​have​ ​those​ ​who​ ​believe​ ​baptized​ ​in​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Father,​ ​and​ ​of  the​ ​Son,​ ​and​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit,​ ​teaching​ ​them​ ​to​ ​observe​ ​all​ ​that​ ​I​ ​commanded​ ​you.    The​ ​Armor​ ​of​ ​God  On​ ​earth​ ​we​ ​are​ ​in​ ​a​ ​spiritual​ ​battle​ ​for​ ​truth.​ ​God​ ​has​ ​provided​ ​us​ ​with​ ​His​ ​Holy  Bible​ ​for​ ​all​ ​we​ ​need​ ​to​ ​know​ ​about​ ​how​ ​to​ ​live​ ​a​ ​godly​ ​life.  When​ ​we​ ​were​ ​first​ ​“born​ ​again”​ ​in​ ​Christ,​ ​we​ ​were​ ​made​ ​new​ ​creations​ ​in​ ​the​ ​inner  man.​ ​The​ ​problem​ ​is​ ​we​ ​still​ ​have​ ​old​ ​thoughts​ ​and​ ​ways​ ​of​ ​this​ ​world​ ​that​ ​were  programmed​ ​into​ ​our​ ​minds.  In​ ​2​ ​Corinthians​ ​10:3-6​ ​we’re​ ​taught,​ ​“For​ ​though​ ​we​ ​walk​ ​(i.e.,​ ​live​ ​our​ ​lives)​ ​in​ ​the  flesh,​ ​we​ ​do​ ​not​ ​war​ ​according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​flesh;​ ​for​ ​the​ ​weapons​ ​of​ ​our​ ​warfare​ ​are​ ​not​ ​of​ ​the  flesh,​ ​but​ ​divinely​ ​powerful​ ​for​ ​the​ ​destruction​ ​of​ ​fortresses.​ ​We​ ​are​ ​destroying​ ​speculations  and​ ​every​ ​lofty​ ​thing​ ​raised​ ​up​ ​against​ ​the​ ​knowledge​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​are​ ​taking​ ​every  thought​ ​captive​ ​to​ ​the​ ​obedience​ ​of​ ​Christ.”​ ​“Speculations”​ ​can​ ​be​ ​any​ ​thoughts,​ ​ideas,  reasonings,​ ​philosophies​ ​of​ ​this​ ​world,​ ​false​ ​religions,​ ​worldly​ ​wisdom,​ ​or​ ​traditions​ ​of​ ​men  that​ ​are​ ​not​ ​according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​truth​ ​revealed​ ​in​ ​Holy​ ​Scripture.  If​ ​we​ ​read​ ​the​ ​wrong​ ​material,​ ​or​ ​listen​ ​to​ ​false​ ​guides,​ ​we​ ​will​ ​be​ ​led​ ​down​ ​the  wrong​ ​path.​ ​Now​ ​we​ ​are​ ​rebuilding​ ​our​ ​lives​ ​according​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​Word.​ ​In​ ​Romans​ ​12:2  God​ ​says,​ ​“And​ ​do​ ​not​ ​be​ ​conformed​ ​to​ ​this​ ​world,​ ​but​ ​be​ ​transformed​ ​(how?)​ ​by​ ​the  renewing​ ​of​ ​your​ ​mind,​ ​(why?)​ ​so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​may​ ​prove​ ​what​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​God​ ​is,​ ​that​ ​which​ ​is  good​ ​and​ ​acceptable​ ​and​ ​perfect.”​ ​In​ ​Psalm​ ​119:11​ ​we​ ​read,​ ​“Your​ ​word​ ​I​ ​have​ ​treasured​ ​in  my​ ​heart,​ ​that​ ​I​ ​may​ ​not​ ​sin​ ​against​ ​You.”​ ​I​ ​suggest​ ​you​ ​make​ ​3”​ ​x​ ​5”​ ​index​ ​cards​ ​with  verses​ ​of​ ​Scripture​ ​to​ ​memorize.​ ​Our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​will​ ​help​ ​you—ask​ ​Him!  When​ ​we​ ​hear​ ​a​ ​person​ ​speak​ ​something​ ​against​ ​God’s​ ​truth,​ ​or​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a​ ​deceptive  thought​ ​from​ ​the​ ​enemy​ ​enter​ ​our​ ​ears,​ ​we​ ​can​ ​take​ ​a​ ​stand​ ​for​ ​the​ ​truth.​ ​We​ ​can​ ​take​ ​the  devil’s​ ​lie​ ​“captive,”​ ​reject​ ​it​ ​as​ ​not​ ​our​ ​own​ ​thought!​ ​I​ ​believed​ ​many​ ​lies​ ​when​ ​I​ ​was​ ​a​ ​new  Christian​ ​lacking​ ​knowledge.​ ​I​ ​found​ ​myself​ ​to​ ​be​ ​the​ ​wretched​ ​woman​ ​in​ ​Romans​ ​7,​ ​who  needed​ ​the​ ​Lord’s​ ​help.​ ​Now,​ ​as​ ​I’ve​ ​grown​ ​in​ ​truth,​ ​I’m​ ​rejoicing​ ​and​ ​more​ ​than​ ​a  conqueror!