I HAVE MOVED.

DEAR FAMILY, FRIENDS, FELLOW-BLOGGERS, FOLLOWERS and READERS, this ministry is going through another transformation by the grace of God, which may be a reflection of my internal changes based on a deeper (growing) relationship with the Holy Spirit.

In an effort to bring the COMPLETE FOCUS to Christ, the Holy Spirit and God the Father, I have been led to take 'ME' out of the picture. 'SMorganMinistries' has changed to 'Epignosis Ministries' and we have furthered the transformation by moving THE BLOG. You can click the link to go to the New Blog.

The email has also changed to epignosistchr@hotmail.com. I will send emails to those persons on the smorganministries contact list to notify you all of the changes. Also follow us on twitter at: @EpignosisTCHR.

I have already exported all of the posts and comments from this blog to the new blog. I will not shut down this blog but will only disable comments. I will continue to monitor this blog but all new posts will be on the new blog. I have activated the FOLLOW option over there as well so feel free to follow me or bookmark the page. To my fellow-bloggers who had me on their blogrolls; if you still want to see my posts simply add this link http://epignosisministries.com to your blogroll.

Blessings to you as you continue your journey with Christ and me.

HOLY BIBLE 101 - Exposing SATAN (part 6).

WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THAT SATAN IS A DEFEATED FOE. So why aren't people celebrating Christ's victory in a way that honours Christ and why aren't they living their lives like Satan is defeated? Why do they often allow Satan to entice them and gain an advantage when the Holy Bible says do not give him room to do so? Why don't they let their born-again spirits dominate their carnal souls. If you have wondered about this then let us analyse it now.

Who am I? I am born again in my spirit because I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died for my sins, rose from the dead, and now sits at God's right hand, talking to Him about me. My spirit was once disconnected from God BUT, because I am born-again through Jesus Christ, it is now reconnected to God who is my Father, and I fellowship with God when I study the Bible, pray, praise, and worship HIM. The mind of my born-again spirit is how I communicate with God because I have the mind of Christ in the mind of my spirit. Let me explain.

There are Christians who are immature because they are babies in Christ. They envy, argue and are very contentious. The Apostle Paul describes them well and says that they can only drink milk; they cannot eat meat. This is true about ALL babies so what did he mean when he used it to describe Christians?

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Paul was saying that these Christians had not grown in Christ from the time they accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour. They had not moved from the level they were at in their spirit when they first became born-again, so he had to give them the simple truths (milk) of the Word of God. He could not feed them with the deep, profound spiritual truths (meat) of the Word of God because they were still babies. They could not manage it then and cannot manage it now. In fact, they were so carnal, they were acting like they were unsaved; they were acting like they were not born-again even though they were.

Paul uses the word 'carnal' to describe them. It is translated from the Greek word SARKIKOS (Strong's G4559), which comes from the Greek word SARX (Strong's G4561). Sarkikos is an adjective used here to describe someone who is controlled by the animal appetites within their human nature; who is not controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. Sarx is a noun that denotes mere human nature. It is the earthly nature of man that is prone to sin apart from divine influence and is opposed to God. Paul acknowledges that even he had struggles between his born-again spirit and the carnal mind (Sarx). But this was very different from being a baby Christian (Sarkikos). Paul says:

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Romans 7:18-25

Paul was writing to the Roman Christians and he was using himself as an example. Paul said no good thing lives in the flesh (v.18) and even though he wanted to do good, evil was present with him (v.21), warring against the law of his mind and dragging him back into sin (v.23). This very mature and seasoned APOSTLE of God was at war within himself (v.25).

He told us plainly that it was a great struggle. If this happens to mature Christians how much more are babes in Christ completely vulnerable? Paul used the word 'flesh' which is the same Greek word SARX that is mentioned by Jesus as well.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

The same word is also translated 'flesh', ‘carnally’ and ‘carnal’ in the scripture below:

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8

Anyone who is under the influence of the flesh is not pleasing God! Christians are urged to be spiritually minded, that is, to be led by the Holy Spirit because this is life and peace. The scripture tells us there is a constant struggle between the Holy Spirit and the flesh because they are opposite.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17

Note the capital 'S' in the word 'Spirit' signifying that this refers to the Holy Spirit. This struggle was Paul's dilemma but he chose to allow his spirit to be led by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit led him to do many mighty works for the Lord.

HERE IS THE CRUX OF THE MATTER: When Satan attacks, he attacks us where we are most vulnerable. THIS IS THAT PLACE!!! He plays the carnal mind against the mind of the born-again spirit. Most people fall victim to Satan's tactics and give in to the carnal mind because as Christ said, “...the flesh is weak.”

NOW that you know Satan's tactics, how will you make him flee from you? Use the strategy in part 4, the one God gave us through James. We can also tackle the problem another way. The scripture says we should renew the mind and we will be transformed. Change that carnal mind by letting the mind of your born-again spirit dominate you.

“...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ” Romans 12:2

This word 'mind' is translated from the Greek word NOUS (Strong's G3563). It refers specifically to the soul in this scripture. Change that carnal mind by letting the mind of your born-again spirit dominate your soul because born-again believers have the mind (NOUS-soul) of Christ in their spirit.

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

This is the same word NOUS, used for your 'mind' that is used for mind of Christ here.

BORN-AGAIN believers are very equipped against Satan but most don't know these things. Because they don't know, they live defeated lives. NOW THAT YOU KNOW, IT IS TIME TO STOP ALLOWING THE DEVIL TO BULLY YOU!

VICTORY OVER SATAN!!!

S. Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE 101 - Exposing SATAN (part 5).

HOW DID JESUS CHRIST DEFEAT SATAN?
We often hear preachers say "Christ defeated Satan at the cross!" but do we know what that really means? How did Jesus do it; what exactly did He do to defeat Satan and render him powerless? Let us examine this in detail.

Before we begin, you should know that the only power Satan has over born-again believers is the power God allows and the power YOU give him. Let me repeat that... Satan has NO POWER over you unless God allows it or YOU give it to him. The Holy Bible is clear about this: see GOD allows:- Job 1:6-12 and YOU give:- Ephesians 4:26-27.

So how did Jesus defeat Satan? This is how it began: Jesus told us Himself that He would be in the centre or heart of the earth for three days and three nights. What did He mean and where exactly did He go?

"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:40

The word 'heart' is translated from the Greek word KARDIA (Strong's G2588), which, in this instance, refers to the middle, central or inmost part of the earth. What is at the centre of the earth? Jesus, carrying the weight of the SIN of the world (See 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 9:28), literally went to HELL (Click the link for a discussion on hell's location.).

The scripture also tells us that Jesus has the keys of hell and death. John saw Christ in Heaven when John was writing the book of Revelation and Christ told him that He (Christ) lives, had been dead, is alive forevermore and has the keys of hell and death.

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." Revelations 1:18

The word 'keys' in this scripture is translated from the Greek word KLEIS (Strong's G2807). In this scripture it refers to the power to bring the dead from hell back to earth as well as the power (of Jesus the holder of the key) to leave hell. Jesus took them from Satan.

