The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

“THE REAL DEAL…”

(Following Jesus 101)

Rev. Gregory Alan Haage AuthorHouse™ 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200 Bloomington, IN 47403 www.authorhouse.com Phone: 1-800-839-8640

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 5/28/2008

ISBN: 978-1-4343-5217-0 (sc)

Printed in the United States of America Bloomington, Indiana

This book is printed on acid-free paper. Dedication and Special thanks:

First and foremost, to the One who gives us life, breath, love and all “good things.” To you, Lord Jesus. For your Spirit, your written word and the eternal life that you’ve provided, for all who ask for it: I thank you. We follow you with truth and freedom.

To Denise: my wife, lover, roommate, best friend and life long conﬁ dant. Next to salvation, you are hands down His ﬁ nest blessing to me and I’m forever grateful to Him for you.

To our children: my son and trusted friend, Jonathan and to Piper, my daughter and bundle of joy. Mom and I are so proud of both of you. Your own relationship with the Lord is continuously evolving. We pray that you rest in Him, as we have.

To my Mom: for your support, input and all the kitchen table talks.

To C.T.O.: for being led by the Spirit to get me “back on track.”

To Bisch and Paul: Lifelong friends are rare—thanks for being mine.

And to Heidi and Alan Winter, Bret Haage, Frank and Carol Masserano, Dan and Renae Peterson, Dan and Jessie L’Heureux, Grant and Michelle Hill, Mark and Miggs Hill, Kelly and Rita Sellers, Craig and Jane Olson, Paris and Vicki Pasch, Derek and Pat Vandermerwe, Pat Evers, Percy and Mary Gutierrez, Chuck and Linda Peterson, and the rest of my family, close friends and fellow ministers who helped in this project by praying for me, encouraging me to keep writing and ﬁ nancially helped me put the ink to the paper—you know who you are. We pray His best for you.

To Richard Stacks: for the great front cover photo.

To Sandra Antis: for permission to use the artwork of your husband, Harry.

And to Sam Rangel for the UP FRONT logo.

iii

In memory of my dad…Bill Haage.

I consider myself very fortunate to have had a wonderful dad. He demonstrated to me parental kindness, loving ﬁ rmness, compassion and humility. His commitment to the Lord, my mom, their marriage, me, as well as, my brother and sister, is forever ingrained. He taught me responsibility and showed me gentleness. He also had one of the best singing voices I’ve ever heard and having done years of recording studio work, I’ve been exposed to some of the best. (He was always the featured soloist at his church)

My dad exempliﬁ ed integrity all throughout my life. He gave me a good picture of what my heavenly Father is like: strong, loving, merciful, protective, faithful, patient and generous. I miss him a lot.

I’m thankful for challenging me with the question: “Son, do you want to be “right” or effective?” (“Right” meaning, in my own eyes)

We who call ourselves “followers of Jesus” must reach people not repel them. My dad was wise.

vii

Contents

Chapter One SURRENDERING AND PUSHING “RESET” ...... 1 (Making the big decision) Chapter Two REMODELING ...... 13 (Renewing the mind) Chapter Three MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ...... 19 (Finding a “perfect” church) Chapter Four BURYING YOURSELF ...... 59 (Water baptism) Chapter Five “POWER—DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!” ...... 65 (The baptism with the Holy Spirit) Chapter Six THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN AND PROTECTION ...... 71 (The tithe) Chapter Seven THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT ...... 83 (Healing: questions, answers, controversies and mysteries) Chapter Eight ONCE SAVED—ALWAYS SAVED? ...... 117 (Eternal security vs. personal apostasy) Chapter Nine “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH” ...... 137 (God’s design for passion and intimacy) Chapter Ten THE “WINE” QUESTION ...... 153 (Abstinence—Temperance—Excess) Chapter Eleven #1 MILITARY STRATEGY ...... 169 (Know your enemy) Chapter Twelve JESUS IS GOD, SPARKY! ...... 177 (The Deity of Christ) Chapter Thirteen WHOOSH KABOOM—WHERE’D THEY GO? ...... 185 (The Rapture and the Second Coming)

Forewords:

“We who call ourselves “Christians” are often found arguing over our beliefs. Reading “The Real Deal” was very refreshing, as Greg Haage does a great job of providing clear and understandable insights that will help those who have struggled with some of today’s more volatile issues. Greg has truly expressed his passion for those in the church, as well as, a rare sensitivity for those observing the church from outside its “stained glass windows” along with compassion for those who’ve been wounded by its teachings and leaders. His tender yet piercing style makes this an enjoyable read as he opens up the exciting aspects of God’s Word that have caused some to question and some to go to extremes.

Personally, as a Pastor, I ﬁ nd Greg’s insights quite helpful in bringing a very much-needed balance to today’s communicating of the Gospel and he delivers this in a very contemporary, palatable literary style. You’ll never regret spending time learning and applying this “balanced” look, that is conveyed in Greg’s exhaustive study of our Christian faith, different Bible translations and the original texts.

Allow “The Real Deal” to aid your walk with the Lord—as I have—so it can have true substance and not just be a mere religious episode.”

Pastor Paris Pasch Christ’s Family Church Hastings, Minnesota

“Greg Haage has proven himself to be a faithful servant of our Lord and His church. Greg’s study of the scriptures reﬂ ects a practical and straightforward approach to Christian discipleship. As a pastor, he has done an exhaustive search of the original Greek and Hebrew texts and has included those word studies in this book, not as an apologist but rather a “tour guide” to the literal translations. He is a man of many talents, especially gifted in music, leading others in worship and counseling. He is a relentless warrior for the cause of Christ, even when there are paths less demanding and sometimes less painful. “The Real Deal” will challenge you to “come back to the cross,” whenever you may have compromised and allowed its claims upon you to lessen, to pick it up again with a grateful heart and follow Him, as well as, encourage others who haven’t yet made their decision.”

Rev. Frank Masserano General Secretary International Ministerial Fellowship

“Greg Haage is a very committed Christian and has a hunger for the Word of God. His life is ever changing according to what he has studied and the fruit of that is evident in his life, his family and his writings. I know him to be a man of strong convictions, moral character and I truly believe he is a genuine support to people, complementing the word of the Lord, turning to the Bible to be his guide. He is open to the Spirit to use him in many ways and has demonstrated that with the completion of “The Real Deal.” I know that God will use Greg’s book and ministry to reach those that are badly bruised, to speak the hope and mercy of the Savior to them, for there are many wounded who need healing in their souls.

xi In this “labor of love” book, he is gentle in prodding people to the higher walk with the Lord being well used in one-on-one discipleship. Greg both formulates and communicates very well and always gets to “the heart of the matter.” He is patient in listening to others yet speaks with authority in addressing things like legalism and “religiosity.” He’s done us all a great service by including the original words and their meanings, with the multitude of scriptures he has examined. Actual texts, concordance and expository dictionary words along with his Spirit led insights, will make you really understand what it means to follow Jesus. I believe it’s a much-needed “cutting edge” work for both the seeker and the disciple. It’s a wealth of knowledge in one book.”

Rev. Alan Winter FRONTLINE MISSIONS Atlanta, GA.

xii PREFACE:

(To those who have been traditionally taught and denominationally trained)

Here we are: Eight years into the new millennium. We live in an ever-increasing, technologically evolving, fast paced, computerized, oftentimes stressful world. There are many diversions, disruptions and distractions available to us. Many don’t take the time to rest or seek out the deeper things of life because of the “day timer,” job(s), investments, lawn care, etc. Americans are pre-occupied with “stuff” and “activities.” Right?

One of the greatest enjoyments in life, for me, satisﬁ es both the rest part and the deeper things of life “seeking” part, namely spending time in the Bible. Reading the Word, especially the New Testament (the Gospel of John being my favorite) has now become my work, passion, ministry and “calling.” To read, study and communicate it, correctly. If I can use an automobile metaphor, it’s God’s “owners manual.” Looking for God to speak to you? A “now” word? A heavenly directive? Here it is… “Follow the instructions and you’ll be alright.”

“The Real Deal” shares my thoughts on the main focus of the Bible, Jesus, the Messiah, and what it means to follow Him, as a disciple.

Tough issues can be uncomfortable, for some, to discuss. They say “Just keep things light—don’t talk politics or religion.” (Personally, I like a stimulating conversation when the timing is appropriate but engaging someone in a heavy topic when they’re not ready for it, usually backﬁ res and can be—and oftentimes is—counterproductive)

So…politics? “I vote for the person and my convictions not a party or agenda.” I’ll discuss issues but I won’t wrangle.

But when it comes to the things of God—well, you’ll always know where I stand.

My conclusions about Him and His ways are more solidifi ed since I’ve been called to full time ministry. I’m now fi fty two, been married twenty fi ve years with two great kids and a former owner of a successful music business. Here’s a brief background: I have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology/marriage counseling, a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Theology, am a Bible college graduate and an ordained minister of the Gospel. In all that time, study and preparation, I’ve learned a few things along the way—some things perhaps you can use and apply. This book is simply one more way that I can “serve” you because that’s what true ministers and believers are instructed to do: serve, not dictate to or control.

Originally I wanted to share these things with people I had worked with in the music industry here in Minneapolis. “The Working Class Musician,” my ﬁ rst book, was an overview of my years with a “how to make it” format in the music business but more importantly it was designed as an “outreach” to those who are still working in studios, the club scene and casinos, and are exploring the things of God.

“The Real Deal” was written for those of you who are interested in, and inquiring about, the Lord, the Bible and the life of “walking in the footsteps of Jesus” but have been, shall we say, tainted by many wolves in sheep’s clothing, “high proﬁ le” Christian leaders or TV evangelists in it for the money or have

xiii been traditionally indoctrinated. (Some of the things done in the name of God have been embarrassing, detrimental and even destructive) There are many literalists, legalists and liberalists out there supposedly enlightening the world.

“Literalists” believe everything in the Bible is simply to be taken, literally. When Jesus said in Luke 14:26, that in order to be His disciple you must “hate” your parents, wife and kids, it was symbolic i.e. “I must be first in your life.” Jesus is not a sheep, although He is described as “the Lamb of God.” When the Bible says to “taste and see that the Lord is good,” it’s a metaphor not literal. The list goes on. The Bible is full of metaphors, parables and symbolism. That’s why we are to be like the Bereans of old and take the time to study. (You should always conﬁ rm what a preacher says—always. I’m saying that as a preacher myself. You hear me say something: check it out)

“Legalists” believe in the letter of the law. They generally are narrow minded, “black and white” in their opinions and conclusions, and consider “grey” to equal compromise needless to say, grace is not a big part of their doctrinal position.

“Liberalists,” simply put, believe “anything goes.” “God loves you, therefore, you can do whatever you want and you’re safe and sound. No worries.” They is a very dangerous position, as I’ll show you later in the book and unfortunately is prevalent in America. It’s “loose” grace. Too many are like the Lacodecean church Jesus mentioned in the book of Revelation. They were lukewarm and made Him sick.

This book was a “Spirit led assignment” for me to write. I’ve heard a lot of people misquote, misinterpret, take out of context and just plain massacre God’s word, His thoughts and feelings towards us. Most haven’t diligently studied the Bible. Some have simply swallowed the sermon, bought the latest tape series of popular preachers, consider them to be gospel truth with a “they must be right” attitude because they’re “ministers.” Most people have put way too much trust in the preacher/priest, without doing their own homework.

Others are far too wise in their own sight and constantly offer their opinion—even when you don’t ask for them—that’s based on their own bias or negative experience, not Scripture. Some Christians should re-read this one: “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” (James 1:19)

“World religions” are not the real deal. They are an attempt to get to God by their works, lifestyles, regulations, traditions or being “religious.” “Religious,” deﬁ ned as ‘being careful of the externals of divine service’, more times than not, denotes something negative or offensive. Acting or being “religious” is a turn off to the non-Christian. (I didn’t like it and resented those who acted that way) It’s certainly not what the Lord wants you be.

He wants you to be like Him. (Romans 8:29)

Being pious, hypocritical, judgmental, sanctimonious and self-righteous, is something the world can do without. Right? Yet that’s what the Church has acted like for centuries. It’s no wonder we’ve been ineffective with the message of the cross.

Christianity, on the other hand, is not a religion. It is a relationship and a Word based lifestyle with God the Father through Jesus Christ, the Son by the power of His Spirit. Although you may disagree at this point in your life with this truth, Jesus is indeed the “only way.” (John 14:6) Through His death, burial and resurrection He has built “the bridge” that we’re able to walk on to get to the Father, if we so choose. And it is your choice: He’s given “free will” to everyone.

xiv I’ve talked to a lot of Lutherans, Catholics, Muslims, Jewish people, agnostics, atheists, “church goers,” “fence sitters,” and/or intellectuals, in my time. One of the things I’ve noticed about the body language of people when you mention the name of Jesus is this: it always gets a reaction, depending on their relationship with the Messiah. From great intimidation, inhibition, fear, confusion, sadness, anger to one of joy, elation and gratefulness. There’s just something about His name—He always gets some kind of response. Jesus is very controversial and still angers many, which is nothing new to Him.

The bottom line is this though: God loves us and His actions prove it.

I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (NIV, NKJV)

That’s how the Lord is—He will never leave you, if you live for Him.

John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. (Love is a verb—an action not just a feeling)

Jesus did just that—He died so you and I can live, eternally. If you’re not convinced yet, I totally understand. As the saying goes, “Been there—done that.” I invite you to keep reading. He welcomes your skepticism and questions about Him. He’s alive and well. He can handle all your doubts, arguments or negativity. Begin your quest.

Some new adventures, however, can be scary. I remember when I was in ninth grade and petriﬁ ed with the idea of going out for wrestling next season in my sophomore year. (Too small physically, too inexperienced and just plain afraid of the unknown) Yet it became my whole world for the next four years with many great victories along with dozens of lasting friendships. Let that encourage you in your pursuit. But before I became a Greco-Roman All American and then a college wrestler, I was taught the “basics” at Minnetonka High School by my coach, Ray Christesen. He taught us the “ABC’s” like hand control, conditioning, passion, endurance, character, discomfort, losing graciously and elementary moves.

So similarly, the ﬁ rst few chapters are focused on these “basics” of Christianity—some fundamentals. I then get into the deeper, more advanced things of God, some controversial topics, as well as, lifestyles issues and how they relate to the believer and the seeker.

There are multitudes of ministers out there who have studied the Bible for years yet many have come to some seriously mistaken conclusions. Erroneous teachings are pervasive, especially on TV or the radio. (Proper “voices” are crucial) I’m very selective to whom I listen to but I like variety and insights. From Billy Graham to T. D. Jakes, from Chuck Swindoll to Joel Osteen, from Greg Boyd to Pat Robertson. Multiple “feeding” is good. And when I hear something that I sense doesn’t line up with scripture—I like things “bulletproof”—it just brings me back to this question:

“O.K. What does the Word say?”

Do I agree all the time, with their teachings? Not always, if it isn’t consistent with the New Testament and what the Holy Spirit is showing me. I simply shelve it for the time, pray, remain “teachable”(Proverbs 1:5) and come back to it later.

xv For example, there are ministers with national radio and TV shows, write books and have Internet sites that espouse they’re the “Bible Authority” folk. Promoting “essential Christian truths” such as salvation by grace through faith, the resurrection, the Virgin birth of Jesus, etc. is appropriate. Many believe their calling is to teach sound doctrine and to challenge “questionable” teachings. While refuting heresy (Titus 1:9) is good they oftentimes cross the line from addressing “false teachings” to assassinating the teachers “character.” We gotta be careful about accusing or maligning people and need to have our information both, accurate and current. (II Tim. 2:24) (Know this: our walk with God isn’t a snapshot— it’s an ongoing movie)

On the other hand, some—not all—high proﬁ le “prosperity” preachers refuse to respond to people who’ve challenged their teachings thus they create suspicion about themselves. (Not good either) Christians are commanded to be accountable and submissive to one another (Ephesians 5:21) and not be divisive.

There’s a dangerous teaching out there that says “You can’t challenge me, ever—I’m God’s appointed man” and quote, “Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm.” Consider that “preacher” to be indoctrinated, potentially dangerous, a charismatic leader and “mark” their ministry for your own good. They have simply taken a text in I Chronicles 16:18 way out of context for their own personal protection and ﬁ nancial beneﬁ t. This book addresses some of that teaching, which is basically bad “leaven” i.e. error. (Naming “names” may be appropriate—I Tim. 1:20, II Tim. 2:16-18, II Tim. 4: 14-15 and 3 John 9-10)

Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth.” In other words, “I want you to be flavorful not distasteful.” It is God’s goodness that leads people to repent, period. (Romans 2:4)

So, allow me to lend some insight to you, of what Jesus meant when He said, “Follow Me,” because Jesus is the Real Deal.

xvi Chapter One

SURRENDERING AND PUSHING “RESET”

(Making the big decision)

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

I realize the phrase “born again,” has been misused, abused and loosely tossed around by countless individuals. The misuse of it, along with un-Christlike words and behavior, has turned off far too many. (It turned me off for nineteen years)

The description of “I’m a born again, Christian” actually is redundant. It’s like saying, “bare, naked” or “ﬁ lthy, dirty.”

They are synonymous. All true Christians are “born again” and if you’re “born again,” you are a Christian.

The time when you truly sense your need for Jesus in your life and choose to invite him in, you become “born again,” “saved,” “a Christian” or “a believer.” When some people say “I’ve been a Christian all my life,” that’s simply an impossibility. At some juncture, you chose to ask Him in, you’re overjoyed you made your decision, you’re convinced God loves you and you know Heaven awaits you.

All “born again” means, really, is you’re starting over with your life. It’s simply a phrase that Jesus used. Many are confused or annoyed by it so let’s examine it together. Here’s the context where He used it:

John 3:4 “Nicodemus said to Him (Jesus), How can a man be born when he is old?”Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”Nicodemus, a brilliant Jewish elder and Pharisee, just didn’t get it. Another great theologian and scholar was bafﬂ ed. This conversation took place roughly 2000 years ago. Jesus was trying to explain to him what a person must do to ﬁ rst “see” and then “enter” the kingdom of God. It was a real challenge for Nicodemus. (See page 12)

John 3:3 (Jesus speaking) “Truly, I say to you, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

It was obviously a major head cramp for this elder and Jesus was amazed that he was in authority, teaching the Jews. I can just see him scratching his head at a ﬁ reside chat with Jesus saying “What…what…Why are you staring? No, as a matter of fact, I don’t get it” in his Yiddish dialect. (Just goes to show you that just because someone’s “in charge” doesn’t necessarily mean they know what they’re doing)

“You are Israel’s teacher and you don’t understand?,” Jesus said. (verse 10)

Today, millions still don’t get it. Usually, the misinformed, the proud, the intellectual, the mistaught, the stubborn or the “religious” crowd. Jesus dying for their sins isn’t a reality. The Bible says just that:

1 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

I Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…”

The Greek word for “foolishness” is moria, which simply means absurd or silly. That’s what people think of the Christian message of forgiveness through Christ who haven’t made their “big decision” yet: it’s silly and absurd. Why? It has to be revealed to you through the Holy Spirit, which won’t happen until you’re born again.

I Corinthians 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to them and they cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Jesus tells him in verse 7, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’.” (NIV) “Surprised” in the New International Version is rendered “marvel” in the King James Version. It’s the Greek word, thaumazo (#2296—Strong’s Concordance) which means “to wonder.”

“How in the world am I going to do that?” Nicodemus was wondering, doing the mental gymnastics deal. You’ll be in trouble when you depend on your mind to reason out the things of God, on your own. The Bible clearly instructs us not to lean on our own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Sure, He gave you a brain to use but don’t put your trust there. If we had the Spirit without measure like Jesus did and always had “the mind of Christ,” that would be different. It’s a real challenge for most just to study, meditate and pray.

Some “Theologians” and Seminary folk only study. They have relegated the Christian walk today to a “Scripture only” Gospel. By teaching the gifts of the Spirit have “ceased,” they have dismissed a big part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit thus the lack of power, gifts and miracles in their lives and ﬂ ock. Many have relegated the Word down to “Oh, that was then. We have surpassed those things in Jesus’ day.”

On the other hand, many Charismatic, Spirit-ﬁ lled groupies and goose bumps seekers have chased after “the experience.” In many instances, countless “celebrity followers” have exalted a speaker and/or a “favorite word teaching” as being equal or superior to the Bible thus they have forgotten that it’s the Scriptures, in the original texts, that are God breathed (inspired), ordained words and they are the criteria for judging prophecies, experiences, signs, miracles and wonders.

In the account with Nicodemus, Jesus is trying to get him to focus on the right perspective of the Kingdom. He says in verse 6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; (natural birth) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.(spiritual birth)

Reason #1 as to why people resist the Gospel, from my observations, is they don’t want to acknowledge they have “sinned.” (That was my roadblock—being stubborn and needing to control) The day we exercised our will to disobey God’s ways, was the day we “spiritually” died.

So I’m not misunderstood, I’d better qualify that. I’m not talking about babies or children below what’s commonly called “the age of accountability,” here. If they prematurely die, they go straight to heaven. Same with the mentally challenged. They are innocent or as Jesus called it, “blind” to sin. (John 9:41) (You’re not really born a sinner—you become one) I’m talking about the time you, as a free thinking,

2 Surrendering and Pushing “Reset” free deciding, free acting individual, deﬁ antly say “No” to God and His Word, and say “Yes” to your own selﬁ sh desires and agenda. At that time, you died, spiritually. Only God knows that time.

“Death,” when speaking of the spirit, means separation from God. (Genesis 2:17) God said “I set before you life and death, blessing and cursing” and He goes on to say, “therefore choose life.” (Deut. 30:19) Like the T.V. show “Father knows best.” He really does. But He’ll respect the free will He gave you and choices you make—good or bad. In this text, by choosing Jesus, you “choose life.”

Most “religious” people, the wealthy or “intellectuals,” think “I know best” and “I only trust documented data.” “Pragmatic,” “logical,” “methodical” and “self-reliance” are best. As Jesus would say, “I think not.” (Sad to say, many “brilliant” folk miss heaven because faith and science, in their opinion, aren’t compatible. Science is their god)

In Proverbs 11:4 it says, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath…” and in Matthew 16:26 Jesus says, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” Money, logic nor science can save you. (Carl Sagan knows better than any of us, now that he’s dead, the reality of God, heaven and hell. Hopefully, he chose “life”) And no, I wouldn’t recommend conjuring up his spirit—or any other—to discuss it—divination is forbidden by Scripture. (Deut. 18:10-12)

Basically, we can sum up most “logical/rational” thinking, according to the world, like this—“There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death.” (Prov. 14:12) I’d strongly suggest staying out of that “seems right” thing. “The way of death” doesn’t sound too enjoyable. (Jesus’ resurrection was witnessed by 500 people—I Cor.15:6—yet countless millions have ignored it because it doesn’t “seem right” to them) Think hard about this: Would all the disciples really allow themselves to be cruciﬁ ed, sawn in half or boiled in oil, for someone who they were convinced died for their sins but wasn’t resurrected? No way! Without Jesus being “risen”—it’s all pointless.

Being “born again” or “born from above” is your choice. It’s what Billy Graham calls a ‘decision’ i.e. the big decision. (I like Billy)

Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works…

God did His part, namely, saved us by grace and we have our part speciﬁ cally, accept the gift by faith. We all have sinned and have fallen short. (Romans 3:23) We know it yet too many duck it.

Not much talk today about “sin.” It’s sort of tiptoed around and many soften it by saying, “I made a little mistake,” “I blew it,” “I messed up,” or “I got off track a bit.” The Bible’s clear about “sin.” It is the Greek word, hamartia (#266 in Strong’s Concordance) which means a trespass against God. It means a fault, missing the mark, an offense or “a crime.” A crime? Whoa. It’s a crime that requires a judgment. Sin separates us from Him. His holiness and our unholiness, can’t co-exist.

Let me ask you a question. Don’t you hate it when you watch the evening news or read the paper and learn of a rapist, molester, murderer or terrorist who got away or was released on a technicality? Sure you do. We all do. In addressing that, a friend of mine once said “Without judgment there is no justice.” It really is true.

Allow me to illustrate “judgment” and “grace.” If someone you knew had committed murder and you were the acting judge presiding over the case, you’d be in a very tough spot. Let’s say the facts in the

3 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

case are indisputable. Now let’s say the accused was a loved one of yours, say a close friend. When the preponderance of evidence was all disclosed and it was clear to everyone that they are undeniably guilty, you’d have to sentence them. If you lived in a state where capital punishment was the law, death may be their sentence.

Now, let’s say your only son shows up in court. He too knows and loves this person. He declares to you as judge, that he’ll take the place of the accused for their crime and will “take their punishment.” Wouldn’t that surprise the accused, even shock them? Sure would. (They’d be relieved and very grateful—you’d think—but still shocked)

That basically is the message of the cross. The Gospel—the Good news—states Jesus is our “substitute.” The Father sentenced His only Son—sitting in for us—to pay for the sins we all know we’ve committed. That’s “grace”—plain and simple. It is clearly, the best gift of all. Now the slate is not only clean but forgotten. It’s as if it never happened. (Clean and forgotten if you receive the free pardon, that is)

Pushing “reset”—what more could anyone ask for? The time you realize that and act on the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit by surrendering and inviting Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of your life, is the time you are spiritually re-born, regenerated, born from above or what Jesus called “born again.” It’s not anything cosmic or Twilight Zone-ish, it’s an eternal reality that changes your destiny in this life and after this life. You have the opportunity to make this decision when God the Father, Himself, draws you personally by His Spirit. That is the time you can make your invitation and “get saved.” He is a personal, one to one, God. He will not, however, force, coerce or manipulate you to choose. (God may intervene like he did with Paul the apostle by knocking him off his feet but that is the extreme exception, however, not the norm) The God of judgment is also the God of love, choice and fairness. Reciprocating love must be voluntary, right?

Is God sovereign? Well of course He is. Do you and I have a “free will?” Of course—we’re made in His image and God has a free will. But to say God is sovereign (Supreme ruler/ All powerful) and “whatever happens” must be all a part of His plan because He’s sovereign, and then go out and willfully sin, saying it’s “His will,” is simply ridiculous and irreverent. (Just because you said a “prayer of salvation” with someone doesn’t mean you can continue in your lifestyle of sin, if you really want to “follow” Him) Consider these words…

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, If a person loves Me, they will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come to them, and make our abode with them.

Then there’s another extreme about “sovereign.” When an accident happens and your loved one is prematurely killed or your child or family member gets in a car crash, many somehow ﬁ gure it must be “God’s will” because God is “sovereign,” so therefore He must have caused the tragedy or the death. No, the Bible says that “the thief”(Satan) comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10) not the wonderful Lord of Glory. We’ve been lied to and deceived.

“Sovereign” can be misapplied to God as a negative or an exclusive for a few “elect.” For example, John Calvin’s theory was God “pre-planned” those whom He wanted to be saved and that everyone else is lost forever. Unfortunately, there are some who have been indoctrinated to that line of thinking and believe they’re the only bunch who can only make heaven, like an elitist country club for the rich and famous. It’s error.

4 Surrendering and Pushing “Reset”

Then there’s the intimidated, shamed and unworthy group who have heard this line of thinking and believe they can never make it or that God loves somebody more, and therefore are entitled to more of His blessings—or entitled to His “better blessings.” Or that God will heal someone else who is more “spiritual” but certainly not them. The list goes on. That is what’s called a “stronghold”—a fortress of wrong thinking. As far as pre-destination and foreordination goes, here’s the real deal: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

The Father predestined the way for anyone to come to Him through Jesus. God does not play favorites (Luke 20:21) because He is not a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) He desires everyone to be saved and that none should perish (II Peter 3:9) and He has accomplished this mission by sending Jesus to die on the cross, then raising Him from the grave and now anyone can be saved. (John 12:47) The salvation plan was universal and complete. Jesus paid the price for all mankind’s sin. (I John 2:2)

Question: If He desires all people to be saved, why would He pre-arrange only a select few? He wouldn’t. He simply knew ahead of time—because God is outside of, and not limited by, the dimension of time— who would accept Jesus and who would deny Him.

“Saved? OK, Greg. Saved from what?” you may be asking.

Reason #2 why a lot of people resist the Good News: they don’t believe in a literal “hell” i.e. an eternally conscious, torment.

Well, if there is no literal hell—no such thing as sin—no penalty or price to pay for that sin—why did Jesus have to die? What was His mission? Was He some martyr? A ﬂ ake? A crazy prophet? I don’t think so.

First of all, “Hell” was not designed originally for man but rather for Satan and his cohorts. (Matthew 25:41) When the Bible talks about death, again, it’s generally referring to spiritual death—which as I have said before, means separation from God. That basically is what hell is, aside from being hot. (Matthew 13:50—“furnace of ﬁ re”) It is eternal separation from God. That’s why the Gospel is Good News—you don’t have to wind up in that eternally separated furnace. No, if that’s your destiny it’s because you rejected the gift by never inviting Jesus into your life or knowingly walked away from Him, after you did. God won’t send you to hell, however. That’s a big “however.”

There is a very interesting book in heaven described in Scripture. It is a book with a whole bunch of names in it. It’s God’s “Children’s directory.” My name is there. My wife, Denise, and both our children’s names are there. It’s called “the Book of Life.” Yes, a real book. You say “yes” to the Lord Jesus and your name is recorded. (You’ll want it in there on something called Judgment Day)

Hell is where departed souls who have rejected God’s free gift are held until Judgment Day. After that comes “the Lake of ﬁ re.” (Revelation 20:15) The Lake of ﬁ re is a prison with no exits, pardons or reprieves. There is no death there though and it is void of comfort and hope. The ones there experience constant torment.

The Bible says that there is a pleasure to sin for a season. (Hebrews 11:25) (Been down that road) But the Bible says that the wages of that sin is death—eternal separation from God. (Romans 6:23) If you’re not in His book—you’ll wind up in the everlasting torment. (Revelation 20:15) This is as serious as anything gets.

5 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

When people think of lakes here in Minnesota, they think of Lake Minnetonka, Lake Mille Lacs or any of the other thousands of lakes. The Lake of ﬁ re isn’t one of recreation. No water skiing, no ﬁ shing, no swimming. Again, it’s a place of everlasting torment. Consider this “end times” prophecy very soberly— your future depends on your response to it. He gives us all “enough” time to choose.

Know this: God wants you in the Book of Life. He allowed the death of His own Son to give us the opportunity to live eternally with Him. (Would you sacriﬁ ce your child to save someone else? Probably not)

Here’s the most concise summary of the real deal with regard to the Gospel, as I can put it:

God, the Father through the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit (Elohim—the Hebrew word for God, is plural) creates the world, including the earth. (Some scientists call this “The Big bang” theory) (Genesis 1:1) In God’s dwelling, the third heaven, there’s a ﬁ ght. (Revelation 12:7) The former number one angel, Satan, then called Lucifer, wants God’s spot. It was the ultimate mutiny attempt.

Lucifer gets the boot and takes with him a third of all the angels, after some clever manipulation and persuasion on his part. (Revelation 12: 4, 9) Lucifer gets his new name, Satan, and the former angels get renamed devils, demons and unclean spirits. Their new location and conﬁ nement? Planet Earth, currently occupied by dinosaurs and a version of what later will be called “man,” without the spirit, of course. (Revelation 12:9)

Millions of years go by. (Gen.1: 2) Commonly called “The gap theory.”

Let me go on a quick rabbit trail about “The gap theory.” (This is an interesting slant on “long ago”) In Genesis 1:2 the word “was without form and void” in the Hebrew is hayah—always translated in the Old Testament as “become” or “became,” except there in Genesis 1:2. The King James translators, for some reason, chose to translate it that way when it really should have read “and the earth became without form and void,” rather than “was without form and void.”

God never creates anything without form and void i.e. barren. How do I know that? I’ve studied the original texts, which are “inspired.”

In Isaiah 45:18 it says, “God…who formed the earth…who did not create it in vain.”

“In vain” and “without form” are the same Hebrew word, tohuw. So again, God did not make the earth “without form and void,” as the King James translators imply; it “became” that way. This “theory” has some repercussions, however. No one can prove it, so it remains a theory and it diminishes the real issue, namely salvation, sometimes by causing passionate debates amongst believers with outsiders listening in and never get to the Gospel. It is an interesting speculation though.

Back to the summary…Similar to the previous model, He creates “a new man” only this time He makes this creation in His own image—spirit, soul and body. (Genesis 1:26) Adam, by name. (Genesis 2:19) After Adam is made, Eve—yeah, a woman on the scene—is formed from this guy’s rib and things are great, for awhile. God tells them “See that tree? Don’t touch it.”(Genesis 2:17) But Adam and Eve got curious and said “I want to touch it” after some careful suggestions made to them by the former number one angel in the form of a snake, (Genesis 3:4) and so ends the story of paradise as originally intended.

4000 years later, God sends down the remedy for this rift that Adam and Eve made by disobeying Him. The remedy’s name is Jesus, the one and the only. (Luke 2:21) He is God in the ﬂ esh—the Word. (John

6 Surrendering and Pushing “Reset”

1:14) He’s not the Father nor the Spirit but is co-equal with them. (Later on that) He takes upon Himself the mess that Adam and Eve caused through the sin of willful disobedience.

Three inch long thorns, in the shape of a crown, are jammed into His head. (Matthew 15:17) Then what’s called a scourging or ﬂ ogging takes place—often called “near death.” (Not anything like what we’ve seen in Hollywood’s versions of what He went through) Mel Gibson’s ﬁ lm, The Passion, masterfully shows it “as it was.” Leather strips lined with bone and metal, in the form of a small whip, are then used to rip the back off this Jesus, not only removing skin but cutting deep enough to show veins, arteries and organs. Thirty nine of these lashings took place. He then carries His own cross until He gets too weak to carry it. (Isaiah 53:10)

Next comes a place called Calvary. (Luke 23:33) Nails (really 6” to 8” spikes) are driven through His hands and feet on this cross. He dies physically (John 19:30) and triumphs over the devil publicly. (Colossians 2:15) He descends to the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:9) to take away the keys of hell and death away from Satan (Revelation 1:18), in front of all his demons and strips him of the authority given to him by Adam and Eve, via a forfeit. (Luke 4:6)

Three days later, He rises from the dead physically, ascends from the lower parts of the earth and sits back on His throne in the third heaven next to the Father. His followers, called the church, now acting as an occupying army here on earth, enforce His authority given to all that call Him Lord, by spreading His message of salvation. (Matthew 28:18)

God and man once again have limitless access to each other intimately via the avenue established by Jesus. End of story. That’s the Gospel. Yield to it, believe it, receive it and share it—it is the real deal about being “born again.” Surrendering hard for you? It’s not scary, trust me. It’s liberating. All those things you’ve done and said? Confess them, (admit you said it and did it) and repent. (don’t do them anymore) It really is that easy. Like I’ve said, it’s like pushing “reset.”

Remember the movie, “City Slickers” with Billy Crystal? His character described this “pushing reset” this way: “It’s a do over.” Think about that for a minute. Again, what more could we ask for?

Until you make Jesus the Lord of your life, God is your Creator not your Father. Jesus said that some were of their “father, the devil.” (John 8:44) The Bible says we need to be “adopted” into the family of God. (Romans 8:15) Getting saved is as easy as saying “Help me, Lord—I’ll live for you.” Just like a child simply trusts. (Mark 10:15)

This is how it happened with me. I grew up in a suburb of Kansas City, Kansas called Prairie Village where we went to a Presbyterian church called the Village Church, which was pretty dull from my ten year old slant. It was a Protestant church that was for the most part a good congregation, solid Biblically and was mainly focusing on a family atmosphere. (It’s become quite liberal now, I’m told)

My dad got transferred up here to Minneapolis in 1965 where he would eventually become vice-president of Holiday companies. We found another Presbyterian church to go to called St. Luke’s in Minnetonka. This church had a little bit more ﬂ are to it from my perspective mainly because the pastor was a lot younger but it still was something I was pretty much disinterested in. My older brother, Bret and my younger sister, Heidi, were conﬁ rmed there but not this kid. (Notice the look on my face as I dressed up for church. My brother, sister and my mom are in the top photo and my grandma is in the lower photo. Yup, I’m the one with my arms crossed, pouting)

7 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

(“Do I have to listen to that pipe organ again?”)

Anyway, after graduating from Minnetonka High School in 1973, I went to college at St. Cloud State University. During my sophomore year, after leaving my four years of wrestling behind, I found myself pursuing music with a whole new passion along with a noticeable difference in my need to express myself, hormonally. (The typically male, testosterone carnal thing)

Just about this time, a guy named Scott from “Campus Crusade for Christ” started talking with me in the Hill-Case dorm lounge. He started the “full court press” gently, regarding salvation.

“Do you know for sure, Greg, if you died today that you’d go to Heaven?” To which I responded “Well, of course. I uh…well I occasionally go to church and everything…well, not lately…and I’m basically a good person and uh, well my parents are Christians, so obviously I must be and uh…” (I was trolling) The truth is, I couldn’t give him an honest answer because I didn’t know. But the Bible says, however, that we can know, for sure. (I John 5:14)

8 Surrendering and Pushing “Reset”

I had the mind set that God graded on a curve and that surely, even if I was a C- or D+ person, I’d still make it.

I put Scott through the press conference routine barraging him with questions that were stirring inside of me. “Why must I choose?”

“How do I know the Bible is God’s Word?”

“Wasn’t it just written by men?”

“Why would God send people to hell if He is so good and all loving?”

One by one, Scott ﬁ elded my questions thoroughly and patiently. We continued to talk periodically and with each meeting, I grew more comfortable with him, the answers he had and I became increasingly aware of the fact that I needed to make a decision, sometime in the near future. There was a “pull” on me. The Father was drawing me.

Next thing I know, an old girlfriend of mine comes up from Iowa where she was going to college and pays me a “visit.” She had that “You look marvelous darling” thing going on and well…you know…the evening escalated in the passion department and that’s pretty much where we spent the weekend. Yup, it was sin, for sure.

As the weekend came to a close, I found myself in the typically male, dominating, controlling, immature, conquest mode and pretty much gave her the impression she could leave any time. (The underlying inference was that she’d “served her purpose”) She respectfully honored my unspoken request and left crying. Not a good scene.

The weight of how I’d treated her was really getting heavy. Frankly, I wanted to pursue a relationship with her but couldn’t seem to ﬁ nd the manhood to develop that. (Nineteen going on thirteen) The little booklet Scott had given me kept coming to me. It was called, “Four Spiritual Laws.” The truths in it along with all the things Scott had expressed to me combined with my pathetic treatment of my potential girlfriend had come to a head. There was a gentle but ﬁ rm tapping on my shoulder (spiritually) saying, “It’s time for your decision.”

So, downstairs I went to the dorm laundry room. (Thankfully, there was no one in there—I wanted some privacy) I quietly said, “God, I am blowing it. I can’t kid You. I’m sorry for all this. I know Jesus is Your Son. I know it! Lord Jesus, that’s it. I give up. I need you to help me. Please, save me.” Nothing monumental happened, naturally speaking. No angels showed up. No soundtrack played but a peace did come all over me as I cried but I knew now that I was saved—the weight was gone. I had said to Jesus, “Come in.”

Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

“Saved”—#4982 (Strong’s Concordance) sozo, sode-zo; to save, to deliver or protect:—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole. (It’s why the Savior came…to save us, period. End of story)

There is a classic painting of Jesus standing at a door knocking that you probably have seen. It’s from Revelation 3:20.

9 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If anyone hears My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

The interesting thing about that picture is there’s no door knob on the outside of the house. It’s on the inside. You have to open it.

All who invite Jesus with a warm “Welcome Lord…please, come in. My house isn’t too clean right now and I’ve got some stuff in some of my closets that I’d like You to get rid of for me because I can’t seem to do myself,” those are the ones who will have eternal life.

The Messiah is not selective whom He loves nor is He a “Christian” Savior. No, He is Messiah to all who accept Him, as such. Many Jews in His day were expecting this “Rambo” type to deliver them from the Roman bondage they were under. The very ones, you would think, that would have embraced Him, rejected Him.

The Messianic Jew movement today, however, is spreading all over the world. Countless Jews have risked being ostracized by their family and friends who think the resurrection of Christ is a lie and have been taught to reject the notion that Jesus (Yeshua) is Messiah (Christ/Lord). These remnant Jews have now indeed, “seen the light of the glorious Gospel” as true and have said, “I now believe…You are my deliverer, as prophesied.” Many have elevated their upbringing, teachings by religious leaders, opinions or “traditions” above Scripture. If you are a Jew, Muslim, agnostic or any other “seeker,” consider these words:

John 15:22 (Jesus speaking) If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates my Father as well.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart: and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

John 6:65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

What Jesus did on the cross is called “the great exchange.” You give him your sins by way of invitation and confessing Him as Lord, and He in turn gives you His righteousness. As Peter so accurately stated, He does have the words of eternal life. Something no other person has—living or dead. Look at what is said about His name:

Philippians 2:9 God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

One day you’ll meet Jesus, face to face—either as Lord or as Judge. You, me and every human that’s ever lived will bow before Him, some with joy knowing they accepted Him “in time” and others with great regret, knowing they had the opportunity to accept Him before their time was up and is now too late. That’s a sad day.

10 Surrendering and Pushing “Reset”

If you are now sensing that it’s “your time” because you feel the Spirit of God “nudging you” in your valley of decision, take this moment and seal your destiny and say “Yes Lord…come in.”