​ ​Christ​ ​said​ ​in​ ​John​ ​8:32,​ ​“...you​ ​will​ ​know​ ​the​ ​TRUTH​,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​TRUTH​ ​will​ ​set  you​ ​free!”​ ​Remember,​ ​my​ ​dear​ ​brothers​ ​and​ ​sisters,​ ​IT​ ​IS​ ​NOT​ ​A​ ​SIN​ ​TO​ ​BE​ ​TEMPTED;  it’s​ ​what​ ​you​​ ​do​​ ​with​ ​the​ ​“thought”​ ​or​ ​the​ ​situation​ ​that​ ​makes​ ​the​ ​difference​ ​between  falling​ ​into​ ​sin​ ​or​ ​VICTORY​ ​OVER​ ​IT!​ ​Our​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​tempted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​devil​ ​also.​ ​He  heard​ ​the​ ​voice​ ​of​ ​Satan.​ ​But,​ ​He​ ​quoted​ ​the​ ​truth​ ​of​ ​Scripture​ ​against​ ​the​ ​temptation.​ ​Christ  has​ ​demonstrated​ ​to​ ​us​ ​saints​ ​how​ ​to​ ​use​ ​the​ ​sword​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Spirit​ ​in​ ​battle​ ​against​ ​the​ ​devil.  Who​ ​we​ ​are​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​is​ ​important.​ ​Christ​ ​has​ ​transferred​ ​us​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of  darkness​ ​into​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​light,​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​power​ ​of​ ​sin​ ​(“sin​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​have​ ​dominion  9   

over​ ​you”),​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​power​ ​of​ ​the​ ​prince​ ​of​ ​the​ ​power​ ​of​ ​the​ ​air​ ​(the​ ​devil).​ ​The​ ​devil​ ​is​ ​no  longer​ ​master​ ​over​ ​us.​ ​We​ ​now​ ​have​ ​a​ ​new​ ​Master,​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ!​ ​Christ​ ​disarmed  the​ ​devil​​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​at​ ​Calvary​ ​for​ ​us.​ ​For​ ​great​ ​encouragement​ ​read​ ​Romans​ ​8,​ ​Ephesians  1-3,​ ​and​ ​Colossians​ ​2:13-15.  God​ ​has​ ​provided​ ​us​ ​with​ ​His​ ​full​ ​armor,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​are​ ​responsible​ ​to​ ​put​ ​it​ ​on​ ​and  take​ ​it​ ​up​ ​as​ ​needed.​ ​He​ ​loves​ ​us​ ​and​ ​knows​ ​what​ ​is​ ​best​ ​for​ ​us​ ​in​ ​this​ ​fallen​ ​world.​ ​In​ ​Eph.  6:10-18,​ ​God​ ​tells​ ​us,​ ​“Finally,​ ​be​ ​strong​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Lord​​ ​(that’s​ ​our​ ​relationship)​ ​and​ ​in​ ​the  power​ ​of​ ​His​ ​might.​ ​Put​ ​on​ ​the​ ​full​ ​armor​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​stand​ ​firm  against​ ​the​​ ​schemes​ ​of​ ​the​ ​devil​.​ ​For​ ​we​ ​wrestle​​ ​not​ ​against​ ​flesh​ ​and​ ​blood​ ​(people),​ ​but  against​ ​the​​ ​rulers​,​ ​against​ ​the​ ​powers​,​ ​against​ ​the​ ​world​ ​forces​ ​of​ ​this​ ​darkness​,​ ​against​ ​the  spiritual​​ ​forces​ ​of​ ​wickedness​​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavenly​ ​places.​ ​Therefore,​ ​take​ ​up​​ ​(a​ ​command)​ ​the  full​ ​armor​​ ​of​ ​God​,​ ​(why?)​ ​so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​resist​ ​in​ ​the​ ​evil​ ​day,​ ​and​ ​having​ ​done  everything,​ ​to​ ​stand​ ​firm.​ ​Stand​ ​firm,​ ​therefore,​ ​having​ ​girded​ ​your​ ​loins​ ​with​ ​TRUTH​,​ ​and  having​ ​put​ ​on​ ​the​ ​breastplate​ ​of​ ​RIGHTEOUSNESS​,​ ​and​ ​having​ ​shod​ ​your​ ​feet​ ​with​ ​the  PREPARATION​ ​OF​ ​THE​ ​GOSPEL​ ​OF​ ​PEACE​;​ ​in​ ​addition​ ​to​ ​all,​ ​taking​ ​up​ ​the  SHIELD​ ​OF​ ​FAITH​​ ​with​ ​which​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​extinguish​ ​all​ ​the​ ​flaming​ ​arrows​ ​of​ ​the  evil​ ​one.