The word 'death' is translated from the Greek word THANATOS (Strong's G2288), which refers to the separation of the soul from the body with the added idea of the soul going to hell. Jesus' power over death means that He has the power to prevent ANYONE from going to hell if they die. This means that Satan once HAD the power to drag people down to hell but Jesus took that power from him. Jesus took the keys then made an open show of his victory over all the devil's forces.

"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15

The word 'spoiled' is translated from the Greek word APEKDYOMAI (Strong's G554), which, in this scripture, refers specifically to Jesus DISARMING Satan and his agents. The word 'triumphing' is translated from the Greek word THRIAMBEUO (Strong's G2358), which refers to celebrating a triumph or a win as well as to cause someone to do the same. Not only did Jesus disarm them, He did it openly, that is, He made an example out of them, celebrated His victory and caused us to celebrate it as well!

Jesus did something awesome. The scripture says He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. In addition the scripture tells us that he descended first then ascended above all heavens to fill all things. What does this mean?

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4:8-10

The words 'captivity captive' are interesting. They are translated from the Greek words AICHMALOTEUO (Strong's G162) and AICHMALOSIA (Strong's G161) respectively. The context is that Jesus captured those who had been taken captive and led them to captivity, that is, Heaven.

IN SUMMARY: When Jesus died on the cross He went to hell carrying the sin of the entire world. While there He disarmed Satan and his army, took the power of death and hell from Satan and rose from the dead. When He rose from the dead He took those who Satan had held captive with Him, celebrated his victory and led them into a good 'captivity' in Heaven. He made the way for us to celebrate that victory as well.

Jesus' actions clearly show us that Satan is a defeated enemy who has lost the most powerful weapon he had over us. So why aren't we celebrating and why aren't we acting like Satan is defeated? Why do we (me included) often allow Satan to entice us and gain an advantage when the Holy Bible tells us to not give him room to do so? Let us explore these questions and more in EXPOSING SATAN (part 6).

REMEMBER: follow the steps in part 4 of this series to overcome Satan's schemes and Satan will have to flee from you.

S. Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE 101 - Exposing SATAN (part 4).

BORN-AGAIN PEOPLE HAVE VICTORY OVER SATAN
Now that we know WHO Satan is and are aware of his JOB let us remember that Christ has already won the WAR against him so you don't have to fear him or stress about his work against you! The little battles that Satan wants you to experience are easily overcome if you are obedient to the following scripture:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:7-10

Follow these steps when Satan attacks:

1. Submit to God. The word 'submit' is translated from HYPOTASSO, which was a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". We are urged to give in to God, to yield to Him, to line up under His authority much like a solider 'falling-in' in a parade, and to obey Him.

2. Resist Satan. The word 'resist' is translated from ANTHISTEMI, which refers to withstanding, opposing and resisting something. In this case we MUST withstand, oppose and resist Satan. We MUST firmly set or fix our position, take a stand against Satan and establish our stance. The Holy Bible PROMISES us that when we do this, SATAN MUST RUN AWAY from us. The word 'flee' (PHEUGO), is used here to describe what Satan must do. It refers to vanishing and fleeing to find safety. Interesting huh? Satan MUST run away to find safety from us when we follow these steps. LOL :)

3. Draw near to God. The words 'draw near' are translated from EGGIZO, which refers to approaching, drawing near and joining together with something. In this case we are to approach God (come boldly to the throne-Hebrews 4:16), draw near to Him (Hebrews 10:22) and join Him in fellowship (1 John 1:3).

IN ADDITION: We know that James was talking to Hebrew believers (James 1:1). He urged those believers who were practicing sin to cleanse (2 Corinthians 7:1) their hands, an analogy referring to purifying themselves for the performance of their work. The double-minded are urged to purify (1 John 3:3) their hearts, which refers to cleansing themselves morally of wavering, uncertainty, doubting and divided interest. Lastly, believers are urged to be humble before God so that He can exalt them.

Let us continue this exposé in the next post EXPOSING SATAN (part 5).

God Bless You!

S. Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE 101 - Exposing SATAN (part 3).

SATAN'S NAMES
Satan was once called Lucifer and was an angel in Heaven. He wanted to sit on God's throne and he wanted to be like God. This was traitorous rebellion and treason against God, which resulted in his expulsion from the family of God. The HOLY BIBLE tells us:

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 14: 12-15

He was cast down from Heaven to earth where he now lives. He will be brought down to HELL eventually. The phrase 'the sides of the pit' refers to the innermost chamber (the centre) 'inside' hell, which is where he will be chained for a time (Revelation 20:1-3).

He is called Beelzebub, the chief of devils.

"But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub." Luke 11:15,18

This word 'chief' comes from the Greek word ARCHON, pronounced ä'r-khōn. It refers to a ruler, commander, chief or leader.

He is also called Belial.

"And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" 2 Corinthians 6:15

Christ has no agreement with Satan and likewise born-again believers have no agreement with infidels. This word infidel not only refers to persons who are unbelievers, it also refers to Christians who are unfaithful, faithless, or who reject true faith in God.

FEAR NOT! You will see why in the continuation of this topic in EXPOSING SATAN (part 4).

God Bless You!

S.Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE 101 - Exposing SATAN (part 2).

Satan is NOT a MAN or WOMAN and is NOT flesh and blood. He is a personal spirit-being with several names, many diabolical attributes, limited powers, and personal schemes opposing everything having to do with God. He is called the great dragon, that old serpent and the Devil. He is a deceiver and a habitual and persistent accuser of born-again believers.

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Revelation 12:9-10

His destiny has already been pre-determined. He will surely go to HELL when Christ returns. He walks back and forth, up and down in the earth, seeking people to drag down to hell with him. He walked about in Job's time and he walks about now.

"And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job 1:6-7

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

The word translated 'devour' in our English Bible is the Greek word KATAPINO, pronounced kä-tä-pē'-nō. It refers to drinking down, swallowing down, destroying or consuming anything. Now that we know what the scripture says about Satan let us look at some of his many names. Remember that Biblical names have specific meaning and are attributes of the persons to whom they belong.

Let us continue this exposé in the next post EXPOSING SATAN (part 3).

God Bless You!

S. Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE 101 - Exposing SATAN (part 1).

WHO (or what) IS SATAN and WHAT IS HIS JOB?
People have asked these questions regularly for various reasons. Some out of simple curiosity; some because they simply don't know; some because they want to know the enemy in order to avoid him; and, some because they are so sold out for Christ, they refuse to let the enemy steal, kill, or destroy anything of theirs.

In case you're wondering why I'm writing this, let me explain. The enemy has been attacking me spiritually in various ways since I was born. His attacks have increased more and more each time I teach about Christ and the Word of God. I refuse to be bullied by Satan because Christ defeated him at the cross for me, and told me all about it in the HOLY BIBLE. I know who I am in Christ and I know that Satan is a defeated foe who is desperately grabbing at straws so to speak.

I have resolved, under the authority of Psalms 1, 18, 23, 37, 63, 70, 91, 121, 147, 148 and 150, and under the authority of the entire body of promises in the Holy Bible that belong to me as a born-again believer, to expose the works of the enemy Satan. The more he tempts me, fights me and persecutes me, the more I will expose his agenda, tricks and stratagems. With that said, here are some Holy Bible facts about Satan that you may find interesting.

