Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matt 10:28-29 NIV]
Why is fear so detrimental to our forward movement in Jesus? Why is Jesus so adamant about our not being afraid of anything other than Him?
It is amazing that I remember as a kid at night, I was so scared that I would put the covers over my head and breath as shallow as I could because I thought Dracula was real. I was so filled with fear I wouldn’t go to the restroom all night no matter how bad I had to go. In the morning, once the light of day came, I would run as hard as I could to the restroom. Most of us can relate to the fear that made us do funny things as kids, but we really don’t like discussing what fear causes us to do as adults. There are so many fears that even the books struggle documenting them all. Here are just a few: Astraphobia: fear of lightning; Chrometophobia: fear of money; Europhobia: fear of the color red; Cyberphobia: fear of computers (if this is you…thank you for taking such a large step and reading my blog!) Homilphobia: this is the fear of sermons (I have this every Saturday). Then there is even Phobophobia: this is the fear of fear itself! We are scared of a lot of things.
So why is all this fear so bad in God’s eyes? First you have to recognize that what ever you are afraid of, you are subject to. What I mean is what ever holds you in fear controls you. It calls the shots. Fear will stop us when we need to go. Fear will cause us to go when we need to stay. Fear will keep us quiet when we need to speak. It will make us speak when we need to be quiet. You are subject to what ever you are afraid of.
Solomon wrote: “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, because when we have a healthy fear of God, we make ourselves subject to God. It is interesting that God doesn’t tell us to be fearless, but instead He tells us to fear Him.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matt 10:28-29 NIV]
At the same time we are told that we are not to be afraid.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [2 Tim 1:7NLT ]
How does this work?
It works in that we are subject to what we fear, and when we fear God, we don’t fear anything or anyone else. In a since, we are liberated from all fear other than the healthy fear that causes us to follow hard after Christ. Fear God and you will fear nothing else. Don’t fear God and you will be subject to all other fears.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The Enemy part 2
Isaiah 14:13
“I will” raise my throne above the stars of God.
Lucifer wanted God’s Position
WHAT ARE THE STARS OF GOD?
Many times, when we reference the supernatural beings created in Heaven, we use the generic name “Angels”. Some scholars believe this name is a reference to what these spirits DO, not who they are (the name “angel” literally means messenger). Some believe, and I admit to being one of them, that there are many more ranks, and structures to the invisible spirit world than one group. There are hints in scripture to some of these different, yet seldom talked about divisions of spirit beings.
16 For by Him 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. Col 1:16 NASU
In Colossians, we see Paul giving credit to Jesus for all of creation. He is inventorying just the highlights of that creation. Notice the inventory: “visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities”. He bounces between the visible things and the invisible things. Dominions and Authorities are both a division of the spirit realm, yet we never talk about either of them.
Now let’s compare Colossians with a list in 1 Peter 3:22
22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. NASU
This list seems to coincide with Paul’s list of names. Notice that Peter specifically says “gone into heaven” letting us know these divisions exist in heaven.
So why do I believe that there are many more amazing spiritual beings in heaven than one division? Because God is a creative God. The earth is testimony to the creative artistry and diverse imagination God has. From deserts flats, to ocean floors, from icy mountain peaks to green grassy valleys, from lizards that change colors to cats with spots, from horses with stripes to flies with hairs, God is endlessly creative. If the crescendo of God’s creative genius is heaven how much more diversity must exist there? Would God choose to unveil His zenith and show to us a boring canvas?
What does this have to do with Lucifer wanting to be over the Stars of God? Everything, because what Lucifer is saying is that he wants to be over all of the created spiritual world. The reference of “Stars of God” is a reference to ALL the Spirit Beings. This is a much broader title than the title “angels” it refers to much more of the invisible world.
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone-
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:6-7 NIV
It is amazing to imagine, but Lucifer was the Arch Angel over one of the highest classes of beings God ever created, but that wasn’t good enough. He was a four star general in God’s army but he desired to be Commander in Chief.
Today Satan still wants God’s position in the spirit world. He wants to be over your spiritual maturity, development, and he desires to be the subject of your spiritual worship.
“I will” raise my throne above the stars of God.
Lucifer wanted God’s Position
WHAT ARE THE STARS OF GOD?
Many times, when we reference the supernatural beings created in Heaven, we use the generic name “Angels”. Some scholars believe this name is a reference to what these spirits DO, not who they are (the name “angel” literally means messenger). Some believe, and I admit to being one of them, that there are many more ranks, and structures to the invisible spirit world than one group. There are hints in scripture to some of these different, yet seldom talked about divisions of spirit beings.
16 For by Him 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. Col 1:16 NASU
In Colossians, we see Paul giving credit to Jesus for all of creation. He is inventorying just the highlights of that creation. Notice the inventory: “visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities”. He bounces between the visible things and the invisible things. Dominions and Authorities are both a division of the spirit realm, yet we never talk about either of them.
Now let’s compare Colossians with a list in 1 Peter 3:22
22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. NASU
This list seems to coincide with Paul’s list of names. Notice that Peter specifically says “gone into heaven” letting us know these divisions exist in heaven.
So why do I believe that there are many more amazing spiritual beings in heaven than one division? Because God is a creative God. The earth is testimony to the creative artistry and diverse imagination God has. From deserts flats, to ocean floors, from icy mountain peaks to green grassy valleys, from lizards that change colors to cats with spots, from horses with stripes to flies with hairs, God is endlessly creative. If the crescendo of God’s creative genius is heaven how much more diversity must exist there? Would God choose to unveil His zenith and show to us a boring canvas?