​ ​And​ ​take​ ​the​ ​helmet​ ​of​ ​SALVATION​,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​SWORD​ ​OF​ ​THE​ ​SPIRIT​,​ ​which  is​ ​the​ ​WORD​ ​OF​ ​GOD​.​ ​With​ ​ALL​ ​PRAYER​​ ​and​ ​petition​ ​PRAY​ ​AT​ ​ALL​ ​TIMES​​ ​in​ ​THE  SPIRIT​,​ ​and​ ​with​ ​this​ ​in​ ​view,​ ​be​ ​on​ ​the​ ​alert​ ​with​ ​all​ ​perseverance​ ​and​ ​petition​ ​for​ ​all​ ​the  saints.”  All​ ​the​ ​pieces​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​armor​ ​are​ ​dependent​ ​upon​ ​being​ ​“born​ ​again”​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Holy  Spirit​ ​and​ ​Christ​ ​in​ ​you,​ ​the​ ​hope​ ​of​ ​glory.    (1)​ ​We​ ​need​ ​to​ ​be​ ​strong​ ​in​ ​our​ ​daily​ ​relationship​​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​in​ ​prayer​ ​and​ ​His  strength​ ​He​ ​gives​ ​us​ ​to​ ​persevere​.   (2)​ ​The​ ​belt​ ​of​ ​truth​—The​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​prayed​ ​for​ ​us​ ​to​ ​His​ ​Father​ ​in​ ​John​ ​17:17,  “Sanctify​ ​them​ ​in​ ​the​ ​truth;​ ​Your​ ​word​ ​is​ ​truth.”​ ​As​ ​we​ ​read​ ​the​ ​Bible,​ ​are​ ​in​ ​Bible​ ​studies  with​ ​others,​ ​hearing​ ​the​ ​weekly​ ​preaching​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​word​ ​by​ ​our​ ​pastors,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​learning  truth.​ ​We​ ​want​ ​to​ ​be​ ​hearers​ ​and​ ​doers​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​word.​ ​Speaking​ ​the​ ​truth​ ​in​ ​love,  memorizing​ ​the​ ​word,​ ​sharing​ ​it,​ ​contending​ ​for​ ​it,​ ​obeying​ ​it,​ ​rejoicing​ ​in​ ​it!​ ​Our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit  will​ ​lead​ ​us​ ​into​ ​all​ ​truth.​ ​In​ ​Psalm​ ​51:6​ ​it​ ​is​ ​written,​ ​“Behold,​ ​you​ ​desire​ ​truth​ ​in​ ​the  innermost​ ​being.”​ ​It’s​ ​important​ ​to​ ​be​ ​honest​ ​with​ ​God​ ​in​ ​our​ ​hearts​ ​and​ ​with​ ​others.  (3)​ ​The​ ​breastplate​ ​of​ ​righteousness​.​ ​Our​ ​own​ ​righteousness,​ ​by​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​be​ ​right​ ​or  good​ ​enough​ ​or​ ​to​ ​do​ ​right​ ​apart​ ​from​ ​Christ,​ ​is​ ​like​ ​a​ ​filthy​ ​garment​ ​to​ ​God.​ ​But,​ ​through  salvation​ ​and​ ​by​ ​God’s​ ​grace,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​received​ ​the​ ​righteousness​ ​of​ ​Christ​ ​gifted​ ​to​ ​us.​ ​Phil.  3:9:​ ​“...not​ ​having​ ​a​ ​righteousness​ ​of​ ​my​ ​own​ ​which​ ​is​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Law​ ​but​ ​that​ ​which​ ​is  through​ ​faith​ ​in​ ​Christ;​ ​the​ ​righteousness​ ​which​ ​comes​ ​from​ ​God​ ​on​ ​the​ ​basis​ ​of​ ​faith​.”​ ​Gal.  5:1:​ ​“It​ ​was​ ​for​ ​freedom​ ​that​ ​Christ​ ​set​ ​us​ ​free.”​ ​Rom.​ ​6:11,12:​ ​ ​“Consider​ ​yourselves​ ​to​ ​be  dead​ ​to​ ​sin,​ ​but​ ​alive​ ​to​ ​God​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus.​ ​Therefore​ ​do​ ​not​ ​let​ ​sin​ ​reign​ ​in​ ​your​ ​mortal  body...”​ ​I​ ​John​ ​3:3:​ ​“Stand​ ​fast,​ ​therefore,​ ​in​ ​the​ ​liberty​ ​by​ ​which​ ​Christ​ ​has​ ​made​ ​us​ ​free.”  We​ ​are​ ​not​ ​under​ ​the​ ​Law​ ​but​ ​under​ ​grace.