Contrary to popular opinion, Satan is NOT a red or blue man with hooves and horns, a tail and a pitchfork, surrounded by fire, standing in the land of the dead! He is NOT an evil system, an evil principle, an evil idea or an evil metaphysical power! In fact, Jesus taught that Satan is a real being.

"And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10:18.

Jesus literally saw Satan fall from Heaven. The phrase 'as lightning' describes the speed with which he fell. The context in the Greek text is that he was thrust down from Heaven to earth in the same way that lightning moves from the sky to the ground. Imagine that!

FEAR NOT! You will see why in the continuation of this topic in EXPOSING SATAN (part 2).

God Bless You!

S. Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE: the Word of God.

IS THE HOLY BIBLE REALLY THE WORD OF GOD OR DID MEN OF ANTIQUITY WRITE IT? HAS MODERN MAN TAMPERED WITH THE HOLY BIBLE AND HAS HE PERVERTED THE DOCTRINES IN IT? CAN WE TRUST THE HOLY BIBLE TODAY AND IS IT STILL RELEVANT TO US?

To answer these questions we must first consider the following: What does God think about US and what are His intentions for US? God's thoughts and intentions for ALL mankind are contained in the Holy Bible. It says that God is LOVE and that He loves mankind so much that He gave up the life of His only Son, paving the way to bring mankind back into fellowship with Him. So the main question should really be: How did God convey His thoughts and intentions to us and do we have an unconditional guarantee that the method he used is free of man's influence and still relevant to us today?

The Holy Bible says God spoke to holy men through His Holy Spirit and they wrote down His Word while they were under the His Holy Spirit's direct influence. God's very pure essence, 'LOVE', and the fact that MANKIND is the object of that love, guarantees that He preserved His precise will for us. Faith assures us that God did not allow any of the writers to taint His facts with their own limited private theories or philosophies.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-21 KJV

If you're still wondering HOW God preserved his Word, one undeniable proof that should speak volumes is the full-scale all-out war on the Word of God by none other than Satan himself. Ask yourself: Why would Satan declare war on the Holy Bible if it was not a hindrance to his stratagems?

Furthermore, historical discoveries like the Dead Sea scrolls, which authenticate the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, are there for us to see and handle for ourselves, and prove to ALL, ultimately, that the Holy Bible is accurate to the crossing of the 't's' and dotting of the 'i's'.

Another infallible proof is what the Word of God says about itself:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Timothy 3:16.

The Greek word here for inspiration is THEOPNEUSTOS (Strong's G2315), pronounced the-o'-pnyü-stos. This word comes from THEOS (Strong's G2316), the Greek word for God and PNEO (Strong's G4154) the Greek word for breathed. The scripture is literally saying that IT is God-breathed or exhaled from God Himself.

One must acknowledge, along with the authenticity of God's 'voice' in the Holy Bible, that Lucifer became Satan and continuously tries to counterfeit God's Kingdom and pervert the very Word from God's mouth by deception and surreptitious attempts at corruption. The Holy Bible has stood the test of time! God's Word is TRUE, has been this way from the beginning and is eternally so.

"Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endures for ever." Psalm 119:160.

It is faithful as well:

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." Revelation 21:5.

The Word of God carries the force of God's authority, which becomes ours when we are reconnected to God through Jesus Christ. Satan does not want us to realize where our power lies because once we know, we will not live defeated lives.

The Holy Bible is our navigation system and our auto pilot in this obscure world. The Holy Bible is God's legacy to us to guide us to our inheritance. It is POWERFUL and tells us that:

"...the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 KJV.

In essence, the Word of God is alive and actively influences our souls. It is sharper than a sword that is perfectly sharpened on both sides. The word of God penetrates deep into the most hidden place within us, that is, to the dividing line where our soul and spirit join. It also penetrates the joints and goes deep into the marrow within the joints.

The Word of God is a skilled judge of what we are thinking, considering or meditating on. It judges what we understand in our mind, what we choose when we exercise our will (intentions), and what we feel with our emotions. This living and active Word of God addresses the complete man: Mind, Soul, Spirit and Body!

Blessings!

P.S. My choice of Bibles is the Authorized King James Bible, which celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2011. It is the most accurately translated of all English Bible versions. Most modern editions of the English Bible have been altered by translators, editors and publishers and contain many typographic and grammatical errors. The Original Authorized King James Version of 1611 is accurate to every jot and tittle in the language of the day.

HERE ARE LINKS TO:
THE STORY OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE~1 (audio).
THE STORY OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE~2 (audio).
THE STORY OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE~3 (audio).
The story of the infamous assassination attempt on King James' life: the GUNPOWDER PLOT. I believe this was an attempt by the enemy Satan to thwart the spread of the Gospel via Protestantism and the English language. Let me know what you think!

S. Morgan on Google+

HOLY BIBLE 101 - What is LOVE?

Everyone craves LOVE! Some crave their own version of love. Some crave other people's projection of love. Some misinterpret other emotions and mistake them for love. But, what is TRUE LOVE? What is the source of TRUE LOVE? How can a person find TRUE LOVE? To answer these questions we must analyze the word LOVE.

Think about this: the word 'LOVE' is a loosely used term in the English language. I love God, I love my wife, I love my Dad, I love spicy curry, I love writing, I love cooking and I love football. Surely these are not all the same type and degree of love yet we use the same word to describe all.

Do I love spicy curry in the same way that I love football? Do I love Dad in the same way that I love writing or cooking? Do I love my wife in the same way that I love God?

To begin to better understand LOVE let us consult the Greek and C.S. Lewis' book The Four Loves, Harcourt, Brace 1960. :) The Ancient & Modern Greek languages have many different words for love. Here are four (4) that I know of, that describe different aspects of LOVE.

NOTE: There are five (5) words below but we cannot include the first as akin to love for obvious reasons.

1. PATHOS (Strong's G3806)
This may also be called "lust". This is a depraved vile passion that includes inordinate sexual appetites. It is described as 'inordinate affection' in Colossians 3 and Christians are urged to KILL it.

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" (v.5 KJV)

Many people mistake this for love and are held captive by it's enticing grasp. PATHOS is an affection but it is NOT love.

2. EROS
This may also be called "romance". It is a passionate emotion, with a major focus on sensual connection and a minor focus on sexual desire and longing. This Greek word is not found in the Holy Bible but is described by Lewis. He says:

"A man in this state really hasn't leisure to think of sex. He is too busy thinking of a person. The fact that she is a woman is far less important than the fact that she is herself. He is full of desire, but the desire may not be sexually toned. If you asked him what he wanted, the true reply would often be, "To go on thinking of her."" [pg. 133]

While EROS may not focus on sex it does not exclude sex. Lewis himself admits that "at a later stage the explicitly sexual awakens" in this type of man. EROS is an emotion but is not true love.