I’ll always depend on Jesus to free me up because I can’t free myself. I’ve heard some say: “Before you get saved you are a sinner by nature—after you’re saved, if you sin, you do it by habit.” Well, I’m not quite there yet, personally. For me, it’s not if I sin, it’s when. I have gone days sometimes without “sinning” when I’m really pressing in and seeking the Lord but sooner or later, I’ll blow it. Pride, selﬁ shness, etc. Yes, I sin periodically. At that point, I simply say, “Sorry, Lord. Forgive me.” (To say our “sin nature” is gone, is error)

Because I love and follow Jesus, I won’t “stay” in sin, however. When I blow it, I confess it. When I confess it, I’m clean again. He’s always faithful to free me from it and encourage me to get back on my feet.

Psalms 32:5 (King David speaking) I acknowledged my sin to You, and I have not hid my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. iniquity—5771. ‘avon, aw-vone’; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:—fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment, guilt.

When you know you have unconfessed sin in your life and you’re not right with your Maker, you feel “guilty” and the “perversity” of your secret sins, remain. David was wise in “admitting his guilt.”

After you’ve been forgiven, you’ll feel “clean” and you’ll want to witness to others of how wonderful the Lord is. People who have been forgiven much will love much. (Luke 7:47) We’re called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” That is our responsibility as a disciple. If you’re going to follow Jesus, you must share His love with a hurting world. The best way of doing this is “invitational witnessing” not “confrontational.” You’re explaining to them about the “Great exchange.” Your sins for His righteousness. Your past for His eternity. Your fears for His assurance. Your carnality for His holiness. I try to share it wisely, as well as, often.

The earth is ﬁ lled with violence, people hurt and life can be hard. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrated how we are to be when confronted with someone suffering. It was about a man who got mugged and was left for dead. Two people walked right by him, either not caring or not wanting to get involved. They were “religious leaders.” (It’s a very sad commentary on what we haven’t done)

Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

A third person saw this person and went WAY out his way to help him. He put his agenda on the back burner. He didn’t just throw a $20 bill at him and say “God loves ‘ya, brother.” No, he bandaged him up, brought him to a hotel in his own vehicle and paid all the bills. It is the classic parable about “Who is my neighbor?” So acting “religious” isn’t where it’s at. Instead be kind and show your love in action—just like God did for you. Being “born again”—receiving eternal life—is where you start.

Remember, “It’s a do over.” You can do this “do over” at home, work, the golf course, wherever, when you sense it’s your time. The real deal starts with saying “yes” to Jesus and pushing “reset.” That’s

11 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101) where the adventure and ride begins. If that’s where it all ended, we’d all go right to heaven. There’s more about the real deal…much more.

“JESUS AND NICODEMUS” by Harry Antis www.christiancameos.com (734) 769-3660 © Sandra Antis

12 Chapter Two

REMODELING

(Renewing the mind)

“As someone thinks in their heart, so are they.” (Proverbs 23:7)

I think it’s fair to say we all have had some kind of “baggage” in our lives at one time or another. “Baggage,” being today’s vernacular for “Issues,” “Weights,” “Garbage from the past,” “Old tapes,” “Dysfunction,” etc. We all deal with it, some better than others.

Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30) Too many people have that backward. They ﬁ gure if they’re going to be in God’s will, they’ll have to be loaded down, stressed to the max, burned out, fried, overworked, over serving, sick and broke. That’s the kind of “baggage” that causes addictions and ruins families. The remedy? Besides prayer, we all need to “renew our minds.” By unlearning some lies we heard (the trash we may have been taught or shown), extracting and keeping the good stuff (anything of value), and then learning, embracing and acting on the truth. (God’s thoughts) That’s when the freedom begins and the victories come.

A yoke is a basically a “coupling” that is put on the back of two oxen plowing a fi eld. It’s a “harness” that allows a joint effort to be accomplished. In the case of Matthew 11:30, it’s a joint effort with Jesus. A burden is the task He gives you. You will be well qualifi ed for that burden and it won’t be too heavy for you. The yoke won’t wear you out—physically or mentally, if it’s His. You won’t be satisfi ed until you get at it, trust me, and you won’t discover this “assignment” until you seek Him on it. (Matthew 6:33)

Let’s address the authority of scripture for a bit with this “renewing the mind” topic.

I’ve heard many say, “I don’t trust the Bible. I’m really not so sure it’s reliable. Isn’t it full of mistakes and contradictions?”

I’ve heard that a lot. The Bible talks of itself along these lines:

Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. (In other words, it shows you the way. It’s a map—a guide)

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (This caution is for all of us)

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (Notice it’s all scripture, not some)

The Bible was written by the Spirit of God through numerous “scribes.” They simply put down what He said to put down. However, not all statements made are statements by God. For example, when Job

13 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101) said “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.” That was spoken but is was said by Job, not God. If Job would have had a better clue, he would have known that the Lord gives and Satan takes away. (God “permitted” Satan to strike)

Scripture, what’s known as “the canon”—writings consistent with divine inspiration—was penned by dozens of “authors” of various backgrounds, over centuries of time. It stands on its own merits. It has been a source of constant attack and yet remains intact and ever changes lives. It cannot be destroyed, only misinterpreted. Want to know what several “heavyweights” have said about the Bible?

George Washington—“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

Abraham Lincoln—“I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”

Andrew Jackson—“That book, sir, is the rock on what our republic rests.” Woodrow Wilson—“When you have the read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.”

Although countless numbers of people have tried to “disprove” or “malign” the authenticity of the Bible, no one has succeeded.

The Sunday pundits, Geraldo, Larry King and prime time magazine shows are all quite focused lately on “end times” prophecies, rightfully so. All prophecies recorded in the Bible that have taken place, were all predicted accurately, with some still to happen, right on schedule. Prophetic accuracy is indeed one of the most effective witnesses of the reality of God, His plan for mankind and the infallibility of the Bible.

Have you read the book, “Storm Warning” by Billy Graham yet? Read that book and then read Matthew 24, as well as, Revelation chapters, 17-22, for an accurate picture of the next season of time and events. There are some things that will take place on Planet Earth, that has all been carefully documented, thousands of years ago.

I’m not a mathematician, I’m a minister. But I do know something about “odds.” The odds based on the law of probability with respect to all prophecies in the Bible being accurate is simply off the charts. No one would ever lay down their life for a book of untruths. The persecution of Christians in the form of martyrs, torture and prison, all stand as a testimony that the Bible is divine and true. So, because the Bible is God’s word, you can trust it. It has volumes to say about thinking, thoughts, the mind, reasoning, rationalizing, evaluating and understanding.

The ﬁ rst and foremost scripture that comes to me is Isaiah 55:8. God speaking, He says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts.” (That may be a new revelation for some—that God is God, He thinks perfectly and we’ve got a long way to go before we think like Him) That’s why most of us get into the jams that we do because most of us don’t know His thoughts, therefore we’re not thinking His thoughts, which means we can’t act on His thoughts.

The one thing that needs to be settled right now is God is for you. He loves you, (John 3:16) is praying for you, (Romans 8:34) and desires nothing but good things in your life.

14 Remodeling

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Doesn’t sound like a mean and cruel dictator to me. (I realize that many can’t relate to God as a “loving Father” because sadly, they had a poor example of one) He wants you to come “conﬁ dently” to Him.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In Luke 15:20, the parable of the prodigal son, the Bible says that God runs to those who acknowledge their wrongs and want to come back to Him. They don’t get the boot—they get a hug and a kiss. That is God’s nature—love. If you’ve been taught otherwise, you’ve been mistaught. You’ve gotten the “false” deal, not the real deal.

“Where is this God?,” you say. Two verses later in Jeremiah 29, it tells you. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Bold mine)

So, do you think you can fi nd God? Well, He just said if you’ll dig in with all your heart, you’ll fi nd Him—guaranteed. The qualifi er is all your heart. As in 100%—everything—all the marbles—the whole shebang—focused intent—diligent quest—determined pursuit, no matter the cost. It is a commitment. (Too many have given Him 50% and then quit the quest prematurely) Jesus talked about these people in the parable of the sower…

Mark 4:5 “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word but the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word and it becomes unfruitful.” (bold mine)

There comes a time in every persons life who receives Jesus as Lord, when they must change their thinking or suffer the consequences. (You really do reap what you sow) The apostle Paul—the one whom the Holy Spirit chose to pen most of the New Testament—said it like this: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, (grew up/matured) I put away childish things.”

Thinking you’re stupid, inadequate, unworthy, crazy, the scum of the earth, no good, unforgivable, and the like, are “childish things.” Similarly, thinking you don’t need forgiveness and are just ﬁ ne without any Divine intervention, if there is such a thing, these are “childish things” you need to put away. First of all, they’re not true, and secondly, they’re destructive thoughts that will eventually be your downfall, if not eliminated from your thought process.

Let me talk about how the devil works most effectively.

Satan—the one you may think or have been told doesn’t exist—is a master deceiver—it’s his “gig.” He always has been and will continue to be, if you let him. Along with his demons, he can come to you as an “angel of light.” They look good, sound “religious,” even appear Godly but they are capable of powerful devastation. (II Cor. 11:14)

First and foremost, the devil will always challenge God’s word in your life. Usually, he is very subtle. (I worked with my kids in this area—teaching them to know the difference between God’s voice, the

15 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

enemy’s voice and their own thoughts.) Satan and his cohorts will try to intimidate you one of two ways:

#1) By being loud: “…the devil roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8) Roaring lions are loud.

#2) By whispering suggestions to you: if he knows you know God’s word—because the Bible says that God speaks in a “still, small voice” (I Kings 19:12) he’ll try to fake you out into thinking it’s God talking to you. Satan knows scripture better than most of us and will use 90% truth to pull you into his agenda and then twist it with 10% lies to confuse, scare, oppress and/or inﬂ uence you through your thinking—your mind—your reasoning—your logic. (Terroristic propaganda)

It’s called “spiritual warfare.” You could call it “psychological warfare.”

Although Satan was defeated by Jesus on the cross and made a public spectacle of in hell, in front of all demons during his three days in the “lower parts of the earth” (Colossians 2:15), he still is “at large,” so to speak, is the “god of this age” (time period) and consequently is still capable of some great damage (John 10:10), if not dealt with. Don’t arrogantly deal with him without the Lord and certainly don’t underestimate his craftiness. Don’t fear him but don’t ignore him.

Let’s compare a couple of scriptures that when studied out—which the Bible tells us to do—(II Timothy 2:15) you’ll see the truth regarding thoughts and “renewing the mind” more clearly. They are II Corinthians 2:11 and II Corinthians 10:4.

II Corinthians 2:11 says “…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

II Corinthians 10:4 says “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into the captivity to the obedience of Christ…”

The thing I want to point out is that the words that I emphasized—devices and thought—in the Greek, are the same word, noema.

Let’s “chop wood” on that word, noema. (Chop wood is the expression we used in the music business for getting the gloves on, spitting a few times and swinging the ax—getting down to the work part)

Noema (#3540 in Strong’s Concordance) according to Vine’s Expository dictionary denotes an understanding thus a purpose or device, that which is thought out in the mind.

So, here’s the real deal on II Corinthians 2:11 (my translation) “for we are not ignorant of Satan’s thoughts, ideas, schemes, reasonings, mind-sets, persuasions or slants that don’t line up with the Bible— even if they sound good, “religious” or even Godly—otherwise he’ll get the upper hand in your life.” Hope I didn’t offend you King James purists but that really is a better rendering of the original scripture. When we’re ignorant of Satan’s devices i.e. “thoughts,” he gets an open door—an advantage. Like in boxing, you have to keep your guard up.

You can always “locate” people with their words and actions, isn’t that right? Well, generally, people— even believers—aren’t going to act on something or say something unless they believe what they’re

16 Remodeling doing is right or appropriate. Well, what is a belief? It’s something you’ve thought about and come to the conclusion (something you’ve fi nalized in your reasoning process) that it is accurate and valid. Satan knows all about “beliefs.” (Why do you think there are so many “world religions and denominations” around? Satan is into war and strife) That is the chief reason why his strategy is messing with your head. If he can get you to swallow his infl uence via suggestions—the ultimate sucker punch—well, “Down goes Frasier.” (I suppose I should explain that. It’s a Howard Cosell comment from a boxing match between George Foreman and Joe Frasier in one of the most memorable championship fi ghts)

Lets touch on strongholds (II Cor.10:4) for a minute. The word “stronghold” in the Greek is ochuroma, (#3794 Strong’s Concordance) which simply means, a fortress. It is used, however, in II Cor. 10:4 as a metaphor—a word or phrase attached to something else as a comparison not used literally i.e. “a mighty fortress is our God.” Well, in the case of II Cor. 10:4, a stronghold is something we’ve erected in our thinking that is a fortress against God’s word.

In America, we have a phrase, “Your wall’s up,” meaning someone’s guarded or not open to input, instruction or direction. Similarly, a stronghold is a wall or fortress in your mind that needs to be dismantled—brick by brick or with Holy Spirit C4. (an explosive) It’s what some call, “stinkin’ thinkin’.”

In verse 5 of II Corinthians the word arguments or imaginations, as the King James puts it, is the Greek word, logismos (#3053 Strong’s Concordance) which means a computation, reasoning, conscience or thought. Again, it’s all in the mind. We are to cast down (to lower, to demolish, to take down, destroy) these arguments which are usually Satan’s inﬂ uence or traditions of men which makes the Word of God in our life of no value (Matthew 15:6). It’s no game, friend. How did Jesus Himself thwart off Satan’s twisting of Scripture during his attempt to dupe Him? Jesus knew the Word—from cover to cover.

Jesus knew He could defeat Satan therefore He had the conﬁ dence, via this knowledge, to do so. Remember, it’s not the truth that sets you free—it is the truth you know (John 8:32) and the truth you practice/do. (Luke 10:28)

So, what’s the real deal regarding renewing your mind?

Read your Bible. I’ve got many different translations. Remember it’s not the translation that’s inspired by God but the original texts. Although paraphrased translations like the Living Bible and the Message are easy to understand, they are not literal. Often times they are much easier to understand and therefore easier to apply, however. The main Bible I read is the New King James and the Bible I study from is the King James because it’s what James Strong used for references and keyed numbers in his lifelong work, the exhaustive concordance. I also use Quickverse Bible software on my computer.

Study your Bible. Use the Strong’s Concordance and a Vine’s Expository dictionary. Dig in, coffee up and chop wood. Burn the midnight oil. It is only through the renewing process that I have come to understand to a greater degree, who I am in relation to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I’ve come to ﬁ nd out that they’re crazy about you and me. It’s because they love me that I want to study His word, then teach others.

Meditate and pray. Think about what you’ve read. Mull it over in your mind and talk to Him with the intent of being teachable. Prayer shouldn’t be your monologue or laundry list of desired things. It’s a dialogue. It’s intimate. If you can actually get quiet for a moment in your chaotic, hectic, gotta go American lifestyle, guess what? The Lord of all Creation will speak to you. Turn off the world, the

17 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101) checkbook, the kids, the ironing, the shopping, the TV, the cares of this life for awhile and just listen. He’ll talk—He likes too. How do you develop relationships with others? You talk and then you listen, right?

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)

Again, let your ﬁ nal determination in what you think, all you say and everything you do, be based on this: “What does the Word say?” Trust the Lord by reading the Bible—His word—to change you.

That’s the real deal about renewing the mind. You don’t throw your mind away when you’re following Jesus, you know like…“Oh brother, you just gotta let the Spirit take you away and forget what you think.”

Well, yes and no. Be led by the Spirit, yes, but by using your mind in conjunction with your spirit, that’s what gives you harmony with God.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (ﬁ xed/focused) on You: because he trusts in You.

Keep your brain working, please. There’s already too many nuts, fruits and ﬂ akes out there supposedly guiding people to a “higher” place who say it’s all about the ethereal experiences.

Don’t “lean” on your own understanding as Proverbs 3:5 says but keep pressing in to the things of God by using it.

Read…study…pray. Read…study…pray. Read…study…pray. Read…study…pray. Read…study…pray. Read…study…pray.

18 Chapter Three

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE

(Finding a “perfect” church)

Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.” (The Living Bible)

Church “attendance” was never really a priority for me, as you could surmize from my pictures as a kid. It really wasn’t until Denise and I made a serious commitment to our walk with God in 1989, that we made fellowshipping and worshipping with others, a regular practice. In the renewing process, I discovered I needed to plug in with other believers. It’s what keeps us accountable and spiritually “sharp.”

So why is ﬁ nding a “perfect” church impossible? Because people run them, plain and simple. And as long as humans run them there will be imperfection—that’s the real deal. I should know, I’m a minister and I’ve got plenty of imperfections. In this chapter, I’ll speak from a “church attender” perspective, as well as, from a minister’s viewpoint on “church matters,” from an insider’s perspective.

As I said earlier, I was raised in the Presbyterian ﬂ ow which consisted of three hymns from the mid 1800’s sung by people ‘40 something’, a handful of announcements including the church picnic and car wash fund raising drive, topped off with 15 minutes of keys to insightful living in the suburbs from Readers Digest. An average Sunday service.

As cynical as that sounds from my ten year old perspective, it really isn’t all that far off from what a majority of churches implement today. It’s a far cry from “the Great Commission.” Somehow, American churches have come up with idea that “programs” are what they need to focus on. Programs that are geared towards their “members” and rarely associate with “sinners.” That’s just the opposite of “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” So, when I experimented with church hopping in college and my early twenties after graduating, I was very guarded and critical with what I was seeing in the main line denominations—Lutheran, Catholic, United Methodist, Episcopalian and Presbyterian, to name a few.

I witnessed a lot of ritual, pomp, tradition and liturgy—I was looking for the real deal. I was looking for a preacher with the passion and unwavering message of Billy Graham, a praise and worship team that stimulated me musically but more importantly brought me to a place where I’d forget about my challenges for awhile and just focus on the Lord, followed by fellowship after the service where people shook your hand and gave you a hug—the “welcome” deal—and just plain love on ‘ya. (Remember— love is a verb) I was striking out in those attempts and therefore I deemed church attendance as a non- essential. (Just where the devil wanted me—uncommitted, hurt and complacent)

Well, then in 1989, Denise and I came to the conclusion that God was serious about having an impact in our lives and our marriage and that we really should reciprocate. It wasn’t a duty thing i.e. “I have to….” No, it was “He deserves a lot better than what we’ve been doing.”

19 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

With Denise’s Lutheran background and my Presbyterian background, we both knew we wanted something “more”—both for us and for the kids. We had heard of a church in Minneapolis that met in the old Robbinsdale high school, next to our home, so we thought we’d try that. Wow, what a difference!

It was called Church of the Open Door. The pastor, Dave Johnson, was an awesome teacher and orator. (He is one of the many “voices” on the radio, that I’ll give time to) We were looking for, and needed, exciting and contemporary music, and we found it there—it was one of their main strengths. The fellowship afterward was very warm and inviting. We thought to ourselves, “Well, what do you know? Good churches are out there.” We’d discovered a church approach for us—relevant and appealing. As a minister, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dave Johnson and one of Open Door’s associate pastors, Jeff VanVonderen, for a book they wrote. Having been in ministry a long time—since 1995—I’ve observed way too much discreet manipulation and/or control by ministry folk. They wrote the “text book” on this false authority problem called, “The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse.” (I consider it required reading for those in ministry) Thank you, gentlemen.

We didn’t sense, however, that Open Door was to be our church “home” at that time in our walk in 1989, so we then found ourselves checking out another non-denominational church, located in the Twin Cities. It was a charismatic church—something foreign to us. People were raising their hands while singing and worshipping. Some people spoke in tongues. My ﬁ rst thought was “Honey, let’s sneak out the back—no one will notice” but I knew God had a plan for us there.

So we continued to go and we soon knew that it would be home for a season. (Three years) The music was alive, technically proﬁ cient and ﬁ lled with joy. We could hardly believe it, it was so powerful. The pastor on Sunday nights was a very insightful, funny, articulate and most importantly, approachable man of God. He turned out to be our pastor for that season. He was such a major change from the traditional, “robed,” shake your hand on the way out but “don’t call me during the week” type, that we couldn’t believe we’d stayed away from church as long as we had—if this was the way church was supposed to be. We just didn’t know what was out there.

The “local congregation,” “house church” or “fellowship gathering” you attend, is a place where you are to be “equipped” for your Christian walk. (Ephesians 4:12) It is supplemental to your own reading, studying, meditating and praying not a replacement. It is to be a “safe place.” Nobody should be murmuring, complaining or backbiting. (Phillipians 2:14) It should be a place for encouragement and direction by speaking the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15) And the leader(s) will never control you. (I Peter 5:3) The mark of a ministry or church that you should avoid is a tone of dictation, performance or “law.”

But again, the “perfect” church won’t exist as long as people run things. Almost every “gathering,” you have an opportunity to walk in love, be patient, overlook people’s shortcomings and attitudes but you also have an opportunity to get ticked off, hurt, offended, disappointed or critical, around every corner. (Not getting offended is a sign of true Christian maturity that not enough believers walk in or demonstrate)

Forgiveness is not optional for the disciple. Jesus said, “If you have anything against anyone, forgive them, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you, your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)

If you get “stung” or have been “stung” at church, you gotta let it go. You don’t have to stick around but you do have to “release” the offense to the Lord. If the situation is something you can’t submit to or you know to be contrary to the Word, move on—diplomatically and graciously and don’t complain

20 Mission: Impossible about it or them. You “vote with your feet,” as my brother-in-law would say. Been there—done that, a few times.

Everyone should have regular fellowship for their own spiritual safety, nourishment and accountability. A trusted mentor/shepherd is a wonderful blessing in your discipling. It’ll be a good ﬁ t and you’ll know it. If God is being allowed to do His work in a church gathering/fellowship, issues like control, manipulation, power trips and the like, will be addressed and managed.

The next season in our walk (1992) found us attending and hooking up with another charismatic, non- denominational, Bible believing, mega church. It is a very well oiled machine. The preaching and teaching under the leadership of the pastor is top notch, for the most part. He’s got some “issues” that are obviously close to his heart that he shares from time to time that are more opinion than “Word” but what else is new—we’ve all got those. Right? (I’ve got mine and you’ve got yours)

Even if the music ministry wasn’t as good as it is, or if the youth and children’s ministries weren’t as effective as they are, or the number of opportunities for service and/or fellowship weren’t as vast as they are, or if thousands didn’t get saved through their evangelism outreach, as they do, many would still be drawn to this pastor’s strong command of the Word with his practical applications to every day life.

Is it a perfect church? Of course not. The pastor would admit that. Addressing the needs of 5000+ people is not an easy task. As I said, this church, overall, demonstrates a spirit of excellence for other large/ mega churches to shoot for, if that’s their calling. (They look through a “glass darkly” and are growing in grace, like everyone) For that time in our life, the pastor and his wife helped us a lot.

I’ve been seeing a desire by many to be part of something smaller and more intimate within the last 3 or 4 years. The only way for those attending mega churches to ﬁ nd that intimacy is to plug into a “small group ministry,” that’s a part of the church. The “house church” I pastor, offers that “living room” atmosphere that many ﬁ nd more comfortable, enjoyable, safe and relevant than the arenas.

Having been in full time ministry now over ten years, one of the things I’ve discovered is you can’t please everybody—100% of the time…

“…The pastor talks too long—we’ll never make the brunch buffet.” “…The sermons are too short—what are we paying him for?” “…The pastor preaches too loud—Can’t he just tone it down?!” “…The pastor is too laid back—Where’s the ﬁ re of God in his life?” “…The pastor talks too much about money—What’s up with that?” “…The praise team is so blaring—I’m buying earplugs!” “…I don’t know any of these songs!!!—Where are my hymns?!” “…I don’t know any of these hymns!!!Where are my choruses?!” “…The singers can’t be heard—those drums have to go.” “…The singers are drowning out the band—That sound guy has to go.” “…The praise & worship is way too long/ way too short/ way too…” “…No one talks to me—I thought this church cared?” “…Everyone talks to me—I want to be unnoticed.” “…The staff never returns my calls—what’s the deal? How rude…” “…Have you seen the pastor’s car? So, that’s where it goes.” “…The skirts on those girl singers are way to short—why they’re not even covering their knees.”

21 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Sound familiar? Everybody’s got an opinion, that’s for sure. I realize I’m stepping on some toes here and hitting a “religious” nerve. In the account of Jesus clearing the temple, he yelled, used a whip of cords, and threw people out of church. (John 2:15) God gets mad and isn’t always ‘nice.’

As a pastor who leads congregations in worship, let me talk about music, speciﬁ cally what’s commonly called “Praise and worship.”

I do some itinerant outreach with others ministries. I can’t stress enough the importance of having “anointed”(equipped), technically proﬁ cient and Spirit led praise and worship. (A quick point: worship shouldn’t be thought of as a musical “format”—it’s a way to show Jesus, you’re grateful.) Music is not a warm up to the teaching/sermon/message—it’s crucial for preparing people’s hearts for the Word about to be preached, as well as, charges the atmosphere for the prophetic. Any good pastor knows that, will cultivate that and be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit wants to do with that particular gathering. “Agendas” have to take a back seat to the leading of the Lord, after all: we gather to worship.

To quote Plato, “Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” When instruments are played by world class musicians and sung by incredible singers, it’s a wonderful experience. That’s why national concerts by recording artists like Sting, Dave Matthews, Billy Joel, etc. are so appealing to millions: music is incredibly powerful. It touches us. I’m excited about all the professional musicians who are coming to know the Lord and are using theirs gifts to share their faith, both in and out of the “four walls of the church.”

There is a “shift” going on in the Christian community towards quality musicianship and an increase in freedom to worship the Lord with “a new song.” As much as our parents enjoyed hymns or Elim choruses, there is a new focus which includes a variety of musical styles, including funk, R & B, rock, country and pop, as well as, instruments that facilitate this new liberty including keyboards, saxophone, guitars and yes, drums…

Psalms 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.

Ever tried to dance without a drummer and keep the rhythm? (It’s tough enough for some to keep the groove going with a drummer—Ouch. Sorry but those are the facts) Many are not ready for this “shift” nor do they wish to embrace it. They want it “familiar” and usually quieter (Volume is subjective. “Too soft” or “Too loud” is a matter of taste) yet the Bible says the following about praising the Lord of creation in worship and times of triumph.

Psalms 33:2 Praise the Lord with the harp…Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. loud noise—8643. teruw’ah, ter-oo-aw’; from H7321; clamor, i.e. acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarm, blowing of the trumpets, joy, jubilee, loud noise, rejoicing, shouting, (high, joyful sounding).(bold mine—I’m making a point)

Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. loud noise—6476. patsach, paw-tsakh’; a prim. root; to break out (in joyful sound):—break (forth, forth into joy), make a loud noise.

22 Mission: Impossible

Psalms 150:5 Praise Him on the loud cymbals: praise Him on the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. high sounding—8643. teruw’ah, ter-oo-aw’; from H7321; clamor, i.e. acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarm, blowing of the trumpets, joy, jubilee, loud noise, rejoicing, shouting, (high, joyful sounding).

Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in You rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them: let them also that love Your name be joyful in You.

Psalms 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice you righteous: and shout for joy, all you that are upright in heart. shout—7442. ranan, raw-nan’; a prim. root; prop. to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy):—aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful, (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph.

Psalms 47:1 To the chief Musician, O clap your hands, all you people; shout to God with the voice of triumph. shout—7321. ruwa’, roo-ah’; a prim. root; to mar (espec. by breaking); ﬁ g. to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy):—blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph.

II Chronicles 30: 21… “and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.” loud—5797. ‘oz, oze; or (fully) ‘owz, oze; from H5810; strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise):—boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong.

As a pastor, music minister and worship leader, I’m certainly sensitive to the “requests” of people in a ﬂ ock with regards to song selections and a volume that’s not causing any ear damage. However, when I sense the Spirit wanting me to go in the direction of shouting for joy, praising Him loudly and “taking the lid off” by encouraging His people to dance, sing loudly, raising their hands, clapping and getting set free, that’s what I have to do. (FYI: “Praise songs are about Him. “Worship” songs are to Him)

I have to obey Him, not those who want it “contained” and “suppressed.” Some just want to control others getting free. From my experiences, they’re usually people with a “religious” old tape playing and have a tendency to grumble, which the Bible says is off limits:

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and complaining.

Those who have the revelation on all that Jesus has delivered us from, speak of Him boldly to others and worship Him freely, without restraints or the “fear of man” in their life. That’s the goal: freedom. Let me ask you something. When you’re at a sports event and your home team is winning, don’t you shout, as a fan i.e. “fanatic?” Sure you do. That should be the lifestyle of all who call themselves “followers of Jesus.” Not weirdos but “fans.” The main point on praising the Lord, music styles, volume, freedom, etc. is this: Remember all that Jesus has done for you while you worship.

John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.

23 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Look at that word in the Greek…

worship—4352. proskuneo, pros-koo-neh’-o (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (lit. or ﬁ g.) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):—worship.

“To kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand.” If that doesn’t paint the picture of how we should be with Jesus, nothing will.

I remember being in a prayer group recently and while we were praying, a friend of mine started laughing and started singing, “Flintstones…meet the Flintstones.” Then later, Dino came up. (You know…from the cartoon) Remember Dino, Fred Flintstones dinosaur i.e. his “dog?” When Fred would come home from work, Dino would ﬂ y out of the house, down the sidewalk and leap on him and lick his face because he was so happy to see him. Dino “worshipped” Fred.

I know this is not a theological, seminary approach to Biblical truths but I like it and after all, I’m called to a different kind of personality, as a minister.

John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

“Other sheep”…that’s who I’m called to minister to. The ones who probably won’t ever go to a “formal” church. In Bible College, a book that was required reading was “Inside the mind of unchurched Harry and Mary” by Lee Strobel. It talked about all the different reasons—many valid—why people don’t go to church. We’re to reach out to them not condemn that as “heathens,” after all, He loves them too.

One particular group that I’m commissioned to in the form of “outreach” are professional musicians because that’s what my vocation was for 25 years. Trust me, they are deﬁ nitely, “other sheep.” They’re very creative, sometimes temperamental, highly sensitive, meticulous, dedicated and driven. I like musicians.

So, the question with regards to “worship,” is this:

Do you have the freedom to worship the Lord, individually? Yes and amen, you sure do. You go right ahead and worship God your way and your style, you have the “liberty” or freedom, to do so. Lift your hands if you want, don’t lift your hands if you want. Dance or don’t dance. Shout or don’t shout. Laugh or cry. There are no rules to praising and worshipping God.

That’s the whole point about liberty:

2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. liberty—1657. eleutheria, el-yoo-ther-ee’ah; from G1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chieﬂ y mor. or cer.):—liberty.

Be sensitive to others who are worshipping “quietly.” Don’t draw attention to yourself by singing too loud. Doing the “funky chicken dance” is cool, if Spirit led, just don’t become a spectacle. You have freedom but use some common courtesy and be considerate of others, knowing that everyone worships Jesus uniquely: Some are wild and others are still. Some are joyful and some weep.

24 Mission: Impossible

Now then, when I say that you’ve got “freedom,” I don’t mean you ladies should be doing some little erotic, sultry dance number, up near the pulpit that’s making the guys in front starting to squirm in their seats and reach for a handkerchief to wipe their foreheads off because you’re making them, shall we say, “a little hot and bothered.” At that point, you’ve gone way past “Holy Spirit freedom.” You’re no longer “worshipping:” now you’re “enticing,” out of the Spirit and into the ﬂ esh. I’ve seen this at some ministry meetings and it’s not good nor is it the Spirit of God. It’s carnality—you know “Basic Instincts”—and brings distraction, confusion and possible lust. Modesty is better.

O.K. back to “Mission: Impossible”…Being a minister isn’t an easy task. Granted, ministers and ministries are surely ﬂ awed but the best way to implement change in your church, should you feel an area needs shoring up, is not to gripe or “murmur,” a natural human trait.

Any good counselor, worth their salt, would say, “Communication is the answer. It’s the key.” My experiences tells me that the communication problems are larger at the mega churches just by virtue of the “numbers”—the amount of people and responsibilities serving those people. Communication problems do exist and do need to be addressed. Hopefully, for the sake of the unchurched coming in each day looking for answers, these “problems” should be handled as “damage control.” Good ministers, like any mature person, will listen and make time for people. Again, that’s what ministers do: they serve. If ministry leaders are too busy for people, they’re too busy.

That’s one of the main reasons why the Bible tells us not to put novices (inexperienced, non-proven pups) in the driver seat i.e. leadership positions. They must ﬁ rst be tested and “proven.” (I Timothy 3: 6-10) The criteria is speciﬁ c and strict, especially for the overseer/pastor of the church. Let’s look at that criteria real quick:

I Timothy 3:2—“A bishop (overseer, pastor, shepherd, elder) must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, patient, not a brawler, not covetous, rules his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity, for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?, not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil, having a good report from those who are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (King James Version)

Not exactly like the job description for working the day shift at McDonald’s. No, they are tough qualiﬁ cations. As you study each one of these qualiﬁ cations out you get a whole new appreciation for what married men are expected to do and to be. (Men and women are equal in God’s eyes yet their “roles” are distinct. More on that later in this chapter)

1.) blameless: #483 (Strong’s Concordance) antilego—without reproach, speak against someone, no accusations

2.) husband of one wife: #435 (Strong’s Concordance) aner—a man #3391 mia—one #1135 gune—a woman

*the context here culturally, by the way, is not a man who has been previously married or divorced but rather one who is not a bigamist.*

25 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

3.) vigilant: #3524 (Strong’s Concordance) nephaleous—circumspect, cautious, discreet, prudent, watchful, temperate, moderate, extreme or excessive.

4.) sober: #4998 (Strong’s Concordance) sophron—sound in mind, self-controlled.

5.) good behavior: #2570 (Strong’s concordance) kalos—good, honest, worthy #2887 (Strong’s Concordance) kosmious—orderly, good behavior

6.) given to hospitality: #5382 (Strong’s concordance) philoxenos—fond of guests, hospitable

7.) apt to teach: #1317 (Strong’s Concordance) didaktikos—instructive

8.) Not given to wine: #3943 (Strong’s Concordance) paroinos—staying near wine, a toper, (hard drinker) chronic. *While someone will never have a drinking problem if they practice abstinence—which is, of course, the safest route—the Bible teaches moderation and temperance regarding the use of alcohol. Nor do you want to cause your brother or sister to fall into an addiction or “stumble” by what you do. Two laws here: the law of liberty and the law of love. See Ch. 10 (The “wine” question…)

9.) no striker: #4131 (Strong’s Concordance) plektes—pugnacious, inclined to ﬁ ght or quarrel, argumentative, contentious, smiter, to hit or injure

10.) not greedy of filthy lucre: #866 (Strong’s concordance) aphilarguras—unavaricious, not covetous #146 (Strong’s Concordance) aischrokerdes—sordid, vile, morally dirty

11.) patient: #1933 (Strong’s Concordance) epieikes—appropriate, mild, gentle

12.) not a brawler: #269 (Strong’s Concordance) amachos—peaceable

13.) not covetous: #866 (Strong’s concordance) aphilarguros—not covetous

14.) rules well his own house having his children in subjection with all gravity. (All from Strong’s concordance)

rules #4292 proistemi—to maintain, to provide well #2573 kalos—good, honest, well

26 Mission: Impossible own #2398 idios—one’s own, private, home house #3624 oikos—a dwelling, family, household children #5043 teknon—child, daughter, son subjection #5292 hupotage—subordination gravity #4587 semnotes—commanding respect

15.) not a novice: #3504 (Strong’s concordance) neophutos—newly planted, young convert, inexperienced

16.) having a good report from those who are without: good #2570 (Strong’s concordance) kalos—good report #3141 (Strong’s concordance) marturia—record, testimony, witness without #1855 (Strong’s concordance) exothen—external, from outside the body of Christ

Sixteen characteristics that every “bishop” (overseer, pastor, shepherd, elder) must have. My advice to you if you see your pastor lacking in these areas: Pray for him. He’s got an important job and if he’s a good one, he knows it and takes it very seriously. If you need to talk with him, schedule a one on one meeting. If his schedule doesn’t immediately permit them to get together with you personally, please do him—and you—a favor by sitting down and writing him a letter addressing your concerns in a spirit of love and care. Trust God to change him because only He can. If immediate results don’t ensue, let patience have its perfect work in you. Please don’t kvetch—a Hebrew word for whining. Again… Phillipians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and complaining. murmurings—#1112 (Strong’s concordance) goggusmos, gong-goos-mos’: a grumbling:—grudging, murmuring, complaining. complaining—#1261 (Strong’s concordance) dialogismos, dee-al-og-is-mos’; discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by impl. purpose), or (external) debate

When you perceive your pastor is possibly missing it and “off” scripturally, he should be open to counsel—as I aspire to, as a pastor—and won’t argue or quarrel with you. Nor will he try to control or manipulate you, if he’s wise. In a spirit of unity, search out the scriptures together and then pray about it. If pastors and leaders don’t want to be foolish and if they want success in ministry, they’ll listen, humbly. I pray that I remain a good listener, all my life. My wife assists me with this area of ministry, wonderfully, as my “helper.”

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he who heeds counsel is wise.

Your pastor and your leaders are to shepherd you, help you, train you, correct you in love, nurture and serve you. The “true” ones won’t twist your arm or force you, in any way. If you can’t support what they’re doing, in good conscious, or you sense they are in error and unwillingly to listen, again: vote with your feet—leave quietly without slamming anyone but leave. Good leaders don’t or won’t control. By in large, that’s the earmark of a cult.

I Peter 5:3 Nor as being lords those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

27 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

The word lords in the Greek is katakurieuo. It means to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate:—exercise dominion over.

A red flag should go off when you see this excessive control going on.

I know of a situation where a pastor said he’s going to “mark” one of his Assoc. Pastors because he couldn’t nor wouldn’t allow poor ministry practices, mismanagement of money and naivete, to continue unchecked. The associate challenged the leader with “the Word” and demonstrated integrity. The pastor reacted in the ﬂ esh with the comment that he was going to “mark” this minister in every church he could. (Leadership through intimidation. Pride + insecurity)

First of all, when someone—including your “leader”—doesn’t obey scripture, you have to speak the truth in love and stand up to them. Again, lovingly but ﬁ rmly. (All was forgiven but the minister moved on)

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them.

Anything that goes against what you know to be a Bible truth, is error and needs to be addressed head on. That’s simply the Word at work.

Secondly, the word “mark” doesn’t mean you get on a phone, radio, TV, Internet or write newsletters and start maligning a brother or sister in Christ’s character or reputation. That’s slander and gossip. Seasoned shepherds know this. (When they’re young, pray for them)

mark—4648. skopeo, skop-eh’-o; consider, take heed, look at (on), mark. Basically, it means “take note of” and log it.

In other words, “Consider, scrutinize well and take a “mental note” of the person who you think is causing division or abusing scripture for their own gain, power and/or control and after you’ve done that: go out of your way to stay clear. (In that case, the pastor was in error)

avoid—1578. ekklino, ek-klee’-no; to deviate, i.e. (absol.) to shun (lit. or ﬁ g.), or (rel.) to decline (from piety):—avoid, go out of the way.

Often times in situations like these, even when there’s a “contention that is sharp” between two people (like Paul and Barnabas—Acts 15:39) God simply says “Separate from each other for the greater good. You’re right and so is he, in some areas. You’re wrong and so is he, in some areas. But unless they can walk in humility, lose their pride and unless you can support what’s being promoted; move on.”

Disagreements between friends, even ministers, will most deﬁ nitely happen. It happens in marriage and they have a covenant with each other. The contention thing does arise. I’ve had to thicken my skin a bit. I’m careful about the “I love you, man” line. Too many hurts.

Contention—3948. paroxusmos, par-ox-oos-mos’; dispute (in anger):—contention, provoke unto.

Finances are certainly one way of “controlling” friends, ﬂ ock and/or ministry staff, so I’d better talk about money for a minute. Here’s a little test that locates most people. O.K. ready? Fill in the blank…

28 Mission: Impossible

“Those preachers…all they want is your ______.” Sure, it’s “money.” A lot of people think that. So, allow me to address the issue of remuneration for ministers, for a minute. With all the TV evangelist snafus, as well as, centuries of misappropriation of funds, this is a subject that needs to be addressed, head on.

It is scriptural for those “called” to ministry to help you—and the ones “called” to assist the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher—to earn their “living” from their service to the Lord. I know, I know…there have been many abuses and extremes but it is God’s special provision—Jesus’ personal “arrangement”—for the called one.

I Cor. 9:14 Even so, the Lord has ordained that they which preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

The preaching of the gospel and all that encompasses that, is costly. Most good ministries, ministers and support staff, generally, across the board that I’ve seen are under-funded, stressed out and all too often discouraged because of the continual ﬁ nancial resource challenges. (It would be so much better if God’s people supported the “preaching” of the Gospel more. Less than 20% of Christians, tithe. Later on that)

Psalms 35:27 Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.

.pleasure—#2655 (Strong’s concordance) chaphets, khaw-fates’; from H2654; pleased with:—delight in, desire, favour, please, have pleasure .prosperity—#7965 (Strong’s concordance) shalowm, shaw-lome’; or shalom, shaw-lome’; from H7999; safe, i.e. (ﬁ g.) well, happy, friendly; also (abstr.) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

.all—#3956 (Strong’s concordance) pas, pas; includ. all the forms of declension; appar. a prim. word; all, any, every, the whole .prosper—#2137 (Strong’s concordance) euodoo, yoo-od-o’-o; from a comp. of G2095 and G3598; to help on the road, i.e. (pass.) succeed in reaching; ﬁ g. to succeed in business affairs.