​ ​The​ ​Law​ ​remains​ ​to​ ​give​ ​us​ ​the  knowledge​ ​of​ ​sin,​ ​so​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​in​ ​Matt.​ ​5:19,​ ​“...whoever​ ​keeps​ ​and​ ​teaches​ ​them​ ​(the  moral​ ​law),​ ​he​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​called​ ​great​ ​in​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​Heaven.”​ ​Under​ ​the​ ​new​ ​covenant​ ​we  are​ ​born​ ​again​ ​and​ ​new​ ​creations​ ​in​ ​Christ.​ ​Our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​applies​ ​the​ ​principles​ ​of  Scripture​ ​to​ ​our​ ​hearts,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​are​ ​freed​ ​from​ ​sin’s​ ​bondage​ ​and​ ​enabled​ ​to​ ​obey​ ​God.​ ​In  Ezekiel​ ​36:26,27:​ ​“...I​ ​will​ ​give​ ​you​ ​a​ ​new​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​put​ ​a​ ​new​ ​spirit​ ​within​ ​you;​ ​and​ ​I​ ​will  10   

remove​ ​the​ ​heart​ ​of​ ​stone​ ​from​ ​your​ ​flesh​ ​and​ ​give​ ​you​ ​a​ ​heart​ ​of​ ​flesh.​ ​I​ ​will​ ​put​ ​My  SPIRIT​ ​(the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit)​ ​within​ ​you...”​ ​Jeremiah​ ​31:33:​ ​“...I​ ​will​ ​put​ ​My​ ​law​ ​within​ ​them​ ​and  on​ ​their​ ​heart​ ​I​ ​will​ ​write​ ​it;​ ​and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​be​ ​their​ ​God​ ​and​ ​they​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​My​ ​people.”​ ​We​ ​have  our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​to​ ​help​ ​us​ ​and​ ​teach​ ​us​ ​as​ ​we​ ​grow​ ​in​ ​the​ ​knowledge​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​We​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be  filled​ ​with​ ​the​ ​fruit​ ​of​ ​the​ ​SPIRIT.​ ​Love,​ ​joy,​ ​and​ ​peace​ ​are​ ​the​ ​first​ ​three.​ ​Gal.​ ​5:14​ ​“for​ ​the  whole​ ​law​ ​is​ ​fulfilled​ ​in​ ​one​ ​word​ ​in​ ​the​ ​statement​ ​“You​ ​shall​ ​LOVE​​ ​your​ ​neighbor​ ​as  yourself.”​ ​ ​Love​ ​fulfills​ ​the​ ​Law.​ ​Rom.​ ​8:13,14:​ ​“If​ ​by​ ​the​ ​SPIRIT​ ​you​ ​are​ ​putting​ ​to​ ​death  the​ ​deeds​ ​of​ ​the​ ​body,​ ​you​ ​will​ ​live.​ ​For​ ​all​ ​who​ ​are​ ​being​ ​led​ ​by​ ​the​ ​SPIRIT​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​these  are​ ​the​ ​sons​ ​of​ ​God.”​ ​Stay​ ​in​ ​a​ ​close​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​our​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ.​ ​I​ ​John​ ​3:6  “Whoever​ ​abides​ ​in​ ​Him​ ​does​ ​not​ ​sin.”​ ​So,​ ​sin​ ​not,​ ​but​ ​if​ ​we​ ​sin,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​an​ ​Advocate​ ​with  our​ ​Holy​ ​Father,​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ.​ ​I​ ​John​ ​1:9:​ ​“If​ ​we​ ​confess​ ​our​ ​sins,​ ​He​ ​is​ ​faithful​ ​and​ ​just​ ​to  forgive​ ​us​ ​our​ ​sins​ ​and​ ​to​ ​cleanse​ ​us​ ​from​ ​all​ ​unrighteousness.”​ ​All​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​be​ ​to​ ​God,​ ​for  the​ ​Lord​ ​is​ ​truly​ ​our​ ​righteousness!  (4)​ ​The​ ​preparation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​gospel​ ​of​ ​peace​.​ ​Romans​ ​5:1​ ​“we​ ​have​ ​peace​ ​with​ ​God  through​ ​our​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ.”​ ​The​ ​world​ ​apart​ ​from​ ​Christ​ ​does​ ​not​ ​have​ ​this​ ​peace​ ​we  have.​ ​We​ ​have​ ​the​ ​hope​ ​of​ ​Heaven​ ​and​ ​peace​ ​in​ ​the​ ​storms​ ​of​ ​life.