3. STORGE
This may also be called "affection". According to Lewis, it is the most natural, sensitive, and wide spread type of 'love'. He says:

"The Greeks called this love storge (two syllables and the g is "hard"). I shall here call it simply Affection. My Greek Lexicon defines storge as "affection, especially of parents to offspring"; but also of offspring to parents. And that, I have no doubt, is the original form of the thing as well as the central meaning of the word. The image we must start with is that of a mother nursing a baby..." [pg. 53]

Lewis explains:

"The importance of this image is that it presents us at the very outset with a certain paradox. The Need and Need-love of the young is obvious; so is the Gift-love of the mother. She gives birth, gives suck, gives protection. On the other hand, she must give birth or die. She must give suck or suffer. That way, her Affection too is a Need-love. There is the paradox. It is a Need-love but what it needs is to give. It is a Gift-love
but it needs to be needed." [pg. 54]

Even though STORGE exists without coercion it exhibits a GIFT-NEED / NEED-NEED relationship. For it to become true love NEED must be eliminated and another element added. STORGE is affection but it is not true love in and of itself.

4. PHILOS (Strong's G5384)
This may also be called "friendship". According to Lewis this expression of love, or true friendship, is the same as the love that David and Jonathan shared and is almost non-existent now.

"...the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." (1 Samuel 18:1 KJV)

"I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." (2 Samuel 1:26 KJV)

Lewis says very few modern people equate this type of friendship with love. Is it that mankind has grown so cold that the ability to love in this way has diminished? Has PATHOS become prevalent and in it's prevalence corrupted PHILOS?

PHILOS is used throughout the New testament. One such example is the conversation Jesus had with Peter in John 21:15-17.

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. The first two times, in verses 15 and 16 Jesus used the word AGAPAO, which refers to that LOVE which Christ himself has for mankind. Peter used the word PHILEO in his response to Jesus. PHILEO derives from PHILOS and refers simply to friendship. The third time Jesus asked the question, verse 17, Jesus used the word PHILEO and Peter felt sorrowful.

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."

Twice Jesus asked: Peter, do you love me the way that I love you? Peter's answer was: I love you as a friend. Then the third time Jesus asked: Peter, do you love me as a friend? Peter was hurt and sorrowful because it was the truth, he only loved Jesus as a friend and not unconditionally. This may explain why he eventually went on to deny Jesus three times.

How many of us love in this way and need to examine ourselves? PHILOS is a lovely affection but it is not unconditional love.

5. AGAPE (Strong's G26)
This may also be called "charity" or "unconditional love". It is described in the Holy Bible as the greatest virtue.

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV)

The word charity is translated from the Greek word AGAPE, pronounced ä-gä'-pā. It is very different from our modern word charity, which refers merely to kindness.

Biblical CHARITY (true love) denotes affection, good will, love, benevolence and brotherly love. Most importantly, TRUE LOVE: suffers long, is kind, does not envy, is not boastful, and is not prideful (v.4). TRUE LOVE does not behave disgracefully, is not self-seeking, is not provoked easily and does not calculate evil (v.5). TRUE LOVE does not rejoice in acts of injustice or unrighteousness but rejoices in truth (v.6). TRUE LOVE protects from imminent danger, has confidence in truth, hopefully trusts, and endures until rewarded (v.7). TRUE LOVE is never without power or effect (v.8).


We see here that AGAPE is the epitome of LOVE and that GOD is love's ultimate personification since He IS love. Anyone who does not love does not know God.

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4:8 KJV)

It stands to reason that once we FIND GOD, we find true love and become vessels of LOVE (God). We can expect that vessels of this true LOVE will automatically demonstrate LOVE and will gravitate towards each other. The search for anything other than AGAPE is futile.

Be LOVE (agape) and be LOVED!

The most important RESOLUTION ever!!!

With December 25, 2011 slowly fading and January 1, 2012 fast approaching, many people will take down the lights, disassemble the tree, put away the decorations and look forward to the dropping of the ball in Times Square and the fireworks everywhere else.

Some will start thinking about their resolutions for the New Year. Some will resolve to give up smoking, others alcohol, and some to change diets and attitudes. Some people will make two and three resolutions yet some will make none.

Consider this, "what is the most important resolution anyone can make"?

The answer is to CHOOSE LIFE! Let me explain.

The most important CHOICE you can make in this life will determine where you’ll spend eternity. When you make that choice you’re not only prepared to live but to live abundantly as well.

Choosing true life means choosing to follow God's son JESUS CHRIST and choosing to do so wholeheartedly, in complete obedience, without compromise. THIS APPLIES TO THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW CHRIST AND THOSE WHO DO.

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW CHRIST
The Holy Bible says that no one is righteous and all have sinned.

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:10 and 3:23 KJV

The penalty for sin is death but choosing to follow Christ takes away death, the penalty for sin, and replaces it with eternal life.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 KJV

God loved you so much that He sent His son to die for you in order to save you from death and give you eternal life.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV

Believing in Christ grants you eternal life. The Holy Bible makes it so simple. If you say with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you are saved from (death) eternal separation from God.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11 KJV

Just in case you were wondering, "What will people think or say when I do this?" the Holy Bible also gives you the ASSURANCE that you will NOT be ashamed as a consequence for believing. Read the last sentence in the scripture above again.

The most important RESOLUTION for the non-Christian is to choose to follow Jesus Christ.
______________________________________

FOR THOSE WHO KNOW CHRIST
There is a type of "Christian" that the Holy Bible calls "CARNAL". Whoa! Yes, it's in there.

"For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV

In this scripture, the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians at Corinth. They were born again believers but were living in envy, strife and division. He said he had to speak to them as if they were babies and not as if they were mature. He referred to them as being CARNAL.

He used the Greek word SARKIKOS (Strong's G4559), pronounced sär-kē-ko's for CARNAL. In this scripture it refers to those persons who are controlled by mere human nature and not by the Spirit of God. It also refers to being a weak depraved human.

It is either Christians are led by the Holy Spirit or they are led by their own CARNAL nature. If a Christian is led by the CARNAL nature then it is as a result of disobedience and compromise.

The most important RESOLUTION for the Christian is to resolve to be obedient to the Word of God without compromise.

Let NOW be the time when YOU choose the single most important resolution ever. God Bless You!

CHRIST-MAS: Is December 25 really Jesus' birthday?

THE UNDENIABLE FACTS:
JESUS was born of a virgin in the city of Bethlehem precisely as prophecied many years before (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit of God AND NOT BY MAN. JESUS existed before the Creation of the world (John 1:1-3). The Son of God then came in human form (John 1:14) to die as a willing sacrifice in payment for the sins of mankind. He did this to provide salvation as a free gift to all who accept and follow Him (John 3:16).

Now, let me burst your bubble: there is no tooth fairy, no Jack Frost nipping at your nose, no Easter bunny, no Frosty the snowman who came to life, no Santa Claus with flying reindeer, and although Jesus exISts undeniably, there is evidence to suggest that he was not born on December 25!

YES I SAID IT and NO I'm not trying to be controversial. Let me say it again: JESUS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BORN ON DECEMBER 25! Let me give you the historical secular perspective first then we will go into the scriptures.