God does indeed want to bless us in every area of life—spiritually, occupationally, maritally, sexually, good health, loyal friends and yes, ﬁ nancially. He will, if we’ll do it His way, which includes this:

1. Properly dissecting His holy written word

II Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2. Letting scripture, interpret scripture

II Corinthians 13:1 In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

3. Not replacing scripture with your own views, perspectives, slants or insights

Romans 12:16 Be not wise in your own opinion.

29 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

With regard to “ministers income,” there is a polarization of positions on the subject. As I’ve said before, everybody’s got an opinion to offer.

There’s no shortage of takes, perspectives or “revelations.”

From, “If you’re going to serve God, you must give up all material possessions and any thought of natural resources or provisions being supplied. Prepare to be ﬁ nancially strapped, as a lifestyle.” (The vow of poverty deal)

To the other extreme of “God says you’ll be ﬁ nancially blessed and have His best all the days of your life. You’ll be the head and not the tail…above and not beneath. The best cars, the best homes, the best watch, the best anything you’re believing for and “confessing.” No worries—no defeats. (The 100 fold “lottery” harvest, non-content deal) If you’re not experiencing this, you’re obviously not in faith, must be in sin and out of His will.” (This is “La La” land that resembles multi-level marketing more than Scripture)

Extremes and fads are taught all the time. We simply need the balance of Scripture. The Bible is quite clear about “prosperity,” even for those in “full time ministry.” That word “to prosper,” simply means “wherever you go, you’ll succeed.” You’ll have guaranteed challenges and resistance but ultimately, you’ll conquer them, as you run your own race. (Galatians 6:9)

It is a scriptural truth that you’ll reap if you don’t quit but along the way, I can assure you there will be many diffi culties with opportunities daily, to quit, especially when you’re doing something right. The devil will hit you from all angles. He’ll try to get you in pride, work on your fl esh, try to split your family and certainly, try to hinder your money fl ow. It is Biblical that God wants to “prosper” you. Know it. prosper—#2137 (Strong’s concordance) euodoo, yoo-od-o’-o; to help on the road, i.e. (pass.) succeed in reaching; fi g. to succeed in business affairs:—(have a) prosperous journey)

We need not guess about His will that He wants to “prosper” us—His word is His will. We need no additional “revelations,” “leadings of the Lord,” “personal prophecies” or “I gotta word for you.” No, the Holy Spirit, who wrote the Bible through men, always corroborates, validates and supports Himself. His mandate is clear, not ambiguous and is forever settled in Heaven.

Prophecies and words of knowledge are wonderful when they’re Spirit directed but far too many lives have been ruined due to an over zealous preacher needing to be in the spot light, trying to control a situation or ﬂ ock or looking for a quick buck. Be careful. These “words” must line up with the Bible and be a conﬁ rmation or directive that you KNOW is from the Lord. It won’t confuse you though it may challenge you. Chew on the “word” given, pray about it and seek the counsel of Godly people you know. True prophetic people have the heart of the Lord namely mercy over judgment.

Regarding “wages for ministers,” they aren’t “owed” or “entitled” them, like they’re doing God a favor or something. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18) God can do this ministry stuff without our help but He desires to use us, thankfully, and He will care for us in the process. We are partakers with Him. “Called” ministers don’t demand their pay or insist on their own way but as they depend on Him as their source, obey Him and trust His word with regards to their “needs” being met, He will bless them to be a help to others. He’ll reveal Himself to be very faithful, as you exercise patience.

Here’s the best scripture about “why” God blesses with money:

30 Mission: Impossible

Deut. 8:18 But you shall remember the Lord your God: for it is He that gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…

There it is, plain and simple. God blesses with money to get people saved and the Bible is clear, that people won’t believe i.e. “get saved,” unless they have a “sent preacher” and it takes money to send them.

Romans 10:14 How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?

See…scripture is so incredibly simple—we’ve complicated it. God wants “the message of the cross— the mission of the Messiah” to get out into the world. He does this by ﬁ nancially empowering those whom He can trust with money, to either “go” themselves and preach or to “send” the ones who have the call and passion to do so. Preachers need to be equipped with the right equipment, staff and resources to accomplish the task. As I’ve said, it’s “ordained” by God Almighty to do it this way.

I Corinthians 9:14 Even so the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

.ordained—#1299 (Strong’s concordance) diatasso, dee-at-as’-so; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (spec.) institute, prescribe, etc.—appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain.

.preach—#2605(Strong’s concordance) kataggello, kat-ang-gel’-lo; from G2596 and the base of G32; to proclaim, promulgate:—declare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.

.live—#2198(Strong’s concordance) zao, dzah’-o; a prim. verb; to live (lit. or ﬁ g.):—life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.

When the Lord of all creation has his personal “arrangement” for ministers—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers and their assistants—interrupted or under funded, the advancement of His Kingdom of God is greatly hindered. There is in scripture a special provision allocated for the “set apart one.” I believe that when provisions aren’t being met for those in ministry service, the church is “out of order.”

The Lord is a God of order.

I Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

.spiritual—#4152 (Strong’s concordance) pneumatics, pnyoo-mat-ik-os’; from G4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (demoniacally) a spirit (concr.), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious:—spiritual.

.carnal—#4559 (Strong’s concordance) sarkikos, sar-kee-kos’; from G4561; pertaining to ﬂ esh, i.e. (by extens.) bodily, temporal, or (by impl.) animal, unregenerate:—carnal, ﬂ eshly.

31 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

I Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his wages.

.elders—#4245 (Strong’s concordance) presbuteros, pres-boo’-ter-os; compar. of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; spec.an Isr. Sanhedrist (also ﬁ g. member of the celestial council) or Chr.“presbyter:”— elder (-est), old.

.rule—#4291 (Strong’s concordance) proistemi, pro-is’-tay-mee; from G4253 and G2476; to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by impl.) to practise:—maintain, be over, rule.

.counted worthy—#515 (Strong’s concordance) axioo, ax-ee-o’-o; to deem entitled or ﬁ t:—desire, think good, count (think) worthy.

.double—#1362 (Strong’s concordance) diplous, dip-looce’; from G1364 and (prob.) two-fold:—double, two-fold more.

.honor—#5092 (Strong’s concordance) time, tee-may’; from G5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concr. and collect.) valuables; by anal. esteem (espec. of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:—honour, precious, price, some.

.laborer—#2040 (Strong’s concordance) ergates, er-gat’-ace; from G2041; a toiler; ﬁ g. a teacher:— labourer, worker (-men).

.worthy—#514 (Strong’s concordance) axios, ax’-ee-os; deserving,—due reward, meet, (un-) worthy.

.wages—#3408 (Strong’s concordance) misthos, mis-thos’; appar. a prim. word; pay for service (lit. or ﬁ g.), good or bad:—hire, reward, wages.

Many leaders don’t keep their word. They’ll make commitments and promise salaries via verbal commitments, hand shakes or job description agreements, only to take a back seat to church expenses, repairs, upgrades or past debt, when a ﬁ nancial crunch hits. From my experience, I can tell you that’s not Godly and brings a reproach. Let’s look at “debt” for a minute…

In Romans 13:8 it says, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.

This word “owe” in the Greek is #3784 (Strong’s concordance) opheilo. It is used only once in the Bible. It means to accrue, to be under obligation, to be in debt. But a deeper study of the Hebrew and the Greek shows the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law.

Exodus 22:25 If you lend money to any of my people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him: you shall not charge him interest.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you, don’t turn away.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.

32 Mission: Impossible

Going into debt for unnecessary things and showing an attitude of indifference in repaying debts is not of the Lord and is “wicked.”

Psalms 37:21 The wicked borrows, and does not repay.

A wise preacher once said that “People judge our actions but God judges our intentions.”

I Samuel 16:7…for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

If you’re going to follow Jesus, you’re commanded to be a good “witness,” demonstrating His qualities, including integrity. Being in massive amounts of debt and being late to creditors with your payments, is clearly a pathetic witness.

However, not honoring your word—your contracts—your hand shake—to your family or friends, especially those of “the faith,” is a far greater travesty, especially if they’re part of your own ministry team. When we make commitments to people, we are to back it up, no matter the crunch. By deﬁ nition, that’s what “integrity” means.

The world will doubt what we say but they’ll believe what we do and they are watching us, for sure. They want to see if you “walk the talk” not just “look the part.” I’ve observed and experienced, unfortunately, that too many believers—even some ministers—lack integrity. God is not honored nor pleased with that.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Back to debt, most creditors are civilized, would you agree? (I say that sarcastically because we’ve had some guys call us when we were having a ﬁ nancial glitch early in our marriage and you’d think they were Gestapo. “Vee have vays of making you pay”)

Anyway, most creditors are understanding when a crisis situation arises. They will generally respond with grace when communicated with. Knowing you’re ambassadors of Christ: make a payment plan.

.If there has been mismanagement of funds, confess and repent.

.If there has been poor stewardship, confess and repent.

.If there has been lavishness or excess, confess and repent.

.If there is pride, confess and repent.

Church integrity: POINT #1

Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; and that which he has given the Lord will repay him.

33 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

PROMISE—If you have given to others in need, the Lord will help you out in your time of trouble. Been there…

Church integrity: POINT #2

Proverbs 22:27 If you have nothing to repay with, why should he take away your bed from under you?

PROMISE—If you pray for favor with creditors and make a concerted effort to set up a reasonable payment plan, God will honor that and arrange a break for you.

Church integrity: POINT #3

I Timothy 5:18 The laborer is worthy of his wages.

PROMISE—Truth does not change because of financial circumstances. The pastor and the ministry team is worth the investment. They are “worthy” of their wages. Obedience to all His word brings the promise to fruition.

Church integrity: POINT #4

James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

PROMISE—After communicating with creditors, be fully persuaded God will provide. Expect Him to move on your behalf. Perhaps, a temporary adjustment in the payment structure of the church or ministry salaries may be needed. Expect mercy because God has no pleasure when we draw back.

Church integrity: POINT #5

Phillipians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

PROMISE—By maintaining the divine arrangement for ministers salaries laid out in scripture, communicating your emergency situation to your creditors and bringing before the elders, if not the whole congregation, the immediacy and seriousness of the churches financial situation, you have honored God and walked in integrity.

Church integrity: POINT #6

Phillipians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

PROMISE—When we have given with the right heart, we can relax in the promise that He’ll take care of us.

34 Mission: Impossible

Psalms 112:1 Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man that fears (loves, reverences, worships) the Lord, that delights greatly in His commandments.

We all could stand to do this “delight greatly in His commandments” deal more, which means to live by and evaluate all situations by the Word—and not by fear, emotionalism, greed or opinion.

PRIORITY #1:

There must be peace and order in the home—especially for ministers—or there won’t be any in His church, right? Lack of money breeds worry and or strife; just ask any wife. Quarreling breeds strife— any married couple knows that. God’s design for remuneration (ﬁ nancial compensation) for those in full time ministry is by His divine design. I’m not talking about the “Send in your seed faith money now to get your holy water from the Euphrates River” scam guys dressed in white suits with a southern accent with the breathing deal at the end of each operative word:

“Receive(ah)…your miracle package(ah) today(ah). The Holy Ghost(ah) has sent(ah) me do tell you(ah) to dig deep(ah) in your pocket(ah) and believe Him(ah) for your 100 fold harvest(ah).”

Come on. Wise up. Please PRAY about where you give AND don’t react emotionally nor get taken. God wants you to give cheerfully and wisely.

Again, ministers aren’t “owed” or “entitled” their wages. They should not “demand” their income—that would be selﬁ sh not selﬂ ess. Like I said before, you go into ministry to “serve” out of a calling. But know that it’s God’s plan to provide their needs and to bless them.

That’s the balanced teaching regarding “wages” for ministers.

He has made the rules, set the stage, made the arrangements and put things in order for His ministers and their families. (FYI. The national average salary for a minister—pastor, youth, music—is $40K to $60K annually) To drive my point home, once again:

I Corinthians 9:14 Even so the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. ordained—#1299 (Strong’s concordance) diatasso, dee-at-as’-so; from G1223 and G5021; to arrange thoroughly, i.e.(spec.) institute, prescribe, etc.:—appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain.

Receiving a fair salary won’t be the ministers’ priority, the “call” will be. But it will be the reward of serving the Lord and it will be the right “order.” It is my belief, based on what I see in scripture, that they are to be taken care of, ﬁ nancially, even during a “past debt repayment plan” or current “money pledge for upgrades.” I know ministers who’ve taken a huge cut in pay or even gone without, just so his staff could eat and pay bills. Now that’s an example.

I read a book when I was just getting started in ministry that was formatted in a “practical suggestions for effective ministry” approach. The book talked very frankly about issues like a disciplined life, prayer, being an example to others, your family, pastoring a congregation and a question and answer section. This pastor’s position on paying ministers was that he compensates the ones who were “called and qualiﬁ ed,” based on what they were earning in the world’s work force, for the minister too is a “laborer” worthy of his wages.

35 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

If the furnace or air conditioning goes down, the roof needs replacing, the parking lot needs repaving or some other emergency arises and there isn’t $5000 surplus in the church checking account, the scriptural thing to do would be to assemble the elders, discuss the options and pray. A short term loan may be needed to take the pressure off. Bring it before your ﬂ ock, as well.

It’s not God’s will to eliminate valued ministry staff’s salaries nor ask them to “volunteer” 30-50 hours a week or to “lay” people off. That’s a reaction of panic and fear, like the Y2k hysteria. God didn’t give us a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) and He is not the author of confusion. (I Cor. 14:33) The world does their business that way. The Lord’s church should be above all of that. That’s why the “orderly” church will have a solid board of elders.

Acts 15:2 “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.”

“Elders,” according to Vine’s Expository dictionary, literally means men who are raised up, qualiﬁ ed and appointed by, the Holy Spirit to have spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the local church. (It is not the age but rather the maturity of the believer as the criteria for an elder) Having elders in place (solid men who know the Word and meet the criteria in I Timothy 3) is absolutely crucial. Having these elders in place is for the safety of the pastor, the staff and the congregation/fellowship. You’d better have the foundation in place. (Situations will arise, even amongst believers, for sure. Paul and Barnabas had a huge blow out and went their separate ways)

Acts 15:36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing: Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. So the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. (Hey, it happens even among great men of God)

contention—3948. paroxusmos, par-ox-oos-mos’; dispute, in anger—contention, provoke unto. (“disputes” happen, it’s true)

Back to the teaching…I Timothy 5:18 The laborer—in context this means the people in ministry—is worthy of his wages.

If there’s a fi nancially “dry” season, at your church, as a ministry team, you stick it out. You pray and fast. A short season of “tentmaking” on the side may be needed by everyone. As best you can, be loyal to each other as true friends and family. Stand together in the storms of life, it’s God’s way. (He won’t leave you nor forsake you. Jesus is called the Good Shepherd so if some insecure pastor “fi res” you, know it wasn’t Christ-like.) Jesus personifi es loyalty. Many ministers fail that.

If a fi nancial crisis arises, for whatever reason, take the hits as a team. I would suggest evaluating all staff’s fi nancial needs. Re-evaluate their income and benefi ts based on those needs. If everyone is included in a short term salary “reduction,” comradery and trust is cultivated. The most effective ministry is an ensemble effort. If one of the team, is somehow exempt or insulated from any fi nancial “struggle or challenge,” the team effort is greatly diminished, from my experience.

36 Mission: Impossible

If you discern that there’s unrepentant sin in the ministry leadership, or a cavalier attitude about ministry staff needs or a lack of ethics: move on, graciously. Submission is an act of your will. It is a voluntary act of obedience. If you cannot submit willfully, for the beneﬁ t of everyone, you should ﬁ nd a new home, church wise.

PRIORITY #2:

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Not slothful in business;

The word for “slothful” in the Greek is okneros. It means to be tardy or irksome. As followers of Jesus, especially full time ministers, we should never “irk” anybody. That certainly would include church payroll, ﬁ nances or church business dealings.

This Greek word also means to be indolent, which means having or showing an attitude of avoiding exertion. In other words, being “lazy.” Mismanaging God’s money is being “lazy.”

Receiving His holy tithes and offerings with thanksgiving is appropriate at a service. Worshipping the Lord with our ﬁ nancial increase is Biblical. But there has been way too much mismanagement, ﬁ nancially, in the church thus the cynicism and skeptics.

Tucking church bills in a drawer, misappropriating funds, buying unnecessary items, being extravagant, eating out at ﬁ ne dining places as others suffer, making late deposits, getting overdrafts, and/or postponing the inevitable of paying off debt is poor stewardship. God calls it “slothful.” In the only other passage of scripture that uses this word, “slothful,” Jesus attaches it, to a “wicked” person.

Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said to him, You wicked and slothful servant,

As I said, followers of Jesus are called “ambassadors of Christ.” When we make commitments and then break them, in essence, we’re saying that Jesus doesn’t keep His word, doesn’t pay His bills and can’t take care of His own. Being a faithful steward and having integrity is of the utmost importance.

Ministers must not be foolish:

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens to counsel is wise.

Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.

Ministers must be wise:

Proverbs 1: 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels:

Proverbs 8: 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

37 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Proverbs 13: 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses instruction: but he that regards reproof shall be honoured.

If we truly believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then we as followers of Jesus will get our act together for the sake of those who are watching our words and deeds to bring Him glory.

I Corinthians 10:31 Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Luke 12:1 (Jesus speaking)…He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

“Jesus said, “Beware…” very sparingly in scripture. How come? beware—4337. prosecho, pros-ekh’-o; from G4314 and G2192; (ﬁ g.) to hold the mind (G3563 impl.) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about. hypocrisy—5272. hupokrisis, hoop-ok’-ree-sis; i.e. (ﬁ g.) deceit (“hypocrisy”):—condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy.

Anytime someone, including a church leader/minister, is condemning or deceiving you with or through their “opinions” not based on Scripture, you are to be aware of it—even in the smallest of amounts. It’s called “leaven” which spoils the whole deal. So, “beware.”

It’s Denise’s and my experience, that too often, people resist the Gospel, church attending, and/or further “discipling”—once a commitment has been made—because of this “yoke of bondage” that some religious folk inﬂ ict by guilt, manipulation or control. It is the “curse of the law.” God wants it eradicated.

In Genesis 3:11, after Adam hid himself because he was naked and scared, the Lord asked Adam, “Who told you, that you were naked?” Look at those ﬁ rst three words… “Who told you..?”

Get it? You MUST be careful about who you’re giving weight to, in your life. God continues to ask that of us today. (He likes questions)

“What are you listening to?” “Why are you paying attention to those lies?” “Why do you feed on false teaching?” “Didn’t I instruct you to renew your mind?” “You really think I’d say or do that?” “Don’t you know I’m for you?” “Don’t you know I love you?”

“Who told you..?”

My favorite scripture in this “Who told you?” topic is this:

38 Mission: Impossible

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

There it is—don’t compromise! stand—#4739 (Strong’s concordance) steko, stay’-ko; from the perf. tense of G2476; to be stationary, i.e. (fi g.) to persevere:—stand (fast) liberty—#1657 (Strong’s concordance) eleutheria, el-yoo-ther-ee’ah; from G1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefl y mor. or cer.):—liberty free—#1659 (Strong’s concordance) eleutheroo, el-yoo-ther-o’-o; from G1658; to liberate, i.e. (fi g.) to exempt (from mor., cer. or mortal liability):—deliver, make free. A release from prison—a pardon. entangled—#1758 (Strong’s concordance) enecho, en-ekh’-o; from G1722 and G2192; to hold in or upon, i.e. ensnare; by impl. to keep a grudge:—entangle with, have a quarrel against, urge. again—#3825 (Strong’s concordance) palin, pal’-in; prob. from the same as G3823 (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adv.) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conj.) furthermore or on the other hand:—again. yoke—#2218 (Strong’s concordance) zugos, dzoo-gos’; from the root of zeugnumi (to join espec. by a “yoke”); a coupling, i.e. (fi g.) servitude a law or obligation); also (lit.) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales):—pair of balances, yoke. bondage—#1397 (Strong’s concordance) douleia, doo-li’-ah; from G1398; slavery (cer. or fi g.):— bondage.

That word, “stand,” in the Greek, simply means to hold your ground—don’t be moved by what you hear, even if it sounds “religious.” Maybe especially because it sounds “religious.” (Remember, Satan can sound oh so “religious”—he is the author of confusion and nobody can twist the Bible better, thus the warning: “BEWARE.” (Every cult leader knows scripture) One more time… “Who told you?”

Here the Vine’s Dictionary deﬁ nition of “bondage:” bondage—1397 douleia—“to bind,” primarily “the condition of being a slave;” the condition imposed by the Mosaic law.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

The “law” is a system, collection or set of regulations controlling conduct, behavior or inﬂ uence by “enforced policies.” Sound familiar? David Koresh, Jim Jones, Bin Ladin, Hitler, etc.

39 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Beware of the controller.

“I’m God’s appointed man and if you challenge me, you’re challenging the Lord God and He will strike you down. If you ever leave this church you will be cursed forever.” And on and on…

John, the apostle called, “the beloved,” warned us about guys like this:

III John 1:9 I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself, but tells others not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church.

There it is: that’s a controller, a cult leader and not a pastor.

So I don’t come across like an alarmist and to be fair, the majority of ministers who truly are called that I know, or know of, love the Lord and love people. And of course, I’m not suggesting you to be paranoid about all “leaders” but there has been far too much “spiritual abuse” in Jesus’ church (subtle or overt) in the past and it’s simply time for that to be put away. I believe that process is under way.

Peters’ appeal to pastors, overseers, bishops, elders:

I Peter 5:2…Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly; not for dishonest gain, but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock.

lords—2634. katakurieuo, kat-ak-oo-ree-yoo’-o; from G2596 and G2961; to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate:—exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome.

Jesus speaking to His disciples:

Mark 10:42 “As you know, the kings and great men of this earth, lord it over the people; but among you it is different. Whoever wants to the greatest will be the servant of all.

lord—2634. katakurieuo, kat-ak-oo-ree-yoo’-o; from G2596 and G2961; to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate:—exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome.

Controlling people’s behavior, conduct and lives through “mandates” or “regulations” rather than teaching them God’s Word and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them into all truth brings them back into slavery and under the “curse of the law.”

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that doesn’t continue in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith.

cursed—1944. epikataratos, ep-ee-kat-ar’-at-os; imprecated, i.e. execrable:—accursed.

40 Mission: Impossible

Galatians 5: 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect to you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace. debtor—3781. opheiletes, of-i-let’-ace; from G3784; an ower, i.e. person indebted; ﬁ g. a delinquent; mor. a transgressor (against God):—debtor, which owed, sinner. whole—3650. holos, hol’-os; a prim. word; “whole” or “all,” i.e. complete

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. stumble—4417. ptaio, ptah’-yo; a form of G4098; to trip, i.e (ﬁ g.) to err, sin, fail (of salvation):—fall, offend, stumble. guilty—1777. enochos, en’-okh-os; liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation):—in danger of, guilty of, subject to.

This is why New Testament grace is far better that the Old Test. law!

The Message Bible says it this way:

Galatians 5:1—Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to circumcision (the law) or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment Christ’s hard-won gift of freedom is squandered.

So, one more time…“Who told you?” (Basically, consider the source)

So I give you the balance in this teaching on “beware” and our New Testament “freedom:” it does not give us the license to sin, cause someone else to sin, fall into addictions or break the law.

I Cor. 8:8 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (the “ofﬁ ces” of authority not the men or women “appointed”)

Nor does Jesus’ warning of “beware” mean we should be “weirding out” i.e. in fear of, or rebellious towards, every person of authority in our lives. That would be chaos for every parent, police offi cer, military commander or minister on the planet. Remember the defi nition of “beware”… beware—4337. prosecho, pros-ekh’-o; from G4314 and G2192; (fi g.) to hold the mind (G3563 impl.) towards, i.e. pay attention to.

It simply means to be aware of it—take note of it—heads up—pay attention to it—don’t be afraid of it just be cautious about it.

Surely, Jesus wants us to have His peace, so we shouldn’t be freaking out about everyone in our “path.” Just be “aware.”

41 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Denise and I have a phrase we live by: “Openly, guarded.” Open to the voice of the Spirit but guarded to the voice of the enemy, someone’s opinion or a “personal prophesy” that isn’t accurate.

The “Who told you” shows up in the New Testament like this:

II Timothy 2: 15 Study to show yourself approved by God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Romans 12: 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…

So simply extract what you feel the Lord showing you while listening to others and “shelve” the rest for a later lesson. (You need to judge “teachings” i.e. doctrine but not the people and their character) There is a big difference between “passing judgment” and “making a judgment.” Here’s the distinction:

Passing judgment:

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven.

(In other words, continue to do self-examination in light of Scripture and the Spirit’s voice but don’t focus on others faults)

Making a judgment:

John 7: 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (It does say to “judge” here, properly)

Matthew 7: 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits.

As in the “leaven of the Pharisees,” again Jesus tells us to “beware” of false prophets. beware—4337. prosecho, pros-ekh’-o; from G4314 and G2192; (ﬁ g.) to hold the mind (G3563 impl.) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about false—5578. pseudoprophetes, psyoo-dop-rof-ay’-tace; from G5571 and G4396; a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor:—false prophet. know—1921. epiginosko, ep-ig-in-oce’-ko; from G1909 and G1097; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognise; by impl. to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:—(ac-, have, take) know (-ledge, well), perceive.

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

REMEMBER: NOT EVERY “THUS SAYS THE LORD” IS A WORD FROM THE MASTER

42 Mission: Impossible

Passing “judgment” on others:

Romans 14: 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more

Colossians 2: 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Respecting and honoring others:

Phillipians 2: 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. lowliness—5012. tapeinophrosune, tap-i-nof-ros-oo’-nay; from a comp. of G5011 and the base of G5424; humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty:—humbleness of mind, humility esteem—2233. hegeomai, hayg-eh’-om-ahee; mid. of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, i.e. command (with offi cial authority); fi g. to deem, i.e. consider:—account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think. better—5242. huperecho, hoop-er-ekh’-o; from G5228 and G2192; to hold oneself above, i.e. (fi g.) to excel; part. (as adj., or neut. as noun) superior, superiority:—better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.

Eph. 5: 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. submitting—5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as’-so; to subordinate; reﬂ ex. to obey:—be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue to, (be, make) subject (to, be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self to.

So…regarding humility and serving, what is Jesus’ example to us?

John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God; rose from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

(When was the last time we washed someone’s feet?)

In I Peter 2:17 it says we are to “honor all people.” Do you know what the literal meaning of “all,” in the Greek, is? Here it is…ready? It’s “all.” “All” means “all!!” What do you know—the Bible is accurate. In other words, the Bible says what God means to say (His heart and requirements) and God means what He says (He’s quite serious about the content) in the Bible.

Continuing the subject of “Finding a perfect church,” let’s address “authority” for a minute. Some have inappropriately used the following two scriptures to “force” their position(s) on authority.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

43 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

1 Thess. 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Let’s look at the operative words in that ﬁ rst scripture, keeping in mind that the English word in Webster’s and the original Greek word in the New Testament can have completely different applications.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…

The pervasive teaching that the word obey means to “unconditionally submit without questioning” is simply error. In the Vine’s Expository Dictionary, “obey” literally means to be persuaded by the Word taught NOT by submission to authority, as it is often communicated erroneously. obey—3982. peitho, pi’-tho; a prim. verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):—agree, assure, to listen to, believe, have conﬁ dence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. submit—5226. hupeiko, hoop-i’-ko; (to yield, be “weak”); to surrender:—submit self. (The communication here is that you “yield” to the counsel, if scriptural) rule over—2233. hegeomai, hayg-eh’-om-ahee; mid. of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, (According to Vine’s expository dictionary it simply means “to guide”)

Some have called this controlling, “the shepherding law.” I call it “Ca Ca,” you know, as in B.S. (I’m trying to be edifying in my speech here as an ordained minister but erroneous teachings irritate me. Besides “Ca ca,” “B.S.,” “horse hockey” are all derivatives of the Hebrew word used for manure, excrement or, “dung”—#6569 Hebrew peresh. (Lev. 16:27)

So, a more accurate rendering could go like this:

“Rely upon, agree with, believe in, have confidence in, trust, listen to and be persuaded by the Word of God that’s being taught. Yield to it only—if you know it to be Biblical—and allow those who are leading you (spiritually) to act as your guide.”

When you start to exalt a man or woman, you’re asking for trouble. We are all equal in the body of Christ—there are simply different applications, job descriptions and assignments. The only One to be exalted is the Lord Jesus. He’s the Master and is worthy.

Here’s another one that’s mistaught:

1 Thess. 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord… know—1492. eido, i’-do; to see (lit. or ﬁ g.) to know—be aware, consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure (of), tell, understand over you—4291. proistemi, pro-is’-tay-mee; from G4253 and G2476; to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside

In other words:

44 Mission: Impossible

“Be aware of, have knowledge about, be sure of and trust those who are “standing before you,” teaching and equipping.”

I’ve seen some ministers use the analogy of military status to mandate “blind obedience.” “We’re God’s army, I’m his “general,” so get in line and don’t challenge or question my orders, EVER.”

If that is the case, then they should consider this: If any ofﬁ cer gives a soldier (less in rank) an order that doesn’t line up with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the soldier (even if he’s not an ofﬁ cer) can go “up line” to a “higher authority” and/or challenge the order. That isn’t rebellion—it’s going by the book.

Higher authority in the body of Christ, is the Spirit of God and Scripture.

The Haage’s love movies. Let me give some illustrations that may help illuminate my point. Have you ever seen the fi lm, “Crimson Tide?” Denzel Washington’s character, Commander Hunter, was the Executive Offi cer—the second in command—under Gene Hackman’s character, Commander Ramsey, who was the Captain—the Commanding Offi cer. They had gotten initial “orders” via an E.A.M. (Emergency Action Message) to launch their nuclear missiles because a Russian rebel group had acquired some Akula class submarines and were preparing to launch a full strike of their nuclear weapons.

However, another E.A.M. came in designating a possible revision in those orders. Unfortunately, the communications went out and the E.A.M. was cut off mid-sentence—“a message fragment.”

To complicate things, a Russian submarine showed up in the area and they couldn’t take the time to surface to check on the second set of orders due to the very real threat of the Russian rebels getting to launch their “birds” (missiles). A very tough spot to be in for anyone in authority.

As Commander, Captain Ramsey ordered the launch based on the initial E.A.M. But “the book” says when “updated” orders are given but not yet clear; you wait. As the Executive Ofﬁ cer, Commander Hunter reminded the Captain of that. Nevertheless, the Captain gave the order over the intercom to launch. (Thankfully, on a nuclear submarine prior to 1996, you need both the Captain and the Executive Ofﬁ cer to concur with each other before a launch is authorized)

Exec. Off. Hunter reminds Capt. Ramsey of this and an intense argument ensues.

Ramsey tries to have Hunter arrested for mutiny but no one would move on it because they knew Hunter was right. Based on Capt. Ramsey “wreckless” actions, Exec. Off. Hunter has the Captain relieved and sent to his cabin under guard.

In this case, the second in command was right to wait and to challenge the Sr. Ofﬁ cer. The whole thing was not a good scene with a mutiny transpiring. But the Sr. guy was wrong and he suspected it of himself, though he was compromised by his reaction to the ﬁ rst E.A.M.

Ultimately, when the communications were re-established, it was indeed determined that the orders were “not to launch.” Millions of people were spared and a nuclear holocaust was avoided because one man of integrity who doesn’t compromise, challenged an erroneous call by his “superior” (Commanding Ofﬁ cer) and kept to the book. (a very good lesson for all of us in ministry)

45 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Here’s another example from the brilliant movie, “A Few Good Men.” Colonel Jessup played by Jack Nicholson gave an order to a junior ofﬁ cer to implement a “code red” to a Private Santiago. They were to duct tape his hands and put a cloth down his throat to “teach him a lesson” not to fall behind all the time and to be a better Marine. (Pvt. Santiago had a heart condition) He reacted to the cloth in his throat during this “code red” and died. Rather than challenging and disobeying a “direct order” from their “superior,” his men blindly submitted. The result was someone died because of their unwillingness to refute heresy (false teaching or command). This is serious stuff.

(By the way, there is some “colorful” language in both these military based movies—just so you know if you rent them)

Again, our higher authority is the Word of God, written by the Holy Spirit. You have the freedom to check things out and are instructed by scripture to “test the spirits” (I John 4:1) You are commanded to question anyone or anything, if it isn’t consistent with the Bible.

In Dave Johnson’s book, “The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse,” this is wonderfully addressed in the chapter, “Because I’m the pastor, that’s why.” Isolated scriptures, taken out of context, have been responsible for far too many lives being shipwrecked in the name of God. There are countless scriptures that point to the “humble servant” that we are supposed to be, as opposed to the ivory tower “boss” promoted by today’s Pharisees, that require OBEDIENCE, no matter what.

Again, “minister” (Gk. diakonos) means servant.

Matthew 18:16 (Jesus speaking) “…that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established.”

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. esteem—2233. hegeomai, hayg-eh’-om-ahee; mid. of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, i.e. command (with ofﬁ cial authority); ﬁ g. to deem, i.e. consider:—account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.

Notice this: the word “esteem” in Phillipians 2:3 is the same word that some wrongly teach for “rule over” as meaning, “superior.”

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves… rule over—2233. hegeomai, hayg-eh’-om-ahee; mid. of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, i.e. command (with ofﬁ cial authority); ﬁ g. to deem, i.e. consider:—account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

46 Mission: Impossible one to another—240. allelon, al-lay’-lone; Gen. plur. from G243 redupl.; one another:—each other, mutual, one another

Notice it’s “mutual,” this submission deal. That’s Bible.

Besides Jesus, it’s widely agreed upon by theologians that Paul was probably the most inﬂ uential and powerful man in the New Testament, having written 2/3 of it under the inspiration of the Spirit. This same Paul who penned I Thess. 5:12 and Hebrews 10:17 (Scriptures used to control people) also wrote Phillipians 2:3, Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 5:21.(Scriptures illuminating the requirement of putting others ﬁ rst)

It’s the overall ﬂ ow of the Bible you need to stick with—Bible interpreting Bible, not someone’s opinion. That’s called “hermeneutics.”

There are some people, including ministers, who ﬁ nd their worth, value or self-esteem from their jobs and/or titles, mainly men. Notice something very important in scripture. Paul never addressed himself as “the great apostle Paul” nor did he ever say, “You will call me ‘Apostle Paul’, for I am God’s appointed man.”

No, Paul was the most humble guy on the planet after his conversion. He always said, “I, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (job description) or “a servant of Jesus Christ” or “the least of apostles,” NOT, “I’m the great Apostle Paul—God’s hot shot. I require and insist, that you give me my due respect and the title.” No, Paul had the revelation on the “serve” deal. Look at it for yourself:

(Romans 1:1) “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,”

(Romans 11:13) “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine ofﬁ ce:”

(1 Corinthians 1:1) “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ

(1 Corinthians 15:9) “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

(2 Corinthians 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:”

(2 Corinthians 12:12) “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

(Galatians 1:1) “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)”

(Ephesians 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:”

(Colossians 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,”

47 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

(1 Timothy 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;”

(1 Timothy 2:7) “Whereto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

(2 Timothy 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,”

(2 Timothy 1:11) “Whereto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

(Titus 1:1) “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;”

(I Timothy 1:15) “How true it is, and how I long that everyone should know it, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners—and I was the greatest of them all.”

As a matter of fact, Paul had the “humble” and “team” mentality down pat. Notice what he calls most of his ministry “team” players including the very young new pastor, Timothy. He calls them his “workfellows” in the King James Version. In the New King James Version, that’s a “fellow worker” and calls himself a “partner” in Philemon 1:17, not a superior. Look at some of this for yourself in the original texts.

Romans 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker… fellow worker—4904. sunergos, soon-er-gos’; a co-laborer, i.e. co-adjutor:—companion in labor, (fellow-) helper (-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.

Phillipians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier… companion in labor—4904. sunergos, soon-er-gos’; from a presumed comp. of G4862 and the base of G2041; a colaborer, i.e. coadjutor:—companion in labour, (fellow-) helper (-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow. fellowsoldier—4961. sustratiotes, soos-trat-ee-o’-tace; from G4862 and G4757; a co-campaigner, i.e. (ﬁ g.) an associate in Christian toil:—fellowsoldier.

Over and over Paul uses that language. He calls Philemon a “fellow laborer” in Philemon 1:1 and calls Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke “fellow workers” in Philemon 1:24.

Church work—it’s a team deal!

…Not subordinates, not underlings, not second class ministers under him, less in rank, less important, secondary or inferior.

No, Paul called them co-laborers, companions in labor, fellow helpers. In other words, separate in job description but equal in position. The day of the “hot shot, superstar” is over.

48 Mission: Impossible

We all need to get Paul’s revelation of the “team.” One body.

Of course we need to respect the role or position that someone is in but simply put: Don’t glorify or idolize anyone with titles, accolades or pious robes. Do not elevate people because it may come back to bite you and certainly you should be aware of when they elevate themselves.

If Robert Smith is a physician then calling him, Dr. Smith, is appropriate. Ask him how he wants to be addressed, out of respect.

If Sue Jones is a cop then Ofﬁ cer Jones, is probably what you should call her—while on duty. It’s a sign of respect.

Similarly, calling someone the “Reverend such and such” is ﬁ ne, as long as, you’re not setting yourself up for a potentially controlling situation by giving them possibly too much honor.

I don’t need anyone calling me Rev. Haage or Pastor Greg. My ego doesn’t require it. I know who I am because of Jesus. I’m secure with Him, my wife, my kids, my friends and my talents. Yes, I certainly appreciate the respect I get for the years of Bible College, then getting my Masters degree, studying the word and recognizing my calling but I don’t insist on it. I usually just say, “Hey…just call me Greg.” Oftentimes, that brings down some walls, which is always good, right? Again, as a minister, I’m called to serve. That truth needs to come back into play. Many in ministry are being “resisted” by God right now because of their pride.

I understand the notion that “familiarity breeds contempt.” Some don’t give your words the weight that they should because they know you. Jesus dealt with that:

Mark 6:4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”

It can be true but certainly not always. (Some ministers use that scripture as an “out” in not developing close friendships and keep others out of their life. It’s basically the fear of man, still intact)

When my dad was alive, I never would dream of calling him, “Mr. Haage.” Nor would I call him, “Bill.” For me, he was “Dad.”

Similarly, when I pray, I don’t say, “Lord God Almighty of Israel…” No, I pray like Jesus showed me how to: “Father…”

Yes, He is the Lord God of Israel but He is, more importantly, my heavenly Father who wants me to come to Him daily and without fear. With reverence and awe yes but He doesn’t want us to be fearful. Jesus is my Savior. He is called “the Lord Jesus Christ” but when I talk with Him during the day or night, I usually call Him by His name, Jesus. He doesn’t mind and most deﬁ nitely likes you and me to be intimate with Him. Yes, He does indeed like that.

In some church ﬂ ows or camps, “submission” has not been “rightly divided” and has been unfortunately been used by some to shame, guilt or control.

They’ve confused “Spirit led help, aid and assistance,” as “wrangling,” “bucking,” “stubbornness” or “rebellion,” when confronted on the proper application of “submission.” The very thing that God is trying to impart to them, in order to shore up some areas that need addressing, they contend with, out of

49 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

insecurity, fear, previous indoctrinations on “submission to authority” and/or simply by being “new” in ministry. God doesn’t care how long you’ve been in ministry, you still need to listen to people. He just may be speaking through them to get through to you.

So, a ﬁ nal scripture in this “yoke of bondage” that Jesus warned us to “beware” of:

I Peter 5:5 Yes, all of you be submissive one to another, and be clothed in humility, for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. resists—498. antitassomai, an-tee-tas’-som-ahee; from G473 and the mid. of G5021; to range oneself against, i.e. oppose:—oppose themselves, resist. proud—5244. huperephanos, hoop-er-ay’-fan-os; from G5228 and G5316; appearing above others.

Again, there are far too many apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers—or anyone calling themselves “ministers”—that have postured themselves, by their own pride, into the position of being “resisted” by the Lord. Not smart but it’s their choice.

Look at who He gives “grace” to: “the humble” not the cocky: I Peter 5:5 Yes, all of you be submissive one to another, and be clothed in humility, for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. humble—5011. tapeinos, tap-i-nos’; of uncert. der.; depressed, i.e. (ﬁ g.) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition):—base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly.

Basically people who have been stepped on, broken, hurt, squashed, depressed, humiliated, abused, ignored or abandoned. Common people who don’t think more highly of themselves than they should. Personally, I want grace and don’t want to be resisted by God. My goal is to be humble—the prodigal son safe at home. (We all have to be careful about getting into “pride.” Even by pointing out others who are in pride, you can get prideful in your assessment of them. You don’t want to be that which you despise, right?)

So, is there a perfect church? No, not yet. When Jesus returns, there will be. But for now, we can aspire towards excellence. Pray for your church and it’s leaders. (Some of the most lonely, discouraged and defeated (privately) people, I know, are ministers) Try to be supportive and actively helpful. Create an environment where people are welcome and safe. Encourage the leaders to give each area of ministry, it’s rightful attention. Unfortunately, some churches and ministers have been harsh, brazen, arrogant, condescending, patronizing, belittling, degrading, controlling, sexually abusive and manipulative. (That’s why you shouldn’t confuse great “charisma” for anointing—remember, Satan is very “charismatic”)

The good churches do just the opposite. They build up hurting people and allow the Holy Spirit to use us to restore them. This is what we do at the “house church” I oversee that the Lord has entrusted me with, UP FRONT Fellowship.

At those meetings, we minister to others through the word I teach, then we pray and fellowship with them, offer hospitality and be available to talk with. My wife and I enjoy that.