​ ​Our​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​in  John​ ​14:27,​ ​“Peace​ ​I​ ​leave​ ​with​ ​you;​ ​My​ ​peace​ ​I​ ​give​ ​to​ ​you;​ ​not​ ​as​ ​the​ ​world​ ​gives​ ​do​ ​I​ ​give  to​ ​you.”​ ​As​ ​we​ ​grow​ ​in​ ​our​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Lord,​ ​and​ ​in​ ​the​ ​knowledge​ ​of​ ​our​ ​God  and​ ​His​ ​ways,​ ​we’ll​ ​be​ ​prepared​ ​to​ ​give​ ​a​ ​reason​ ​for​ ​the​ ​hope​ ​we​ ​have​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​to​ ​others.  Is.​ ​52:7:​ ​“How​ ​beautiful​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​mountains​ ​are​ ​the​ ​feet​ ​of​ ​him​ ​who​ ​brings​ ​good​ ​news,​ ​who  proclaims​ ​peace,​ ​who​ ​brings​ ​glad​ ​tidings​ ​of​ ​good​ ​things,​ ​who​ ​proclaims​ ​salvation.”​ ​Matt.​ ​5:9:  “Blessed​ ​are​ ​the​ ​peacemakers,​ ​for​ ​they​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​called​ ​the​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God.”​ ​Pray​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lord  of​ ​the​ ​harvest​ ​that​ ​He​ ​will​ ​prepare​ ​more​ ​laborers!   (5)​ ​Shield​ ​of​ ​faith​.​ ​Each​ ​of​ ​us​ ​has​ ​been​ ​given​ ​a​ ​measure​ ​of​ ​faith.​ ​Our​ ​faith​ ​is​ ​placed  in​ ​our​ ​confident​ ​trust​ ​in​ ​God,​ ​His​ ​character,​ ​His​ ​faithful​ ​promises,​ ​His​ ​eternal​ ​written​ ​word,  His​ ​power,​ ​and​ ​His​ ​perfect​ ​timing.  It’s​ ​the​ ​devil​ ​who​ ​shoots​ ​fiery​ ​darts​ ​in​ ​our​ ​ears.​ ​They​ ​are​ ​schemes,​ ​temptations,​ ​lies,  deceptions,​ ​doubts,​ ​horrible​ ​thoughts,​ ​curse​ ​words,​ ​fearful​ ​thoughts,​ ​accusations,​ ​hateful  thoughts,​ ​false​ ​guilt,​ ​or​ ​true​ ​guilt​ ​if​ ​we​ ​sin​ ​and​ ​haven’t​ ​confessed​ ​it,​ ​anger,​ ​assumptions,  pride,​ ​confusion,​ ​depression.  These​ ​are​ ​to​ ​tempt​ ​us​ ​to​ ​sin,​ ​to​ ​doubt​ ​God,​ ​to​ ​break​ ​our​ ​fellowship​ ​with​ ​God,​ ​to​ ​try  to​ ​hinder​ ​God’s​ ​good​ ​works​ ​for​ ​us​ ​to​ ​do,​ ​and​ ​our​ ​spiritual​ ​responsibilities,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​attempt​ ​to  shift​ ​our​ ​focus​ ​to​ ​other​ ​things.​ ​In​ ​2​ ​Corinthians​ ​11:3​ ​Paul​ ​warns​ ​us​ ​of​ ​Satan’s​ ​deception  through​ ​false​ ​guides:​ ​“But​ ​I​ ​am​ ​afraid​ ​that​ ​as​ ​the​ ​serpent​ ​deceived​ ​Eve​ ​by​ ​his​ ​craftiness,​ ​your  minds​ ​will​ ​be​ ​led​ ​astray​ ​from​ ​the​ ​simplicity​ ​and​ ​purity​ ​of​ ​devotion​ ​to​ ​Christ.”   In​ ​2​ ​Cor.​ ​10:5:​ ​“We​ ​are​ ​destroying​ ​speculations​ ​and​ ​every​ ​lofty​ ​thing​ ​raised​ ​up  against​ ​the​ ​knowledge​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​are​ ​taking​ ​every​ ​thought​ ​captive​ ​to​ ​the​ ​obedience​ ​of  Christ.”​ ​When​ ​a​ ​thought​ ​enters​ ​your​ ​ear​ ​that​ ​you​ ​know​ ​is​ ​a​ ​lie,​ ​not​ ​of​ ​the​ ​truth,​ ​unholy,​ ​or​ ​it  dishonors​ ​God​ ​and​ ​His​ ​Commandments,​ ​basically​ ​you​ ​say,​ ​“I​ ​take​ ​that​ ​thought​ ​captive.”  You​ ​reject​ ​it​ ​as​ ​not​ ​your​ ​own​ ​thought.​ ​The​ ​battle​ ​is​ ​in​ ​our​ ​minds!  (6)​ ​The​ ​helmet​ ​of​ ​salvation​.​ ​We​ ​are​ ​to​ ​know​ ​the​ ​doctrine​ ​of​ ​salvation​ ​and​ ​not​ ​be  moved​ ​to​ ​another​ ​gospel​ ​which​ ​cannot​ ​save.