Consider this, if this assertion is true then what are the implications for us as born-again believers? Only that we have been celebrating the birth of our messiah in the wrong month, that we are celebrating someone else's birthday, that someone created Christmas traditions based on pagan rituals and lies about when our saviour was born, and that we have a responsibility to celebrate Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection perpetually, all the time, and free of paganism.

Is your mouth wide open? Do you think Scrooge got to me before the third ghost got to him? Well let me tell you, the HOLY GHOST is the only "ghost" who REALLY MATTERS. No "bah humbug" here, just Biblical truth. Gently close your mouth and carefully consider the research below.

Did you know: The word “Christmas” means “Christ mass,” a special celebration of the Lord’s supper—called a mass in the Roman Catholic Church and a Communion supper in most Protestant churches.

SECULAR HISTORICAL INFO
Here is an excerpt from history.com about the pagan origins of Christmas.

"In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention [a] date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring [I SAY AUTUMN] (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival.

First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the "three wise men" [THE HOLY BIBLE DOES NOT SAY THERE WERE THREE] finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras.

Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens." SOURCE: CHRISTMAS.

Christmas was created and used as a tool to replace the Saturnalia festival and was a sort of condescending way to "right the wrongs and mistreatment of the poor by the rich" at the end of each year. The article contains much more information that you will find very interesting.

December 25 is now used as Jesus' birthday since no one knew the exact day of his birth and the Roman Catholic Church decided to choose this date. The Church essentially replaced the pagan festival with a Christian holy day (holiday). The psychology was that it was easier to take away an unholy festival from the population and replace it with a good one. Let me say that as a Christian I do not condone lying in any form, for any reason.

BIBLICAL INFO
HERE ARE TWO THINGS TO CONSIDER!

1. SHEPHERDS IN THE FIELD (In Winter?)
LUKE 2:1-7 says Caesar Augustus issued a decree for all to be taxed and Joseph took his family to Judaea to pay taxes. Mary was still pregnant but would deliver Jesus soon.

LUKE 2:8-11 says shepherds were watching their flocks at night in Judea at the same time that Jesus was born.

Look at what Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says about the climate of the region of Judaea:

"Israel's climate ranges from temperate to tropical, with plenty of sunshine. Two distinct seasons predominate: a rainy winter period from November to May; and a dry summer season which extends through the next six months. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the North and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas."

The scripture uses the term: "abiding in the field". It is translated from the Greek word AGRAULEO (Strong's G63), which literally means 'to live in the fields, be under the open sky, even at night.' The context of the scripture gives us a very clear understanding of what was happening. They were guarding their sheep at night because of the treachery of the terrain and from wild animals, and they were doing so under the open sky.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also tells us:
"Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions (including Jerusalem), hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and year-round semidesert conditions in the Negev. Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall at higher elevations to periodic oppressively hot dry winds, which send temperatures soaring, particularly in spring and autumn."

In Judaea we will find that the winters are moderately cold (including in Jerusalem). It stands to reason that if the winters in Judaea are RAINY, and cold too, then shepherds would not be watching their flocks at night in the rain or cold under the open sky. Look at what Matthew Henry's commentary on the verse says:

" They were not sleeping in their beds, when this news was brought them (though many had very acceptable intelligence from heaven in slumbering upon the bed), but abiding in the fields, and watching... They were employed now, not in acts of devotion, but in the business of their calling; they were keeping watch over their flock, to secure them from thieves and beasts of prey, it being probably in the summer time, when they kept their cattle out all night, as we do now, and did not house them."

The normal practice was to keep the flocks in the fields from Spring to Autumn. Thus, it is more believable (though not certain) that Jesus’ birth may have been around the end of September and his conception (or the miracle of incarnation that occurred when Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35)) in late December of the previous year.

Look at what [Dr. Henry M. Morris, The Defender’s Study Bible (notes for Luke 2:8,13)] suggests:

"This would mean, then, that His conception took place in late December. Thus, it might well be that when we today celebrate Christ’s birth at what we call Christmas (i.e., ‘Christ sent’), we are actually celebrating His miraculous conception, the time when the Father sent the Son into the world, in the virgin’s womb. This darkest time of the year—the time of the pagan Saturnalia, and the time when the sun (the physical ‘light of the world’) is at its greatest distance from the Holy Land—would surely be an appropriate time for God to send the spiritual ‘light of the world’ into the world as the ‘Savior, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:11)”."

2. JESUS WAS BORN SIX MONTHS AFTER JOHN THE BAPTIST
In Luke 1:5, 8 we see that Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was serving in the course of Abijah in the temple. The book of 1 Chronicles 24:7-19 indicates that there were 24 courses. The assertion is that the eighth course was the course of Abijah and that this period of service started in early June. If this conclusion is accurate, then we can count forward to discover the dates of birth for John the Baptist, and then by deduction, Jesus (born about six months after John according to Luke 1:24-36).

If Elizabeth became pregnant right away, and the pregnancies of both Mary and Elizabeth were normal in terms of length, then John the Baptist would have been born in March, nine months after his conception in June of the previous year and again, JESUS may have been born in the month of September.

Now don't get nervous and jittery because you think that you've been celebrating Jesus' birth in the wrong month. LOL. Consider this as well: It is not wrong to celebrate such a monumental occasion in contrast and opposition to Saturnalia. When people gather on December 25 in Churches all over the world it is to celebrate JESUS and not some pagan ritual. When families gather together to share elaborate dinners it MUST be primarily to share JESUS the bread of life first, then to share all the other delightful goodies.

As born-again believers we are called to share JESUS' complete story every day, everywhere we go, and Christmas is just as good a time as any to talk about JESUS. I must say, I'm not doing the santa thing, although I may decorate the tree and do gift giving for the children's sake. It is very important to reach out to the less fortunate ALL THE TIME, not just in December.

Finally, the various misconceptions about Christ’s birth necessitates that we MUST always test everything we hear against God’s Word, no matter what the source.

The Bible is the final authority.

God Bless You and Happy Holidays!

HOLY BIBLE 101 - BELIEVERS and the SIGNS that FOLLOW them

Jesus had been crucified and buried. The scripture (Mark 16) tells us that when the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) had passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary James’ mother and Salome went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body (v.1). It was the rising of the sun on Sunday morning, the first day of the week (v.2).

As they approached the tomb they were wondering who would roll away the very large stone from the door (v.3) but when they looked, it was already rolled away (v.4). They entered the tomb where they saw a young man. He told them that Jesus was risen (v.5-6). He also told them to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus was raised and that He would see them in Galilee as He had told them (v.7). They ran away quickly because they were trembling, fearful and astonished but they told no one what they had seen (v.8).

After that, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene (v.9) and she went to tell the disciples that Jesus was raised from the dead (v.10). They were crying when she got there but did not believe her testimony that Jesus had risen (v.11). Two of the disciples were walking on the road into the country when Jesus appeared unto them as well. They returned and told the others who still did not believe their testimony (v.12-13).