Know this: most ministers I know—whether they are denominational or non-denominational—are kind, hard working, passionate and are sensing a new season of repentence, restoration and humility. The walls of division (racial/doctrinal) are ﬁ nally starting to come down in the true church. The world needs

50 Mission: Impossible to see us as “one” or they’ll just scoff. If you are blessed with a great pastor and group of believers you call your church home—mega, mid-sized or in a small house church—take a minute now to just thank the Lord for His blessing of that in your life. Far too many don’t know that “safe place.”

The whole point of the “leaders” in the church and ministry is to help others be better witnesses for Jesus. That’s their assignment.

Eph 4:11 And He Himself (speaking of Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Some call them the ﬁ ve fold ministry gifts. They are job descriptions i.e. assigned tasks for certain believers.(They are not “above” anyone though)

Let me do a quick overview for you in this “Mission Impossible: Finding a perfect church” topic: apostles—652. apostolos, ap-os’-tol-os; a delegate; spec. an ambassador of the Gospel; ofﬁ cially a commissioner of Christ [“apostle”] (with miraculous powers):—apostle, messenger, he that is sent.

Basically, the apostle is a “sent one.” This can be someone who is commissioned to birth new works and/or establishing churches and mentor other ministers. Basically, a missionary. They are great leaders with the power of God to conﬁ rm the word preached with signs, wonders and miracles. From what I’ve studied, they are itinerant. (On the road) Be careful, however, of those who call themselves, apostles.

(Jesus speaking) Rev 2:2 I know your works and your labor and your patience, and how you cannot bear them which are evil: and you have tested them who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars: (The self-appointed ones? Look out for) prophets—4396. prophetes, prof-ay’-tace; from a comp. of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by anal. an inspired speaker; by extens. a poet:—prophet.

The prophet “speaks” for the Lord. He addresses changes that need to take place and are often moving in the gift of word of knowledge. They have the gift of basically “reading your mail.” They don’t condemn or embarrass you but are sent to encourage, rebuke or warn—if necessary, expose unrepentant sin, exhort, comfort, lead and offer hope.

Many church leaders are very careful about those professing to be a prophet, rightfully so. The prophetic has been abused too often thus many pastors are simply guarding the ﬂ ock they’ve been entrusted with, which is reasonable. I’m guarded myself, unless I really know the man or sense the Spirit indeed wants to say something.

On the other hand, some pastors/leaders will never allow a prophet to speak the word of the Lord because they’re afraid of what might get exposed or addressed. Some simply believe, prophets aren’t needed.

Prophets are usually misunderstood and come across as loners, therefore they intimidate many. The body of Christ needs the prophetic. However, they are just people, therefore they can miss it. Their words are to be “tested.” Many lives have been damaged or worse by someone bringing a “Thus saith the Lord,” when it was just their own thought or opinions for that person or couple. Be careful. When someone says, “Thus says the Lord,” it’s usually a mixture of God, the person and some general insights.

51 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

True prophets “see” things in the spirit realm. They are called “seers.” Personally, I’d listen to the authentic prophets. Some have said that prophets aren’t necessary for today. In light of Sept. 11, I disagree.

Like apostles, you need to know what Jesus warned the seven churches in the book of Revelation about:

Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

True prophets will be aligned with other ministries and churches and won’t be “a lone ranger,” who are accountable to no one. evangelists—2099. euaggelistes, yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace’; from G2097; a preacher of the gospel:— evangelist.

Simply put, evangelists are preachers. The most famous one to us is obviously, Billy Graham. He is ﬂ at out anointed by the Lord to preach the Good News. (Remember that you evangelists—“Good News” not bad news. God loves the world—He doesn’t want anyone in hell)

Millions have come into the Kingdom because of brother Graham’s faithfulness and effectiveness. In my estimation, he is a national treasure. (Not to be idolized but respected) If you want to fi nancially support a solid ministry, he’s a sure bet. The evangelist does what we should all be doing: being a witness, sharing and proclaiming God’s love that Jesus died for sinners and was raised from the dead to show the world—and Satan—that He is Lord. pastors—4166. poimen, poy-mane’; of uncert. affi n.; a shepherd (lit. or fi g.):—shepherd, pastor. Pastors take care of people, the good ones, that is. This is one of my jobs, along with music ministry and marriage counseling. (I like being a pastor. I like to think I’m a good one. It’s my desire and I’ve always liked helping others) I consider it a great honor and don’t take it lightly, trust me. People’s lives are in the balance by what we say or do.

Good shepherds are “word” students, aspire to walk in purity and try not to compromise. They are men of character. They are to be, like any good Christian, examples of integrity. I believe in the plurality of leadership. One overseer per “fl ock” or “home church,” yes, but advised, counseled and infl uenced by other solid, mature elders, “fl ying in formation” with the bishop/pastor/overseer. It’s a balance that requires constant self-examination and humility. It is that checks and balance system that protects against the all too prevalent system of “spiritual abuse” i.e. control or manipulation.

When Paul and Barnabas had a problem, they didn’t go to a pastor at a local church, they went to the apostles and the elders. (Acts 15:2)

Believers are instructed in James 5:14 when sick, to call on the elders not just the pastor, although the pastor will be one of the elders. The teaching that God leads through one man is Old Testament, not New Covenant. No, it’s a plurality of leaders.

I mentioned earlier about “roles” for men and women. This is a “touchy” subject for many so let’s address it for clarity’s sake. The issue really is all about proper authority and “assignments.”

52 Mission: Impossible

Women have been (and continue to be in many places) underappreciated, not valued and treated as “second class” for centuries. It’s not God’s plan. Women were a huge part of Jesus’ ministry yet they had distinct roles. Not “inferior” just distinct. For example, a wife under the authority of a husband isn’t a position of inferiority, it’s one of protection. (Read “Liberated through submission” by Bunny Wilson. She’s married to an ex-music producer and got set free when God showed her this truth)

Jesus is under the authority of the Father yet He’s not “inferior.” They are “one” but not the same. There must be a “head” of a church, ministry and family otherwise there’s confusion and chaos. God does things decently and in order. I don’t ﬁ nd any place in Scripture where a woman is to be “the head” of a husband, church or a ministry. This can’t be dismissed as cultural, as some would promote. That dangerous line of thinking gives permission and license for some to live in forbidden lifestyles because “that was then.” “We’ve evolved and matured so the cultural restrictions found in the Bible don’t apply.”

Eve was created to “help” not lead. Biblical chain of command—in the home or in ministry—and today’s feminism just aren’t compatible. The masculinization of women and the feminization of men is proof positive we’re sliding away from Scripture. Godly women are easily submissive to men when they know they will be treated as Jesus told men to treat them: with respect and honor.

Women have their roles, as do men. Personally, my life and ministry wouldn’t be nearly as fulﬁ lling without my wife and her input. Same goes for my daughter, my mom, my sister and all my female friends. They’re very important to me. Many women run businesses and hold political ofﬁ ces, which is great. Christian women are called to pray, prophesy and witness but according to Scripture, they’re not to pastor a church nor are they to be the “head” of a marriage. (If you’re a single mom, temporarily, that’s different) Solid doctrine is crucial.

A woman can never be the “husband of one wife.” (I Timothy 3) Many American churches don’t stick with Biblical doctrine (teaching). It’s why we’re in a moral decay and things are upside down. teachers—1320. didaskalos, did-as’-kal-os; from G1321; an instructor (gen. or spec.):—doctor, master, teacher.

The teacher gift is someone who is very astute in the Word and can rightly divide it and communicate it. Good ones are wonderful to listen to. Simply put, they are instructors. (Chuck Swindoll, Jack Van Impe, Les Feldick and Hank Hanegraff are some I listen to–although at times we differ)

A good point about the “ﬁ ve fold ministry gifts” taught by Jack Hayford about “perfecting” or “equipping” people for the work of the ministry involves healing up the spiritually wounded, restoring them, teaching, encouraging and getting them back out in the world loving on people and sharing the Good News. perfect—2677. katartismos, kat-ar-tis-mos’; from G2675; complete furnishing (obj.):—perfecting.

Training is just one aspect of it. Jack Hayford’s deeper study showed it included the mending and caretaking of people who have been hurt, sometimes by ministers. He discovered that the Greek verb katartismos, was used most often in terms of medicine i.e. “setting a bone.” The analogy of an out of place member of the body needs help i.e. mending. His insight was not so much getting people “to work” the ministry but rather getting them in “working order” for the ministry, much like a medic in the military would. It’s a great insight that all of us who call ourselves ministers should examine and embrace. One of the best ways to get people “doing the work of the ministry” is by mentoring them, “hands on.”

53 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

The four key areas to be addressed at a believers gathering, home group or assembly (the book of Acts principle for “church”) are the following:

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the (#1) apostles’ doctrine and (#2) fellowship, and in (#3) breaking of bread, and in (#4) prayers.

1. apostles’ doctrine—1322. didache, did-akh-ay’; instruction (the act or the matter):—doctrine, teaching

2. fellowship—2842. koinonia, koy-nohn-ee’-ah; partnership, i.e. (lit.) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:—(to) communicate (-ation), communion,(contri-), distribution, fellowship.

3. breaking—2800. klasis, klas’-is; fracture (the act):—breaking. bread—740. artos, ar’-tos; from G142; bread (as raised) or a loaf:—(shew-) bread, loaf.

4. prayers—4335. proseuche, pros-yoo-khay’; from G4336; prayer (worship); by impl. an oratory (chapel):—X pray earnestly, prayer.

There it is pastors—the church model. Embrace it.

So, do you want your congregation to grow and be healthy? Follow the model:

Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every par does it’s share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. supplies—2024. epichoregia, ep-ee-khor-ayg-ee’-ah; from G2023; contribution:—supply.

People, help your church leaders by offering your contribution.

Jesus is called the chief Shepherd and He takes care of us. He’s easy to submit to because He is so trustworthy and faithful. It’s been my experience that ministers, churches and staff get caught up with the way other ministries are “doing church,” get the snapshot in their heads as to how the “big boys” operate, read about it in Charisma magazine ads and then come back to their church or ministry and try implementing it. (Basically it’s like putting a square peg in a round hole) You can force it in, cut, splice, shimmy here and there to make it work but invariably it won’t be a good ﬁ t. You can’t manufacture or whip up, God’s presence nor His will for your ministry. Each congregation in Jesus’ church worldwide, is unique. They’re supposed to be that way. (Avoid the “cookie cutter” approach to ministry)

Unfortunately, too many people have been running from special meeting to special meeting striving to get “more of God,” a special touch, a “now word,” gold in their teeth—that’s the latest—or chasing some sign, wonder or miracle. Hey, the Lord Jesus knows your address and phone number. Running across the country to ﬁ nd Him isn’t faith unless you’ve been directed to. You can “diligently seek Him” in your home town and save $1000’s. Being hungry is great but the Lord can minister and talk to you right where you’re at. Many get “caught up” in an experiences relationship and a “next move” mentality. Don’t get suckered into buying the hype of a charismatic preacher, please. Passionate preaching I love just be “heads up.”

54 Mission: Impossible

Yes, you can “fall under the power” of God and some have legitimately done so BUT too many at some of these meetings are being pushed over or feel the “peer pressure” to fall backward when being prayed for because others “fall.” In my studies, the only time someone fell back was when the soldiers were coming to arrest Jesus and His power knocked them over but He wasn’t “ministering” to them at a Charismatic church gathering, by any stretch of the imagination.

People are just wanting “a touch” from God. I understand that. My wife’s question is “If God knocks you over, why would you need someone to catch you? If He’s powerful enough to drop you, isn’t He powerful enough to cushion your fall?” It’s a good point and worth meditating on. (She’s very sharp and has good “radar”)

Again, our position is we’re “Openly, guarded.” It’s healthy. Once you establish trust for someone, you move from “suspicious” to “relatively conﬁ dent,” which is a good place to be. As I’ve said, I’ve been in “full time” ministry for many years. (Full time meaning, all my work—time and talents—have been put into ministry and all my income received from it) I’ve seen, experienced and learned thousands of lessons: lots of “good,” some “bad” and even, “the ugly.”

When I was fi nishing up Bible College, I had to think about being “credentialed.” Even when the Lord “calls” you and puts it on your heart to the point where you can’t think about doing anything but serving Him with your “vocation” or “occupation,” you still need to be recognized and validated by qualifi ed ministers, otherwise, you’re nothing but a self-appointed, hot shot. You don’t need a “denominational” recommendation but you should seek out those who are experienced men of God who concur that you have been defi nitely given your commissioning by virtue of your heart and the fruit in your life. Again, the qualifi cations that I examined earlier are clearly spelled out in the word (I Timothy 3 and Titus 3) for those who seek the high calling of “minister.”

In 1994, Pastor Jim Glassford, an associate pastor at a large “mega church” at the time, had gotten to know me, recognized the call on my life and invited me to a monthly ministers meeting to get the ball rolling for my next few steps. The ﬁ rst one—a big step—was being “licensed” as a minister. This isn’t an easy deal, at least if you do it right. There are far too many advertisements out there that basically say, “We’ll get you licensed and then ordained, as well as, get IRS approval as a church. Just ﬁ ll in your name on the back of this matchbook cover…” There are too many people in “ministry” who shouldn’t be. Why? They’re not called, they’re self-appointed and looking for fame, fortune and/or notoriety.

Some in ministry have their motives completely off. Again, the true ministers assigned to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher are called by the Lord as servants to equip others to do the work of the ministry, period. (It’s sort of like Ofﬁ cer’s training)

If you’re pondering this and you’re called, I’d call a reputable pastor or contact a trusted para-church. They should have a tough credentialing committee to make sure you truly are commissioned by God. (Some organizations I’ve seen advertising in magazines simply have you mail in $50 dollars and you’re in. No questions asked. It’s basically a mail order scam)

A good para-church will send you literature and you can apply for one of four places that you have to qualify for:

1. Certiﬁ ed Christian Worker—basically those called as “helpers.”

55 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

2. Commission to Preach—little or no experience but are in a season of assisting pastors/ministers in order to gain experience.

3. Licensed Minister—some ministry experience but need more time (two years) in order to be better equipped as a minister.

4. Ordained Minister—someone who has an “established and proven ministry.” (After licensing period of two years is up)

If you’re going to oversee a ministry, hold services or gatherings and want to give people the benefi t of being able to have their “contributions” tax deductible, you’ll need to have your legal ministry papers in order. The place you start is getting a 501(c)(3) non-profi t, tax exempt status approved by the IRS, which we did. The application fee is $500. But you may need a professional, like a lawyer to help you fi ll it out so the costs could be well over $1500.

Having fellowship with seasoned pastors and ministries is invaluable for wisdom, experience, a sounding board, prayer and just basic accountability so if you start veering one way or another that isn’t healthy, there is a protection mechanism in place. I’ve been mentored by Pastor Derek Vander Merwe and he has been a God-send for me, and other pastors. I lean on him in tough situations, as well as, ministry applications and scriptural insights. If more ministers had this kind of mentor/peer/protege fellowship, there would be far less stress in ministry and far fewer “casualties.”

As a minister and pastor, I have strong counselors in my life, by choice: I desire God directed wisdom and protection. Besides Derek Vander Merwe, I have my brother-in-law, Alan Winter. He is a very seasoned Christian and has been in ministry over 20 years. He is a short term missionary and goes all over the world impacting people with the love of Jesus. Alan preaches a balance of scripture, that very few do. He doesn’t “play the crowds,” he speaks the truth in love. While he certainly believes and teaches that God blesses with “material things,” his position is this: “I’m most interested in preaching the cross, Him crucified and is now risen.” (I couldn’t agree with by dear brother more)

Chew on that a bit. Material things are nice but if it isn’t increasing your desire to witness along with a passionate hunger and thirst to know the Lord more, it’s time to re-prioritize. Church “integrity” and “back to the basics:” that’s the real deal. It’s what the world is looking for. The church is NOT a building. It is a body of followers of Jesus Christ who love, help, serve and yes, sometimes confront. I’ve seen some old footage of Billy Graham in his earlier days. He was confrontive but loving. Personally, I think he’s a great example of integrity and someone who never compromises the message of the cross. Even today when he’s on Larry King, for example. His message remains: God loves us and proved it by sending His only son to die for ours sins. A simple message that won’t ever change.

“Revival” starts in the heart of someone. That can happen at a tent revival meeting but it can also happen in a quiet one on one conversation on a porch. Most of the effective ministry work I’ve done has been face to face in an intimate conversation where walls are down.

We are to be witnesses by living the life of a Christian rather than going witnessing. (How do you feel when you see those two Jehovah Witnesses approach you on a Saturday morning? Right, that’s what I thought. Two by two is scriptural but “living it” speaks louder than passing out tracts and invading someone’s space) Commit to do this: read His word (He’ll talk to you there), pray (spend quiet time in His presence ministering to Him and listening) then gather together to fellowship and worship with like minded believers, small or large venues. Special meetings can be great if the Holy Spirit is having His

56 Mission: Impossible way: people coming to Jesus, great music facilitating deep worship, people getting healed, delivered, being properly prophesied over and lives being changed. Unfortunately, too many Christians are getting sucker punched by some ministries with the emphasis on money, blessings, houses, cars and planes.

Wherever we go, we need to “be a witness.” (salt and light) At Cub foods, the gas station, the dry cleaners, at home, out in the world not just putting on a “religious” mask at church on a Sunday morning. Church is supposed to be where you gather to worship the Lord with others, end of story not hiding in the comfort zone of “my church.”

When you ﬁ nd the “right” one, you’ll know it because you can be yourself. Everyone needs to ﬁ nd a safe place for fellowship, accountability and spiritual feeding, as the “family of God.”

As the “soldiers of God,” you need to fi nd courageous, seasoned veterans whom you can trust your life with and in turn, can trust you. When you’re in a fi refi ght or a foxhole situation, you’d better know who you’re fi ghting with, right? You won’t be hashing out opinions of scripture there, you’ll just want to survive and know the person next to you is going to fi ght with you.

We consider ourselves quite fortunate to have found a handful of ministers to serve with as we do spiritual warfare against the evil in this world together. The two ministries I’ve aligned myself with, Frontline Missions, and Praise2worship are run by men of integrity and are not only approachable but readily accessible.

There’s no “perfect” church. It is an impossible mission to ﬁ nd one but we can move towards maturity and servitude. One of my dearest friends and peers in ministry is Pastor Chuck Peterson. He’s a preachin’, wild guy for God. His quote on church & ministries is this: “Example, isn’t the main thing in ministry, it’s the only thing.” I concur.

A fi nal thought about money, circles of friends, outreach, infl uence and stewardship: Handle money very carefully. Scripture warns about desiring wealth i.e. pursuing or lusting after getting “rich.” Don’t be judgmental toward people acquiring things. (especially if you’re not yet. That’s envy) Nor be judgmental towards people when they seem to be fi nancially “challenged.” (and you’re apparently walking in great blessings—that’s patronizing and pride) Both are wrong.

The parable of the vineyard workers in Matthew 20 is a great lesson in “distribution.” (The main point is Jesus can give grace as He sees ﬁ t but the natural truths of ﬁ nance and pay, apply) In this parable, if the boss, i.e. God, wants to give someone $100 for one hour of work and yet pays another worker $100 for 8 hours of work (which this person agreed to)—no one should be complaining. The boss calls the shots. Rejoice when someone gets “a break” and/or achieves some degree of success. Celebrate people when grace comes their way. God just may be choosing to equip them for a great task for Him. We all need a worldview of bringing the Good News, which includes money and teamwork—that will move an “imperfect” church away from self interests and closer to Jesus.

That’s the real deal.

Chapter Four

BURYING YOURSELF

(Water baptism)

(Acts 10:48) “And He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord”

Getting water baptized literally changed my life. When the pastor at the church we were attending said, “If you haven’t been baptized as a believer…if you were ‘christened’ as a baby…you need to get water baptized and don’t put it off. It will change you forever.” It did—our pastor was right about this step of faith in our following Jesus.

My ﬁ rst thought, probably like yours, if you were raised in a “Christian home,” was “Hey, wait a minute—I was baptized. What are you trying to hand me?” “They sprinkled me as a baby.”

This “challenge” caused us like many others to react emotionally to, maybe even deﬁ antly rather than responding to a scriptural principle. It’s because of the “denominational” indoctrination we got as kids, a lot of us have to unlearn erroneous traditions.

I knew though when I heard the challenge, that the Lord was speaking through this pastor directly to me. As the “spiritual leader” of the home, I in turn would have to instruct Denise and the kids as to why we needed to get baptized. (Being “in the dark” on this topic, the study began) The ﬁ rst thing I needed to know was “why” not just that I should. What’s the big deal? Isn’t it just some religious ritual?

Well, Jesus Himself, thought it was important enough that He included it in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19…

…“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

As followers of Jesus, when He says to do something, we should just do it. Not because we have to or He’ll punish us but because He said to do it and we want to please Him—that’s the real deal.

A big controversy is “Do I have to be water baptized to be saved?” The answer is, of course not. (Most folk brought up in the Catholic and Lutheran ﬂ ow have heard this line of thinking but it’s not Biblical) The controversy comes from an erroneous interpretation of Mark 16:16 where Jesus says “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” Not “rightly dividing the word,” they arrive at their teaching.

The Bible says in Hebrews 6:2, however, that there are “doctrines of baptisms.”(plural) In Mark 16:16, Jesus is talking about the ﬁ rst of the three types of baptism:

1. Baptism into the body of Christ (salvation)

59 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

2. Water baptism (being identiﬁ ed with Christ)

3. The baptism with the Holy Spirit (ﬁ lled with power)

Let’s see a good example of NOT being water baptized yet inheriting the kingdom of God.

In Luke 23:43, Jesus said to one of the thieves being cruciﬁ ed with Him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today, you will be with Me in paradise.”

Notice, He didn’t say, “Now, wait a minute brother—you know the drill. No baptism—no heaven.” Or “Well, I’ll cut you a deal. If you can ﬁ nd a way to get yourself off your cross, ﬁ nd a seminary graduate and go get dunked, well we’ll talk.” Of course not, that’s ridiculous!!!

Many are in a doctrinal “ditch” on this. We aren’t saved by anything we do. It is only by receiving what God has freely given—Jesus. It says in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” IT’S A FREE GIFT. (Luther had that part right)

So, by pressing in I discovered three main reasons to get baptized:

1. Jesus said to do it (the “Yes, Lord” deal)

John 15:10 If you obey My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

2. It shows a lifetime commitment to Him, publicly (From the “engagement” to the marriage i.e. the vow)

II Cor. 11:2 I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you—a pure virgin—to Him.

3. It marks a new beginning (Like the Sting song “A brand new day”)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The whole point of being water baptized is to let the whole world know, especially to those who know you, this declaration: “I’m following Jesus. I’m His. I’m not looking back. I’m forgiven and have no past to look back to. I make mistakes along the way but I’ll trust Him to help me get back on track. Mark this moment. This is my 4th of July—my independence day!”

Jesus died, was buried and then was resurrected. Those are the facts. By getting water baptized as a believer and follower of Him, you’re “identifying with Him.” Here are some scriptures for this Bible truth.

Romans 6:3-6 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was

60 Burying Yourself raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

Do you have a “secret sin?” Have you ever felt you were a slave to that “secret sin” you’re dealing with? Getting water baptized with the right heart declares “That’s it! Enough is enough.” You once and for all are choosing to live right and the Lord will honor you.

There’s a little booklet called “My heart/Christ’s home.” In it, it talks about places in your life as “rooms.” Many have “rooms” in their house that they really don’t want Jesus looking in. You know…like the “hidden cubby,” the “basement stash,” etc. I’d suggest letting Him do some house inspection. Give Him access to do His “spring cleaning” unlike any other can. (I so testify) Worry, lust, greed, pride…they can all diminish—little at a time—with His help through your permission, moving towards elimination of them.

Colossians 2:11-13 “In Him (Jesus) you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism; and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the circumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive in Christ.”

Back to the baby “christening” deal. As a Presbyterian infant—like most Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, infants—I was “sprinkled” in our church, as a newborn. My mom explained to me, however, that when my dad and mom chose to go through this ceremony, they viewed it as more of a dedication to God, than a “baptism.”

So, in 1991, as I was being challenged to get baptized as a believer, I needed a clear answer. I found it, as it jumped out at me.

In Acts 2:38, Peter says, “Repent and be baptized.”

After reading that and re-reading that, the obvious question that came to me was, “How can you repent as a baby?” The answer of course is, you can’t. You’ve got nothing to repent from. Although many say, “You’re born a sinner,” a more accurate statement would be, “We all turn into sinners.” Baby’s aren’t sinners—they grow up to be through the “fallen nature.” If they die (born or unborn) they go to Heaven.

If babies were sinners and if they weren’t “sprinkled,” they’d be lost forever, some say. That is heresy to teach yet many do teach just that by the inference communicated through the baby sprinkling ceremony. If it’s looked upon as a “dedication” with the intent of instructing the child in the things of God and teach them that at some later date, they’ll need to be baptized once they are a believer, I understand that, although it seems like a fruitless exercise. It would be so much better if we’d just do things the Bible way, not the American tradition.

In seeing the “repent and be baptized” scripture, it settled my traditional, denominational teaching on baby sprinkling: it was error and not Biblical.

61 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

The fact that I was deceived and was mistaught, irritated me. And as far as the “sprinkling” goes, let’s look at the original Greek. Baptized is the word baptizo (#907 Strong’s Concordance) which means to get fully wet, to make whelmed, submersed, immersed. In other words, get dunked.

Jesus being our example in everything, after being baptized, “…came up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16) He did this to show us the way to get baptized, not because He had to—He was sinless. He simply gave us an example or model to follow. When Philip, an evangelist and one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, was preaching Christ to the eunuch it says they “went down into the water” (Acts 8:38) Scripture is really clear about the baby “sprinkling” thing—It’s not supported anywhere in the Word.

A lot of things in the Bible are symbolic, like taking communion, for example. The bread represents Jesus’ body broken for us and the wine represents His blood for the remission of sins. (I don’t ascribe to the “transubstantiation” teaching taught by some, where the communion elements literally become His body and blood. They are “representative.” I’ll touch on that later in the book)

Similarly, when we get water baptized as believers, we are symbolically being cruciﬁ ed with Him, (Galatians 2:20) being buried with Him, (Romans 6:4) and being resurrected with Him. (Colossians 2:12) It was a miracle day, for Denise and me, along with our son, Jonathan. He asked Jesus into his life at 4 and most certainly knew what he was doing then. At 8, he wanted to make his “public” declaration with us. It was awesome. Our daughter, Piper, followed in our footsteps three years later, when she too chose to say, “I’m a Christian. I’m following Jesus.” They are both solid followers of Him.

As Denise and I were progressing in our new walk with the Lord in 1991, we were fully persuaded that getting water baptized was going to mark an amazingly new work in us. She and I had plenty of things we wanted to “bury”—individually and collectively.

One of Satan’s most effective weapons against Christians is fear. The afternoon we were baptized, a wave of it came at me just as my turn to get into the water was approaching. It took every ounce of faith I could hang onto just to stay put. I could relate to that scripture that says “when you’ve done all, stand.” (Ephesians 6:13) It took all I had within me just to exercise self-control, yield to God, take authority over the situation and “stand.” Finally I said quietly, “Uh no, Satan or whatever demon is hassling me—not today. I am going to do this. I’ve got the victory and you won’t rob me of it.”

Why would the devil choose to harass me then? What’s such a big deal about baptism that threatens him? Because every advancement in your walk as a “follower of Jesus” scares him. He knows, as a spirit being, the results of getting closer to God. You’re a threat thus these assaults come at the most interesting times, usually when you’re not thinking about it, expecting it or prepared for it. The fear he throws at you sounds so convincing and immediate and makes you panic. The master suggestor/accuser that he is, brings you the following mental/spiritual warfare to contend with:

“Who do you think you are getting baptized?”… “Who do you think you are following Jesus?”… “You’re gonna faint”… “You’re gonna have a heart attack”… “You’re gonna die”… “I’m going to expose you and your sins.” “When they ﬁ nd out what you’ve done, they’ll throw you out…”

62 Burying Yourself

Of course, I never faint, I never have a heart attack and I’m still alive. He’s a liar and I know it. When the fear assault comes at you, however, your calm, methodical, logical, reasoning faculties are sufﬁ ciently put to the test, so you’d better be ready. Anyway, I went into and under the water, and came up a new person. The immediate results were joy and peace. (Two highly coveted items in my life) The past was behind us and each day since then is a new opportunity to share His goodness with others. Again, things like lust, fear, love of money, selﬁ shness, anger, depression, and the like, have dissipated and we’re moving towards complete eradication.

The “way” to be baptized is to get dunked. Do it scripturally:

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

That’s how we were baptized…in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There are a few other references but they all essentially relay the same thing: getting baptized in the name of the Lord.

Acts 2:38, “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 8:16, 19:5 “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 10:48 “baptized in the name of the Lord.”

Don’t let anyone get legalistic with “the name” in which you get baptized. Some say it has to be “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” to be valid. Others say “it has to be in the name of the Lord.”

God knows your heart. Follow Matthew 28 and you’re ﬁ ne. Some Oneness Pentecostals and other sects actually have put condemnation on people because of this. Don’t allow them to mess with your head.

So…let me conclude with the question that the Bible asks…

Acts 22:16 says, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Getting dunked—it’s the real deal.

Chapter Five

“POWER—DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!”

(The baptism with the Holy Spirit)

Luke 24:49 “Behold, I send the Promise of my Father upon you; but wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (bold mine)

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (bold mine)

Doctrinal issues frequently isolate Christians from one another. The Baptists against the Pentecostals. The Catholics with the Protestants. The Lutherans with the Methodists. Or even the Baptists with the Baptists, the Pentecostals with the Pentecostals and the Catholics with the Catholics. There is so much division amongst followers of Jesus.

There are few doctrines that stir up more, shall we say, intense fellowship, than the baptism with the Holy Spirit, along with one of the evidences that you’ve received it, namely, speaking in tongues. Jesus, the Messiah—the Savior—the Lord, said to His disciples, “Wait for the promise of the Father.” My paraphrase “Before you go and preach about Me and My Kingdom, get the power.”

In other words, “Power—don’t leave home without it!”

When Jesus told his disciples to wait before they go out preaching, it was after His awesome victory over Satan at the cross—commonly called the Atonement, (Romans 5:11, Col. 2:14), after the three days that Jesus was in the “lower” parts of the earth (Hades—the upper part of hell) getting the “keys” of hell and death back, (Rev.1:18) after whooping on Satan—kicking “devil butt and taking names,” (Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 4:9), after He gathered Old Testament saints from “Paradise”—the gulf ﬁ xed between the upper part and lower part of hell (Ephesians 4:8) and after His resurrection. (Matthew 28:6) He’s talking to His small but mighty and loyal church. He told them to wait for the “power” i.e. The ultimate equipping.

You may ask: The power of what? Power to say what? Power to do what? Why do we need it? Don’t we get it all in one shot?

The Greek word for power is dunamis (#1411 Strong’s Concordance) which means miraculous power, ability and might. It has been taught that this is where we derive our word, dynamite. The Holy Spirit’s baptism gives you “explosive power.” “Wonder working” miraculous power. It’s subsequent to your receiving the Holy Spirit, when you make your decision to receive Jesus.

First off, let’s settle something doctrinally, right here. The purpose for being baptized in the Holy Spirit is NOT to speak in tongues i.e. “languages”—as it has been poorly taught—but rather it is for being empowered to be a great witness for Jesus—to win others to Him.

65 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

The reason or purpose is for being effective as a Christian. One of the evidences that you’ve received the baptism with the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues—languages of men and languages of angels.

Question: Do you have to speak in tongues to be ﬁ lled with the Holy Spirit? Of course not. I’ve heard of some “ministers” shaming people by implying they don’t have the Holy Spirit unless they speak in tongues. That’s error. Love is the chief barometer of being ﬁ lled, not tongues.

I heard about the baptism with the Holy Spirit while attending St. Cloud State University. I stumbled onto a couple of books browsing through some Christian literature. One was called, “There’s more…” and another called “The Holy Spirit and you” by an Episcopal priest named Dennis Bennett. I was at a place where I was really hungry for the things of God. For me, the experience of being baptized with the Holy Spirit was quite like when I got saved: I asked for it and I got it. (Luke 11:13) I simply exercised child-like faith. There were no ﬁ reworks—there was no ﬁ lm soundtrack playing—no apparitions. A peace came over me, I knew that I had received a promise and had advanced in my walk.

The ﬁ rst dozen “attempts” at speaking in tongues were pretty funny and deﬁ nitely awkward because no one had trained me or taught me what to expect. (I almost blew it off) The babblings that were coming out of me sounded very inarticulate and simple. Like millions of others before me, I thought, “This is stupid. What am I doing? I’m just making this stuff up. Forget it.” Just what Satan, unbelievers, unbelieving believers and my natural reasoning wanted me to think…

… “You’ve just concocted this yourself.” … “You’re playing with the devil by speaking in tongues.” … “That was just for the disciple’s time—all that’s past away.”

(FYI—Reading Pat Boone’s book, “A New Song,” helped a lot. I wholeheartedly suggest you read that book for his insights) As I was diligent to exercise this new prayer language, it got more ﬂ uent and more intense. It became like it says in John 7:38, “out of his belly (spirit/heart) will flow rivers of living water.” You control this “ﬂ ow” so don’t think you’re in a trance or something. God won’t force you to pray a certain way nor will He just all of a sudden take over your vocal chords, your lips, your tongue and start rattling off.

So many think and say, “Lord, if it’s your will for me to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and to speak in tongues, well, do it Lord—just make me.” That’s your part, friend, not His—it’s the faith part. Look at John 7:39 for a minute.

John 7:39 (But this He spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (Bold mine)

Notice it says that you should receive the Holy Spirit not that you would receive Him automatically, in baptismal measure. You have to ask Him for it (Luke 11:13) and you have to obey Him.(Acts 5:32) I became fully persuaded that it could not be me making this language up—that it was indeed God, in and through, me. The wavering in my mind—“Is this or isn’t this the Lord?”—became a non-issue.

In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water to repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

66 “Power—Don’t Leave Home Without It”

That’s where we get our phrase, “They’re on fi re for God” or “They’re fi red up.” The Greek word for “fi re” is pur. (#4442 in Strong’s Concordance) This “fi re,” when tempered with wisdom, love and patience is the most powerful tool for being a witness. That’s what Pentecost was all about—equipping and preparing all those people for soul winning and discipling. It’s a dangerous place to not be Spirit baptized and continually fi lled with the Holy Spirit—you’re more vulnerable to demonic attacks, trust me. Circumstances can potentially cripple you.

Matthew 12:43 When an unclean spirit (a demon) goes out of someone, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to my house from which I came. And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.

At Pentecost, there were 120 people waiting on God for this power thing that Jesus had spoken of.

In Acts 2:2 it says, “And suddenly…(I like that part)…there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

A typical American church service? Uh…I don’t think so.

Let me pose some questions to you:

When was the last time a rushing mighty wind hit around your church service where people look drunk and are speaking in other languages?

When was the last time you “welcomed” the Holy Spirit?

Has He ever been? Do you wait for Him to lead the service?

What’s more important: God moving in your midst or programs?

*A side note for all my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. Mary, the one you’re told to pray to, was in the upper room at Pentecost.

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, the number of names together were about 120. Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Mary was there among the 120. She was in “one accord” with them. She witnessed that “suddenly” thing. She was one of those who got zapped and was speaking in tongues. Mary, with all due respect, was an on-ﬁ re, tongue-talking, radically saved, believer. The same Jesus she gave birth to, later saved her and ﬁ lled her with His Spirit.

67 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Peter, one of the 12 disciples, the only one who walked temporarily on water and later denied Jesus three times—after this “suddenly” thing hit him in the upper room, then got up, preached and 3000 people got saved. (Acts 2:41) Good fruit, eh? Again, this was after he was baptized with the Holy Spirit, not before. You think you’re a soul winner now, just wait until you ask for this “promise of the Father.”

Here’s a common statement of reaction: “Well, I got all the Holy Spirit I need when I gave my life to Christ.”

Well, if that’s so, why would Jesus have told His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father? After all, they were the ones who ate with Him, watched all the miracles take place and saw Him personally, scourged, cruciﬁ ed and raised from the dead. I’d say they knew Him. If they were commanded to get baptized with the Holy Spirit, how much more do we need to? If we got all the Holy Spirit we need at the time of our conversion, wouldn’t have the disciples? Weren’t all of them saved before Pentecost? Hadn’t Jesus gone to the cross and been resurrected before Pentecost? Well sure. Yet Jesus said wait and get the “power” before you go out. In Acts 19:2, Paul the apostle asks this question: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Uh oh—I thought we get all we need at conversion)

“So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” (There’s that poor denominational teaching thing)

“And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they had heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” (There’s that tongues deal, again. Settle it, it is scriptural)

Most of us run out of things to pray about—even after an hour—praying for our leaders, our church, our pastor, our spouse and children, our ﬁ nances, the lost, etc. It says this in Romans 8:26:

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

“Uttered” here means intellectually understood. When I pray in the Spirit (tongues) generally I don’t know what I’m saying. I occasionally get some speciﬁ c direction or piece of information revealed to me, or an interpretation, something that I’m supposed to know about or inform another of. I’m also praying out those divine mysteries for my life and ministry.

Additionally, I know that I’m “pumping up” my faith. Sort of like a Arnold Schwartzenegger regiment, for your spirit.

(Jude 20) But you, beloved, build up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

It says in I Corinthians 14:4, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” Let me give a weight lifting illustration. When I was in Greco-Roman and college wrestling, I would work on my pecs (chest) every other day. I’d do bench press, incline bench, ﬂ yes and bar dips. When I missed a workout or two, I’d pay the penalty by being sore for 2 or 3 days longer than I had to. I shouldn’t have missed the workout and I knew it. Diligence is a God ordained principle. Similarly, when you pray in the Spirit i.e. tongues,

68 “Power—Don’t Leave Home Without It” you’re “pumping up” your faith. I also know that I’m praying out God’s will for my life. And again, I am praying out mysteries.

(I Corinthians 14:2) “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

“Mysteries,” in the Greek is musterion (#3466 in Strong’s concordance) which means “secrets.” All of God’s personal things (His secrets) for me, my family and our ministry, are available and attainable.

Speaking in tongues is but one way to ascertain them—a “code” that Satan can’t decipher. We do this at our house church gatherings, as well as, the other ministries I work with. Nothing will happen until you pray fervently, unless God moves sovereignly.

Every time you pray, you’re honoring God by seeking Him through faith and trusting that He cares and is listening. Each prayer meeting that I hold or at the ones I attend, a “ﬂ ow” takes on a life of it’s own.

Someone will be praying for direction or the leaders of the world and next thing you know, we’ll ﬁ nd ourselves being directed by the Spirit into “uncharted waters.” (It’s a ride, for sure) Sometimes we cry. Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we just sit there, quietly in awe of who we’re communicating with: the Creator of all.

Question: Why do you suppose the devil—through the traditions of men—has come against speaking in tongues so hard?

Answer: He knows the results of fervent prayer—both in your understanding and in the Spirit. Satan fears the Christian who prays fervently and I’ve noticed he’ll distract and try to get you to avoid it.

Some have said, “Well, I’ve heard that speaking in tongues should only be done in a church service and only then if there is an interpretation.” This is referring to I Corinthians 14:27. This is the public use of tongues, not private. It says just prior to that verse that tongues are a sign to unbelievers and we’re not to “forbid people speaking in tongues.” (I Corinthians 14:39) Paul is saying it is more profitable for a demonstration of tongues to be interpreted in a public setting, otherwise, people who haven’t been taught—or are non-believers—will all think you’re nuts. (I Corinthians 14:23) So, it will beneﬁ t those groups of people, if there is an interpretation that accompanies the tongues given. A prophesy, on the other hand, will beneﬁ t the whole church. (I Corinthians 14:3)

Paul says to desire spiritual gifts, (I Corinthians 14:1) that things should be done in an orderly fashion, (I Corinthians 14:40) and that if you speak in tongues but you don’t have love being displayed, you are a clanging cymbal (I Corinthians 13:1)—in other words, you’re just making a loud noise. An irritating one, at that. So many have been turned off to the things of the Spirit because some Christians haven’t been acting in love and were arrogant about the level of truth they have.

But know this: the power is crucial. The gifts of the Holy Spirit have most certainly NOT passed away. Only when Jesus Christ comes again—the Second Coming—will they “cease.” (I Cor. 13:10)

The Great Commission will impact the world but it’s only through the power of the Spirit. So, the gifts and the fruit, working together with the fruit being far more important. If a guy gives a “word” for people

69 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101) or gives out personal prophecies but at home, mistreats his wife and kids or is in secret sin, they are hypocritical and deceived.

The gifts of the Spirit:

1. the word of wisdom—revelation or understanding given for a speciﬁ c situation or problem.

2. the word of knowledge—reveals information for or about someone and/or their circumstance.

3. faith—not faith given to cause someone to come to the Lord but rather an enabling faith for the miraculous.

4. gifts of healings—this is a supernatural moving of God’s Spirit to impart healing virtue, for His purposes and glory.

5. working of miracles—Supernatural demonstration of God’s power altering nature or stopping Satanic activity.

6. prophesy—the supernatural gifting of any believer—not just the prophet—for a special needed word.

7. discerning of spirits—the God given ability to determine or distinguish prophesies or spirits. Holy Spirit “radar.”

8. speaking in tongues—“do all speak in tongues?” Again this refers to “public” tongues as a sign to the unbeliever.