​ ​In​ ​Ephesians​ ​2:8,9​ ​we​ ​read,​ ​“For​ ​by​ ​grace​ ​you  have​ ​been​ ​saved​ ​through​ ​faith;​ ​and​ ​that​ ​not​ ​of​ ​yourselves.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​the​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​not​ ​as​ ​a  result​ ​of​ ​works,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​no​ ​one​ ​may​ ​boast.”​ ​Christ​ ​died​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​for​ ​all​ ​our​ ​sins.​ ​He​ ​was  buried,​ ​and​ ​on​ ​the​ ​third​ ​day​ ​He​ ​rose​ ​from​ ​the​ ​grave​ ​for​ ​our​ ​justification.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​seen​ ​by​ ​His  11   

followers​ ​and​ ​over​ ​500​ ​believers​ ​after​ ​His​ ​resurrection.​ ​His​ ​blood​ ​was​ ​shed​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​as  the​ ​complete​ ​satisfaction​ ​for​ ​our​ ​sins,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​we​ ​who​ ​believe​ ​receive​ ​mercy,​ ​forgiveness​ ​of  sins,​ ​eternal​ ​life​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​by​ ​faith​ ​alone​ ​in​ ​Christ’s​ ​work​ ​on​ ​our​ ​behalf.​ ​In​ ​Colossians  2:13-15:​ ​“...having​ ​forgiven​ ​us​ ​all​ ​our​ ​transgressions,​ ​having​ ​cancelled​ ​out​ ​the​ ​certificate​ ​of  debt​ ​consisting​ ​of​ ​decrees​ ​against​ ​us,​ ​which​ ​was​ ​hostile​ ​to​ ​us;​ ​and​ ​He​ ​has​ ​taken​ ​it​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the  way,​ ​having​ ​nailed​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​cross.​ ​When​ ​He​ ​had​ ​disarmed​ ​the​ ​rulers​ ​and​ ​authorities,​ ​he​ ​made  a​ ​public​ ​display​ ​of​ ​them,​ ​having​ ​triumphed​ ​over​ ​them​ ​through​ ​Him.”  The​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​to​ ​offer​ ​repentance​ ​for​ ​forgiveness​ ​of​ ​sins​ ​in​ ​His​ ​Name​ ​to​ ​those  who​ ​believe​ ​the​ ​gospel​ ​and​ ​have​ ​them​ ​baptized,​ ​and​ ​teach​ ​them​ ​to​ ​observe​ ​all​ ​that​ ​He  commanded​ ​us.​ ​So,​ ​all​ ​who​ ​receive​ ​Him​ ​by​ ​personal​ ​invitation​ ​as​ ​Savior​ ​and​ ​Lord​ ​of​ ​their  lives​ ​can​ ​rest​ ​in​ ​the​ ​promises​ ​of​ ​God​ ​that​ ​He​ ​will​ ​keep​ ​us​ ​through​ ​faith.  This​ ​free​ ​gift​ ​of​ ​salvation​ ​leads​ ​us​ ​into​ ​sanctification,​ ​which​ ​means​ ​to​ ​be​ ​set​ ​apart  from​​ ​sin,​ ​the​ ​ways​ ​of​ ​this​ ​world,​ ​the​ ​fleshly​ ​lusts​ ​that​ ​wage​ ​war​ ​against​ ​our​ ​souls,​ ​and​ ​from  the​ ​power​ ​and​ ​the​ ​lies​ ​of​ ​the​ ​devil.​ ​It​ ​also​ ​means​ ​to​ ​be​ ​set​ ​apart​ ​for​​ ​the​ ​purposes​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in  our​ ​lives:​ ​ ​holy​ ​living,​ ​good​ ​works,​ ​worship,​ ​fellowship​ ​with​ ​the​ ​saints,​ ​and​ ​our​ ​relationship  with​ ​God.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit’s​ ​work​ ​in​ ​our​ ​lives​ ​to​ ​teach​ ​us​ ​and​ ​transform​ ​our​ ​lives​ ​on  earth.  The​ ​last​ ​step​ ​in​ ​our​ ​salvation​ ​is​ ​glorification​ ​when​ ​we​ ​go​ ​home​ ​to​ ​Heaven​ ​to​ ​be​ ​with  the​ ​Lord.​ ​His​ ​work​ ​will​ ​be​ ​completed​ ​in​ ​us.​ ​There’s​ ​no​ ​sin​ ​in​ ​Heaven!​ ​Col.​ ​1:22,23:​ ​“...He  has​ ​now​ ​reconciled​ ​you​ ​in​ ​His​ ​fleshly​ ​body​ ​through​ ​death​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​present​ ​you​ ​before  Him​ ​holy​ ​and​ ​blameless​ ​and​ ​beyond​ ​reproach—if​ ​indeed​ ​you​ ​continue​ ​in​ ​the​ ​faith,​ ​firmly  established​ ​and​ ​steadfast,​ ​and​ ​not​ ​moved​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​hope​ ​of​ ​the​ ​gospel​ ​that​ ​you​ ​have  heard...”  (7)​ ​The​ ​sword​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Spirit​,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​Heb.​ ​4:12:​ ​“For​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of  God​ ​is​ ​living,​ ​and​ ​active,​ ​and​ ​sharper​ ​than​ ​any​ ​two-edged​ ​sword​ ​and​ ​piercing​ ​as​ ​far​ ​as​ ​the  division​ ​of​ ​soul​ ​and​ ​spirit,​ ​of​ ​both​ ​joints​ ​and​ ​marrow,​ ​and​ ​able​ ​to​ ​judge​ ​the​ ​thoughts​ ​and  intentions​ ​of​ ​the​ ​heart.”​ ​The​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​wrote​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ ​God​ ​and​ ​exercises​ ​authority​ ​over  it.​ ​The​ ​battle​ ​belongs​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lord,​ ​and​ ​it’s​ ​not​ ​by​ ​might,​ ​not​ ​by​ ​power,​ ​but​ ​by​ ​My​ ​Spirit,​ ​says  the​ ​Lord.​ ​The​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​taught​ ​us​ ​how​ ​to​ ​use​ ​His​ ​word​ ​against​ ​the​ ​devil’s​ ​temptations​ ​in  Matt.​ ​4:1-11.​ ​“It​ ​is​ ​written”​ ​means​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​eternal​ ​written​ ​word.​ ​After​ ​that​ ​He  quoted​ ​scripture​ ​against​ ​the​ ​temptation.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​our​ ​best​ ​weapon!​ ​I​ ​memorize​ ​much​ ​scripture  so​ ​that​ ​I​ ​can​ ​stand​ ​firm​ ​in​ ​the​ ​truth.​ ​Col.​ ​3:16:​ ​“Let​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ ​Christ​ ​richly​ ​dwell​ ​within  you...”  (8)​ ​With​ ​all​ ​prayer​​ ​and​ ​petition,​ ​pray​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Spirit.​ ​We​ ​are​ ​to​ ​pray​ ​for​ ​all  the​ ​saints,​ ​other​ ​people,​ ​daily​ ​situations,​ ​for​ ​wisdom,​ ​health,​ ​our​ ​needs,​ ​nations,​ ​rulers,​ ​the  peace​ ​of​ ​Jerusalem,​ ​the​ ​lost,​ ​and​ ​protection.​ ​We​ ​follow​ ​our​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit’s​ ​guidance​ ​as​ ​He  helps​ ​us​ ​pray​ ​according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​We​ ​pray​ ​for​ ​the​ ​gospel​ ​to​ ​be​ ​preached​ ​to​ ​all  tribes​ ​and​ ​nations​ ​until​ ​the​ ​last​ ​saint​ ​is​ ​saved.  As​ ​you​ ​look​ ​at​ ​the​ ​pieces​ ​of​ ​God’s​ ​armor,​ ​you​ ​can​ ​see​ ​our​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​them​ ​all.  Christ​ ​is​ ​the​ ​TRUTH,​ ​our​ ​RIGHTEOUSNESS,​ ​our​ ​PEACE​ ​with​ ​God,​ ​the​ ​One​ ​we​ ​place  our​ ​FAITH​ ​in,​ ​our​ ​SALVATION.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​the​ ​WORD​ ​OF​ ​GOD,​ ​our​ ​High​ ​Priest,​ ​and  PRAYER​ ​WARRIOR​ ​who​ ​intercedes​ ​for​ ​us​ ​and​ ​hears​ ​our​ ​prayers.  God​ ​has​ ​also​ ​taught​ ​us​ ​saints​ ​in​ ​I​ ​Peter​ ​5:8-10​ ​to​ ​“Be​ ​of​ ​sober​ ​spirit,​ ​be​ ​on​ ​the​ ​alert.  Your​ ​adversary,​ ​the​ ​devil,​ ​prowls​ ​around​ ​like​ ​a​ ​roaring​ ​lion,​ ​seeking​ ​someone​ ​to​ ​devour.​ ​But  resist​ ​him,​ ​standing​ ​firm​ ​in​ ​your​ ​faith,​ ​knowing​ ​that​ ​the​ ​same​ ​experiences​ ​of​ ​suffering​ ​are  12   