Jesus then appeared unto the eleven as they were sitting to eat and He reprimanded them for not believing the others who had seen Him after he had risen (v.14). He then told them to go into the entire world and preach the gospel (v.15). Jesus told them that anyone who believes their message about Him and was baptized would be saved but that those who did not believe would be condemned (v.16). Now look at what Jesus said after that:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (v.17-18)

Jesus told them that there were certain signs, which would follow them that believe.

The word ‘believe’ is translated from the Greek word PISTEUO, pronounced pē-styü'-ō (Strong’s G4100). It refers to someone’s trust in Jesus or God as being able to support them either in obtaining or in doing something. Most importantly it is the exercise of faith that saves someone. The scripture did not limit which believer would have the signs. It says: “them that believe!” This tells me that anyone who believes will have these signs following them.

The word ‘signs’ is translated from the Greek word SEMEION, pronounced sā-mā'-on (Strong’s G4592). It refers to that thing which distinguishes a person from others and makes that person known. In this instance it is a token that God uses to let us know that the person sent by Him is authentic.

The word ‘follow’ is translated from the Greek word PARAKOLOUTHEO, pronounced pä-rä-ko-lü-the'-ō (Strong’s G3877). It literally means to follow closely or faithfully, and to always be there, to always be present or to attend to something or someone. So these authenticators shall always be present with believers and believers shall do the following:

1. Shall cast out devils. This term ‘cast out’ is translated from the Greek word EKBALLO, pronounced ek-bä'l-lō (Strong’s G1544), and means to drive out, send out or cast out, and to do so with or without violence. The word ‘devils’ is translated from the Greek word DAIMONION, pronounced dī-mo'-nē-on (Strong’s G1140). It refers to evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil.

2. Shall speak with new tongues. The word ‘speak’ is translated from the Greek word LALEO, pronounced lä-le'-ō (Strong’s G2980). It means to utter a voice or emit an articulate sound, preach, and tell. The word ‘new’ is translated from the Greek word KAINOS, pronounced kī-no's (Strong’s G2537). It refers to something new in form and substance or new in the sense that the newness of the thing is far better than what it was before, or newer than that which exists already. It also means fresh. The word ‘tongues’ is translated from the Greek word GLOSSA, pronounced glō's-sä (Strong’s G1100). It refers to the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations.

3. Shall not be hurt by serpents or deadly drink. The word ‘not’ is translated from the Greek word OUME, pronounced ü mā' (Strong’s G3364), meaning never, certainly not, not at all, and by no means. The word ‘hurt’ is translated from the Greek word BLAPTO, pronounced blä'p-tō (Strong’s G984), meaning to hurt, harm, injure. The word ‘deadly’ is translated from the Greek word THANASIMOS, pronounced thä-nä'-sē-mos (Strong’s G2286). This is the only place in scripture this Greek word is used. It refers to something that can kill and is talking about a drink that can kill a person.

4. Shall lay hands on the sick and the sick shall recover. The word ‘lay’ is translated from the Greek word EPITITHEMI, pronounced e-pē-tē'-thā-mē (Strong’s G2007). It means to put or lay upon. The word ‘hands’ is translated from the Greek word CHEIR, pronounced khā'r (Strong’s G5495). It refers literally to the hand that operates under the help, agency, might, activity and power of God.

The word ‘shall’ is translated from the Greek word MELLO, pronounced me'l-lō (Strong’s G3195). It denotes something one will do by fixed necessity or by divine appointment.

Firstly, the usage of the word ‘shall’ in this scripture does not signify a command but indicates the substantiation or evidence of being something, performing something or possessing something. It is an adverb as used in: “they shall recover” in v.18; or, as in: “For the son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” Matthew 16:27. Secondly, all four ‘shall’ words above are equally important signatories of the believer.

These scriptures say many things. We are believers who have signs that shall follow us. Evil spirits exist and we shall cast them out. By the Holy Spirit we shall speak the language of another nation even though we don’t know that language. We shall not be injured by serpents and if we drink anything that can kill, it shall not kill us. We shall lay hands on sick people and they shall recover because we lay the hands that operate with the power of God.

Believers are powerful but few act with authority and power because they either don’t know these truths or they don’t believe them even though they believe in Christ.

Be one of them that believe and operate in the power of God!

HOLY BIBLE 101 - SEALED & FILLED with the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and what does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Is there a difference?

When a person believes in and accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour s/he is instantly born-again in their spirit. The scripture says the born-again believer is ‘sealed’ with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. The word sealed comes from the Greek word SPHRAGIZO, pronounced sfrä-gē'-zō (Strong's G4972). It means to be authenticated or to be marked. This authentication or marking takes place upon the born-again believer’s spirit.

“In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (Ephesians 1:13)

Here the scripture establishes the process of being born again. It says believers:

1. Hear the Word of truth;
2. Trust in Christ after hearing the Word of Truth;
3. Believe Christ; and
4. Are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Being sealed with the Holy Spirit is not a physical visible mark but is a mark that is recognizable with spiritual eyes. Compare the sight of the men in Luke 24:31. Now let us see what the scripture says about being filled with the Holy Spirit.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)

The word ‘filled’ comes from the Greek word PIMPLEMI, pronounced pē'm-plā-mē (Strong's G4130). It refers to being completed, fulfilled or filled up. When the believers in the book of Acts were filled with the Holy Spirit, He gave them utterance and they spoke in other languages as evidence to the people around them. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit they become (Hebrew 6:4) partakers of the Holy Spirit.

A ‘partaker’ of the Holy Spirit is a person who has become a colleague with the Holy Spirit and shares in His divine nature. The word partaker comes from the Greek word METOCHOS, pronounced me'-to-khos (Strong's G3353). Partakers are empowered when they are filled with the divine nature. This is an indwelling.

"Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?" (Isaiah 63:11) "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Partakers share the office, work and dignity of the Holy Spirit. All born-again believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit but not all are partakers of the Holy Spirit. We should all desire to be partakers of the Holy Spirit and ask God to fill us with Him.

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13)

It is when we are filled that we gain real power and manifest the evidence of that power!

HOLY BIBLE 101 - BORN-AGAIN

Did you know that you were created to have a loving relationship with God? He is patiently and lovingly waiting for you to respond to His invitation to salvation. Yes, you can receive forgiveness for your sins and assurance of eternal life through faith in His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17). "Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

You may be asking yourself: "How can I know God?" Man is able to know the true and Living God through His Word the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible reveals God's character and His plan for mankind. It is through reading His Word that we come to the knowledge of the righteousness of God and all that He requires of us.

What is it that prevents us from personally knowing God? Our sin has separated us from God — our corruption is to such a degree that we cannot know Him personally and cannot experience His love. God's Word says:

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

Man was created to have fellowship with God, but because of his sin (i.e., anything that is against the righteousness revealed in God's Word) he is prevented from that fellowship. This includes anything less than perfect obedience to God's commands.

"The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23a)

The ultimate result of this death is an eternity in Hell. This spiritual death forces a separation from God. Man is sinful and God is holy. This creates an unbridgeable gulf between man and God making fellowship impossible. The only solution is a divine bridge and that bridge is Christ.

God created a way by sending His Son to pay the price for our sin.