9. interpretations of tongues—all “public” tongues must be interpreted to validate the word brought.

The fruit of the Spirit:

1. love—God-given caring for another that talks and acts.

2. joy—not a happy feeling but a glad knowing God’s for you.

3. peace—the quiet calm deep within that trusts Him. Not absence of conﬂ ict but assurance in a storm.

4. patience-Endurance or persistence. (Double dose, please)

5. kindness-The Good Samaritan in action.

6. goodness—a passion for truth and purity. To walk the talk.

7. faithfulness—an unmovable loyalty to God and His people.

8. gentleness—Truth with grace. Sensitive and tender. Meek.

9. self-control—Restraining your mouth, lusts and/or ﬂ eshly passions.

The Holy Spirit’s power is the real deal, don’t leave home without it.

70 Chapter Six

THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN AND PROTECTION

(The tithe)

Matthew 23:23 “Yes, woe upon you, Pharisees, and you other religious leaders—hypocrites! For you tithe down to the last mint leaf in your garden, but ignore the important things—justice and mercy and faith. Yes, you should tithe, but you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone.” (The Living Bible)

Very simply—tithe means “a tenth.” 10% of your income, in this context, is the way that God reveals Himself to you, with regards to your ﬁ nances ﬂ ourishing and a special “protection” He promises. The subject of the tithe is a very touchy topic because of the abuses in the past about money. But the tithe really is a meat and potatoes, basic Bible doctrine. There are few things that bring out the worst in people, as talking about how they spend “their” money. It certainly challenged me and I almost dismissed the whole deal. It was truly one of the hardest tests in our faith walk, as well as, our marriage (you know… joint checking) but we stepped out in faith and began to tithe.

Few Christians understand the principle of the tithe. They think it is a “Twist the arm—get on your knees with a gun against your head” type of fundraising deal. (Something they probably learned from their traditional Catholic or Protestant upbringing.) No, as one pastor put it, “Tithing is a New Testament ‘get to’ not an Old Testament ‘have to’.” If you want to obey and worship God, you should bring your tithe to the “storehouse” (your local church, home group or ministry that spiritually “feeds” you) with a grateful heart. We get the privilege of bringing this holy thing called the tithe before the Lord.

“Holy Greg? How do you ﬁ gure it’s holy?”

Well, in Leviticus 27:20 it says, “And all the tithe of the land…it is the Lord’s: it is holy to the Lord.” (It’s a principle that hasn’t changed with the New Covenant)

So ﬁ rst of all, it is a pure, undeﬁ led thing—this 10% deal—and secondly, but more importantly, it is not ours to spend—it belongs to Him. Here, let me show you how I came to that conclusion…

In Malachi 3:8, the Lord says “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, How have we robbed You? You have robbed Me in tithes and offerings.”

The word “rob” here doesn’t mean “steal” or thievery. (That’s #1589 ganab) “Rob” is #6909 qaba which means to “defraud, deprive, or cheat” Him of the opportunity to bless you. It’s not “a bill” we owe Him but rather it is His money in the first place. We have simply been entrusted with money as a steward but the ﬁ rst part of it—the ﬁ rst 10%—is His. Firstfruits is what it’s called.

“Wait a minute—what does God need with my money?”

Well, He doesn’t. He doesn’t need it in the sense of giving Him a loan or anything. No, He is quite well off, thank you very much. He’s got quite a few planets, galaxies, stars, etc. Knowing the beneﬁ ts of

71 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

tithing—because He’s the designer of it—He gives everyone an opportunity to “prove or test Him.” The only way you ever grow, spiritually, is to stretch your faith.

In Malachi 3:10, it says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes.”

Before I go on, let me address something. I highlighted “meat” and “devourer” because God gave me an insight into why most churches, ministries and believers aren’t experiencing more of Him and His blessings. I ask you to consider it.

The word “meat” is the Hebrew word, tereph, which is used only one time in the whole Bible. (It’s like God was saying, “Listen up because I am only going to tell you this once”) It simply means provisions, food, and/or natural resources. In other words, your “daily bread.” It also includes ﬁ nances, as well as, the tools it takes to advance the Kingdom of God. It also implies the “meat of the word” that Paul talked about in the New Testament meaning the deeper things of God being taught to you by a pastor or others in ministry.

The word “devourer” is also only used once in the whole Bible. That word is akal, which literally means, “meat-eater.”

Boom! There it is.

The Bible says this about our enemy:

1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert…be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

So…in other words, if the “devourer”—meaning Satan—isn’t “rebuked for your sake” because of your rebellious, deﬁ ant, willful disobedience, (after you’ve been given the opportunity to tithe) the enemy will be allowed to be a “provisions eater.” A “resources eater.” A “deeper Bible revelations eater.” So, come on ministers—preach the tithe. If there’s no teaching on the tithe from “the pulpit,”—building or street corner—people won’t know to be obedient. And if there’s no obedience to bring the tithe with a heart of worship to the storehouse, there will be limited blessings and protection. That’s the Word of God.

If the Bible promises that God Himself will “rebuke the devourer” if we’ll simply “prove Him” through worshipping Him with our holy tithe, in His ordained system of ﬁ nancing the propagation of the Gospel, why would anyone say no to it? Receive His blessings and His protection for simple obedience? Only a fool would pass on that.

The reason why most believers aren’t ﬂ ourishing to the degree that they could is because some of the “spiritual leaders” that have been too sheepish, apprehensive or just plain scared about teaching this area of ﬁ nancial obedience because other ministries have abused the teaching to manipulate or hoard. So, in response, they’ve gone to the other extreme and have kept silent. But by throwing the baby out with the bath water, they’ve limited the success and prosperity of their own people. (Sorry, to step on some of your toes but those are the facts) And by not knowing the Word for themselves, through their own ignorance, people get boxed into a corner, where the only bail out, will literally be a miracle.

72 The Windows Of Heaven And Protection

The fear of man is a snare. (Proverbs 29:25) It is knowing the truth—the whole truth—that sets people free. This “meat” and “meat-eater” revelation really opened my eyes.

Back to the teaching…ﬁ rst of all, it says bring all the tithes into the storehouse implying that some were bringing less than the whole 10%. (He’s also talking prophetically to most American Christians here. Less than 20% statistically are faithful tithers) If you make $800. per week, your tithe is $80. If you’re self-employed, what you pay yourself after you’ve paid your business expenses, that’s what you tithe on.

The next part is the part that attracted me. It says to “prove Me….” In other words, “Check Me out—try Me—put Me to the test—I won’t disappoint you in this tithe deal. Come on, use that faith I gave you.” And as far as the windows of heaven goes, well…Denise and I have personally experienced what it means to experience His blessings… blessing—1293. Berakah, ber-aw-kaw’; by impl. prosperity:—blessing, liberal, pool, present.

“You won’t have room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10) It’s true! The blessing that God pours out when His windows of heaven are opened to you through your faith and obedience basically means He’s going to give you and cause you to have “favor.” With “favor” comes prosperity. Remember, prosperity isn’t synonymous for “money.” It includes money to bless your family and promote the Gospel but ﬁ nancial provisions aren’t the thrust of “the windows of heaven” being opened for you through tithing. It means you’ll get more “breaks,” “deals on things” and the “true riches.”You’ll be blessed with a great spouse who’s supportive, wonderful children, close and loyal friends, peace of mind, to name a few. Life won’t be “perfect” but it will be more blessed. If those things elude you, I’d “consider your ways.”

When some people hear about the Biblical principle of tithing, they think somehow that God’s going to take His “heaven size” wheel barrel full of $100’s or $1000’s and dump them off the side of His throne, through the windows of heaven and all they have to do is collect the dough. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. So I’m clear, the promise of those windows of heaven being opened DOES NOT mean that God is going to give everybody a Rolls Royce, a Jaguar, a Porche, a mansion in Edina or Minnetonka— afﬂ uent Minneapolis cities—a Rolex watch, ten million in T-bills, a yacht on Lake Minnetonka—my hometown—or any other high ticket luxury item. No way—that’s a false teaching.

It doesn’t mean He won’t or can’t but what He’s talking about here, again, are the “true riches” that Jesus talked about in Luke 16:11. Salvation, long life, health, awesome marriage bed, Biblical “prosperity”— meaning that you will “succeed.”

The “prosperity” or “health and wealth” doctrine as it’s been commonly called can be dangerous. All teachings must be based on Scripture. The word “prosperity” isn’t in the New Testament but “prosper” is. It’s only used once. Again, it simply means to be “to succeed” or “to be successful on your journey.”

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. prosper—2137. euodoo, to help on the road, succeed in reaching; to succeed in business affairs:—(have a) prosper (-ous journey).

73 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Haggai 1:6 You have sown much and bring in little; you eat but you have not enough; you drink but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourself but there is none warm; and he that earns wages, earns wages to put it into a bag with holes.Thus says the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

It’s a clear caution from our Maker. “Consider your ways.”

Success is “relative.” Any millionaire who’s lonely, will tell you that. Personally, I’d rather have my wonderful wife with our marriage intact, children who are safe and healthy, our small ministry ﬂ ourishing and great friends, than great wealth, fame or national TV exposure, if it meant giving up my wife, family, friends and ministry.

Actually, having Jesus alone is worth it all. It says so in Colossians.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

“Complete” in the Greek means satisﬁ ed, supplied and furnished. I like that. Too many have strayed from the inspired writing of Paul to the young pastor, where he says to be happy with the “basics.”

1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and clothing let us be content.

Let me talk here about a popular yet false teaching that many have been exposed to and possibly duped by regarding the “100 fold return” on your giving. Your guaranteed “harvest.”

The 30, 60, 100 fold return that Jesus talked about is not money. The 100 fold return is the Word of God. (Matt. 13:3-8, 18-23, Mark 4:3-8, 10:29-30) It basically boils down to the harvest on the “seed planted”—the planting of the Word of God in the good soil of people’s hearts (Mark 4:15) and reaping the harvest of their reception of the Gospel. (Watching and rejoicing that people get saved) It does address what God will bless you with, as you sacriﬁ ce for the sake of the Gospel but remember, with those blessings come persecutions. (Mark 10:30) Most preachers usually gloss over the “persecutions” part. (It doesn’t sell as many tapes or books nor get many “Amens”)

The error of that teaching is that if you give God $25, He’s somehow obligated to give you:

$25 x 30 fold=$ 750. $25 x 60 fold=$1500. $25 x 100 fold=$2500.

That’s wrongly dividing the Word of God.

However, because God is an extremely generous giving God, let me give you at least three more applicable scriptures in the area of money to stand on:

II Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. “Bountifully”—that’s a good thing. sows—4687. speiro, spi’-ro; to scatter, i.e. sow (lit. or ﬁ g.):—sow (-er), receive seed.

74 The Windows Of Heaven And Protection reap—2325. therizo, ther-id’-zo; from G2330 (in the sense of the crop); to harvest:—reap. sparingly—5340. pheidomenos, ﬁ -dom-en’-oce; stingily:—sparingly bountifully—2129. eulogia, yoo-log-ee’-ah; by extens. beneﬁ t or largess:—blessing (a matter of) bounty (X -tifully), fair speech.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. exceeding—5228. huper, hoop-er’; a prim. prep.; “over,” i.e. (with the gen.) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the acc. superior to, more than:—(+ exceeding abundantly) power—1411. dunamis, doo’-nam-is; miraculous power (usually by impl. a miracle itself):—ability

Proverbs 19:17 “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord—and He pays wonderful interest on your loan!” (TLB)

God keeps His word—He just may bless you way beyond a 100 fold return—it’s not a guarantee, however. Sowing seed is not a multi-level marketing scheme nor is it a get rich quick lottery. Remember, faith is just one item in the equation. Love is the stronger force, after all that’s what gets the whole deal moving. Galatians 5:6…faith works by love. (Treat people good or your blessings will be plugged up)

There is a tendency in a lot of church “meetings”—usually part of the “Word of faith” movement ﬂ ow— to preach exclusively on wealth and “reaping your harvest.” Some in this “Prosperity” camp, in my humble opinion, have gone way too far and to extremes with money, money, money. They’ve lost their focus with the context of what that scripture was addressing, namely salvation not “big checkbook.” Look at the scripture for yourself. Let me “rightly divide the word” for you:

Romans 10:8…The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

NOW…CAN IT BE ANY CLEARER? IT’S ABOUT BEING SAVED—NOT LOADING UP YOUR BANK ACCOUNTS.

Many are duped into thinking that the Biblical “sowing and reaping” principle is a quick trip ticket to paradise, easy street and a big bank roll. Most of these “prosperity teachers” are deceiving people with things that tickle their fancy.

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Some of the prosperity excesses are indeed that: fables.

There is a clear danger regarding greed or covetousness.

75 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

1 Tim 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The cautions and warnings continue:

Rev 3:17 (Jesus speaking) Because you say, “I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing” but don’t know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, covetous—5366. philarguros, ﬁ l-ar’-goo-ros; fond of silver (money), i.e. avaricious:—covetous. proud—5244. huperephanos, hoop-er-ay’-fan-os; appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (ﬁ g.) haughty:—proud.

Know this: you cannot be a bondservant for Christ and “chase” money at the same time. Again, the “chasing” is more like a multi-level scam.

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

serve—1398. douleuo, dool-yoo’-o; to be a slave to.

God—2316. theos, theh’-os; of uncert. afﬁ n.; a deity, espec. (with G3588) the supreme Divinity.

mammon—3126. mammonas, mam-mo-nas’; of Chald. or. (conﬁ dence, i.e. ﬁ g. wealth)

Notice the word “serve?” It’s a strong deﬁ nition. “Being a slave to” money, even through a prosperity, 100 fold return, harvest for all in faith, “Name it and claim it” camp, postures you for “falling into a trap” and becoming a slave to the “chase.” Seek the Kingdom, ﬁ rst.

The “true riches” that Jesus talks about? I’d focus on those, not the kind that is ﬂ eeting, deceptive and probably will leave you hurt, abused or wounded, once you see that you’ve been duped. You may lose your family or wind up in bankruptcy court because you’re “confessing the word” and giving all your money to the church.

“Well, I’m just standing on the word and believing God for my wealth. I have a covenant so therefore I’m ENTITLED to my millions. If you don’t want it, I’ll take yours. I’m just going to keep on thanking God for my jet plane, Mercedes, millions, etc. I don’t need to ask Him for that stuff: it’s mine! MONEY COMETH!”

Whoa! Look out, friend. You’re in trouble with that arrogant position. Now then, God certainly does bless with money. We’ve experienced His wonderful hand of generosity in our life. BUT you do not tell or order God around. You ask Him in humility and conﬁ dence but the notion that you somehow command Him is the ultimate pride.

76 The Windows Of Heaven And Protection

Again, I’d simply do the word—the real deal, word. Here…let me illuminate to you the best scripture in this line of teaching is this:

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

The “true riches” that Jesus talks about certainly include “these things shall be added to you.” BUT don’t think that everything you’re “confessing” is something God will allow you to possess or steward.

Denise and I have experienced “true riches” because of our obedience to tithe and give offerings. We cannot contain all that He has done—and does—for us, speciﬁ cally salvation, protection and good health.

One of the biggest controversies in the Christian community is whether the tithe is for today. It’s spelled out in scripture so well, it shouldn’t really even be an issue. Churches and “religious leaders” throughout history, however, have mistaught about the tithe, money, giving, obligations, etc. and they have misused the authority God gave them as those leaders by “forcing,” ﬂ eecing or guilting people to give. God loves a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7)—not a resentful one.

The Protestant reformation—meaning to protest—started by Martin Luther, took place because of the previous actions of the Catholic church. (I’m not going to church bash. I know many Catholics who truly love the Lord—why the reformation took place is simply a historical fact) A monk named Joseph Tetzel implemented “indulgences.” If you gave to the church, you could get your loved ones out of “purgatory” faster. (Purgatory is sort of a holding tank between heaven and hell that the Roman Catholic church teaches. It’s not found in the Bible, however) Luther found out about this indulgences policy as a Catholic monk and that’s when the whole thing started. (The love of money is most deﬁ nitely the root of all evil)

Today, we are not without our heresies i.e. false teachings and policies, as well, like sending out “collection notices/demands” for pledges made in faith or “paying for your healing” by making a donation. (Real morale builders—NOT) Then there are, of course, the newsmakers in the TV ministries. So it goes.

The tithe is found all throughout the Bible—the Old Testament and the New Testament. The principle of withholding really started in the Garden of Eden when God said, “Do not touch the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”—withhold from it—refrain from it. (Genesis 2:17) As a good Father—He set up parameters. Boundaries with rewards or consequences. Obedience is rewarded and disobedience may bring calamity upon yourself. Adam and Eve got kicked out because they wouldn’t listen to God. Eve listened to Satan and usurped her husbands authority. Adam—who knew what God had instructed him to do then failed as a husband to exercise his headship as spiritual leader and priest of the home. (the garden)

The reason or motive behind the tithe shouldn’t be getting all the blessings you can out of God or receiving all His protection—although those are wonderful. You should tithe because you love Him, you want to honor Him and worship Him with the firstfruits that you work hard for.

I see the tithe as God’s way of ﬁ nancing the Gospel. In the Old Testament, the tithe was one of many “taxes” you had to pay—one of them being paid to the Levite priests. Today, the new age movement brings in 50 to 100 times the amount of revenue that the body of Christ does. (Yes, Christians have been poorly taught but a lot of them can be just plain tight)

77 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Here’s how we got convinced that the tithe was God’s way—His ﬁ nancial plan—of blessing and protecting us. I had been reading some ministers books late at night during the winter time after getting home from my gigs. (Nightclubs and recording studios) He was stirring, challenging and daring me to “step out of the boat” and trust God with my money. Something we had obviously not been doing.

One night at my desk, while balancing the checkbook, I said a prayer: “O.K. Father, you know where I’m at. We want to serve you and obey you by tithing but you see these bills. I know you see these bills. Now then, (good tone, huh?) if you want me to tithe, I will but I’ll be in the hole. So, please show me if I’m on the right track here. I ask you now for your wisdom. Thank You, Lord. In the mighty name of Your Son, amen.”

Not any sooner than I had ﬁ nished praying, the phone rang. It was a booking agent with a one niter in Bloomington that not only would cover the amount I was shy but it brought me in a lot of extra, much needed Christmas money. I laughed and prayed, “O.K. O.K. I get it.” I was thinking, “Man, He’s quick. Whoa!”

That’s been a number of years now and tithing is simply one more brick laid in Denise and my foundation. There’s no pain involved anymore regarding bills. We know, by experience, that by tithing, the bills won’t ruin us. I keep track of how much we’ve given in an 8 column ledger—both the tithe (10%) and our offerings (anything over the 10%)—along with the money that has come in that wasn’t planned on and all the blessings that have occurred. The “harvest” is always higher than the “seed.” And the blessings? Well, we’re over the #200 mark. Things that shouldn’t have happened but did (for our beneﬁ t) and things that could have happened (to our detriment) but didn’t. (Again, safety and health being the best beneﬁ ts)

Some people say, “The tithe was just a form of taxation under a theocracy in Israel—we live in a democracy.” Well, Jesus said, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:3) Do you think in heaven that God takes a vote? Doubtful. No, I’m quite sure that heaven is a theocracy. (A form of government where God rules)

Then there are those that say that the tithe was under the law during Moses’ day. Well, Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek 400 years before Moses was even born and the law was given. In the New Testament, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for tithing but forgetting “weightier matters.” He commanded them to tithe but to remember the “more important” things, (Matthew 23:23) namely justice, mercy, and faith.

In Hebrews, Jesus is called our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham and conferred blessings on him. Well, Jesus, as our High Priest who receives our tithes personally, presents them to the Father, and then confers blessings on us. (Hebrews 7:1-8)

Is the tithe for us today as Christians? Yes.

Does God desire to bless us if we walk uprightly and obey His word? Yes. (Mercy and grace happens sometimes even when we don’t.)

Will the 90% left over after bringing the 10%, go much farther than keeping the whole 100%? Yes. *By the way, tithe could have meant half rather than tenth, if that helps.* ☺

78 The Windows Of Heaven And Protection

If you’re wise, you’ll start to tithe today. Don’t depend on what you’re feeling “led to do,” you’ve got God’s word on it—that’s all you need. (You don’t pray because you feel “led to.” You pray because the Bible says to) Keep track of the results—it’ll build your faith. The tithe, for us, was a life changer. It was the real deal in our life, marriage and checkbook. You can’t afford not to tithe.

Some noted tithers are: Mr. J.C.Penney—owner of the J.C.Penney stores, Mr. Kraft of Kraft Cheese Co., Mr. A.A. Hyde—owner of Mentholatum, Mr. Heinz of the Heinz Ketchups, Mr. Proctor of Proctor and Gamble (Ivory soap), Mr. Hershey of Hershey chocolate, Mr. Kellogg of Kellogg’s cereals, Mr. Crowell of Quaker Oats, William Colgate of Colgate shaving cream and toothpaste, and John D. Rockefeller— who began to tithe at the age of eight. His comment was, “I could have never tithed on my ﬁ rst million if I had not tithed on my ﬁ rst salary which was $1.50 a week.”

The Lord watches how you use what He’s given you.

Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:

…Jesus knows.

Here are just a few things that have occurred since we started to tithe:

.First, and most importantly, was the preservation of our marriage. Absolutely nothing—besides eternal life—compares in the “pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” department as being with my Denise.

.We received a $5000. grant from a couple who simply wanted to bless us and remove some debt.

.Doors were opened and have remained opened regarding two inventions God gave me. (We’re working on the patents now)

.Having gone through three full audits by the IRS, we greatly desired a break. Remember, protection is part of the tithe promise of His.

.Many bills got paid off much sooner than expected and some were simply canceled, released or forgiven.

.Many music gigs came my way that shouldn’t have.

.People started coming into our lives who helped mature our walk with God and to bless our family.

.Our family as a whole started getting interested, collectively, in the things of God.

.Denise and I both got new jobs we wanted with ﬁ nancial rewards and beneﬁ ts.

.People out of the blue (windows of heaven blue) started giving us “things,” causing great savings and a deep appreciation of the kindness of people and God’s goodness.

.Our daughter, Piper, took a fall on the driveway during the winter time that should have left her with a concussion, at the least, and yet was up and running shortly after. Another time, while visiting a music store in St. Paul, we got caught in a street shooting. I was in the store waiting for a speaker and was

79 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

keeping an eye on Piper, ﬁ ve yards away in the car, locked up. When the shooting started, Piper felt “something” i.e. someone, push her down to the ﬂ oor mats. (Angelic protection) Thank you, Lord.

.My recording studio started getting more clients and a good name for itself and me, as a producer, songwriter and session pianist.

.Divine appointments started happening left and right. One, for example, was when I was coming back from a gig in Duluth about 2 a.m., my Honda broke down on Hwy. 35. A guy named Roger who had a ﬂ at bed towing truck came and picked up my car and drove me home. (AAA gold—good purchase) Roger picked me up around Cambridge, so we had a good amount of time to talk. He proceeded to tell me of his challenges in their marriage, getting serious about the Lord and how we are to treasure our wives as the gift that they are from God. I left his tow truck shaking my head and smiling thinking “Lord, you are so cool.” (God always goes the “extra mile”)

.Graduating from Bible College with a straight A average and getting ordained as a minister. Two things I thought I’d never see.

.Favor with my mortgage company—going from 12% to 5% on our home.

.I found two extremely gifted individuals in the graphic design area of a church that “gifted” me their time to create the J card/cassette insert on one of my tapes. A $2000. savings. The list goes on and on. He has been so good. Once you start to tithe and give offerings, don’t look back and don’t quit! You won’t regret it.

Remember this: Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich and He adds no sorrow with it. (It’s much better His way)

Galatians 6: 6-9: v.6) Those who are taught the Word of God should help their teachers by paying them. (The Living Bible) v.7-8) Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants; he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring people—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. (The Message Bible) v.9 And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. (The Living Bible)

Let me share a quick story about “after a while we will reap…” Early on in my ministry experience, I was promised a wonderful salary as an Assoc. Pastor. However, after four months of no weekly checks, I concluded that I’d been presumptuous in thinking that every “pastor” keeps their word. I had to remedy the situation and provide an income for my family. (Thankfully Denise was working so we had somewhat of a ﬁ nancial base)

Well, knowing that even Paul the apostle, had to “tentmake” for a season because some didn’t have the wisdom yet of ﬁ nancially supporting him and he didn’t want to burden anyone, I decided to take a job that was low maintenance yet paid a decent wage. I found myself delivering Trading times newspapers all over Minneapolis. God honored that because I did “not get tired of doing what is right” and brought a different ministry position to me and rescued us, ﬁ nancially.

He also kept me humble in the experience: I came home one day thinking I’m Mr. Hot Shot Minister and my young, precocious daughter says, “Dad, you’re a paper boy?” Yeah…Reverend paper boy. (Hey… I’m not too proud to do what it takes to feed my family)

80 The Windows Of Heaven And Protection

I once was working with a church where the pastor actually taught, “Don’t tithe until you can afford to.” That was a very poor teaching. Most people will rationalize and never start tithing because they can’t “afford to.” In the words of Nike: Just do it! You can’t afford not to.

Worshipping God with our tithe literally changed our walk with the Lord—We’re far more dependent on Jesus now. Bringing your ﬁ rst 10% is the real deal to your blessings and protection.

Chapter Seven

THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT

(Healing: questions, answers, controversies and mysteries)

Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Hebrews 6:12 That you not be slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

This will be a pretty lengthy teaching because it is close to God’s heart that you know and understand His will with regard to healing and all the avenues He uses, His timing, His plans, the “why’s,” the questions that remain, as well as, some teachings out there that need addressing. The strongest points I want to make in this chapter are these:

#1) Jesus is alive and still healing—I am convinced of that.

#2) Good people get injured, sick and/or die—it’s a fact.

#3) God’s timing and ways are not ours—it’s true.

#4) God definitely uses doctors and medicine to heal through.

Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Christ is the healer—you need to settle that in your mind. He gives life. Satan, however, is a thief. Good health is a gift from God. He wants you well. Satan, however, hates mankind and certainly does not want you well, especially if you’re a zealous Christian promoting the Gospel. He’ll order all kinds of “assigned” demonic activity to try to take you out. If you don’t believe that, study any great Christians life. You’ll discover that they’ve had far more trials, attacks, heartaches and even deaths around them to discourage or destroy their witness.

Again, Satan is a thief. So, what does a thief do? They take things that aren’t theirs. Right? They don’t ask; they intrude and plunder. Health and divine healing are blessings from the Creator that the devil tries to steal from you or your loved one, either directly or through ignorance regarding diet, exercise, lack of moderation, bad habits, addictions, etc. He’s not just a thief but a crazed, ruthless, murderous thief. He’s well aware of the fact that his “season” of destruction, is almost up.

Revelation 12:12…for the devil is come down to you, having great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time.

83 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Like you, perhaps, I’ve had to watch loved ones die, the hardest being my dad, who went to be with the Lord in October of 1994. Next to Jesus, my dad was the man I most respected, loved and admired. I have an empty place in my heart since he died. An ache within my soul that surfaces periodically and unexpectedly. He basically was my hero in most areas of life, especially integrity.

We all had to watch him struggle with the news of cancer, months of aggressive chemotherapy, a regiment of medications, hair loss, a heart attack from the chemotherapy and ﬁ nally, take his last breath at Abbott/Northwestern hospital. Not fun. We were all standing for a miracle—God healing him of the cancer—but it didn’t happen.

My dad was not in agreement with our prayers, in my opinion. He was tired of the whole ordeal, understandably, along with the fact that somehow he didn’t deem himself “worthy” of such a miracle. The traditions of some denominations, poor teachings and some Elmer Gantry types left him “wondering” if it could or would happen for him. He knew it could happen for others but wasn’t convinced it was going to happen for him. Dad got baptized with the Holy Spirit the last month of his life in his hospital room. I know because I personally walked him through that prayer of inviting God’s power into his life—in his case, the power to “let go and trust Him.”

The morning that Dad died is one I’ll never forget…

I was at Hopkins Honda getting my car ﬁ xed, when for some reason I felt led to phone Mom and check in on Dad. He had experienced a very rough night and was in a lot of pain, so they chose to go to the hospital to do some tests. When Dad’s physician, Dr. Ray Scallen, who was also his friend, informed us that it didn’t look too promising, we all knew it was very, very serious, this time. My sister, Heidi, ﬂ ew in from Atlanta the following morning and I went to pick her up from the Minneapolis airport while Mom, my brother Bret, and my wife Denise, stayed at the hospital.

On the way to the hospital, Heidi and I talked of God, heaven, healing, miracles she’s seen, as well as, elusive answers to posed questions of the Lord. Although, I thought I was “prepared” for a turn for the worse, I would fi nd out very soon, I wasn’t. When I got off the elevator and stepped onto the Intensive Care fl oor with a cup of coffee in my hands, Heidi and I saw fl ashing blue lights in Dad’s room. There was a whole team of people there with one guy hitting Dad’s heart. Mom was losing it and I thought, “Oh no! Here we go. Not now! Not yet!”

We went in, as Mom was ushered out by Denise for an attempt at emotional re-grouping. As Heidi and I circled Dad’s bed, she looked at him, then looked up at me and said, “PRAY!” (We did) Not sensing anything of a miraculous event occurring, I stepped back for a moment to get my composure and think about all that I’d read in the New Testament and been taught by my ministry mentors and peers. I was considering “What’s next?”

Dr. Scallen hugged me and softly said with a voice of experience, love and deep sadness, “He’s not going to make it, kiddo.” Although I know God heals, nothing within me disagreed with his assessment. I had total peace that this was his time to go, as much as we all wanted him not to.

Dad’s heart attack was very severe. At that point in the scheme of things, he was basically “brain dead.” I had no compulsion to jump up and down, pray down ﬁ re, commission angels, etc. I calmly told myself that the man I call Dad, was soon to be gone out of my life.

84 The Hem Of His Garment

We surrounded him: Mom, Denise, Bret, Heidi and me with Dr. Scallen just off to the side, ready to comfort us. As I put my head against his head, I moaned in deep agony and loss as Dad’s body was expiring. I’ve never made a sound like that before. Even as I’m typing this, I feel it and am very emotional. This is the hard part of life, even for the believer—letting go. The ache is still resident. I’m not sure if it will completely ever go away. Between God’s comfort, family and friends to lean on, we dealt with it.

But ushering my Dad into glory was awesome. My mom calls it “crossing the great river.” It’s incredibly painful but wonderful at the same time. Because I know where he is, namely Heaven, it can only hurt so much. For some, that may be hard to understand. Dr. Scallen, the nurses and hospital staff were all super. They made the whole process tolerable by their understanding and compassion.

Personally, I like doctors. Yes, my wife and I are those kind of Christians who believe in God’s power and modern medicine. Our family physician at Park Nicollet, Dr. Greg Lehman, is great. Being a Christian himself, I know that he uses all the natural knowledge available to him but I also knows that he prays about us and for us.

As I said, God uses doctors to bring healing in many cases, so don’t go throwing away your medicine if that’s the route He’s using. (Matthew 9:12, Colossians 4:14) God just may use surgery as your avenue, even for the strongest of believers who know Scripture inside and out. Don’t allow condemnation, guilt, false teaching or pride, to snafu God’s plan for your healing, especially when prayers don’t seem to be “working.” God alone, ultimately, is the source of all healing—naturally or miraculously. There are many highly effective medicines and drugs found in plants (forests, trees)—God put them there for us.

Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

We must do everything we can, naturally speaking, to keep our bodies in sync. Just because Jesus—the Lord of Glory—died for our sins and is the healing Savior still, doesn’t give us a right to misuse, abuse or neglect ourselves.

Yes, yes, it’s true that the devil is a thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy you, (John 10:10) he does walk about like a lion looking for whom he may “devour,” (I Peter 5:8) and is a crazed, wrath ﬁ lled, murderer because he knows he only has just a little more time and very few opportunities left to persuade people not to accept the free gift of salvation. (Revelation 12:12)

BUT to blame the devil for every sickness and disease is simply a cop out. While I believe, some sicknesses and diseases like cancer, heart disease or AIDS can be a direct assault on people, especially children, by Satan, many have simply been exposed to—or over exposed to—germs, viruses, pollution in the air, food and water or have genetic pre-dispositions for certain sicknesses. Unfortunately, many get sick or even die because of the consequences of toxic poisons brought about by the greed of a few. (A Civil Action, a ﬁ lm starring John Travolta is a good case in point of how money took priority over people’s health through the lack of proper safeguards not implemented thus lives were ruined through water contaminants)

Additionally, excessive and not “moderate” amounts of fat, sugar, salt, alcohol, etc. along with minimal or no exercise have also contributed greatly to poor health. And of course, good old American stress i.e. the “rat race, money chase”—the great killer. Jesus said, “Do not worry,” yet many do.

85 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

“The lusts of the ﬂ esh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life”(I John 2:16), all are contributing factors to our lack of good health. If you’re going to be a follower of Jesus, you must yield to His words. He is all wise. If you quarrel with His words, you quarrel with Him.

Doctors and nurses are a gift. But doctors and modern medicine, on their own, only can do so much. (II Chronicles 16:12, Mark 5:6) They will be the ﬁ rst to tell you that, if they’re honest. Chemotherapy—a modern medicine—in my dad’s case, zapped his energy, along with his will to live. Dad wanted to be done. He chose at age 71 to go to heaven and God rescued him. My mom describes God’s rescue, as “the ultimate healing”—I agree.

Psalms 91:14 Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My name.15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.

My dad loved the Lord, therefore God was with him throughout the whole process. God deﬁ nitely honored him and did indeed give him a great, full life. Dad had a quiet faith, evangelism wise, but witnessed daily through his integrity, character, passion and generosity.

Traditionally, Psalms 91 is taught that God will intervene in exactly the way we want Him to, when we want Him to and show up like the Cavalry and there will always be a “It’s a Wonderful Life” happy ending. (The happy ending is coming—our reunion in heaven)

I believe as a Christian and a minister, that Christ is the healer but I’ve also learned that He knows far more than we do and therefore He must be trusted, as hard as that can be at times. Take another look at those two operative words in Psalms 91… trouble—6869. tsarah, tsaw-raw’; adversary, adversity, affl iction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. deliver—2502. chalats, khaw-lats’ to pull off; hence (hntens.) to strip, (refl ex.) to depart; by impl. to deliver, equip (for fi ght); present, strengthen:—arm (self), (go, ready) armed (X man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self.

A rendering of this in my Dad’s case could read, “Bill, call upon Me, in your day of affliction and tribulation (loss of weight, feeling “puny,” nauseousness, fear, being tired, weary, frustrated and defeated) and I will loose you from this anguish (cancer battle) and take away your pain by strengthening you with My arm. I’ll come and rescue you from all of it, My son.”

Dad cried out for His help and he got just exactly that.

My dad found the strength to go see a “well known” national minister. Rather than praying for him, laying hands on him and anointing him with oil; his wife taught for 3 hours in something called, “Healing school.” No offense to her but my Dad wanted a special touch from Jesus not “faith lessons.” He had faith but left upset and frustrated. After that he did not want to go see someone who’s known for God using them to heal like a Benny Hinn or Oral Roberts. No, Dad wanted “out.” (He didn’t put much stock in people like that—he’d read Elmer Gantry too many times and had a skeptical view of healing evangelists. Dad told us, “No thanks, there just not my cup of tea”). With all the ministry scandals, we understood that.

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Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn or anyone else can’t heal anyone anyway. They’ll be the ﬁ rst to tell you that. God simply chooses to use them, as well as, other believers to bring about healing and deliverance. God can and often uses any believer to bring healing, in His way and His timing, as they step out in faith and obey Mark 16:18. However, after long and intense battles with an illness, the “war” can simply be overwhelming. I won’t debate the issue of quitting—I’ve never been in their shoes, therefore, I don’t know the degree of assault or pain. Those who offer “opinions” in these matters are off to do so.

We should never “judge” those who don’t get healed—ever!

Why some are healed and some aren’t is quite complex and will probably remain a mystery on this side of heaven. Even when you have all the data compiled, the facts are in, people are standing in prayer for the sick—people still die. It’s sad—but death is a part of life.

“OK, if God is so merciful and is the healer,” some people say, “Why do some people not make it?

“Why must children die?”

“If God is the Creator, didn’t He create the evil of sickness and disease?”

“Why is He allowing Satan to run rampant, anyway?”

These are fair questions, to be sure. In the past, the limited knowledge and experience I had in this area would have caused my ﬁ rst and last response to be with shrugged shoulders: “Got me.” However, I now know that the Bible, prayer and speaking with others who’ve experienced the move of God, brings increased illumination and hope in this area. From what I see in scripture, healing, like forgiveness, is something Jesus freely gives, when He chooses to. He is the giver of blessings and miracles.

There is not one scripture where He denied anyone that came to Him for healing.

Some preachers teach that “physical” healing is a guarantee of “the Atonement” on the cross and He is not going to come back and get re-ﬂ ogged, re-cruciﬁ ed, die and then rise again, a second time to heal you because after all—they say—He said, “It is finished.” (When Jesus said that in John 19:30, it meant the penalty for our sins was now paid for)

Others simply believe and teach—like me—that because He always forgave and healed and because He is risen and is the same yesterday, today and forever, He is still forgiving and healing. (Hebrew 13:8)

Whatever you’ve been taught, you should know that forgiveness is always available because of Jesus. Calvary is a “done deal” and that’s where Jesus settled the forgiveness of sin issue. That is the Gospel, in a nutshell: Christ died for sinners. Regardless of your “perspective” on healing, God forgave and forgives and God healed and heals.

“Well, what about people like Joni Eareckson Tada?,” some have said. She is a popular speaker on Christian radio who was involved in an diving accident and is now a quadrupalegic. She has a ministry that reaches out to disabled people all over the world. She has won many people to the Kingdom and is a great witness when testifying of how He kept her alive and she is today, a wonderful singer, gifted painter, strong witness for Jesus Christ and is still full of joy.

87 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Many people believe that their “assigned seat” or “lot in life” is permanent. They sometimes unwittingly intimate that God is responsible for their situation. She wrote in a tract “It’s hard to think about heaven when it seems so far away. Besides, we’ve got to die in order to get there. Who wants to think about that! And so God gives us a little help in getting our minds on the hereafter. That’s just what God did for me when He sent a broken neck my way.”

I love her, as my sister in Christ but I disagree with the assessment that God caused her broken neck. He obviously allowed it—for some reason—but Jesus doesn’t break women’s necks, to get their attention. For many that communicates, “Serve Me or I’ll hurt you.” I believe that she can be healed, walking and even running (Mark 9:23) and I pray for that miracle to happen, maybe even on live T.V. (I’m sure she’d admit that if Jesus personally came out of heaven and laid His hands on her, she’d walk again but I also know that lives are changed by her testimony. Either way, God knows best) I totally back her on evangelism because God has “used” the accident she had to witness to others who are handicapped, just as He said he would: He used it for “good.”

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God: to those who are the called according to His purpose.

good—18. agathos, ag-ath-os’; a prim. word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun):—beneﬁ t, good (-s, things), well.

“What’s the “good” or the beneﬁ t from her getting hurt and sitting in a wheelchair? How can there be “good” from that?,” you may ask.

#1: By her own admission, she was under-appreciating Jesus (and Heaven) when she dove into shallow water, breaking her neck. She was saved but not “ready.” The accident was tragic, of course. The Lord allowed—NOT CAUSED—the circumstances to take place. But, had she not been injured, her impact on the world could have been greatly diminished. Joni is like Paul: Used by God and through a tragedy, was given a unique opportunity to inﬂ uence others to surrender to Him.

You can go to heaven sick or injured but not “lost.”

#2: There are millions of injured, maimed, deformed, diseased, bound or handicapped people who love Jesus Christ. The “good” comes as a witness and example to those considering an abortion. It makes the statement that there is perfect love toward God in imperfect bodies and ﬂ aws. Those are cases of “all things work together for good.” When healing doesn’t come, it doesn’t mean it’s not God’s will to heal, however. He knows all things and has His strategies and purposes of how to best utilize situations to get their or others focus with regard to “making their decision” for His Son. A big issue relating to healing is both the “why’s” and “waiting.” (Remember, it’s His timing)

Some have misinterpreted the following scriptures to accommodate their belief regarding, “Healing and miracles stopped with the apostles” thus they usually pray, “Lord, if it be your will to heal me….”

James 4:15 Instead, you ought to say, If is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.

This speaks of “making plans,” “decisions” and “directions” NOT being healthy or being healed.

88 The Hem Of His Garment

God’s “will” for all people, is to accept Jesus as Lord. Many weren’t healed in the New Testament, I realize, yet Jesus is still the healer. Focus on that, not who didn’t get healed. Can you be healed? Oh yeah.

When people pray, “Lord, if you still heal today…,” they really are being what the Bible calls, “double minded.”

Jesus’ half brother, James, said it this way:

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

A double minded person is someone who ISN’T “convinced.” double minded—1374. dipsuchos, dip’-soo-khos; two-spirited, i.e. vacillating (in opinion or purpose):— double minded.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Notice something, please, that’s very important about that. It does not say, “For everything,” it says, “In everything.” Don’t thank God for cancer, AIDS, divorce, bankruptcy, prison, death or anything else terrible. Yes, thank Him “in” the wilderness or the valley of the shadow of death because you know He will bring you through but don’t thank Him for it. It’s a huge distinction. Here, look at this for a moment, it’ll help:

Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.

In other words, give God credit for His wonderful blessings—life, breath, food, water, family, friends. Blame the devil for sickness, evil, destruction and attacks on your loved ones, when you know it’s coming from Satan and not just an accident or a “ﬂ u bug.”