What does this have to do with Lucifer wanting to be over the Stars of God? Everything, because what Lucifer is saying is that he wants to be over all of the created spiritual world. The reference of “Stars of God” is a reference to ALL the Spirit Beings. This is a much broader title than the title “angels” it refers to much more of the invisible world.
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone-
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:6-7 NIV
It is amazing to imagine, but Lucifer was the Arch Angel over one of the highest classes of beings God ever created, but that wasn’t good enough. He was a four star general in God’s army but he desired to be Commander in Chief.
Today Satan still wants God’s position in the spirit world. He wants to be over your spiritual maturity, development, and he desires to be the subject of your spiritual worship.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Supernatural-The Enemy
Isaiah 14:12-14
12 "How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
14'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
NASU
I have a love hate relationship with scary movies. I love to “not watch” them. I mean I want to, but as soon as something really scary comes out, I shut my eyes and cover my ears. It’s really silly if you think about spending your hard earned money to get into a movie and “not watch” it. But I do, so now you know. There are some stories contained in the Bible that at times I must admit I want to “not watch” them, especially when the discussion begins about demons, or Satan. But God lets us know that we need to be aware of him (Satan) and his schemes. God also give us comfort by letting us know that He (God) has our back. So this blog entry will begin a series of entries that discuss the Resident Evil, the enemy of our souls.
Before we go very much deeper let me say a few things about Satan that you need to know.
1. Satan is not without beginning, he is not eternal. He was created, there was a time when he was not. He is not self existent.
"You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. Ezekiel 28:15
2. Satan is limited. Each time he desires to do something, he must ask God for permission.
3. He is not equal with God. He is most likely equal with Michael another Arch Angel. (we’ll discuss this later).
That is good news. If Satan was self-existent, infinite, opposite of God, we would have something to fear. I am not saying that he is weak, dumb, and easily overcome, but he is no match for God.
A snap shot about his desires:
Isaiah 14 contains five “I wills” of Satan. They give us a deep look into the mind of our greatest foe. Lets deal with the first one.
Isaiah 14:13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
The statement “Heaven” actually is a reference to three distinct places. There are 3 heavens. Paul let us know this in his writings to the Corinthians:
2 I was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. 3 Whether my body was there or just my spirit, I don't know; only God knows. 4 But I do know that I was caught up into paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be told. 5 That experience is something worth boasting about, but I am not going to do it. I am going to boast only about my weaknesses. 2 Cor 12:1-5 NLT
The first heaven is that which surrounds the earth, we call it our atmosphere. The second heaven is the interstellar space, this is referenced in scripture as the place where the angels live. And finally there is the third heaven, this is the Holy of Holies the place where God exists and lives. Lucifer along with the other angels would travel from the second heaven to the third heaven to offer praise and worship to God. Lucifer, at some point, got tired of being a visitor to God’s home and made up his mind he would take it over. Lucifer’s first “I will” reveals that he wanted God’s Place. Does Lucifer, who we now know as Satan or the Devil, still compete for God’s place? How?
What do you think?
12 "How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
14'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
NASU
I have a love hate relationship with scary movies. I love to “not watch” them. I mean I want to, but as soon as something really scary comes out, I shut my eyes and cover my ears. It’s really silly if you think about spending your hard earned money to get into a movie and “not watch” it. But I do, so now you know. There are some stories contained in the Bible that at times I must admit I want to “not watch” them, especially when the discussion begins about demons, or Satan. But God lets us know that we need to be aware of him (Satan) and his schemes. God also give us comfort by letting us know that He (God) has our back. So this blog entry will begin a series of entries that discuss the Resident Evil, the enemy of our souls.
Before we go very much deeper let me say a few things about Satan that you need to know.
1. Satan is not without beginning, he is not eternal. He was created, there was a time when he was not. He is not self existent.
"You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. Ezekiel 28:15
2. Satan is limited. Each time he desires to do something, he must ask God for permission.
3. He is not equal with God. He is most likely equal with Michael another Arch Angel. (we’ll discuss this later).
That is good news. If Satan was self-existent, infinite, opposite of God, we would have something to fear. I am not saying that he is weak, dumb, and easily overcome, but he is no match for God.
A snap shot about his desires:
Isaiah 14 contains five “I wills” of Satan. They give us a deep look into the mind of our greatest foe. Lets deal with the first one.
Isaiah 14:13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
The statement “Heaven” actually is a reference to three distinct places. There are 3 heavens. Paul let us know this in his writings to the Corinthians:
2 I was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. 3 Whether my body was there or just my spirit, I don't know; only God knows. 4 But I do know that I was caught up into paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be told. 5 That experience is something worth boasting about, but I am not going to do it. I am going to boast only about my weaknesses. 2 Cor 12:1-5 NLT
The first heaven is that which surrounds the earth, we call it our atmosphere. The second heaven is the interstellar space, this is referenced in scripture as the place where the angels live. And finally there is the third heaven, this is the Holy of Holies the place where God exists and lives. Lucifer along with the other angels would travel from the second heaven to the third heaven to offer praise and worship to God. Lucifer, at some point, got tired of being a visitor to God’s home and made up his mind he would take it over. Lucifer’s first “I will” reveals that he wanted God’s Place. Does Lucifer, who we now know as Satan or the Devil, still compete for God’s place? How?
What do you think?
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