"God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

He died in our place; He who knew no sin became sin for us. This removed our burden of sin and allows us to enter into that desired fellowship if we follow His way in obedience.
He is the only way. Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

It is not just enough that you know these truths. We must individually place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is by repenting of our sins and by believing in Christ that we can know God personally and experience His love.

"But as many as receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." (John 1:12) "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10) "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

You can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith.

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

If you now believe God and place your faith in His Son, congratulations, YOU ARE BORN-AGAIN in your spirit! Welcome to the family. We His children all share in a heavenly inheritance! We are heirs to heaven and are promised the eternal pleasure of glorifying God. As our life here on earth progresses, God will continue to work in our hearts. We are being conformed daily to the image of Christ, Himself. We will begin to live lives of righteousness. Obedience to God will not be a burden to us, but rather a joy.

You may wonder, now that you are a Christian, "What now?" The greatest recommendation for believers, new and old, is fourfold:

1) Find a church so you might hear the preaching of the Word and rejoice in the fellowship of other Christians;
2) Study the Bible because that is where we learn of God and His plans;
3) Pray to Him to strengthen your faith and increase your love toward Him; and,
4) enjoy the blessings given by God in the heavenly ordained sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper.

All of these will work to encourage and build upon your faith. If you have any questions, search the Scriptures, ask your Pastor, or please feel free to ask me by sending me an email at: smorganministries@gmail.com.

Adapted from Blue Letter Bible with a vision to reach the lost for Christ.

HOLY BIBLE 101 - CONFORMITY & Non-conformity

Sin is a degenerative condition that inflicts human beings in a creeping fashion from the flesh to the soul. From the time that Adam disobeyed God everything under the sun has waxed worse. It is evident to me and to most born-again believers that the world we live in is in a similar spiritual state like the one in Noah’s time, which was destroyed by water.

Entire kingdoms, civilizations and families from Noah’s time to now have succumbed to utter devastation because of people’s dramatic erosion into immorality, rebellion and perversion. We have examples like Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) and Korah (Numbers 16:30-33). Shouldn’t the thought of these be a wake-up-call to all of us? But no! People want to perpetuate depravity, insurgence and hedonism because it feels good.

The Apostle Peter wrote to the pilgrims throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, in a manner similar to how I am writing to you now. They were strangers scattered throughout five territories that were not their natural homelands. He wrote:

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (KJV)

This is a powerful exhortation. My focus here is verse 14, which says you MUST NOT fashion yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance but be obedient children. This phrase ‘fashioning yourselves according to’ was translated from the Greek word SYSCHEMATIZO (Strong’s G4964). It is pronounced sü-skhā-mä-tē'-zō and refers to conforming one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to someone else's pattern. In this case it refers to 'former lusts', a pattern that is anti-Christ.

Peter was telling these sojourners they should not fall back into the former lusts that they had been delivered from. As children of God we were delivered from some very diabolical circumstances and conditions. We MUST NOT fashion ourselves according to those former lusts that are gaining more and more acceptance in this very dark world. The Apostle Paul told the Roman Christians the same thing. He said:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

Paul urged many things here but my focus for the purpose of this study is on the fact that we MUST NOT be conformed to this world. What is interesting is, in this scripture (it is no coincidence), the words ‘be’ and ‘conformed’ are also translated from the Greek word SYSCHEMATIZO. These three uses are the only places where the word is found in the Greek concordance of the New Testament.

Our mandate as born-again believers is crystal clear. We were delivered from conformity to the pattern of the world and cannot allow ourselves to kowtow to it anymore. The world cannot and MUST NOT determine who our associations are, where we are on the social ladder, whether or not we hold status in society, how we talk, joke, dress, or look, and more importantly, what our ideologies are or how we worship God!

The scriptures say we MUST gather the thoughts of our mind together, soberly, in everything we do, and be holy like Christ. We MUST dedicate our bodies to God and renew our minds (with God’s Word through the Holy Spirit) so that we can know what His good, acceptable and perfect will is. Mind renewal brings about transformation. This is not a mere request from the Apostles Peter and Paul but a direct command from God. We MUST obey God!

Peace!

LUST, LUST, PRIDE & 'REGGAWS'

Absalom: “Hey Chris!”

Christian: “Yes Absalom.”

Absalom: “I have a real problem with your teaching that says people must keep themselves from participating in the things of the world. These things are unavoidable in most circumstances and if we don’t involve ourselves in some of them, we won’t be able to survive in this world. That’s a problem for me so this is why I just can’t accept your Way Chris. Besides it’s complicated and nobody’s perfect. Nobody can live such a holy life so why try! It all seems so uptight. I mean, I pray and go to church and tithe and all that good stuff!”

Christian: “I understand what you’re saying Absalom and I disagree with you. There is a way that seems right to people but that way always leads to destruction! And it’s not about ‘my’ Way it’s about Christ. He is the true WAY. He is the way, the truth and the life.”

Absalom: “See, there you go again. Why do you always do that? You think you know everything man. I hate it when you do that. YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING CHRIS!!! You’re a real scripture quoting know-it-all. Sheesh! Why do I even talk to you?”

Christian: “There are three things that Satan uses in a most subtle way to draw people away from being obedient to the Word of God.”

Absalom: “Only three things? (rolling eyes) Here we go again!”

Christian: “Well, yes, these three sum up ALL sin and everything contrary to God’s Word. Look at what the scripture says:

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17 KJV)

The word ‘world’ is translated from the Greek word KOSMOS (Strong’s G2889). It refers to the natural order of the universe as well as to everything earthly including people in general. It refers also to riches, advantages, pleasures, etc., which are hollow, frail and fleeting, stir up desire, seduce people away from God, and are obstacles to mankind’s advancement in the way of Christ.”

Absalom: “Hmmm! What does this mean anyway: 'The lust of flesh'?”

Christian: “Well, the Greek word used here for ‘flesh’ is SARX (Strong’s G4561). It refers to the body. This flesh is mentioned in Matthew 26:41.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

The same word is also translated ‘carnally’ and ‘carnal’ in Romans 8:6-7 and refers specifically to the nature of man.

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

The Greek word translated ‘lust’ is EPITHYMIA (Strong’s G1939). It refers to desire, craving, longing, and specifically to the desire for something that is forbidden. This means that when a person is born-again, the fleshly or carnal nature is forbidden. The cravings for the pleasures that satisfy the carnal nature are these lusts and they are forbidden as well.”

Absalom: “I understand this meaning of lust but how would that apply to the ‘lust of the eyes’?”

Christian: “The Greek word translated ‘eyes’ is OPHTHALMUS (Strong’s G3788). It refers to the physical eyes that see as well as to the ‘eyes of the mind’ or the faculty of knowing and understanding. Here is a great example: the men in Luke 24:31 were not physically blind yet the scripture uses this word for both eyes and sight.

“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.”

They simply did not know that they were talking to Jesus who had been raised from the dead. Since lust refers to craving and eyes refers to both physical and mental sight, we can conclude that this ‘lust of the eyes’ has direct relation to craving to look at things that are forbidden as well as craving forbidden knowledge and understanding.”