With regard to healing, like many other ministers, I believe that there are hindrances, roadblocks, detours and brick walls that people run into—even strong believers. Some of the truths in this chapter may rattle you but please stay with me. We have been duped by the “traditions” of our ancestors via the enemy. Like I said in Chapter One, God’s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6) The word “destroyed” in the Hebrew is damah. (#1820 in Strong’s Concordance)

Damah means to perish, fail, to cease, to be cut down or cut off, to be silent. The church, as a whole, has done a miserable job of teaching about God’s healing power today. Many men and women—leaders and lay people—are so wrapped up, caught up and hung up with their own denomination’s or non- denomination’s traditions, ﬂ ows or personal agendas and ministry growing, that they don’t know truth from deception, in a majority of cases. (Certainly not all but too many)

That’s why God’s people are destroyed. A lack of knowledge, teaching, correction, instruction, “hands- on” training and equipping. True ministers—the ones who are called not just hired or “self-appointed”—

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are having to play catch up in the teaching arena, especially regarding tongues, tithing and divine healing. (These true ministers, by the way, are the most persecuted and attacked)

Again, the Bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) I believe He is alive and still healing. He is either a dead Jew or He is the risen Messiah. No grey area here. All of Christianity is based upon the prophesies in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah. Jesus being raised from the dead on the third day after His cruciﬁ xion—Resurrection day commonly called Easter—is crucial to Him meeting the criteria for the Messiah. Had He not been raised from the dead, we’d all be in deep trouble. Everything in our Christian faith is hinged upon His resurrection!

However, because He lives, Hebrew 13:8 is true—He is the same.

He saved then and He saves today. He taught then and He teaches today. He healed then and He heals today.

He is the same. He is God in the ﬂ esh and God does not change.

IF THAT DOESN’T EXCITE YOU, NOTHING WILL!

When Jesus went to His home town, He could barely do anything because of “their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:58)

“Who does this guy think he is? God? (Yup) We “know” him. He’s Joseph and Mary’s kid. He’s a carpenter not the Messiah.”

It wasn’t that they just had doubts about Him because they knew Him. No, they were in unbelief. As a matter of fact, the Bible says that Jesus “marveled” at their unbelief. (Mark 6:6) By the way, it doesn’t say He would not do mighty works there, it says He could not so don’t be surprised if your family or friends doubt your call. This tells me at least three things:

1. God is always willing to heal—on His clock, in His way.

2. God has His part and we have ours.

3. Traditions of men—via Satan—are a killer.

In third world countries, miracles happen with much more frequency than they do here in America because when preached to, with the simple message of the Gospel. Why? They have nothing to unlearn.

Again, Jesus healed all who came to Him—or were brought to Him by others in faith—believing He could heal and would heal. He said in Matthew 8:3, “I am willing….” (Do you really think He’s now “unwilling?”)

He also gave His disciples—that’s us—that same power to heal.

Luke 9:1 Then He (Jesus) called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

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This is one of the best scriptures in examining the teaching in some circles that Jesus not only died on the cross for our sins but also physical sicknesses, diseases, pains and ailments. Notice this:

He gave the disciples authority over all devils and were empowered to “cure diseases” and “heal the sick” long before he went to the cross. Jesus was always the healer. He is risen therefore He is still the healer. Old Testament or New Testament, God heals.

After studying healing and then praying for insight, I believe, teach and maintain this: Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.” He healed then and He heals now. He delivered then and delivers today. I can’t be persuaded otherwise.

But if He not only died for our sins—which is in itself truly amazing considering the torture involved with His death—but also sicknesses, then why would Jesus tell us that part of the signs that would follow “those who believe” is that “they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover?” Why would He commission us that way? Why would scripture say to anoint people with oil, pray and trust the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit to move in someones life? Why would there be the need for “gifts of healings?” (I Cor.12:9)

Yes, we are called and commanded by Jesus to lay hands on the sick. Again, that’s what He said “believers” would do.(Mark 16:18) I’ve heard it said by one radio minister, “We should change the WWJD bracelets (What Would Jesus Do?) to DWDD (Do What Jesus Did) Jesus preached, taught and healed. We’re called to do the same—every believer.

“Well, if that’s true Brother Greg, why did my loved one die?”

The deﬁ nitive answer is, “God knows why.” It’s not a cop out to say, “I don’t know—I don’t have all the answers,” it’s the truth. The “why’s” are tough. We do look through a “glass darkly” in some areas. But having chopped wood and chewed up the scriptures relating to this topic, especially since Dad died, I know that there are some insights to the “why” question.

I’ve observed that most people believe God is able to heal them but isn’t necessarily willing—for a variety of reasons. So, the foremost point I want to make is from reading every case of healing by Jesus in the New Testament, I believe that it is God’s will (eventually) that you are whole, well and living a long, healthy life as a Christian to witness about His love. That’s His best for you. (See Job 42:12, Phillipians 2:27)

Psalms 91:16 “With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Matthew 8:3 “And Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed.” (Bold mine)

Question: Why would He heal then and now stop? Why would He be “willing” then but not now? The truth is this: He is “willing” today.

I can’t express enough, this fact: Jesus is alive and has not changed.

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How do we know that Jesus is still the healer? Because He is the expressed will of God the Father, who healed all through the Old Testament.

John 6:38 “For I came down from Heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him that sent me.”

Acts 10:38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil…”

Remember, the greatest miracle is spiritual (receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord) and not physical. If for some reason(s), healing doesn’t happen and you “cross over to glory,” know that Heaven is a place where pain ceases. BUT, don’t stop believing that healing is available either. It can happen for you! He healed to demonstrate mercy, grace and love and to restore people back to where God originally intended them to be: walking in divine health, as long as they can. He always healed when approached. ALWAYS. Again, He never changes.

So let’s look at His ministry as our example.

Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Jesus’ ministry consisted of three main areas:

l. teaching—1321. didasko, did-as’-ko; a prol. (caus.) form of a prim. verb dao (to learn); to teach

2. preaching—2784. kerusso, kay-roos’-so; of uncert. afﬁ n.; to herald (as a public crier), espec. divine truth (the gospel):—preach (-er), proclaim, publish.

3. healing—2323. therapeuo, ther-ap-yoo’-o; from the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (ﬁ g.) to adore (God), or (spec.) to relieve (of disease):—cure, heal, worship.

Why teaching? Teaching helps destroys unbelief.

Mark 6:1 And He went out from there, and came to His own country; and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by his hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house. Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands upon a few sick people, and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the village in a circuit, teaching.

Why preaching? It gives people the opportunity to believe.

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

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Why healing? It’s His desire to. He’s good all the time. John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me.

I John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive, 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.

These statements may be hard for some to embrace but they are true:

1. Sin is a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience—it is a curse and we’re all guilty thus we need a Savior.

2. Sickness, disease, labor pain in childbirth, toiling the soil in farming, and dying are all a byproduct of that disobedience. (Genesis 3:16-19) A return to paradise is a future event. (Revelation 21:1-4) Satan was “allowed” to reek havoc on this world before Jesus came and dethroned him.

3. Our pollution of the planet has brought sickness and disease upon ourselves. We have not been good stewards. We’ve created many carcinogens through our pollution and greed.

Sometimes people—both the young and the old—are needlessly assaulted, attacked, or killed, due to a lack of observing what God has commanded us to do; namely stand on His word, take authority over evil and sickness and steward your bodies. Also, the absence of proper “prayer cover” over family members and/or friends can, and indeed does, bring the hedge of protection down. Not praying invites trouble.

Living right—“God’s way”—is but one way to unclog the healing that is available to us.

Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. walk—1980. halak, haw-lak’; a prim. root; to walk uprightly—8549. tamiym, taw-meem’; integrity, truth:—without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undeﬁ led, upright (-ly), whole.

Exodus 15:26 And said, If you diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals you. hearken—8085. shama’, shaw-mah’; a prim. root; to hear intelligently (often with impl. of attention, obedience, etc. do—6213. ‘asah, aw-saw’; to do or make,

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right—3477. yashar, yaw-shawr’; just, meet (-est), + pleased well right (-eous), straight, (most) upright (-ly, -ness).

commandments—4687. mitsvah, mits-vaw’; a command, whether human or divine (collect. the Law):—(which was) commanded (-ment), law, ordinance, precept.

The “curse of the law” means obtaining salvation through works. (The curses in Deut. 28, only applied to Israel for that time.)

Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: redeemed—1805. exagorazo, ex-ag-or-ad’-zo; to buy up, i.e. ransom; ﬁ g. to rescue from loss (improve opportunity):—redeem. curse—2671. katara, kat-ar’-ah; imprecation, execration:—curse.

Before I move on, let’s examine the controversial teaching I mentioned earlier. The question of divine healing in theological circles and church leaders is this: “Is healing in the atonement?” The answer is, of course. I Peter says “by whose stripes we were healed.” So better questions that are more precise and deﬁ nitive would be:

“Is physical healing guaranteed as a Christian?” “Did Jesus die for our sins and sicknesses?” “Does “healing” in the Greek and Hebrew always mean physical?”

I’ve heard some preachers use the verse in I Peter 2 to say conclusively that physical healing is “your covenant right” as opposed to a blessing and a generous gift from the Lord of grace. They quote verse 24 of I Peter 2 to support this view:

I Peter 2:24…by whose stripes you were healed. stripes—3468. molops, mo’-lopes; (“black eye”) or blow-mark:—stripe. healed—2390. iaomai, ee-ah’-om-ahee; to cure (literal or figurative.)—heal, make whole.

Some teach that not only were we forgiven of our sins at the cross but were also physically healed and are “assured” perfect health.

I Peter 2:24 in context, however, is addressing forgiveness of sins not “guaranteed health.” Jesus eradicated the sin issue at Calvary, on the cross. Were we “healed by his stripes?” You bet. The healing is “spiritual,” however, i.e we can be “whole.” Vines Expository Dictionary concurs with this truth. “Healed” is the Greek word, iaomai, which is used in this scripture, as “spiritual healing” not physical. In Matthew 13:15, the word “heal” is the same word that is translated “healed” in I Peter 2:24.

Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

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This is talking about the condition of your heart not your body.

Iamoai is used 22 times as physical healing and 5 times as “spiritual” healing. In Luke 4:18, it’s used this way: “heal the brokenhearted.”

When examining scripture, you always need to back up far enough to get a running start at the ﬂ ow and then keep reading several verses to get the full meaning of what’s being addressed. So, look at the ﬁ rst part of I Peter 2:24 and then verse 25, that is too often omitted:

I Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. I Pet 2:25 For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. bore—399. anaphero, an-af-er’-o; to take up (lit. or ﬁ g.):—bear, bring (carry, lead) up, offer (up). sins—266. hamartia, ham-ar’-tee’-ah; from the Greek #264; sin (prop. abstr.):—offence, sin

The Holy Spirit wrote that the Lord Jesus bore our “sins” not sicknesses and diseases. (Sickness and disease don’t separate you from the Lord: sin does) He certainly could have included sicknesses and diseases in this text. He didn’t, by choice. You don’t “go astray” by being sick. (I Cor. 15:3 says, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.”)

Another interpretation is that the “stripes” mentioned in I Peter 2:24 is talking about the scourging Jesus received before being cruciﬁ ed.

However, the word “stripes” in I Peter 2:24 is not the same Greek word that “scourging” is referred to in all the other texts in the New Testament, like when Paul was “ﬂ ogged/scourged” for example.

2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.

Stripes—4127. plege, play-gay’; a stroke; by impl. a wound; ﬁ g. a calamity:—plague, stripe, wound (- ed). (“Scourging” noted 8 times)

I Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.

Stripes—3468. molops, mo’-lopes; bruise or blow-mark:—stripe. (Other words for “scourging” are phragelloo and mastigoo NOT molops)

Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains this “spiritual healing” or “Atonement” issue in I Peter 2:24 and “stripes” this way: “…literally, in the original, “by whose bruise,” not referring to Christ’s scourging, but figurative of the stroke of divine judgment administered vicariously (in place of someone else) to Him on the cross…”

The teaching that Jesus not only died for our sins but also sicknesses is usually taught by those who believe that Jesus didn’t ﬁ nish the atonement for our sins on the cross (though He said “It is finished”) but had to go to hell to be further punished and be “born again” Himself.

So…the question I have to that line of teaching is this: Well, which is it? He died for your sicknesses on the cross but not your sins? You were physically healed but not forgiven? Sorry, but that simply is a

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false doctrine. Hopefully by showing you these scriptures in context, it will persuade you not to listen to “popular” teachings but trust the word of God.

Jesus said this, John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. tribulation—2347. thlipsis, thlip’-sis; pressure (lit. or fi g.):—affl icted, affl ictions, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

Another word for tribulation is “afﬂ iction.” They’re synonymous. Paul used this in II Corinthians 4:16- 17.

“Therefore do not lose heart though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”

affl iction—2347. thlipsis, thlip’-sis; pressure (lit. or fi g.):—affl icted, affl ictions, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. perish—1311. diaphtheiro, dee-af-thi’-ro; to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by impl.) to ruin (pass. decay utterly, fi g. pervert):—corrupt, destroy, perish.

If we were “physically” healed not just forgiven, why would Paul say that all of us are getting old and our bodies are “decaying?” Yes, forgiveness is yours when you confess and repent but a “promise” or “surety” of perfect health in a fallen world just isn’t scriptural. No, truly “Bad things happen to good people,” like sicknesses, diseases and injuries. However, it doesn’t change my belief that what the Lord did then, He continues to do today. I’m fully persuaded that Christ is the Healer not was the healer. The intimation from “He physically healed us 2000 years ago,” in addition to dying for mankinds sins, is that He’s not active in your healing today. “He’s done all He’s going to do.” That kind of rhetoric, in my experience from watching people respond to this teaching, has the effect of “yoking” them with the responsibility of “receiving their healing by faith” or else NO healing. People can embrace the teaching of “Jesus is the healer—He hasn’t changed” much, much easier than “He healed you 2000 years ago.”

Next point in this examination: One of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53) that’s referenced to in the New Testament that some preachers use as an argument that Jesus not only died for our sins but also our sicknesses and pains, is found in Matthew 8. I want you to know and be convinced, that it is very important to examine scriptures—FOR YOURSELF—in context:

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isa 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. griefs—2483. choliy, khol-ee’; malady, anxiety, calamity:—disease, grief, (is) sick (-ness). sorrows—4341. mak’ob, mak-obe’; anguish or (ﬁ g.) afﬂ iction:—grief, pain, sorrow.

This foretells of the ministry of Jesus, namely healing the sick and casting out demons thus relieving people of their “pain” and torment.

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But, it goes on to say that Jesus took the penalty for our sins: Isaiah 53:6 “and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” The Hebrew word for iniquity is “avon”—means “punishment for sin.” In my study, as well as, reading commentary after commentary on both sides of the fence regarding divine healing and the atonement, I’ve come to the conclusion that this scripture, along with others, addresses Jesus’ forgiving us of ours sins NOT “a guarantee” that we’d never catch a cold, never get the ﬂ u, get a headache, never get a disease or live life without pain or injury. It’s simply not Biblical.

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. wounded—2490. chalal, khaw-lal’; to wound, to break, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. transgressions—6588. pesha’, peh’-shah; a revolt (national, moral or religious):—rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. bruised—1792. daka’, daw-kaw’; to crumble; to bruise (lit. or ﬁ g.):—beat to pieces, break (in pieces), bruise, crush, destroy, smite. iniquities—5771. ‘avon, aw-vone’; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:—fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin. healed—7495. rapha’, raw-faw’; or ra-phah, raw-faw’; to mend (by stitching), i.e. (ﬁ g.) to cure:—cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole.

See it? What was Jesus wounded for? What was He bruised for? Yes, it was our rebellion, transgressions, trespasses, faults and iniquity. The sins we’ve committed: that’s why He came. To pay for them.

In the New Testament, some use Matthew 8:17—the scripture referring to Isaiah 53—as a proof text that Jesus “removed” our diseases and sicknesses, so we should never have them.

Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. infirmities—769. astheneia, feebleness (of body or mind); by impl. malady; mor. frailty:—disease, infi rmity, sickness, weakness. sicknesses—3554. nosos, nos’-os; of uncert. affi n.; a malady (rarely fi g. of mor. disability):—disease, infi rmity, sickness.

If you only read those passages alone without taking the text in context, I can see how some come to their conclusions based on these two scriptures to deﬁ nitively make the case that Jesus died for our sins and our sicknesses. But again, in context, Jesus was healing people long before He even was arrested, brought before Pilate and then executed. Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus healed all who came to Him. (Isaiah 53 was fulﬁ lled in Jesus’ healing ministry)

When you allow scripture to interpret scripture in context—hermeneutics—you’ll be rightly dividing the word to share with others. In context, Jesus had just healed Peter’s mother-in-law and cast out a whole slew of demons. It wasn’t addressing the means, the time nor the place as to when the healing issue would be settled. It simply addressed what He was doing: healing and delivering. Again, it doesn’t even mention Calvary i.e. the cross, in that text:

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Matt. 8:14 And when Jesus was come to Peter’s house, He saw his (Peter’s) wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered to them. When the evening had come, they brought to Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick…and then it mentions v.17…That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

My position, which I’m conﬁ dent is the Biblical one, is this: Jesus healed and He hasn’t changed, therefore, He still heals, period. As I said, earlier, He always had the power to heal and He gave the power to heal to His followers long before the cross. (Luke 9:1-6)

So I say this: Denise and I are totally persuaded that Jesus Christ died for our sins. We have forgiveness because of the ﬁ nished work on the cross. We choose to believe that healing is available because Jesus always healed anyone to approached Him—or was brought by others to Him—believing for a miracle. He is risen and is the same. He never once turned down or “denied” anyone a healing, who was seeking one.

The main problem with this “guaranteed” teaching, in my humble opinion, is that it’s not “rightly dividing the word of truth.” Some hear it, don’t study it out thoroughly yet preach it. Many simply have heard this taught by “great” preachers with charisma thus conclude it must be so.

When I got back into my walk with the Lord, for years I heard that taught and to be truthful, I just bought the teaching because the “preacher” or the “man of God” said so. (Who wouldn’t want a Gospel where you’re guaranteed millions and you’ll never get sick? Well…obviously a lot. There are many “cookie cutter” believers)

Then God convicted me to study for myself and seek Him. I simply can’t teach something contrary to Scripture. (I don’t compromise the Word) The Spirit leads and guides into all truth, not men.

Secondly, the teaching that Jesus died for your sins 2000 years ago, as well as, “physically healed you” and you just need to “receive your healing,” has the affect of putting a great deal of pressure on the afﬂ icted person. If and when healing doesn’t “manifest,” the guilt that the person’s somehow done something “wrong,” consumes them. (Ever tried to bench press 400 lbs. when you’ve got the ﬂ u? That’s the effect this teaching often has on people who are sick) It implies that getting healed is all up to them—to “appropriate their healing by faith” or it won’t happen. That is “works” righteousness. (Faith is but one element. An important one but not the only one)

“Brother, you just need to get more faith.” “Friend, you must be in sin if you’re not healed.” “Why sister, you simply need to confess more of the word.” “Healing will manifest when you saturate yourself with these tapes.” “Don’t ask God for your healing…He’s done all He’s going to do.”

Again, those are “works.” You can’t earn healing by the “do’s.”

“You’ve got to do this…” “You need to do that…” “You just need to believe more. It’s all up to you…”

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These comments can be insensitive and sometimes lack grace. Often they are made by people who haven’t personally been down the “hell road” of a serious sickness that requires the 15 round mentality. Some have been indoctrinated, some have been poorly taught and some don’t get out enough to see what goes on outside the four walls of “their” church. These kind of “yoking” words generally cloud the issue of healing, as well as, confuse far too many believers, mainly baby Christians. (We’re to train baby’s up to become warriors)

YES, standing on the word is necessary to ﬁ ght the good ﬁ ght of faith and YES, listening to tapes or reading the Bible about how Jesus healed builds faith. That’s all needed. But it’s through faith and patience that you inherit the promises of God. It’s in the journey of seeking Jesus, that you discover a whole new level of love and need for Him. He’s trying to teach us that lesson—to trust, depend and rely on Him.

So, when good health isn’t evident or healing isn’t showing up: don’t give up nor yield to guilt or condemnation from others. Continue your ﬁ ght of faith because the Lord said He’ll be with you through the battle. Jesus came to destroy Satan’s power. He did just that. “It is finished” means Satan’s power has been defused. 1 John 3:8 He that commits (continues, lifestyle) sin is of the devil; for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

It’s sort of like Superman II, when the top 3 criminals from Krypton put Superman in this booth that will—they thought—eliminate all his power. In fact, it was a bait and switch. As he was in the booth, all of their power was eliminated. Busted! Satan got people to yell “Crucify Him.” Had he known he was sealing his own fate, he wouldn’t have.

But with regard to healing not showing up quickly, don’t point the ﬁ nger at God. No offense but maybe you have been part of the problem. (Maybe you haven’t been but maybe you have) God may be resisting you because of some pride, sin or foolishness resident in your life. That is a very real consideration.

John 5:14 (Jesus speaking) See, you have been made well. Stop sinning or something worse may come upon you.

James 4:6 “…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

You may have brought on cancer by smoking cigarettes. You may be grossly overweight and have developed a heart condition because of your refusal to change your eating habits and consider exercise a waste of time. Perhaps your work environment is slowly killing you like being around asbestos, coal mines or working with toxic chemicals without enough protection, unknowingly or knowingly. Maybe your 60+ hours per week on the job, in your estimation, is more important than your long term health. Stress is a killer, literally.

There are many considerations here about the “whys?.” Finishing up about the teaching I’ve addressed, the Bible is clear about why Jesus came: It was to save “sinners,” period. Abundant life means you can now have a relationship with the Father because of Jesus.

“Abundant life” does not mean you’re guaranteed riches or never experience sicknesses, disease or attacks. Sorry but that is the Gospel truth. (Maybe it’s time to spring clean your tape and book collection)

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Romans 5:8 But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Look at that word “sinners:”

sinners—268. hamartolos, ham-ar-to-los’; from the Greek 264; sinful, i.e. a sinner:—sinful, sinner.

It doesn’t say that “while we were yet physically ill.” No, it addresses the problem with mankind, namely a sin problem. “Sinners” and “sins” are from the same Greek word which simply means “to miss the mark.” That was Jesus’ mission from the beginning: to restore us to the Father. To get us back “hitting the mark.” That is what redemption is and that is the ﬁ nished work of Calvary. (Atonement in the New T. means “exchange”)

Q. So, is Jesus the healer? A. Absolutely. He hasn’t changed.

Q. But can you simply “claim your healing” like putting in an order at McDonald’s by making a “positive confession” and quoting scriptures out of context and then expect your healing to “manifest” immediately without conferring with the Lord about His plan and His timing in this trial and afﬂ iction? “I want, what I want, when I want it!!!”

A. No. That’s presumption. The Bible says without Jesus, you can do nothing.(John 15:5) The Lord and His word are one. His ways are indeed higher than ours. He always has a plan and a greater good. Have you considered that? I’d simply advise you to ask Him this:

“Lord, is there something I’m missing here? Do you have a temporary detour for me regarding this healing? Do you have a greater plan, evangelistically, for people around me concerning this healing or the apparent lack of? Father…am I in pride or sin? “Lord, I hand this over to you. Jesus, I surrender this to you.”

He’ll honor that prayer more than…

… “I’ve got rights! Covenant rights! Honor Your word! It says, by his stripes I was healed, SO…where’s my healing!? This doesn’t look good to those I’m preaching to!”

“I’m a “King’s Kid!” Can’t you hear me confessing these scriptures? Can’t you see all that I’m doing? I was told to just thank you and not ask you anymore…so that’s what I’m doing.”

Look. I can tell you emphatically, that’s a haughty, self-seeking prayer and position to take. Don’t be surprised if you get silence. As someone once so aptly and profoundly said, “Maybe He’ll say, ‘You’ll get, what I got, when I give it’!!!” It’s a good point. You don’t give God orders.

Examine this one:

Psalms 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeemes your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. benefits—1576. gemuwl, ghem-ool’; from H1580; treatment, i.e. an act (of good or ill); by impl. service or requital:—+ as hast served, beneﬁ t, desert, deserving, that which he has

100 The Hem Of His Garment heals—7495. rapha’, raw-faw’; or ra-phah, raw-faw’; a prim. root; prop. to mend (by stitching), i.e. (ﬁ g.) to cure:—cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole. all—3605. kol, kole; or (Jer. 33: 8) kowl, kole; from H3634; prop. the whole; hence all, any or every diseases—8463. tachaluw’, takh-al-oo’; or tachalu’, takh-al-oo’; from H2456; a malady:—disease, X grievous, (that are) sick (-ness).

Of course the Lord is our healer. But various diseases afﬂ ict multitudes—even the strongest of believers— and often they don’t get healed and everyday, they die. So…isn’t that a contradiction?

No, it simply means the unpredictable variables that occur in life i.e. spiritual attacks, medical disorders, sin(s), poor diet, lack of exercise, dangerous environments, lack of knowledge, etc. still plague humanity. (While there’s still sin around, there will be sicknesses) Only the person and the Lord know for sure, what was really going on in their lives, as to their walk with Him. Again, don’t blame God. (God is good but He’s also the ultimate justice)

There are myriads of reasons why healings are slow or evasive. Perhaps those sick, are just putting on a good front for those around them from a charismatic corner who trust in “works” and confession, more than Jesus’ speciﬁ c plan. Perhaps they just want to quit and die. Unrepentant sin may be playing a huge block. Unforgiveness, for example, will choke the ﬂ ow of God’s healing anointing.

My counsel? Approach God with conﬁ dence and honesty when you pray. Yes, it’s good to “call those things that are not as though they were” but saying you’re not sick, when you are, is really just lying to yourself.

Seek medical help, get prayed over, have hands laid on you, get anointed with oil by believers you trust who don’t waver, stay humble and then rest in the fact that healing is available. Don’t stop asking Jesus according to Luke 11:5-10. (Persistence is Godly)

If you believe Phillipians 2:9—Therefore God has exalted Him (Jesus) and given Him the name that is above every name.”—then all things are possible for you and/or your loved one who is standing ﬁ rm that God is willing and able to heal you or them.

Look at it this way: Aids is a “name.” Cancer is a “name.” Lupus, infections, glaucoma are all “names.” Spinal cord injury is a “name.” The name of Jesus is far above these names. I believe that and have seen the miraculous. If you want to ﬁ ght, He’ll be there. If you want to put up the “white ﬂ ag,” as a believer and say “Lord, I’m tired. Will you please come get me?” He will honor that too. He won’t leave you nor forsake those who want Him. You have His promise on that.

If “physical” healing was a “covenant right” i.e. “guarantee,” as opposed to a “God privilege” and you could simply “call down” God’s power at your every whim, there would be no hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, researchists, emergency medical people, 911 folk or any other medical professional. They would be obsolete. Isn’t that right? You’d never die, which contradicts Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Unless Christ comes in our lifetime, we all will die)

The danger in the line of teaching that you are a “little god” or “little christ,” is that you may start to think “too highly of yourself” and be elevated in your own sight with God, as being equal with God. Look out!

101 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

That’s what Satan thought. He got the permanent, quick boot out of Heaven. Stay conﬁ dent (in Christ) but stay humble. (before Christ)

Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, “All power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He has been given authority by our heavenly Father and has given that authority to us—the church—over demonic activity. That power is a gift like any other God blessing. We need to at least get that active in our life during the ﬁ ght of faith for healing without getting arrogant as to think we can tell God what to do, when to do it, how to do it and in what manner to do it.

In Matthew 10:1 it says, “And when He had called his twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sicknesses.” (Before the cross)

This word translated, power, in the Greek is exousia, which literally means authority.

In Acts 10:38, it says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil for God was with Him.”

Sickness and diseases clearly are oppression. It doesn’t come from God. It comes from pollution, ignorance, sin, poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and of course, stress. Ultimately it comes from the fall of man by yielding to Satan.

In Luke 13:16, Jesus said that a daughter of Abraham had been bound by Satan for eighteen years. Bound means to be tied up. Satan did it, not God. In John 10:10, it says that Jesus came to bring us abundant life but the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy. It doesn’t say he will—it says he comes to. He can be stopped.

Satan can be stopped for sure but unless God intervenes there are some diseases that can kill if not detected early. If you refuse to see a doctor after praying, well…don’t blame God if He’s using that route for you. Again, it’s through faith and patience that people inherit the promises of God. Following Jesus means doing things the way He operated, after all, He’s our model:

Luke 4:38 And He (Jesus) arose out of the synagogue, and entered Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they sought Him for her. And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. rebuked—2008. epitimao, ep-ee-tee-mah’-o; censure or admonish; by impl. forbid:—(straitly) charge, rebuke.

See it? This is how we minister. With regard to demons and sickness, you rebuke them (talking directly to them) with the authority He has given you and don’t ask the Father “If it be your will.” “Lifelong” sickness isn’t His will for any child of God. The Father is expecting you to exercise the authority that He has given you through His Son, over the sickness. You “take charge” over it, in the spirit realm, if that’s the source of the sickness. (It may be medical but it might not be)

So, when you’re praying for someone who needs healing and they have let’s say, cancer; you rebuke the cancer. You address “it.” My prayer in these situations goes something like this:

“Jesus, thank you for your healing power. Help us, Lord. As you rebuked the fever, I rebuke this cancer now, in Your name so disease, I take authority over you and command you to leave this body now in

102 The Hem Of His Garment the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I stand in the gap for this precious one. Be whole. Be restored. Be healed.”

I then pray, “Father, you are the God of the universe. I ask you to move now by the anointing of your Spirit and touch this person. Have mercy on them, Lord and show them Your compassion and great power. We know You’re willing to heal and that You’re able. We thank you ahead of time right now, God, for Your goodness. Help our faith not to waver. We ask you this with confidence, Lord, and release this to You. We love You and thank You for Your son, our savior: Jesus. Amen.” (After this, we wait)

When praying for healing, it takes a real toll on my emotions and afterwards I get pretty emotional. But, if a Christian doesn’t want to be healed, isn’t agreeing with what you’re praying and they just want to “let go” to get it all over with; don’t be too surprised if they die and go to be with Jesus. It’s hard, I know. The “why’s” aren’t easy. Remember, God says that His people perish from a “lack of knowledge.” A lot of us have been taught that God “tests” or “punishes” His children with sickness and disease. That’s heresy (false teaching). Would you ever do that to your kids? Of course not and God is a much better parent than we’ll ever be. James 1:13, says that God tempts or tests no one with evil and sickness can be an evil “assignment.”

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does He tempt anyone. tempt—3985. peirazo, pi-rad’-zo; from G3984; to test (obj.) i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:— assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.

Back to healing and health. Do we deny the sickness symptoms? Of course not. That’s what Christian Scientists—and other cults—say, not followers of Jesus. I actually know Christians who haven’t seen a doctor in years, even after their forty where an annual check up is simply prudence. They think it’s a lack of faith and unnecessary.

.Do we never cast a broken bone? .Do we ignore technology like X-rays, MRI’s or surgery? .Do we stop taking prescribed medications? .Do we stop going to the doctor or dentist? .Do we stop wearing our glasses/hearing aids? .Do we stop brushing and ﬂ ossing our teeth? .Do we never take an aspirin for a headache? .Do we never take cough syrup or suck on a Hall’s? .Do we never give our kids Tylenol? .Do we cancel our health insurance policy? .Guys, do you never have your prostate checked? .Gals, do you never see a gynecologist?

Of course, not! Don’t be reckless, foolish or presumptuous, friend!

The whole point to “preventative medicine” is early detection and God will certainly use a doctor and/or a nurse to help you in that detection process. Believing that Jesus is the healer and going to see your doctor regularly are not in conﬂ ict with each other, so do not listen to someone who says you’re out of faith by doing so.

103 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Although people like Jerry Lewis, Katie Curic and others who don’t, that I’m aware of, recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I greatly applaud their efforts to ﬁ nd new cures to the diseases that they have dedicated their lives too. I pray that through this process, Jesus will become real to them as the healer, as well as, the source of all knowledge and wisdom with respect to M.D. in Jerry Lewis’ case and colon cancer in Katie Curic’ case.

Only pride, fear and/or presumption would keep someone from going to a doctor for early detection and preventive medicine—Christian or not. From what I’ve read, Charles Schultz—the Peanuts/Snoopy cartoonist—resisted going to the doctor, even though he knew of the colon cancer history in his own family. Had he gone to get a simple test, chances are he’d still be alive. If you catch certain diseases in time, with the help of the medical community—who are inﬂ uenced by the Spirit of God whether they know it or not—and before a benign polyp turns into a malignant tumor, you’ve exercised prudence.

I would never counsel anyone to stop seeing their doctor unless they were being told, “There’s no hope for you. You’re going to die for sure.” At that point, I’d help you get to another doctor who believes in prayer and miracles, along with modern medicine. I would also direct you to a minister or any other Christian that God chooses to heals through.(They will totally be convinced—Jesus is still the healer)

Believers don’t deny the sickness or disease exists but they should deny that healing’s not possible.

In Exodus 15:26 it states, “If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and will do that which is right in His sight, I will put none of these diseases upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you.”

Dr. Robert Young’s Analytical Concordance has an interesting slant on this. He states that the original King James people wrongly translated the Hebrew verb, put, in the causative tense. In his opinion, had it been accurately translated in the permissive tense, it would have given the correct picture of what happened: God permitted it or allowed it—not caused it. The correct translation should read, he contends, like this: “I will not permit any of the diseases to be put upon you which I have permitted to be brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord that heals you.”

It’s interesting but scripture certainly does point out multiple times when God sent, plagues, ﬂ oods, pestilences, etc. as judgment on people who refuse to obey Him as Lord and Master. That is the Bible.

In the account of Job, however, God allowed—not sent—the attack by Satan. The devil was the predator and is still our adversary. But the mandate is clear to us as true believing Christians—the remnant…

…Mark 16:17 “And these signs will follow those who believe; In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents (alludes to Satan); and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

It’s not your responsibility to ﬁ gure it all out. Just do what Jesus said to do, trust Him to move and release the end result to Him. We are to cast out demons, speak in tongues, rebuke Satan and lay hands on the sick expecting them to be healed by God’s power.

.We are not to be afraid. .Who cares if you get kicked out of your denomination. .We should obey God not man. (if they conﬂ ict)

104 The Hem Of His Garment

.Don’t let disappointments rule you or slow you down.

Anyway, “recover” is a very important word, here in Mark 16. Very important! Most healing miracles, at least in America, are not immediate. To “recover” simply means the beginning of the healing “process.” The “recovering” time frame is different for everyone.

There’s a lot of talk out there, in certain camps, about faith alone. But the “patience”—waiting— persevering—enduring deal, well…that’s sort of conveniently omitted. No, God is not a slot machine— put in the coin and instant results. (Expect immediacy but exercise patience is the real deal in healing) It is our responsibility to do Jesus’ work today: teach, preach and heal. (DWJD) He said we’d do greater works because He goes to the Father. (John 14:12) “Greater” meaning in numbers not in magnitude. (It’s doubtful if we’ll ever create a universe so don’t getting “squirrelly” about the greater work text) greater—3187. meizon, mide’-zone; larger (lit. or ﬁ g., spec. in age):—elder, greater (-est), more.

THE PROBLEM? There is a devil loose… l. He steals the word—Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

2. He attacks—Job 2:7…Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to his crown.

3. He kills—John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

4. He oppresses—Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.

5. He possesses—Matt. 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought to him all sick people that were taken with various diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY? Do the Word, trust Jesus and then wait.

1. Get God’s thoughts—Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

2. Acquire knowledge—2 Pet 1:3 According as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue:

3. Know the truth (get to know Jesus)—John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

105 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

4. Worship the Lord with your tithe and offerings—Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, When have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house, and prove me now, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes.

5. Get water baptized as a believer even if you were “sprinkled” as an infant—Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

6. Ask to be baptized with the Holy spirit—Acts 19:2 He said to them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Acts 19:3 And he said to them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John’s baptism. Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.

7. Pray in tongues daily—Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

8. Take communion often—1 Cor 11:24 And when He had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do you, as oft as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

*Again, not discerning the Lord’s body simply means not giving full worth or value to what Jesus has accomplished.

9. Call for elders in the church and confess your sins—James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

10. Praise Him and worship Him—Psalms 117:1 O Praise the LORD, all you nations: praise him, all you people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us:

Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

11. Pray protection over you and your family—Ephesian 4:26 Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

106 The Hem Of His Garment

Keep strife, discord, selﬁ shness and unforgiveness OUT of your house. You’ll be keeping things better protected against attacks.

12. Exercise patience—Many lessons are learned in the healing process—especially concerning humility, trust and character.

Hebrews 6:12 That be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

ROADBLOCKS—DETOURS—HINDRANCES—CLOGS

1. Lifestyle of sin/unconfessed sin—John 5:14 (Jesus speaking) See, you have been made well. Stop sinning or something worse may come upon you. (Please don’t ignore this one—it’s grace in action)

James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another,

2. Demonic oppression and bondage—Luke 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. Luke 13:12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said to her, Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.

3. Fear/worry/panic/anxiety—Phillipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

4. Disappointments—Mark 5:24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. Mark 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, but instead of getting better, she grew worse.

John 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty eight years. John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is being stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me. John 5:8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” And immediately the man was made well…

5. Good intentioned people—Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Mark 10:48 And many rebuked him and told him to be quiet: but he shouted all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me.

107 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

6. Unbiblical teaching—Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which you have delivered: and many such like things do you.

7. Unbelief—Mark 6:2 And when the Sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Where did this man get these things? and what wisdom is this which is given to him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.” And he could there do no mighty work, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them. Mark 6:6 And He marvelled because of their unbelief. And He went round about the villages, teaching.

Mark 9:19 He answered him, and said, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me.

8. Not giving full value to Calvary—1 Cor 11:29 For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. (“Unworthily” means not appreciating Him dying for you)

9. Ignorance—Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

10. Husbands mistreating their wife—1 Pet 3:7 Husbands, likewise dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

(This is a huge deal guys! Don’t mistreat God’s daughter.)

11. Craving the forbidden—1 Pet 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; lusts—1939. epithumia, ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah; from G1937; a longing (espec. for what is forbidden):— concupiscence, desire, lust (after).

(If you’re dealing with fear or panic, examine your sexual “cravings”)

12. Paul’s thorn in the flesh—2 Cor 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

Paul’s thorn was a demonic attack in the form of pain, sufferings and/or sickness. It was, as it says, a messenger of Satan—namely some demon(s) assigned to harass him because of his promoting Jesus.

13. Envy or a “root of bitterness”—Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. rottenness—7538. raqab, raw-kawb’; from H7537; decay (by caries):—rottenness (thing). bones—6106. ‘etsem, eh’-tsem; from H6105; a bone (as strong); by extens. the body; ﬁ g. the substance Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

108 The Hem Of His Garment deﬁ led—3392. miaino, me-ah’ee-no; perh. a prim. verb; to sully or taint, i.e. contaminate (cer. or mor.):—deﬁ le.

This is obviously a concise list of things that can stiﬂ e the healing process. Please, don’t make demands for “your” healing from God as your “rights.” Ask Him in faith, speak to the sickness, disease or injury as the “mountain” in your way (Mark 11:23), take authority over it and any demonic activity, see a “Christian, miracle believing doctor,” who’ll examine both the medical elements, as well as, have others pray over you. Then rest and don’t worry. Give the burden of the illness to the Lord and then take comfort in knowing you’ve done all you know to do and you’re doing what the word says to do.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, don’t lean on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.”

In this case, your “pathway” to your healing. It may be the healing that is available for some reason doesn’t show up this side of Heaven. Nothing you can do about that. You can ask questions when you get there but make sure you get there. Again, you can go to Heaven sick but not lost.

The four main ways I see in Scripture for healing to come are these:

#1 The laying on of hands (Mark 16:16)

#2 The gifts of healing as the Spirit wills (I Cor. 12:9)

#3 Calling on the elders to pray and anoint you with oil (James 5:14)

#4 Seeking out respected ministers of Jesus (Acts 5:15-16, I Cor. 12:30)

You may ask, “What does my healing have to do with someone who lived almost 2000 years ago?” Well, everything, actually. Your question helps locate the possible problem: the person of Jesus—the Lord of all—is whom you are to focus on, not your ailments.

.Don’t seek your healing—seek out the Healer who still heals. .Don’t seek deliverance—seek out the Deliverer who still delivers. .Don’t seek salvation—seek out the Savior who still saves.

…“Well, why does a child have to die?” …“It’s not fair to be cut off in your teens.” …“Where is God in the middle of this cancer?” …“Isn’t He big enough to just take it away?” …“How could He let this happen!?” …“This is a severed spinal cord—not even God can ﬁ x me.” …“ARE YOU UP THERE!?”

As I said, this is a fallen planet. If you get anything out of this book, get this: Don’t blame God. He’s not your problem unless you’re in complete deﬁ ance. You may have brought on yourself some of your poor health, through this rebellion. You may be reaping a bad crop. God’s not your enemy but you’d better know you have one. Like I said, Satan is a ruthless, malicious, lying, murdering thief who’ll cut your throat if he can and then laugh as you bleed to death. If you don’t believe that, keep on living. Press in to

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God and you’ll see the arsenal against you come out. I so testify but Satan’s no match for the Lord Jesus Christ. (They’re not even in the same league) One is Almighty God, the other is defeated.

Let’s say you walked into your house late at night. You put the key in the door, open it and turn on the light only to see a masked man standing in your living room with an ax in his hands about to walk down the hallway to your wife and kids. Would you run away? I don’t think so. No, you’d attack, aggressively.