being​ ​accomplished​ ​by​ ​your​ ​brethren​ ​who​ ​are​ ​in​ ​the​ ​world.​ ​After​ ​you​ ​have​ ​suffered​ ​for​ ​a  little​ ​while,​ ​the​ ​God​ ​of​ ​all​ ​grace​ ​who​ ​called​ ​you​ ​to​ ​His​ ​eternal​ ​glory​ ​in​ ​Christ,​ ​will​ ​Himself  perfect,​ ​confirm,​ ​strengthen,​ ​and​ ​establish​ ​you.”  My​ ​dear​ ​brothers​ ​and​ ​sisters,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​told​ ​to​ ​stand​ ​firm.​ ​The​ ​battle​ ​belongs​ ​to​ ​the  Lord,​ ​and​ ​He​ ​is​ ​with​ ​us,​ ​and​ ​He’s​ ​faithful.  We​ ​have​ ​so​ ​many​ ​great​ ​promises​ ​to​ ​hold​ ​fast​ ​to.​ ​Find​ ​them;​ ​memorize​ ​them​ ​to  encourage​ ​yourself​ ​and​ ​others.​ ​Here​ ​are​ ​a​ ​few​ ​of​ ​my​ ​favorites:    1. Rom.​ ​8:38,39:​ ​“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​ ​created​ ​thing​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​separate​ ​us​ ​from​ ​the​ ​love​ ​of  God​ ​which​ ​is​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus​ ​our​ ​Lord.”  2. I​ ​John​ ​4:4:​ ​“You​ ​are​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​little​ ​children,​ ​and​ ​have​ ​overcome​ ​them,​ ​for​ ​greater  is​ ​He​ ​who​ ​is​ ​in​ ​you​ ​than​ ​he​ ​who​ ​is​ ​in​ ​the​ ​world.”  3. Rev.​ ​12:11:​ ​“And​ ​they​ ​(the​ ​saints)​ ​overcame​ ​him​ ​(the​ ​devil)​ ​by​ ​the​ ​blood​ ​of​ ​the  Lamb​ ​and​ ​by​ ​the​ ​word​ ​of​ ​their​ ​testimony,​ ​and​ ​they​ ​did​ ​not​ ​love​ ​their​ ​lives​ ​to​ ​the  death.”  4. Rom.​ ​8:1:​ ​“...there​ ​is​ ​now​ ​no​ ​condemnation​ ​for​ ​those​ ​who​ ​are​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus.”   

Other​ ​Helps 

On​ ​the​ ​internet​ ​you​ ​can​ ​find​ ​help​ ​by​ ​Pastor​ ​Chip​ ​Ingram/The​ ​Invisible​ ​War​ ​series;  Pastor​ ​John​ ​MacArthur’s​ ​sermons​ ​on​ ​the​ ​Full​ ​Armor​ ​of​ ​God;​ ​Pastor​ ​Neil​ ​T.  Anderson/Spiritual​ ​Warfare​ ​videos;​ ​and​ ​books​ ​by​ ​all​ ​three​ ​pastors.    I​ ​encourage​ ​you​ ​to​ ​come​ ​boldly​ ​to​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in​ ​prayer​ ​so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​may​ ​find  mercy​ ​and​ ​grace​ ​to​ ​help​ ​you​ ​in​ ​time​ ​of​ ​trouble​ ​and​ ​need.​ ​I​ ​pray​ ​for​ ​you​ ​that​ ​Christ​ ​would  guard​ ​your​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​mind​ ​from​ ​the​ ​evil​ ​one​ ​and​ ​all​ ​deception;​ ​that​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​would​ ​deliver  you​ ​from​ ​all​ ​evil;​ ​that​ ​our​ ​Holy​ ​Father​ ​would​ ​comfort​ ​you​ ​in​ ​all​ ​your​ ​afflictions​ ​and  heartaches​ ​and​ ​supply​ ​you​ ​with​ ​all​ ​your​ ​needs​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus;​ ​that​ ​you​ ​would​ ​bear​ ​much  fruit​ ​for​ ​God’s​ ​glory​ ​and​ ​kingdom;​ ​that​ ​you​ ​would​ ​be​ ​filled​ ​with​ ​the​ ​fruit​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Spirit,​ ​built  up​ ​in​ ​all​ ​godliness​ ​and​ ​knowledge​ ​with​ ​discernment;​ ​that​ ​you​ ​would​ ​ask​ ​our​ ​Father​ ​for  wisdom​ ​and​ ​understanding;​ ​and​ ​lastly,​ ​that​ ​you​ ​would​ ​know​ ​Christ​ ​and​ ​His​ ​love​ ​that  surpasses​ ​knowledge.​ ​Christ​ ​in​ ​you,​ ​the​ ​hope​ ​of​ ​glory!    With​ ​Love,    Your​ ​sister​ ​in​ ​Christ,​ ​Carol    P.S.​ ​In​ ​the​ ​battle,​ ​still​ ​standing,​ ​please​ ​pray!    

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