Absalom: “Wow! Now I really want to hear your explanation about this ‘pride of life’!”

Christian: “Ha ha ha ha! Not ‘my’ explanation Absalom but the Holy Spirit speaking through me. I don’t know these things of myself.”

Absalom: “Yes true, have to give credit where it is due. Speak Holy Spirit!”

Christian: “The word 'life' refers to the entire course of life as we know it. What is interesting is that this word ‘pride’ is translated from the Greek word ALAZONEIA (Strong’s G212). People today call it ‘swagger’. It refers to boasting in a way that is similar to how people act nowadays! The same word is translated ‘boastings’ in James 4:16.

“But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.”

Absalom: “C’mon man, what do you mean, 'swagger' is bad?”

Christian: “Well, Thayer’s Lexicon defines ALAZONEIA this way:

“…empty, braggart talk, empty display in act, swagger; an insolent and empty assurance, which trusts in its own power and resources and shamefully despises and violates divine laws and human rights; an impious and empty presumption which trusts in the stability of earthy things…”

Absalom: “I’m speechless! So, many things we accept as normal today conflict in many ways with scripture. Wow!”

Christian: “Yes indeed Absalom my friend! This is why as a born-again Christian it is most important to rely on the Holy Spirit when you search the scriptures and keep yourself unspotted from the world.”

HOLY BIBLE 101 - SIN & Repentance

King David wrote Psalm 51 as a prayer of repentance. He had done some terrible things (kidnapping, adultery and murder) and God was displeased with him. Let me tell you the story from 2 Samuel 11:1-27.

It was a time when all kings in the region now called the Middle East were at war with each other. David, King of Israel, sent his nephew Joab a General of his army, with all his servants, to fight the king of Ammon while he stayed behind in Jerusalem.

And so it was, at eventide, the time between sunset and twilight, that David got up off his bed and walked to the roof of his house. As he looked out he saw a very beautiful woman bathing on the roof of her house. David sent and inquired who she was and someone told him that she was Bathsheba the daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite. David immediately sent messengers and snatched her away. Although she was snatched away from her home, Bathsheba came in unto David and he lay with her. She then returned to her house. Bathsheba became pregnant and sent and told King David.

David had a plan. He sent a message to his nephew Joab telling him to send Uriah to him. When Uriah came to David, David questioned him about how the war was going then sent him to his house with a large portion of the king’s meat. But Uriah was distraught and felt guilty that he would be in his house eating and drinking while the ark of the Lord, Israel and Judah were in tents and his soldiers were on the battlefield fighting and dying. He told David that he could not go home.

David promised to send Uriah back to the encampment in a few days. David called Uriah to eat with him and got him drunk but Uriah still did not go home. David wanted Uriah to go home and lay with Bathsheba so that Uriah would think she got pregnant at that time. However, because of Uriah’s feelings of guilt about not being with the encampment and because Uriah refused to go home, David’s plan was not working.

David decided to kill Uriah. He wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. The letter said that Joab should put Uriah on the frontline in the heat of battle and withdraw from him so that he would be killed. Joab did as he was commanded by his uncle the king, and Uriah was killed in battle with some of David’s soldiers.

Bathsheba heard that her husband was dead and went into mourning. At the end of the period of her mourning, David moved her into his house, married her and she had his son (who later took ill and died). It is obvious that David married and moved her in quickly to hide his own sins of adultery and murder, and to ensure that Bathsheba was not disgraced for bearing a child that could not have belonged to her husband. What treachery by the man of God!

God sent Nathan the prophet to David to tell him about his sin. David repented immediately by praying Psalm 51 to God. In this Psalm David uses nine (9) different Hebrew words to describe his sin.

1. Transgression (v.1)
This was translated from the Hebrew word PESHAH (Strong's H6588), which literally means defection and rebellion but is also translated trespass and sin (Genesis 50:17). It is used to refer to defection and rebellion against individuals, nations, and God (Job 34:37).

2. Iniquity (v.2)
This was translated from the Hebrew word AVON (Strong's H5771), which literally refers to perversity and depravity. It is also translated fault (Psalm 59:4) and mischief (2 Kings 7:9). It comes from the root word AVAH (Strong's H5753), which refers to bending, twisting, perverting or distorting something (Job 33:27).

3. Sin (v.3)
This was translated from the Hebrew word CHATTA’ATH (Strong’s H2403), which refers to the condition of sin. This Hebrew word derives from the root CHATA. It is also translated punishment (Lamentations 4:6).

4. Sinned (v.4)
This was translated from the Hebrew word CHATA (Strong's H2398), which means miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit and miss the mark like an archer would miss hitting the bulls eye. It also means making a false step or stumbling (Proverbs 19:2). This specifically refers to someone taking the consequence for sin. When anyone misses the mark they become liable to a penalty or a forfeiture of something. The penalty for sin is death or eternal separation from God but Christ paid the penalty. If people sin without repenting, continue in sin, and die in it then they bear the penalty themselves.

5. Evil (v.4)
This was translated from the Hebrew word RA (Strong’s H7451), which refers to malignant, disagreeable, miserable, unhappy evil calamity and wickedness. It is also translated wickedness and sin (Genesis 6:5).

6. Sin (v.5)
This was translated from the Hebrew word CHET (Strong’s H2399), which refers to sin the fault and calamity the consequence for the fault.

7. Transgressors (v.13)
This was translated from the Hebrew word PASHA (Strong’s H6586), which refers specifically to rebellion and revolt resulting in falling away and breaking a covenant (Isaiah 1:28; Ezekiel 18:31).

8. Sinners (v.13)
This was translated from the Hebrew word CHATTA (Strong’s H2400), which refers to an offender who is exposed to condemnation. This specifically refers to one who bears the weight of blame or one who has not been regenerated. The word is used of the sinners in Sodom (Genesis 13:13).

9. Bloodguiltiness (v.14)
This was translated from the Hebrew word DAM (Strong’s H1818), which refers to bloodshed and slaughter, the guilt of it and the shedding of innocent blood.

David painted a vivid picture of sin. It is defection from and rebellion against God; it is perversity and depravity, fault and mischief as well as bending, twisting, perverting or distorting something; it is a condition and it is a false step or stumbling as well as missing the mark like an archer missing the bull’s eye. Moreover, it is a fault that brings consequences and the offender is exposed to condemnation. David’s actions displeased God and there were a slew of consequences following theses occurrences. You can read about them in 2 Samuel 12. In spite of the consequences of their actions and the death of their first child, God still blessed David and Bathsheba afterwards with their son Solomon.

One of the marks of our calling as born-again believers is that we must ABSTAIN from every way that is contrary to God and be OBEDIENT to God’s Word. We cannot use the excuse: “everybody sins” to justify disobedience to God’s Word. We cannot think that because we are weak and sin-prone that we must not do our best to walk in obedience. We cannot expose ourselves to the consequences of sinful actions. We must use the “one-day-at-a-time” method to be obedient. If we can’t do one-day-at-a-time then we can try to do “one-hour-at-a-time” until we can build up to one-day-at-a-time.

There is no room for compromise!