Satan, or one his subordinates, is the one in that scenario. Prepare now for this confrontation because, sooner or later, you’ll have to address it. Don’t prepare in the middle of the ﬁ ght. (Good preparation, health wise, begins with studying the Word, prayer, a nutritious diet, rest, consistent exercise and a safe work place—the basics) You can address all the spiritual issues you want but if you ignore the natural areas, you just may need a physical healing.

If you have lost a wife, husband, father, mother, child, family member or close friend, I grieve with you. I know that heartache, ﬁ rsthand. I know what it’s like to see loved ones die before your very own eyes. Emotions are re-lived alot. The roller coaster of feelings surface. The hospital scenes are re-played. Watching Dad die was agonizing. (One wonderful blessing to us and a great beneﬁ t for someone was knowing that Dad was an organ donor. Someone can see because they now have my Dad’s eyes. That’s awesome!)

Although grief is natural and appropriate, for a season, you need to begin to move. Inactivity, after a death has occurred, will isolate, and potentially, paralyze you. From my experience with Dad, with our good friend, Pete Bucek in the summer of ‘96, my Nam vet buddy Dave Adams in ‘99 and recently with my dear friend Eric Bischoff’s dad passing, I know God helps you adjust to the blow of the death of a loved one and He certainly does comfort. It’s one of the things I lean on Him most for, especially when death comes along, as it periodically does and will to continue to.

Let me talk brieﬂ y about one of these experiences with sickness, healing, prayer and the “crossing over” of a loved one that we’ve experienced. Pete Bucek was a dear friend of ours. He was married to one of my wife’s closest friends, Rita. She’s one of the those rare, once in a lifetime pals that goes the second mile for her friends and family. She’ll give you her house to stay in if you need it, she’ll borrow money to those in a crunch, she’ll pray for you and just be a great of example of the love of Christ. We treasure her.

Pete, Rita, Denise and I were out on Lake Minnetonka one hot summer day. We found a little bay where Pete could cast a few. (He loved ﬁ shing) In his great form, he showed us all the art of casting, reeling, timing, patience and just plain old fun. Three weeks later he was dead. When we got the news that he was in the 4th stage cancer, we could hardly believe it. We all prayed and like Dad’s case, we simply trusted the Lord to move on his behalf and stood in faith. Pete too was believing for his miracle and yet he was making plans with Rita and the kids, “just in case.” To many of us, however, the “just in case” was saying he really doesn’t want to go the distance with this battle and would rather head towards Heaven than ﬁ ght the war ahead. It was understandable by all of us. It’s a very, very tough battle.

The night he died, we were all up on his ﬂ oor at North Memorial waiting, praying, laughing at times to break the tension and weeping quietly. He had a few delirious episodes from the morphine, which scared us a bit but he came out of it and seemed to taper off. After that, Pete seemed to be stable, so around 11 pm, Denise and I went home to get some rest. But, as it often turns out, we got a phone call a few hours later from Rita with the news, he’d taken a sudden turn for the worse. When we got there, he was already

110 The Hem Of His Garment gone. Tim Burt, a fellow minister, along with yours truly all joined Rita in prayer and asked the Lord that if Pete wasn’t “quite” sure about checking out yet that we were all wonderfully expectant of a miracle and welcomed his spirit to return to his body but that was not to be.

Rita believes that Jesus gave Pete a picture of the future, showing him how things will be if he chose to let go and die. Knowing that his wife and kids would be OK, he said “Sure Lord, I’m ready.” We all agree with that assessment.

Again, you can go to Heaven sick but not lost. Pete had personally accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, therefore Heaven awaited him. We miss him but all things considered, it’s a wonderful thought that he’s out of pain and enjoying his new life with the Creator and others who have gone on before him. All the “why’s” will just have to remain unanswered for a time. We live with that and don’t debate the choices nor judge those with an agonizing disease. There is a pain at ﬁ rst that is almost devastating but it subsides with time.

Yes, the pain of when a loved one dies does go away but the ache seems to re-surface, periodically. Kodak commercials are brutal, you know what I mean? A certain song will play, a date will come up, a cologne or perfume will trigger a memory. A “Touched by an Angel” episode will hit on the emotions all over again. It takes about 5 seconds for me to lose it, especially when the story line revolves around cancer and intensive care units. It’s good to cry. That’s how you heal. God designed you that way. Just don’t live in grief. It’ll consume you and lead you down a path of depression, possible addictions or worse.

I truly believe Jesus is the Healer. I am fully persuaded of that. I cannot be convinced otherwise. God has promised He’ll be with you, even in the midst of death and if you choose to say, “I want to be done, Lord. Come. Take me.” My dad, Pete, my buddy Dave, to name a few were all Christians but they all were dealing with cancer at various ages and simply were overwhelmed with the ordeal and the thought of keeping up the ﬁ ght.

Faith is but one issue. Many have “confessed” healing scriptures, listened to tapes of “the rights of the believer,” called for the elders of the church, got drenched with oil as others laid hands on them and believed with all their heart that healing was a sure thing yet many have died and gone home to be with the Lord without a physical healing.

As a Christian, you’re guaranteed this: Heaven, eternity with God and then a glorified body.

You need to know that “a lack of faith” IS NOT always the deﬁ ning reason for a healing block, as some preachers imply. People have been guilted, tragically, all too often with this line of thinking. “Oh, they must have not had enough faith or been in some sort of sin. That’s why they died or haven’t received their manifestation.”

Friend, that is prideful, insensitive and cruel, if untrue. God is the only judge. Faith is a big issue so don’t discount it but it is not always the issue.

In John 5:2, a man who had been sick for thirty eight years was frustrated because he could not get to the pool where an angel was “anointing” the water—ﬁ rst guy in gets the healing. This guy wasn’t in faith. When Jesus showed up—he was bumming and kvetching. But the Lord worked around his state of mind and his poor “confession of faith” and He healed him, anyway.

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The teachings on faith are needed but faith is not always the cure all.

My brother, Bret, has a phrase he uses often in his tax preparation and ﬁ nancial consulting business: “It’s a combination of issues.”

With regards to healing and the recovery process, that truth certainly applies. A lack of faith is deﬁ nitely a consideration. Again, don’t dismiss it but often times when people aren’t healed it’s because they just wanted “out” and to go “home.” Yes faith is our victory (I John 5:4) but it’s faith in the Lord Jesus not faith in our faith.

For example. Matthew 9:28 And when He (Jesus) had come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord. Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Again, it’s your faith in what Jesus can and will do with no wavering about the fact that He is willing and able yet He is also sovereign. That is the thing to focus on not having faith in what you can do.

A dear friend of mine who pastors a church in the Twin Cities, speciﬁ cally Hastings, did an interesting study once on the “how, when and why” questions regarding healing.

1. In different instances, 12 people came to Jesus to be healed.

2. 6 times, Jesus initiated the healing miracle, not the person.

3. Only 5 times, did the individual demonstrate healing faith.

4. 6 times, someone other than the recipient demonstrated faith.

5. 10 times, no apparent faith was expressed other than Jesus’.

6. 2 times, no conclusive indicators as to whose faith was used.

7. Jesus’ healings were instant, except once.

8. 7 times, He healed on the Sabbath.

The following conclusions were made:

Q. Was the persons’ response to ministry a criteria for healing? A. No.

Q. Was positive confession before, during or after a requirement? A. No.

Q. Did any response on the persons part invalidate their healing? A. No.

Q. How many were “touched?” A. 15

112 The Hem Of His Garment

Q. How many were touched on the forehead? A. None

Q. How many were slain in the Spirit? A. None

Q. Did Jesus “preach or teach” on healing? A. No, He just did it.

So, the “name it and claim it” routine isn’t the end all—Jesus is. I’d trust Him for health and healing; I have and I do. It is clear that we don’t have all the answers regarding the “why” question—when you say that you do; you’re in pride. Don’t go there.

As I said before regarding money, I wouldn’t suggest telling the Lord your “rights.” I recently had to mildly admonish a sister who was “counseling” a brother that he doesn’t have to “ask” the Lord for anything. He simply needs to “thank Him” for his blessings. I said respectfully but ﬁ rmly, “Asking the Lord for something, even repeatedly is Biblical. (I then gave her the scriptural story)

In Luke 11:5, Jesus tells a story of a man who had company come into visit him and he needed some food. He banged on the door of a friend (the Lord) for this need. The owner said, “Go away…my family and I are all in bed.” Jesus goes on to say that the owner of the house didn’t get up and help this guy because he was a friend—though he was—but because of the guys persistence in addressing the issue in desperation, he got up and met his need.

“Therefore, ask (in the Greek, this means keep asking) and it will be given to you; seek (meaning keep seeking) and you shall find; knock (and keep knocking) and it will be opened to you.”

No, asking the Lord is most deﬁ nitely protocol not just thanking Him for things. If your teenager walked in the house and said, “Thanks Dad for the car keys, I’ll be using your ATM card, I’ve got your cell phone and I’ll be home late.” Well…my guess is you’d have a little heart to heart talk, right? That would be disrespectful on their part to just “thank Dad for all the stuff.” (Most likely, they’d get a “yes,” if they ask)

You don’t demand from God your “perks” as a New Testament believer. Otherwise, you may wind up getting lectured like Job…

“Are you telling me…?” “Where were you when I made…?” “Can you make…?”

A friend of mine and ministry peer pointed out to me, the way to look at Isaiah 45:11, is that God was lecturing saying, “Are you commanding me?” (Sort of like the Robert DeNiro line: “You talking to me?”)

No, go to God with a humble, grateful and thankful heart. Thank Him for Jesus and His healing and delivering power. If healing doesn’t come right away, stand your ground and don’t let the devil or any “good intentioned” family member or friend talk you out of God’s miracle working power, even if it’s not immediate and keep pursuing the Lord with your requests. It may take years for something dramatic

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to occur for a number of reasons, some of which I’ve covered. Other times, it might never take place this side of Heaven. You may have to wait. (Romans 8:23, Phil. 3:20, Rev. 21:4)

But by all means tell the devil to back off. When he starts to whisper lies to you, tell him that you have a covenant with the Healer and you won’t nor can’t be persuaded otherwise. Healing miracle or no healing miracle: you’re trusting Jesus. Just like when the Lord talked to the demon in Mark 1:23; tell him to “muzzle it.”

Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Hold thy peace—5392. phimoo, fee-mo’-o; from phimos (a muzzle); to muzzle:—muzzle. (Basically this means, SHUT UP!)

Final point: As, I’ve said repeatedly, you can go to Heaven “sick” but you can’t go “lost.” If you or your loved one doesn’t receive their healing—for whatever reason—know this: heaven is theirs, if Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Lean on that and on Him for comfort. Let the “know it alls” preach what they want. Many have mistakenly put off seeing a doctor until the damage was done. The presumption that “Healing belongs to us” has caused many to dig themselves in deeper in self-condemnation if healing doesn’t manifest and died frustrated and confused by what preachers told them was “guaranteed.”

The apostles in the Book of Acts and other scriptures moved in the power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Should we model them? I’d suggest we should—they’re our examples.

Acts 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God”

So…what did they say? They didn’t say, “Sorry man, but we can’t help you.” No, they declared healing— because they were fully persuaded Jesus would back them up with signs, miracles and wonders—and laid hands on this guy. (Peter—who wrote I Peter 2:24—laid hands on the sick)

We’re called to do the same.

Acts 3:9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. V. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them, “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

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V. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

Here’s another example of how the apostles went about healing:

Acts 28:8 There was an estate nearly that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentary. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him, and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.

Wow! Know this: Healing is available for you. You’ll have to ﬁ ght the devil off with the Word of God— your sword—and maybe some of your friends and family for your breakthrough to show up. Include the medical community in your prayers. Remember, “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord…”(Romans 8:28) Maybe there’s someone who needs to hear the Gospel while you’re in getting surgery or chemo! Consider that. (Getting saved is a “bigger” miracle than getting physical healed)

Imagine having a “female bleeding problem” for 12 years. This account gives a great illustration of “pressing in:”

Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith has made you whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. whole—4982. sozo, sode’-zo; from a prim. sos (contr. for obsol. saos, “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or ﬁ g.):—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

This woman was one determined person! She was “convinced.”

Mark 5:29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.(NIV) Mark 5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? virtue—1411. dunamis, doo’-nam-is; from G1410; force (lit. or ﬁ g.); spec. miraculous power

Jesus still has that “virtue.” Lean on Him for your healing. The hem of His garment is still the real deal. Consider it.

So…let me ask you a question: If it’s really not God’s will for you to be healthy and maybe even His will that you are sick, injured or even dying, why would you go to the doctor? Wouldn’t that be ﬁ ghting directly against the Lord? Sure it would. See how ridiculous that kind of thinking is? The fact is, God loves you. If you’re sick, keep seeking Jesus.

By the way, 1st Century martyrs are not the norm. The Lord chose Paul, the apostles and other missionaries to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. His unique plan is just that: unique. Peter, for example died much earlier than John on the island of Patmos. While He desires all to be saved, His directions and length of life, are not all the same. (However, we’ll all suffer persecution for sure as Christians)

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Jesus said, “I have come to bring you life abundantly” but not a perfect life. A life full of adventure but yes, trials. If you’re in need of healing, seek out the Master who heals because He hasn’t changed. Remember this in the battle:

Patience is vitally important in the area of healing and recovery.

When I was getting Piper, our daughter, comfortable with swimming, I had her lay face up on her back with her arms spread out looking towards the ceiling. Like most kids though, I had to re-assure her that I wasn’t going to let go. Let that settle in your heart with regards to the Lord. Yes, He won’t let you drown.

Here’s my healing testimony: At 43, I went in for my annual check up. Dr. Lehman did some blood work, a chest X-ray and of course the old prostrate check. (I’m praying for a new way of testing to come to the medical community, other than the rubber glove deal) Dr. Lehman called me to say he’d found a spot on my lung and ordered another X-ray. Again the spot. (He used a different technician on the second test) After conferring with a radiologist, he called me and thought it needed immediate addressing. He said if it turns out to be the start of a tumor, he’s sure it would be benign but he set up an appointment at North Memorial Hospital for a CT scan. (A wonderful Christian woman from Church of the Open Door helped me relax a bit, as I was a little apprehensive) Dr. Lehman’s nurse called a few days later and said the results were “normal.” “Normal?” I thought. Does that mean whatever was there is benign? Does that mean it was scar tissue from years of weight lifting? So I called Dr. Lehman to discuss it. He told me the spots that were originally on both the X-rays, according to the CT scan had “somehow” disappeared—Disappeared!

Jesus is well able to heal, desires to heal, responds to faith, frequently supersedes a lack of faith with grace and He alone ultimately decides how and when to administer physical healing. If you’re a Christian— good health or bad health—heaven awaits you. Amen!

A better rendering of I Peter 2:24 would be; “by whose punishment, we have been reconciled.”

That punishment for our sins, which certainly included fl ogging, also included getting mocked, beat up beyond recognition, a crown of thorns dug deep into His head, carrying an extremely heavy wood cross and fi nally being crucifi ed.

If healing doesn’t show up for you this side of Heaven, will you still love Him for dying for your sins? Will you trust Jesus, no matter what?

Denise’s “pathway” was different than mine. She got diagnosed with breast cancer. We prayed, laid hands on her, anointed her with oil and then waited. With no apparent change occurring, we talked and prayed with our doctor and collectively agreed that a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation was her pathway. We dealt with fear and it was the hardest six months of our lives yet our trust in Jesus and compassion for others, has increased greatly. The “why’s?” We’ll learn about those later. Jesus is your healer but He’s also the sovereign Lord. Like I said, God’s timing and ways, are not ours. To quote my mentor, “God is more interested in your character not your comfort.” That is the real deal.

116 Chapter Eight

ONCE SAVED—ALWAYS SAVED?

(Eternal security vs. personal apostasy)

Galatians 5:21 “…as I have also told you in time past, that they which do (practice) such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This may be tough for some to embrace but it is totally scriptural. To be a good minister, I must teach you this. (I Tim. 4:1-6)

There are many things in the Bible that are cloudy…

(I Cor. 13:12) “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Some things only God knows…

(Duet.29:29) “The secret things belong to the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

But in the area of salvation the Word is clear—you certainly can’t lose your salvation but you can most assuredly forfeit or walk away from your eternal security. It is very difﬁ cult but it is possible. In most cases, it would happen progressively through great disappointments, ﬂ esh hankerings, depression and false teachings.

If someone “claims” they are a Christian and yet refuses to give up a “lifestyle” that is clearly forbidden in Scripture and they’ve been warned repeatedly through all the avenues that God uses to admonish, they’re jeopardizing their salvation. Perhaps their “invitation” or “decision” was not sincere and therefore their conversion was not valid to begin with if they refuse to repent.

I John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in Him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

That word commit, in the Greek, is poieo. It means “to remain in.” It doesn’t mean Christians can’t sin (we all do at times) but rather they won’t stay in sin, won’t abide there, won’t continue in sin, as a lifestyle.

II Timothy 3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, slanderous, without self control, brutal, despisers of those that are good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”

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“A form of godliness”—that could describe many American churches today. Going through the motions. A religious exercise that many participate in out of habit, guilt or a “works” righteousness.

Two scriptures that seem to contradict each other are Romans 10:13 and Matthew 7:21. Once you rightly divide the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15), however, you’ll see that they are in harmony:

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

The thing to remember is that God knows you. You can’t fool Him so don’t try. Be honest with Him. I wouldn’t suggest working the angles.

I Samuel 16:7 “…for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

You can’t play head games with the Creator. Will everyone be saved who sincerely cries out to God for mercy and salvation? Absolutely.

Is everyone sincere who call on His name? No, tragically.

The word “call” in Romans 10:13 is interesting. Look at it:

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (It’s one of my favorite scriptures, rightly divided)

call—1941. epikaleomai, ep-ee-kal-eh’-om-ahee; to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):—appeal (unto), call (on, upon).

A different rendering might read, “For whoever shall ask for the Lord’s aid in, and with, their life, whoever chooses to worship Him, whoever wants to have a good testimony then share about what He’s done and doing for them and whoever “makes a decision” for Him: those are the ones who will have everlasting life and are “saved.”

Keep in mind, demons “know” Jesus. As a matter of fact, they are called “knowing ones” (Mark 1:34) but they certainly have made a decision NOT to follow Him, serve Him or worship Him.

John 3:16 is true…

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Demons “believe” that Jesus is the Holy One but they’re certainly not saved nor will be and they are most deﬁ nitely afraid of Him and His power. They don’t, however, “believe in Him,” as it says in John 3:16.

James 2:19 You believe that there is one God; you do well: the demons also believe and tremble. tremble— 5425. phrisso, fris’-so; appar. a prim. verb; to “bristle” or chill, i.e. shudder (fear):—tremble.

118 Once Saved—Always Saved?

In this examination, there are some operative words I want you to look at, concerning inheriting and maintaining, eternal life:

1. endure/ end

2. deny

3. have not known/ turn

4. do

5. inherit/ enter

6. sin/ wages

7. depart/ strayed/ fall away

8. willfully

9. take away

Matthew 10:22 And you shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.

1. The ﬁ rst operative word in this verse is endure: (hupomeno #5278 in Strong’s concordance) which means to stay under, to remain, persevere, and abide. And secondly, the end: (telos #5058 in Strong’s Concordance) which means to the conclusion, to the limit.

In other words, you need to abide and remain in Him (serving and trusting Jesus) until the conclusion of your life. Jesus, the Savior of the world, is well able to keep you, if you choose to allow Him.

I John 4:8 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.

The choice always is yours—He is not a controller or dictator. Lovers don’t force or insist on their own way, do they?

John 10:29 “My Father, which gave them to Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”

No one, especially Satan, can take you out of God’s hand but you can walk out, if you’re so determined. He will permit it. The same way you invited Him into your life you can say Get out of my life. That would be the biggest mistake a believer could make.

2. The next word is deny: (#720.) arneomai, ar-neh’-om-ahee; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:—deny, refuse.

Matthew 10:33 “But whosoever shall deny me before men, Him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

This applies both to the person who rejects the Gospel and to the person who invites the Lord into their life but later through circumstances, trials and a greater desire to sin (usually pride, sexual sin and greed)

119 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101) than to serve the Lord. After the point of grieving, resisting and putting out the ﬁ re of the Holy Spirit, you can ﬁ nd yourself with such a hard heart that you “disavow” your faith and say NO to God. That’s a sad day.

3. The next words are known and turn: known—1921. epiginosko, ep-ig-in-oce’-ko; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by impl. to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:—(ac-, have, take) know (-ledge, well), perceive turn: 1994. epistrepho, ep-ee-stref’-o; to revert (lit., ﬁ g. or mor.):—come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about, again).

II Peter 2:20 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

The inference is you know what you’ve done—you’re well aware and fully acquainted with your invitation. Then you elect to turn away. Not smart.

4. The next word is do: (very important word, do.)

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The word do here in the Greek is prasso, which simply means to “practice,” i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually.

This word implies to live in sin—a lifestyle or lifetime of sin.

So, my counsel to you is “NO PRASSO, my friend.” Stay out of the “old stuff,” the “familiar territory,” the “same old pile,” sin thing. If you really think that a holy God is going to allow this practicing i.e. “prasso,” deal to remain, you need to keep reading His book.

So my conscious is clear and there is no confusion about these lifestyle sins, I’ll show you each one listed: adultery—3430. moicheia, moy-khi’-ah; adultery. An illicit lover of a married person. fornication—4202. porneia, por-ni’-ah; harlotry (includ. adultery and incest); fi g. idolatry:—fornication. Voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other. uncleanness—167. akatharsia, ak-ath-ar-see’-ah; impurity (the quality), phys. or mor.:—uncleanness. lasciviousness—766. aselgeia, as-elg’-i-a; licentiousness (sometimes including other vices):—fi lthy, lasciviousness, wantonness. sexually unrestrained. idolatry—1495. eidololatreia, i-do-lol-at ri’-ah; image-worship (lit. or fi g.):—idolatry.

120 Once Saved—Always Saved? witchcraft—5331. pharmakeia, far-mak-i’-ah; medication (“pharmacy”), i.e. (by extens.) magic (lit. or fi g.):—sorcery, witchcraft. (Spells, curses, manipulation, control, domination) hatred—2189. echthra, ekh’-thrah; hostility; by impl. a reason for opposition:—enmity, hatred. (Better listen up all you bigots who call yourselves “Christians”) variance—2054. eris, er’-is; of uncert. affi n.; a quarrel, i.e. (by impl.) wrangling:—contention, debate, strife, variance. emulations—2205. zelos, dzay’-los; prop. heat, i.e. (fi g.) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (fi g. of God), or an enemy, malice):—emulation, envy (-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal. wrath—2372. thumos, thoo-mos’; passion (as if breathing hard):—fi erceness, indignation, wrath. strife—2052. eritheia, er-ith-i’-ah; faction:—contention (-ious), strife. seditions—1370. dichostasia, dee-khos-tas-ee’-ah; disunion, i.e. (fi g.) dissension:—division, sedition. heresies—1370. dichostasia, dee-khos-tas-ee’-ah; disunion, i.e. (fi g.) dissension:—division, sedition. envyings—5355. phthonos, fthon’-os; ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite):—envy. murders—5408. phonos, fon’-os; (to slay); murder:—murder, + be slain with, slaughter. drunkenness—3178. methe, meth’-ay; an intoxicant, i.e. (by impl.) intoxication:—drunkenness. revellings—2970. komos, ko’-mos; a carousal (as if a letting loose):—revelling, rioting.

I Corinthians 6:9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. fornicators—4205. pornos, por’-nos; (libertine):—fornicator, whoremonger. Practicing fornication— voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other. idolaters—1496. eidololatres, I-do-lol-at’-race; an image- (servant or) worshipper (lit. or fi g.):— idolater. adulterers—3432. moichos, moy-khos’; a (male) paramour; fi g. apostate:—adulterer. An illicit lover of a married person. Practicing adultery. effeminate—3120. malakos, mal-ak-os’; a catamite:—effeminate, soft. A boy kept for pederastic purposes. Pederasty is sexual relations between two males, especially when one is a minor. abuser of themselves with mankind—733. arsenokoites, ar-sen-ok-oy’-tace; a sodomite:—abuser of (that defi le) self with mankind. One who practices sodomy; unnatural, especially anal copulation. (This and “effeminate” is where the word, “homosexuality,” is derived from)

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thieves—2812. kleptes, klep’-tace; a stealer (lit. or ﬁ g.):—thief.

covetous—4123. pleonektes, pleh-on-ek’-tace; holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder):—covetous.

drunkards—3183. methusos, meth’-oo-sos; tipsy, i.e. (as noun) a sot:—drunkard.

revilers—3060. loidoros, loy’-dor-os; (mischief); abusive, i.e. a blackguard:—railer, reviler.

extortioners—727. harpax, har’-pax; rapacious:—extortion, ravening.

Here’s my advice if you’re caught up in any of these as a lifestyle—STOP! You’re at great risk.

5. The next words are inherit, inheritance, and enter:

I Corinthians 6:9 Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God inherit—2816. kleronomeo, klay-ron-om-eh’-o; from G2818; to be an heir to (lit. or ﬁ g.):—be heir, (obtain by) inherit (-ance)

Ephesians 5:5 For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. inheritance—2817. kleronomia, klay-ron-om-ee’-ah; heirship, i.e. (concr.) a patrimony or (gen.) a possession:—inheritance.

inherit—2816. kleronomeo, klay-ron-om-eh’-o; to be an heir to (lit. or ﬁ g.):—be heir, (obtain by) inherit (-ance)

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.

6. enter—525. eiserchomai, ice-er’-khom-ahee; to enter (lit. or ﬁ g.):—X arise, come (in, into), enter in (-to), go in (through).

To be so foolish as to continue—to prasso—to stay in a lifestyle that is forbidden by God and thereby forfeit your own salvation is tragic. Again, the Bible says that sin means missing God’s mark and that the wages—the payment—of sin is death. Both sin and the wages of sin, as far as God is concerned, have been PAID IN FULL. That’s how we got the song “Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—that

122 Once Saved—Always Saved? saved a wretch like me.” The gift of God of eternal life through Jesus is free. Just take it and say thank you. Come out of your “Egypt”—a lifestyle of bondage—and don’t look back. It’s not a good option.

7. Depart/ erred/ fall away—key words relating to salvation.

I Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. depart—868. aphistemi, af-is’-tay-mee; to remove, i.e. (act.) instigate to revolt.; usually (reﬂ ex.) to desist, desert, etc.:—depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.

I Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. erred—635. apoplanao, ap-op-lan-ah’-o; to lead astray (ﬁ g.); pass. to stray (from truth):—err, seduce.

I Tim 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. erred—795. astocheo, as-tokh-eh’-o; to miss the mark, i.e. (ﬁ g.) deviate from truth:—err, swerve

II Tim. 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. erred—795. astocheo, as-tokh-eh’-o; to miss the mark, i.e. (ﬁ g.) deviate from truth:—err, swerve.

II Thess. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; falling away—646. apostasia, ap-os-tas-ee’-ah; defection from truth (prop. the state) (“apostasy”):— falling away, forsake.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and… a) have tasted of the heavenly gift, b) and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, c) And have tasted the good word of God, d) and the powers of the world to come…

If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. fall away—3895. parapipto, par-ap-ip’-to; to fall aside, i.e. (ﬁ g.) to apostatize:—fall away.

This is one meaning of the phrase the “unpardonable sin.”

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8. willfully—Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. willfully—1596. hekousios, hek-oo-see’-oce; voluntarily:—willfully, willingly.

9. blot out/take away—Jesus’ strongest admonitions!!!

Revelation 3:5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. blot out—1813. exaleipho, ex-al-i’-fo; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, ﬁ g. pardon sin):—blot out, wipe away.

Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, take away—51. aphaireo, af-ahee-reh’-o; to remove (lit. or ﬁ g.):—cut (smite) off, take away.

The real deal about salvation is live holy, pure and blameless. Stay in His protection. If you sin, confess it right away and ask Him to help you overcome that area of your life.

Don’t get yourself in the position that others have found themselves in, where God regretfully instructs his intercessors to stop praying for you because of a hard heart and a reprobate mind.

I John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Whoa! You can get so entrenched in a lifestyle of sin that you no longer care what God thinks about what you’re doing, or His word, or the consequences of that lifestyle.

Should your life expire and you ignored the clear warnings in Scripture, and from believers—like me— trying to help you, you would discover the reality of Hell—a place you scoffed about your whole life. God will not be there with you, unfortunately. You will forever live with regret. It says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death…”

That word “death”—the Greek word, thanatos—in this text, according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, means a “conscience existence in separation from God,” as opposed to “life” meaning a “conscience existence in communion with God.”

Hell is a literal place where you are “tormented” by what you could have had and now can’t. There are no exit signs. I realize you’ve heard that hell is hot from “Fire and Brimstone” guys. Yes, hell is hot but primarily it is regret that will torment you not temperature.

Look at the original text and concentrate on the operative words I’ve highlighted:

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s

124 Once Saved—Always Saved? bosom.(commonly called “paradise”—the upper part of hell where Old Testament saints went because Jesus hadn’t died for the sins of mankind yet)

The rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell, he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. hell—86. haides, hah’-dace; “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls:—grave, hell. tormented—3600. odunao, od-oo-nah’-o; to grieve:—sorrow, torment. flame—5395. phlox, fl ox; (to “fl ash” or “fl ame”); a blaze:—fl ame. remember—3415. mnaomai, mnah’-om-ahee; (through the idea of fi xture in the mind or of mental grasp); to bear in mind, i.e. recollect; by impl. to reward or punish:—be mindful, remember, come (have) in remembrance.

To “punish by remembering.” “Fixed in your memory.” “Constant regret.” That is Hell. The torment includes great discomfort, for sure but this story that Jesus illustrated predominantly shows the soul (the mind and emotions) is what was being tortured. For the rich man, it was too late. For you it’s not— obviously you’re alive because you’re reading this book.

Having said that, I need to show you something incredibly sobering in scripture: It is when God has to “release” someone out of His hand of protection because of what they refuse to give up and “gives them over to a reprobate mind.” (Romans 1:24-28)

This is probably one of the strongest cautions in scripture. The Lord is forced by His own standard to release you out of His hand of protection. According to Strong’s Concordance, the original Greek word for “reprobate” basically means “rejected.” reprobate—96. adokimos, ad-ok’-ee-mos; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by impl. worthless (lit. or mor.):— castaway, rejected, reprobate.

Websters deﬁ nes reprobate as “beyond hope for salvation.” In other words, “Too late.” You had multiple chances to return to the Lord but chose not to mainly because of your own ﬂ esh desires.

In Romans 1, the focus of the Holy Spirit’s warning through Paul the Apostle starts with sexual sin— speciﬁ cally homosexuality—and then lists other “lifestyles,” that if continued and unrepented from, will cause a cancellation of your free gift of salvation. When you knowingly trade truth for a lie to ﬁ t and justify your lusts and your agenda; you’re in deep trouble. Anything that’s against scripture, against Bible, against what Jesus taught is “anti-Christ.”

Like I said, the admonishment addresses lifestyles of depravity that originate in sexual sin. I’m going to examine this scripture knowing that it’s a touchy, controversial topic today. If you wanted a heated topic, talk about prolife vs. prochoice and homosexuality as sin vs. homosexuality “by birth.” There are few subjects that will get the blood boiling in some which usually just clouds rational, intellectual

125 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

conversation. Denise and I are quite “tuned” to when the discussion of these subjects are going to be effective and when to just be quiet.

The people I’ve met, and/or know, who are currently “in” or “experimenting with” the gay lifestyle, generally are like most people:

Usually friendly, conversationally civil and smart. They have strong opinions concerning their lifestyle and how it relates to the Bible. Many are successful and from the world’s perspective, quite prosperous. Some that I know, however, have an “edge” to them and can at a moments notice, become combative and hostile.

It’s become a very fashionably, trendy lifestyle for a myriad of reasons. Trendy or not, it is clearly forbidden by scripture. If you’re truly serious about Jesus Christ, His word, Heaven and Hell, as well as, the warnings all throughout the Bible, you’ll stay open to these next examinations of God’s word, although it will surely challenge your mind set and teachings you may have heard, as well as, the positions of those close to you whom you thought you could trust as “reliable sources.” Absolute truth has been relegated to “relative.”

The homosexual lobby in Washington is a very powerful, well funded and organized political machine that claims intolerance of their lifestyle is equal to discrimination of races. The debate? “Born that way” or “choice.” The minority are the militant gay voices—the loud, caustic, abrasive, argumentative, deﬁ ant, resistant, arrogant, radically protesting ones that demand “special rights” not equal rights.

To be fair, on the other side of the spectrum, bigoted, racist, mean-spirited, “gay bashing,” abortion clinic bombing, right wing extremists who call themselves “Christians,” are also a minority. Misled, misguided, deceived, hostile so called “Disciples of Christ,” turn off the very people they’re trying to win to Him. They are counterproductive in promoting the Good News and I tell them that. Remember, Jesus died for all sinners. His heart is always mercy over judgment. He died for heterosexual sinners and homosexual sinners.

Sinners are just that: sinners. Jesus died for the elite, the famous and the unknown. From Billy Graham to the local plumber, Jesus’ own mother (Mary) to your next door neighbor. The Pope, Mother Theresa and of course, you and me. Name the person and Jesus died so their sins could be forgiven, should they choose to admit it. It was a universal salvation plan He accomplished.

But for all mankind there is 1 John 1:9, which says this:

“…if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

That is truly is Good news. The bad news is, Jesus can’t forgive the sins that you’re unwilling to confess and then repent from. Both the ongoing practices of homosexual sins or heterosexual sins i.e. adultery, fornication, are forbidden. An unrepentant “lifestyle” of either jeopardizes your eternity. (If that seems harsh to you keep in mind that if you challenge God’s perfect design of marriage—one man with one woman, for life—you challenge Him)

Although homosexuality is totally contrary to God’s plan, I am convinced and have come to the conclusion, that most people caught up in the gay lifestyle, haven’t been “given up to a reprobate mind.” (Remember, God desires that none perish. II Peter 3:9) His mercies (when you repent) are new every morning. They aren’t “depraved, wicked, malicious, evil homosexuals”—they’re just misinformed. (I’ve

126 Once Saved—Always Saved? talked with enough to know—the open ones, that is) That is simply where the depravity and the road to a “hardened heart” like Pharaoh begins: with sexual sin. Let me show you the exact passage from the Living Bible to help you understand the gravity of this “beginning” down the wrong road.

Romans 1:24 “So God let them go ahead into every sort of sexual sin, and do whatever they wanted to—yes, vile and sinful things with each other’s bodies. Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. v. 26 That is why God let go of them and let them do all these evil things, so that even their women turned against God’s natural plan for them and indulged in sex sin with each other. And the men, instead of having a normal sex relationship with women, burned with lust for each other, men doing shameful things with other men and as a result, getting paid within their own souls with the penalty they so richly deserved.”

So it was that when they gave God up and would not even acknowledge Him, God gave them up to doing everything their evil minds could think of. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness and sin, of greed and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness and gossip. They were backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, braggarts, always thinking of new ways of sinning and continually being disobedient to their parents. They tried to misunderstand, broke their promises, and were heartless, without pity. v.32 They were fully aware of God’s death penalty for these crimes, yet went right ahead and did them anyway and encouraged others to do them, too.

Again, this whole process of hardening heart starts with sexual sin, speciﬁ cally “prohibited” lusts. Most people I know, have spoken with and/or counseled, who have embraced the gay lifestyle have been pulled in by their own curiosity, past hurts, abuses, disappointments or anger, confusion, recruitment by others, and/or lusting after “forbidden fruit.” There is a fallacious intimacy that’s prevalent in the gay community. A misconception of what appears to be “acceptance” is the biggest hook.

The reason the issue of sexual sins, as it relates to someone “saying” they’re a Christian, needs to be addressed and talked about frankly is because there is so much deception and confusion in the minds of many from “false teachers.” Tens of thousands—maybe hundreds of thousands—are under the wrong presumption that they’re “OK” with God while still maintaining their “practice” or “lifestyle” of sexual sin. It’s quite troubling and sad thus this book.

So I’m crystal clear and not misquoted, I’m not talking about a “believer” who has had an “occasional” sexual exploratory temptation, hankering, then yields to it only to discover it was completely wrong for them to experiment with and they ask for forgiveness. That is NOT the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, (commonly called the unpardonable sin) it’s your curiosity and ﬂ esh.

Nor am I talking about a believer who has patterns of behavior with some sort of sexual craving, feels bad, confesses, falls back into it, confesses it, days go by, gets the craving, yields to it, feels bad, confesses…and so on. This repeated cycle is simply one of a “defeated” Christian who just doesn’t have the victory yet. (They have Jesus as their Savior but not their Lord) They’re not unsaved they’re just carnal, frustrated and still under construction. (Guys deal with this a lot. It’s every man’s battle)

The warning in Romans 1 is to those professing Christ who are willingly entrenched and are living— and plan on continuing to live—in a state of forbidden sexual practices. This postures God to “release” them.

If “Once saved—always saved” is true, why all the warnings in scripture contrary to it? The danger is you can easily arrive at this: “Well, I’m saved so I can do what I want. I’m eternally secure.” No, the

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“Once saved—always saved” teaching is terrible. So…the reason why I’m personally hitting this so hard is for two reasons:

1. I know many who are deceived in thinking that they can be in a completely contradictory “lifestyle” with the Bible and be saved.

2. I have a healthy working knowledge of Hell, therefore I warn.

The unpardonable sin i.e. the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit really consists of two points:

#1) It is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord.

#2) It is when you are so caught up in your lifestyle of sin, that you no longer care about the Lord, your heart becomes hard and ultimately out of your own rebellion, carnality and deﬁ ance, God has to release you from His protective arms.

Let me show you the usual order of how this “hard heart” progression takes place. On earth the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, is always at work but you can ignore Him and this is how it’s listed in scripture:

A. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God… grieve—3076. lupeo, loo-peh’-o; to distress; reﬂ ex. or pass. to be sad:—cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow (-ful), be (make) sorry.

B. 1 Thess. 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. quench—4570. sbennumi, sben’-noo-mee; a prol. form of an appar. prim. verb; to extinguish (lit. or ﬁ g.):—go out, quench.

C. Hebrews 3:8 Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in rebellion… harden—4645. skleruno, sklay-roo’-no; from G4642; to indurate, i.e. (ﬁ g.) render stubborn:—harden.

There are many false prophets in the “church” community like an Episcopal priest named John Shelby Spong (“A Bishop Rethinks Sexuality”) who enable this process by actually espousing and endorsing the gay lifestyle as God ordained thus the deception continues. Many denominational churches today, actually have non-celibate gays on staff and are proud of it. (Acceptance and tolerance have limits) Often, the pastor and/or the elders are just plain scared to address them out of fear they’ll lose their salary and job.

True Christians don’t want to sin. If they sin, they can be forgiven and cleansed, as I said. Thank God for grace. (I John 1:9) Most people have not been taught what sin is and what sin isn’t, as taught in the Word. Many, however, simply refuse to accept truth, as the truth. Calling evil, good and good, evil.

But you must know that the God of love, mercy and grace, is also the God of judgment.

What some “do” under the deception of “You were born that way” i.e. it must be God ordained, should not even be talked about.

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Ephesians 5:12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. shameful—149. aischron, ahee-skhron’; a shameful thing, i.e. indecorum:—shame. Filthy, indecent, dirty, lewd, obscene, repulsive. (According to Webster’s, “repulsive” is where we get our slang word, “icky”) Obviously, Jerry Springer doesn’t get it yet.

K.D. Lang—a great vocalist—sings about a “Constant craving” that “has always been.” It has been embraced, by some, as the lesbian anthem. What has been misconstrued, however, as an insatiable longing for another woman, is really the hunger to know and experience, God’s love, joy, forgiveness, acceptance and grace. That void cannot be ﬁ lled by another person. If you at one time in your life asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and you are involved in a forbidden “lifestyle,” please allow God to penetrate your heart now as you examine scripture. I showed you initially this in the Living Bible. Now look at it in the New King James, which is a more literal translation.

Romans 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. gave them up—3860. paradidomi, par-ad-id’-o-mee; to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit:— betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend. uncleanness—167. akatharsia, ak-ath-ar-see’-ah; impurity (the quality), phys. or mor.:—uncleanness. lusts—1939. epithumia, ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah; from a longing (especially for what is forbidden):— concupiscence, desire, lust (after). dishonor—818. atimazo, at-im-ad’-zo; to render infamous, i.e. (by impl.) contemn or maltreat:—despise, dishonor, suffer shame, entreat shamefully. exchanged—3337. metallasso, met-al-las’-so; to exchange:—change. truth—225. aletheia, al-ay’-thi-a; truth:—true, X truly, verity. lie—5579. pseudos, psyoo’-dos; a falsehood:—lie, lying.

Romans 1:26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another; men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. vile—819. atimia, at-ee-mee’-ah; infamy, i.e. (subj.) comparative indignity, (obj.) disgrace:—dishonor, reproach, shame, vile. passions—3806. pathos, path’-os; a passion (especially concupiscence):—(inordinate) affection, lust. natural—5446. phusikos, foo-see-kos’; “physical,” i.e. (by impl.) instinctive:—natural. use—5540. chresis, khray’-sis; employment, i.e. (spec.) sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body):—use.

129 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

nature—5449. phusis, foo’-sis; growth (by germination or expansion), i.e. (by impl.) natural production

leaving—863. aphiemi, af-ee’-ay-mee; to send forth, in various applications (as follow):—cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone,

committing—2716. katergazomai, kat-er-gad’-zom-ahee; to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by impl. to ﬁ nish, fashion:—cause, do (deed), perform

shameful—808. aschemosune, as-kay-mos-oo’-nay; an indecency; by impl. the pudenda:—shame, that which is unseemly.

penalty—489. antimisthia, an-tee-mis-you’-ah; requital, correspondence;—recompense.

error—4106. plane, plan’-ay; fraudulence; subj. a straying from orthodoxy or piety:—deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.

due—1163. dei, die; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):—behoved, be meet,

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting. Who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them. reprobate—96. adokimos, ad-ok’-ee-mos; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by impl. worthless (lit. or mor.):— castaway, rejected, reprobate. (Strong’s Concordance) *A depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person; rejected by God and beyond the hope of salvation. (Webster’s Dictionary*) mind—3563. nous, nooce; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by impl. meaning:—mind, understanding. do—4160. poieo, poy-eh’-o; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):—abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue practice—4238. prasso, pras’-so; a prim. verb; to “practice,” i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160, which prop. refers to a single act) deserving—514. axios, ax’-ee-os; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise):—due reward, meet, (un-) worthy. approve—4909. suneudokeo, soon-yoo-dok-eh’-o; to think well of in common, i.e. assent to, feel gratiﬁ ed with:—allow, assent, be

Again, these are some of the most clear warnings in the Bible.

It breaks the Father’s heart that some are rebellious and refuse, deﬁ antly, to give up that which He has forbidden. He must, by His word, give them over to a reprobate mind.

130 Once Saved—Always Saved?

Romans 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.

Because everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah was involved in homosexuality—both young and old— they were judged and the result was annihilation. This wasn’t just rape as some imply but complete homosexual depravity. Lot even sexually offered his own daughters to those men and boys, to no avail.

II Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; example—5262. hupodeigma, hoop-od’-igue-mah; an exhibit for imitation or warning

Jude 1:7 And don’t forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, all full of lust of every kind including lust of men for other men. Those cities were destroyed by fire and continue to be a warning to us that there is a hell in which sinners are punished. (The Living Bible)

Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

The homosexual “lust” quoted in the Living Bible is described as “strange ﬂ esh” in the King James Version. strange—2087. heteros, het’-er-os; of uncert. afﬁ n.; (an-, the) other or different:—altered, else, next (day), one, (an-) other, some, strange.

As I’ve said before, the “gay” lifestyle, according to the Word of God is “forbidden.” If you disagree with that, you disagree with Scripture. When preachers, Christian counselors and those with any other God appointed “platform,” addresses the fact that the gay lifestyle is “ungodly,” it isn’t “ignorant:” it’s a loving warning.

If your loved one is headed down a road that isn’t completed yet and you know they’ll drive off a cliff, you’d warn them, right? This may be difﬁ cult for you to embrace or even irritate you, yet truth is truth. The Word of God is the only truth on the planet. If you’re dealing with this as a participant in the gay lifestyle, please consider these words and this study as your “wake up call.” Along with other ministers, I’m loving you enough to tell you the truth about this trap the enemy’s laid. It’s hardly homophobic to help someone out of a deceptive lifestyle.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Warning—3560. noutheteo, noo-thet-eh’-o; to put in mind, i.e. (by impl.) to caution or reprove gently:— admonish, warn.

Because the Holy Spirit has gifted many of us ministers with the willingness to convey truth, in love, without compromising, we obey Him and warn people when they’re heading the wrong direction down a one way street with a head on collision as the only imminent future.

131 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Most people know about sexual sin, either in their thought life or acting on the fantasies and temptations available. None of us are exempt from sin: we are all sinners. Paul, the great apostle, dealt with his ﬂ esh and thoughts just like you and I do.

Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

In the Living Bible it puts it this way:

Romans 7:19 When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don’t want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in it’s evil grasp.

Ever felt that way? Are you stuck in a lifestyle of doing what you don’t want to do—either out of habit or curiosity or weakness? Confessing the same sin over and over and over?

Only Paul and God knew what the area of struggle for him was. Whatever the sin was, it bothered Paul a lot. He was frustrated. But if he hadn’t known that the Lord was the only hope for his deliverance, he would have gotten even more depressed.

(It’s a medical fact that depression left unchecked can and oftentimes does lead to suicide)

If this is speaking to you right now, if you’re caught up in sexual sin, either pornography, adultery, fornication or the gay/lesbian lifestyle and if your heart is being softened; confess your sin, (ask the Lord to forgive you) repent, (simply meaning “to change and turn around”) and then ask Him to show you His perfect will for your life; romantically, passionately, sexually and maritally. He will. He has such a better way for you.

If you’re in the gay lifestyle and you supposedly are two “committed” individuals to the “union” but prior to the relationship you had asked Jesus to be your Savior, chances are you privately deal with and struggle over reconciling your Christianity with a lifestyle of sexual sin. Know this: The Lord is not requiring you to stop loving your “partner” but He does require you to stop being involved with them; romantically and sexually. That is, if you truly want to follow Jesus and be His disciple.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

A living sacriﬁ ce; that’s what He requires. (Romans 12:1) Ending a long relationship may be the hardest thing you ever have to do but you will never regret getting—and staying—right with God. The Lord of all creation designed you to be emotional, spiritual and yes, physical—including orgasmic—but in the ordained protection of the marriage bed, designed for man and woman. He has a great husband or wife for you. Remember, “Father knows best.”

Practicing homosexuals, usually have very deep-seeded hurt, rejection, anger, control issues and an unfulfilled need for intimacy. As I’ve said before, false intimacy, under the auspices of “acceptance,” is usually the biggest hook along with a craving for the forbidden. God has so much more for you than that.

Some have said that Jesus never talked about the gay lifestyle being “off base,” so it must be good. Actually, Jesus addressed this subject head on by way of “design.”

132 Once Saved—Always Saved?

(Mark 10:6) “From the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.”

“One ﬂ esh” is the Lords’ stamp of approval on the husband and wife covenant. Don’t allow some “religious authority” to tell you different.

However, what Jesus died for (sin); He will not live with. (sin) Remember this…

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

The warning in Romans 1, is just as “inspired” as John 3:16.

Homosexuality, as well as, the heterosexual immoral are but a few of many lifestyles that are off limits for the one who wants to follow Jesus and maintain their “being saved” status. Others include living a lifestyle of a thief, the greedy, being a drunk, abusive, extortioners, witchcraft, hatred, (again, consider this all you who have unforgiveness in your heart or are bigoted) wranglers and contentious quarrelers, divisive people, the spitefully jealous and envious and murderers. You’re jeopardizing your salvation if you don’t repent from these.

These are all listed in I Corinthians 6:9 and Galatians 5:19 as “lifestyles” of sin that exempt you from a place in the Lamb’s Book of life if unrepented from. Strongly, seriously, soberly consider these words, as I have, and ask for forgiveness then leave them behind. His love for you is truly unconditional but the salvation that He freely offers requires you to make this choice: serve Him or serve yourself. It’s really up to you, not God. He doesn’t force.

You can certainly call yourself a “Christian,” “believer,” “follower of Christ,” “disciple” all you want but Jesus said this about that:

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bring forth evil fruit. Every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

The process of “forfeiting your salvation” not losing it goes something like this: You sin, you like your sin more than your relationship with the Lord Jesus—if you have one—and you make a decision to follow your ﬂ esh, your lover, your friends and yourself and basically say “I don’t want to follow Him anymore.”

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

You see, God will allow you to go so far. He’ll caution you, warn you and literally confront you face to face—through people and scripture. If you won’t repent and are determined NOT to obey His word and His commandments, well…you’re on your own.

“Well Greg, doesn’t it say that He’ll never leave us nor forsake us?”

133 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Yes, that is one scripture. But it is the whole counsel of God we need to stick with. When you are “in Him,” “in Christ,” “abiding in Him,” you are saying, “Lord, whatever you say—whatever you want; I’m yours. I’ll do it. I’m happy to do it. I’ll obey your Word.”

The Bible was not written by men; it was simply dictated to men. (Guys as secretaries i.e. scribes— how’s that for role reversal, ladies? Sounds good, right?) Yes, God wrote the Bible not men.

John 8:31, “If you abide in My word (the Bible), you are My disciples indeed.”

John 14:23, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.”(the Bible)

John 15:10, “If you keep My commandments (the Bible), you will abide in My love.”

If Jesus is truly your Savior and Lord, you’ll want to obey His word—one flesh in marriage is His plan. Forbidding to marry is unbiblical!

As I’ve said before, demons “believe” in the sense, they know Him because they used to be angels who are now “fallen angels.” So, are demons saved? No, of course not. As most Bible Scholars that truly know Scripture, would say, “To believe doesn’t mean you know of Jesus. It means you know Jesus. You trust, depend and rely on Him for everything.” I concur. So, are demons going to share eternity with true believers in heaven? Of course, not!

“…he who believes in Him,” as it says in John 3:16, means you accept Jesus’ rightful Lordship. Demons believe that Jesus is God’s Christ but they now refuse to bow their knee to Him—Satan is now their Lord.

There’s a story in John 8 of a woman caught in adultery—a capital punishment crime back then. (It’s in Mel’s fi lm) Jesus, fi rst addresses the ones who caught her and wanted to stone her to death. (The mentality of too many believers today. He is all about forgiveness) As they came with their accusations, Jesus ignored them and wrote in the ground with His fi nger. (Some have speculated that He was writing the name of the man involved, as well as, those who were watching the sexual act itself; thus co- participating in it) Jesus then looked up and said, “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” That shut them up. (It forever settles that we are not the judge—He is) There she was—all alone with the Lord of the Universe. Then Jesus said, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you? She said, “No one, Lord.”

“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Can you imagine how she must have felt? “I can go? Really? Are you kidding? You mean, I’m free? You’re pardoning me? Jesus! Lord Jesus, thank you!” With tears ﬂ owing down her face, she says “Thank you, Master! Thank you—Blessed be Your name!”

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.”

The only one who could throw a stone at her was standing alone with her. He never sinned yet He forgave her and released her with the warning, “Go, and sin no more.” Embrace that!

134 Once Saved—Always Saved?

There are many who say, “Well, I’m a Christian—I can do whatever I want!! The Bible says there is no condemnation.” Well, that’s partly true. You do have liberty but to be “in Christ” means you’re not fulﬁ lling the lusts of your ﬂ esh. People stop at the “no condemnation” part—they need to keep reading the rest of the verse…Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (bold mine)

Again, don’t get yourself so entrenched in sin that people are instructed by God to stop praying for you because it is too late—you’ve gone too far—you’ve crossed the line and you refuse to come back home. The “earnest” in II Corinthians 1:22 that has sealed believers is partial. It’s a down payment. If you want God out of your life, He’ll leave. He loves you enough to choose.

2 Cor 1:21 Now He who established us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; Who has also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Earnest—728. arrhabon, ar-hrab-ohn’; a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase—money or property given in advance as security for the rest:—earnest.

Seek God for your deliverance because that’s His heart for you. Stay clear of sexual traps. I know full well how many there are out there. (There are no “stones” in my hands. I’ve been forgiven much, so I love much) The secret sins you think are “harmless” are paralyzing you as a follower of Jesus. If you want Him, you’ll seek Him about getting out of a lifestyle of sin, especially sexual sins.

If you’re in the gay lifestyle and really want out, need help, are privately praying for God to send you a lifeline: get in touch with organizations like Exodus International headed up by Bob Davies.

Other ministries that reach out to those in the gay community are people like Joe Dallas or Dennis Jernigan, a well known worship leader. Their ministries are geared for the one who is indeed crying at night out of shame and frustration.

They’ve been down this road personally and have found freedom. Here’s your hope scripture: Romans 5:20 “…Where sin abounds, grace does more abound.” His love and forgiveness is so much more powerful than your sin, if you’ll give it to Him.

I’ll certainly talk with you and pray with you anytime. If you seek deliverance and compassion, you have it from us. Call or write. Whatever your vice, God is able to deliver you from it. My number and e-mail address are in the back of the book.

So, get saved and stay saved—eternity with Him is the real deal.

135

Chapter Nine

“THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH”

(God’s design for passion and intimacy)

Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And the two shall be one flesh…so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man, separate.

Being married is hard work. It may be the hardest thing we’ll ever do. If you want a great marriage, you’re going to have to be giving, selfl ess, transparent, vulnerable, accommodating, as well as, learn and implement communication skills with someone who is wired differently than you. If you want an average marriage, just be selfi sh, don’t open up, have separate checking and do your own thing. You’ll reap what you sow. Average marriages don’t know “one fl esh.”

One of the areas that too many “church folk” avoid talking about or deny it’s importance is SEX—the “s” word. It’s through lovemaking, romance, affection, passion and intimacy that “one ﬂ esh” begins.

I’m an intimacy proponent because I know the Lord is. Here’s how I feel about God’s design for passion and intimacy: it’s a gift. I try to share that truth with as many men as I can because usually they don’t know it, get it or want to recognize it, for a number of reasons. Yes…

…“One flesh” in marriage is a gift.

After the Lord, your spouse is supposed to be the most important person in your life. If you don’t believe that, you haven’t read your Bible. The order is this: God, spouse, kids, everything else. Period. Passion and the intimacy that comes through talking, prayer and lovemaking, are two of my favorite topics. Again, the main reason is because they are some of God’s favorite topics and I like talking about what He likes talking about. As I’ve said, He designed men and women to be intimate and passionate, as husband and wife.

Passion means:

. “powerful or compelling emotion or feeling” . “strong affection or love” . “strong sexual desire” . “extravagant fondness”

Intimacy means:

. “a close, affectionate, personal, loving relationship” . “detailed knowledge” . “deep understanding” . “private” . “inmost”

137 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

As I get closer to the Lord, I invariably get closer to my wife, Denise. Conversely, in the occasions when we’re wandering or “distant” from Him, Denise and I scrap more, we’re more irritable, less patient with each other and overall more frustrated. We aspire not to “go there.”

In Genesis 2:22, it says the Lord brought Eve to Adam, personally. God is a giver of good gifts. (James 1:17)

I remember as if it were yesterday when God personally brought Denise—my Eve—to me. I was still playing nightclubs and hotels with my band, UP FRONT, back in 1980 at what used to be the Steak and Ale on Hwy. 394 in a suburb of Minneapolis. We were in the middle of set when she walked in. (I darn near fell off my Yamaha baby grand!) I had a mixing board back then where I could bring down the fader yet talk to my drummer wearing headphones.

I said, “Robbie, oh my gosh—do you see who just walked in!!” He quickly said, in Rob style, “Yeah… you’re too short for her.” (Denise and I are both 5’7”) I jabbed back with “You’re too old for her.” We both laughed. However, God’s quiet voice gave me an insight, as to who this pretty blonde really is: “She is the one.”

As carnal of a Christian as I was in 1980, God still talked to me and worked with me at my level. (If you only knew how patient He’s been with me. Well, actually, now that I think about it, maybe you do know me and therefore know how patient God has been with me)

The Lord showed me just a few weeks after I met Denise, that not only would she be my wife but also when we’d get married, as well as, the number of children we’d have together. He gave me a word of knowledge and it was quite speciﬁ c.

It says in Genesis 2:21 and 2:22, that God was alone with Adam before Eve was around and He was alone with Eve before hooking up with Adam. (During his “deep sleep.”) The Lord prepares us—equips us—instructs us about commitment, true love, priorities—individually, ﬁ rst with Him, long before He lines us up with each other.

The way He did it with me was by His still, small voice over the years, commonly called an “inward witness,” the Word of God spoken to me by other Christians, my conscience and ﬁ nally by the example set by my dad and mom. (They had a rare marriage—not perfect but rare)

Did they ever argue? Sure. Ever want to quit? Probably. But like Denise’s mom and dad, they understood the word, “vow.” Far too many people today, don’t. A vow in the Hebrew and Greek simply means to promise.

The one thing I admired most about my dad was that he was a man of integrity—if he gave his word on something, you could bet your life on it. It is my life long goal to walk in that admirable quality. After twenty ﬁ ve years of marriage, Denise and I understand well our vow. We walk in it better every day because we’re grateful for who Jesus is and all He’s done for us.

The covenant I have with Denise is based on God’s word. She is ﬁ rst—as a Christian—a daughter of God. I must treat her that way or I hear about it. I certainly don’t want my plans and requests “shelved.” This is by far the biggest reason, I’ve noticed, for strife in the home and men not achieving more. Strongly consider it.

138 “The Two Shall Become One Flesh”

I Peter 3:7—Likewise, you husbands dwell with your wives with understanding, giving honor to her as weaker and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers aren’t hindered.

The words I highlighted are key… dwell-4924. sunoikeo, soon-oy-keh’-o; to reside together (as a family):—dwell together. understanding—1108. gnosis, gno’-sis; knowing (the act), i.e. (by impl.) knowledge:—knowledge, science honor—5092. time, tee-may’; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concr. and collect.) valuables; by anal. esteem (espec. of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:—honour, precious, price, some. weaker—772. asthenes, as-then-ace’; more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak (-er, -ness, thing). heirs together—4789. sugkleronomos, soong-klay-ron-om’-os; a co-heir, i.e. (by anal.) participant in common:—fellow (joint) -heir, heir together, heir with. hindered—1581. ekkopto, ek-kop’-to; to exscind; ﬁ g. to frustrate:—cut down (off, out), hew down, hinder.

So, in other words… “Guys…live with your wife and “press in” to really know her—the good and the not so good—treat her as someone precious…someone with a priceless value recognizing she is not as strong as you physically but yet she is equal with you in the sight of the Lord. Do this so when you ask God for the things you desire, He will respond and won’t put your prayers on hold.”

Through all my years as a Christian counselor, I am thoroughly convinced that this is why most married Christian men who are frustrated, disappointed, angry, broke, sick, carnal and anything else not God- like, continue to stay that way—they aren’t “dwelling” right.

God has given me a healthy perspective of passion and intimacy. Not just a wonderfully passionate sex life with Denise but a life with her full of communication, openness, vulnerability, sharing and “true riches.” Passion and intimacy—practiced God’s way—is the only way to be fulﬁ lled as a husband or wife. We tried marriage our way—without Jesus as Lord—and it nearly failed. We’ve learned to say “sorry” more, too.

So, let me share more of this “one ﬂ esh” topic. It’ll help.

Can you imagine how Adam must have felt when he ﬁ rst saw Eve? (Women are so beautiful) As awesome as the Garden of Eden must have been…the trees, sky, waters, varieties of animals, etc. it still paled by comparison to the beauty of his other half—Adam’s intelligent, voluptuous, free-spirited, paradise woman. That’s why he had NO problem cleaving to her: she was…Whoa! Adam and Eve had no problems until Satan came along. Life was paradise.

Look at that word cleave: cleave—1692. dabaq, daw-bak’; to cling or adhere; ﬁ g. to catch by pursuit:—abide, fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard, after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take.

139 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Trust me, as often as I can I try to do everything possible to cleave, cleave, cleave…

…“to cling to” (I am very affectionate with her) …“to follow close” (I love hanging out with my wife) …“to be joined together” (thank you Jesus) …“to pursue hard” and “to take” (the two shall become one)

Passion and intimacy—it’s a God thing.

Look at the Song of Solomon for a minute. This is the epitome of what husbands and wives should desire. It is the example. Just as Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings, Song of Solomon is the book of books on passion and intimacy.

The woman’s desire…

Song 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for your love is better than wine.

Notice kisses? It’s plural. Lots of kisses—not just a quick peck here and there. Passionate, soul kisses, cultivate strong marriages. Yes indeed, passionate kisses are crucial in maintaining and cultivating your marriage. Look at the difference in deﬁ nitions: peck—to kiss brieﬂ y and casually. kiss—to touch with the lips, as a sign of sexual passion or affection.

“Making out”—it’s a God thing.

Then the man’s desires and observations are voiced…

4: 2 Your teeth are like… 4: 3 Your lips are like… 4: 4 Your neck is like… 4: 5 Your two breasts are like… 4:10 How fair is your love…my spouse! 4:11 Your lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under your tongue; 7: 2 Your navel is like…

Then she voices her observations…

5:11 His head is as… 5:12 His eyes are as… 5:13 His cheeks are as… 5:14 His hands are as… 5:15 His legs are as… 5:16 His mouth is most sweet: he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend,

Get the picture? Doesn’t sound like Ward and June Cleaver to me. (Leave it to Beaver…you know, the separate beds deal) No, it sounds more like Adam and Eve to me “rolling around” in the garden.

140 “The Two Shall Become One Flesh”

People usually remember, like typical church folk, the short comings of Adam and Eve but initially they were the perfect husband and wife with fellowship with the Lord. Paradise, you’d better know, included great love making, long talks, strolls around the creation and then great love making again.

Song 7:7 Your stature is liken to a palm tree and your breasts to clusters of grapes. I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also your breasts will be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of your nose like apples; And the roof of your mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goes down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.

God ordains husband and wives to be hot for each other!

The snafu with passion and intimacy becoming polluted is when couples allow the voice of the enemy and/or “religious” people to penetrate their covenant. By “religious” I mean, rules, regulations, negative, performance minded folk. You know, Pharisee thinking. For that very reason, the Bible tells us in Romans 12 to “Renew our mind.” You can’t get sucker punched if you know who you are in God’s eyes. Don’t blame Satan for your affair or your marriage ending. “Oh, the devil made me do it” is an excuse. The only thing he can do to you is what he did to Eve…

1. Get you to question God’s Word:

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle (cunning) than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2. Give you another “word:”

Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die:

3. Attempt to deceive you thus giving him an opportunity to steal, kill and destroy you: (John 10:10)

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Notice before he ﬂ ees—you must submit to God. First things ﬁ rst. The only way to hold your ground in your marriage against the attacks of the devil is to obey God’s word in all areas.

As far as others in your life inﬂ uencing you…well, if you’re not praying together as husband and wife, you will be far more susceptible to tainted opinions, poor advice, bad counsel and allurements thus allowing a “crack” in your marital fortress. (“Irreconcilable differences” is a cop out)

As a pastor and Christian counselor, I’ve discovered that most Christian husbands and wives don’t enjoy intimacy in the prayer department. Most of them, spend more time at Cub foods in the produce section (5 minutes) than they do holding each others hands and seeking God together.

Let’s talk about another “s” word for a minute: submission. This has been one of the most mistaught Bible subjects I know of. “Submit” simply means to yield, to surrender and to obey.

141 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Do we have to submit to each other? Yes.

Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

I Peter 5:5…Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

submitting/subject—5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as’-so; to subordinate; to obey:—be under obedience (obedient), (be, make) subject (to, unto), be in subjection to, submit self unto.

Does the wife have to submit to her husband? Yes.

Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body.

Does the husband have to lay down his life for his wife? Yes.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.

That is the balanced teaching in submission:

.mutual love .order .respect .honor .separate but equal .giving .selﬂ ess

There is not a woman on the planet—a woman who loves God that is—that won’t submit to her husband if she is convinced—through knowledge and experience—that he is willing to do anything, including “die” for her. That doesn’t necessarily mean literally dying. It could mean putting to death his selﬁ sh ambition, destroying his carnal pursuits or just killing his bad attitude. (Dr. Phil on regular, weekly television addresses these issues, head on. Bravo Phil!)

Denise yields to me because she trusts God. Similarly, I “give” myself to her as instructed. (My confession is “It’s Denise or nothing.” God honors that and she is thankful for it)

Submission is traditionally taught as being subservient, inferior or slave-like. That is not what the Bible teaches. God does, however, consider a gentle and quiet spirit in a woman as a precious quality.

I Peter 3:1 Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;…But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

He has created males and females as equals with different roles and “job descriptions.” Wives do not, however, have to submit to something ungodly like…

142 “The Two Shall Become One Flesh”

…getting drunk …watching porno ﬂ icks or perverted sex …abusive language …violence of any kind.

I have counseled couples to sometimes separate, if needed. It can be beneﬁ cial for the health of the marriage and/or safety. (Only if one was an unbeliever—and was determined to stay that way—would I ever consider counseling someone to get divorced)

Back to passion…

Too many women—church women—Godly women—unfortunately, have a heritage of fretting, worrying and/or complaining about life’s many challenges and chores, so they often miss out on important things—like romance. Taking walks, holding hands and talking, sometimes gets set aside because of the daily drudgery, a busy “schedule” and past issues that aren’t being addressed and let go of. When communication breaks down, the “old tapes” can start playing and the next thing you know, strife shows up. Kindness is then replaced with bitterness, resentment or hostility. Then the “love language” changes. They locate their heart by their words, which is something Jesus said would happen. (Matt. 12:34)

So…don’t dismiss the “Oh, nothing’s wrong” comment.

When you hear that, something is wrong. If left unchecked, resentment will turn loving couples into opponents, even amongst believers.

Wives…there is a huge difference between reminding your husband about something and nagging him to do something. Look at this: remind—to cause a person to remember. nag—to torment with persistent demands or complaints.

Torment? OUCH! Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Come on ladies—see the difference? Walk in love. Women who understand God’s priorities, He commends.

Luke 10:38 “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” v.44 “Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus is saying to Martha as He shakes His head, “Sister, would you please relax. You know I love you and I appreciate you cleaning the kitchen and making the meals but Mary has her priorities straight.” (A common tactic of Satan is to stress out the wife. I’ll bet Martha’s hubby prayed daily for patience)

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“Sex begins in the kitchen” is a best selling book. The inspired truths in that book came to the author, Dr. Leman, by revelation fresh from the throne room of God. The best way to help your wife to stay away from the “Martha Martha” syndrome is to assist her. So all you husbands, provide for your family and ease the strain ﬁ nancially but don’t spend 60-80 hours a week doing it on top of bringing your work home with you and/or ignoring your precious wife. Let me suggest…

…do your fair share of the laundry …go grocery shopping occasionally …scrub the toilets without her asking …vacuum …wash the dishes or load the dishwasher …mow the grass …anything else she asks you to do, within reason …alleviate as much stress off her as possible

In other words, all the things you can do for her that are, “reasonable expectations:” do them, joyfully. She will be ever so grateful, trust me. Her energy level for giving you attention, affection, a listening ear, passion and intimacy will be greatly increased if she isn’t drained doing the “daily duties,” all by herself. Do you want her to recognize you more? Pay attention more? Desire you more? Respond? Well…then listen to her “heart’s cry” more. Give her more notes, more cards, more love letters scotched taped to the steering wheel of her car, more dates, more prioritizing the marriage above everything else, other than your relationship with the Lord. Do all that and watch the reward—God’s hand moving in your marriage—unfold before your eyes. I so testify.

Loving your wife by helping her around the house, along with praying together, is the closest thing there is to a guarantee for great passion and intimacy.

When she’s moody, dealing with stress, the house, kids, ﬁ nancial crunchs, hormones, etc. remember you are to lay down your life for your wife. Learn to read between the lines, rather than dismissing it as PMS or ignore it by retreating to the TV, the guys or any other “escape.” Don’t think “I’m outta here….” You’re just running away.

All too often, men get locked into the bad habit of making their job, sports, “the boys” or outside projects their priority over their spouse. (Fellas, I’m cautioning you, listen to your wife and love her or someone else might) Wives are a precious gift from the Lord. Guys, use this book as a wake up call, if you’re needing it to be that. I have a great marriage and you can experience the same joy we do if you’ll retrain your thinking and make her the focus.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father…

Like I said, “one ﬂ esh” in marriage is a gift. It is a good and perfect gift. The countless times God has soothed and healed our emotions through making love are very precious. Walls come down, communication is re-established, wounds are mended…Yes, lovemaking i.e. sex—God’s way—is a gift.

That is why Satan has done his best to pervert it. Hugh Hefner, Bob Guccioni and others have inadvertently helped him.

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II Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

This word imaginations in the Greek literally means fantasies. That is the whole thrust of Playboy, Penthouse and all the other magazines, videos, adult channels, Internet sites and “gentlemans” clubs. The objective it to get you to look at and embrace the fantasy of women they are presenting as something you want and deserve.

In case you hadn’t noticed guys, most women are not 39D-24-36. In fact, most of the women in those magazines or videos aren’t what they appear to be—that is the whole lure of a fantasy. They are, shall we say, “modiﬁ ed.” The Wonder bra, breast implants, hair coloring, computer augmentation and air brushed photography all aid in the enemy’s persuasive inﬂ uence to get you hooked on fantasizing, a secret lifestyle of masturbation and your attention off your wife. If not dealt with, fantasies can damage or destroy your marriage bed and always gives “permission” for the kingdom of darkness to attack your mind.

I Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

If you’re troubled, angry, confused, fearful, quarrelsome, edgy, and/or depressed; you might want to re- evaluate what you’re looking at and doing. When you get caught up in the fl esh stuff—the magazines, the phone, the computer, the movies or the Internet and then yield to the self-gratifi cation of your fl esh, you invariably feel condemned which is just where the enemy wants you: defeated. An affair is just that: defeat.

As long as you feel unworthy, you won’t do much for the Kingdom of God. Good strategy. Satan will throw anxiety and lust at you and next thing you know, you’ll be dealing with panic attacks, which is simply an irrational fear that hits you out of the blue. Panic attacks paralyze multitudes. (Certainly not all are caused by a sex focused pre-occupation but the truth of I Peter 2:11 is valid, for many)

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love (God, in other words) casts out fear: because fear has torment.

Anyone that’s ever dealt with the crippling nature of panic attacks, knows that this is true. They are tormenting. Again, not all panic attacks are a result of sexual sin. Some are from a chemical imbalance correctable through medication and/or prayer but millions deal with them. A massive amount of prescribed anti-depressants will only numb the issue but it won’t eradicate it. For many, the root of the problem is usually in the soulish realm and shows up physically in your body.

Another reason for panic attacks is that you haven’t forgiven someone in your life. Let me illustrate.

Matthew 18:23 The Living Bible (Jesus speaking) The Kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him $10,000,000. He couldn’t pay, so the king ordered him sold for the debt, also his wife and children and everything he had.

But the man fell down before the king, his face in the dust, and said ‘Oh sir, be patient with me and I will pay it all’. Then the king was filled with pity for him and released him and forgave his debt. But when the

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man left the king, he went to a man who owed him $2000 and grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. The man fell down before him and begged him to give him a little time. ‘Be patient and I will pay it’, he pled. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt would be paid in full. Then the man’s friends went to the king and told him what had happened.

And the king called before him the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil-hearted wretch! Here I forgave you all that tremendous debt, just because you asked me to—shouldn’t you have mercy on others, just as I had mercy on you?” Then the angry king sent the man to the torture chamber until he had paid every last penny due. So shall my heavenly Father do to you if you refuse to truly forgive your brothers.”

In the King James “the torture chamber” is called the “tormentors.” God will allow demonic “torment” if you refuse to forgive. This is a very strong warning to everyone.

The only true “freedom” from fear, like any other attack, comes from allowing the Lord to handle the situation. You do that by admitting your weaknesses, confessing your sins, forgiving those who’ve wronged you, repent and then trust Him to work it out.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. free—1658. eleutheros, el-yoo’-ther-os; unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave— free, at liberty. indeed—3689. ontos, on’-toce; really:—certainly, clean, indeed.

However, non-abstinence from lusts, invites trouble.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bring forth death. lust—1939. epithumia, ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah; a longing (especially for what is forbidden):—concupiscence, desire, lust (after).

In ﬁ lm, music and other medias, Satan has inﬂ uenced those in key positions to pollute God’s gift of sex. His goal is to distort and poison that which is holy and ordained. (Frankly, he’s succeeded) Especially through voyeurism, erotica and pornography.

Voyeurism is compulsively gaining sexual gratiﬁ cation by invading others privacy, which certainly includes adult Internet sites. An example of being a “peeping Tom” in scripture is when King David was watching Bathsheba bathe herself. (He should have just gotten something to eat and gone to sleep) The man of God fell because he kept looking.

.He committed sexual sin with a married woman. .He killed her husband by sending him out in battle. .He lost the son that he and Bathsheba had from their sex.

As a consequence to all his sins, he repented and ﬁ nally wrote this:

146 “The Two Shall Become One Flesh”

Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: wicked—1100. beliya’al, bel-e-yah’-al; evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked.

Being tempted isn’t a sin. Acting on the temptation, is. Had David seen Bathsheba bathing and then said, “Lord, help me to think pure thoughts towards her” he would have avoided all that heartache. But he did ﬁ nally get the revelation of watching what he looks at.

In America today, we’re barraged with sex stuff.

“Erotica,” is commonly called “soft core.” Publications like Playboy magazine, movies like “Striptease,” the ever increasing popularity of “Gentleman’s clubs,” as well as, the private adult sites on the Internet, are all designed to arouse. They are usually geared towards fantasies of sexual love, thus it appeals to your emotions and not just your ﬂ esh, which is why a lot of men get hooked. They long to be desired and pursued, too.

“Pornography,” commonly called “hard core” is material that is absolutely obscene, grotesque, vulgar and depicts graphic sexual acts including perversions, deviancy and violence. They are all bondage’s and traps that can let evil in. (Ted Bundy was hooked on porno)

All these pollutants are Satan’s twisted perversion of God’s perfect design for passion and intimacy— husband and wife. The Lord wants you “free” and has provided “the way of escape,” should you desire that freedom. Ask anyone who has spent years addicted to pornography or those who have come out of an affair or the gay lifestyle after recognizing the deception and emptiness of it, and they’ll tell you that true passion is only found in a Christ-centered marriage.

Most people “hooked” on—not just exploring—magazines, videos, adult ﬁ lms or the Internet are trapped because they just don’t know how much better passion is, God’s way. They don’t know—or haven’t experienced—that He has designed them to be sexually expressive and free with their covenant partner in the environment of safety and pleasure called “the marriage bed.”

Often times, because of poor, little or no communication, there is a pattern of rejection that re-surfaces in one person that triggers an “old tape” in the other that says, “I will not be turned down!” So the cycle continues. Yes, the ﬂ esh is weak and the “strongholds” in many people’s thinking can be very destructive. Deﬁ ance or rejection usually is the impetus for sexual sin. Sometimes it’s loneliness but for the most part, some “button” was pushed and then the person reacts rather than maturely responding to the situation. (I call those buttons pushed, “triggers”)

So, you cannot say you follow Jesus totally and be in sexual sin at the same time. You’re deceived if you think you can. It is an impossibility.

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not know the truth:

Does the Lord love you? Absolutely. Is He holy? You bet. So, does He require something of you, sexually? Yes, simple obedience to His word. It’s so much better His way.

I Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

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fornication—4202. porneia, por-ni’-ah; from G4203; harlotry (includ. adultery and incest); ﬁ g. idolatry:—fornication. Voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other.

How much clearer can He be?!

Look at Genesis 39:7

“One day at about this time Potiphar’s wife began making eyes at Joseph, and suggested that he come and sleep with her. Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in the entire household; he himself has no more authority here than I have! He has held back nothing from me except you yourself because you are his wife. How can I do such a wicked thing as this? It would be a great sin against God.”

But she kept on with her suggestions (Basically, she was intent on seducing Joseph) day after day, even though he refused to listen, and kept out of her way as much as possible. Then one day as he was in the house going about his work—as it happened, no one else was around at the time (the erotic, illicit secret sin deal) she came and grabbed him by the sleeve demanding, “Sleep with me.” He tore himself away, but as he did, his jacket slipped off and she was left holding it as he fled from the house. (Because she was a desperate woman scorned, when her husband came home, she concocted a story that Joseph tried to rape her, which ticked off Potifar and Joseph was thrown in jail) But Joseph put the pedal to the metal. Notice the word, “fled?” Like in Jurassic Park when Jeff Goldblum was being chased by the T-Rex. “Must go faster!” Sexual sin can potentially trample you then chew you up.

Paul says in I Corinthians 6:18 to flee fornication—which means literally “to run away from.” In other words, get out of there!!! Think of sexual sin as a burning building or a sinking ship. It is life threatening. Yes, it is that serious. Reconsider where you’re at, if this is talking to you. Remember, this is one of a few lifestyles that can keep you out of Heaven—professing Christian or not. (I Corinthians 6:9, Gal. 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:5) Hell is not worth great sex, erotic fantasies or “acceptance.” No way.

It is true that nothing can separate us from the love of God. But there are certain forbidden “lifestyles” in Scripture that can separate you from His presence. Again, that is what spiritual death is…separation from God. Don’t go there. Sexual love in marriage is God sanctioned. What you decide on—“the menu”—is between you two. (The strongest craving is “response”)

What about French kissing? What about oral sex? What about…?

Look what the word of God says…Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

marriage—1062. gamos, gam’-os; nuptials:—marriage, wedding, ceremony, social event.

bed—2845. koite, koy’-tay; a couch; cohabitation; the male sperm: bed, chambering, X conceive.

undefiled—283. amiantos, am-ee’-an-tos; unsoiled, i.e. (ﬁ g.) pure:—undeﬁ led.

148 “The Two Shall Become One Flesh”

Nothing in the marriage bed is weird or perverse if it is agreed upon between husband and wife. Now, don’t go getting squirrelly. Don’t think, “Alright! I get to play out all my fantasies and they have to agree to all of it.” No, ‘agreement’ is voluntary! There is something called “frustrating grace”—don’t push the carnal stuff that you picked up on as an over-curious, testosterone driven, 16 year old going through one of your friends secret stash of magazines, onto your spouse.

If it’s God, you’ll talk about it, pray about it and eventually agree on it. Otherwise, one will feel used, impure or alienated. The other will feel deprived, isolated and may begin to manipulate their spouse or look elsewhere for satisfaction. (Satan will accommodate you) Neither bring out God’s best. And that is what you’re looking for, right? The Lord’s best in your life, your marriage and your “marriage bed.”

Come to terms with the fact, that both of you have needs and that you are to meet each others needs. God designed us to express our love for one another, as husband and wife, often so that love will be cultivated and the marriage will ﬂ ourish.

Robbing one another of love making is very dangerous!

I Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Let’s look at some of the key words here. This is where millions of Christian husbands and wives, are missing it.

1. render—591. apodidomi, ap-od-eed’-o-mee; to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):—deliver (again), give (again), (re-) pay (-ment be made), perform, recompense, render.

2. affection—2133. eunoia, yoo’-noy-ah; kindness; conjugal duty:—benevolence, good will.

3. authority—850. exousiazo, ex-oo-see-ad’-zo; to control:—exercise authority upon, bring under the (have) power of.

4. body—4983. soma, so’-mah; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, lit. or ﬁ g.:—bodily, body, slave.

5. deprive—650. apostereo, ap-os-ter-eh’-o; (to deprive); to despoil:—defraud, destitute, kept back by fraud.

6.come—4905. sunerchomai, soon-er’-khom-ahee; cohabit (conjugally): to convene,—accompany, assemble (with), come (together)

FYI… “Come” references regular sex. Mutual arousal and sexual release.

7. tempt—3985. peirazo, pi-rad’-zo; to test (obj.) i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:—assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt.

8. self-control—192. akrasia, ak-ras-ee’-a; want of self-restraint:—excess, incontinency.

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So you could read it like this:

“Give to one another by performing sexual kindness—your love-making benevolence for each other. You no longer have the right to control your body but rather you must give of yourself freely, gladly and sexually to your mate. Don’t deprive your spouse what they long for and need. And after a season of seeking God, return to your marriage bed and make love again and again and again. That way, the enemy can’t entice your carnal old nature. You’ll be safe.”

So many manipulate and control their spouse by “cutting them off,” or “tuning them out” or “turning them down.” One of the best quotes I’ve ever read was by Dr. Gerald Dahl, a Christian marriage counselor here in Minneapolis. He said in his book, “Why Christian marriages are breaking up:”

“Nothing is more destructive to a person than repeated rejection.”

A brilliant insight by Dr. Dahl. It is so true. People risk less because the rejection they’ve gotten is so painful. Rejection comes when reasonable expectations are “dismissed.” One of the many rights that husbands and wives have with each other but is often denied in the conﬁ nes of God’s design for passion and intimacy is this: “access.” Interesting word, “access.” It means permission to approach and enter. Hello! (“Access” plus response promotes one flesh)

Most people are pre-programmed by the Almighty for numerous “accesses” and “responses,” weekly. Even more so with men—it’s a medically proven and documented fact. (God wired men that way) Most people desire their spouse to be available, which means readily accessible. Dr. Dahl’s statement implies, “ACCESS DENIED!” Denied means to refuse, to recognize or acknowledge.

It also means to withhold “access.” Uh oh—sounds like the “depriving” thing again mentioned in I Corinthians 7. One more area you can give place to the devil—witchcraft (control/manipulation) in the bedroom. Rejection is not of God. Words can be insensitive, very hurtful, debilitating and even destructive. Words like…

…“What are you doing?! Don’t!” …“Move your hand—knock it off!” …“I’m not in the mood—stop it!”

…these are marriage bed killing words. Rejection fosters depression, wandering, straying, ﬂ irting, impotence, entertaining fantasies, self-stimulation or even unfaithfulness. Of course, you must understand your spouse does get tired or sometimes doesn’t feel well. Nevertheless, scripture does teach that we no longer have “control” over our body but our spouse does.

Walk in understanding and wisdom. Remember husbands, “dwell…” Remember wives, “yield…” Both, “respond.”

Again, with me it’s, “Denise or nothing.” When she wants me—she’s gets me—anytime/anywhere. Similarly, she makes herself “accessible” to me because she both desires me and wants to please me. This reciprocating love, mutual yielding and responding, well, it’s wonderful! We’ve discovered the bliss of “one ﬂ esh.”

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Proverbs 5:15 Drink waters out of your own cistern, and running waters out of your own well. Let your fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only your own, and not strangers’ with you. Let your fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of your youth. Let her be as the loving deer and graceful doe; let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and be ravished always with her love.

Drink waters from your own cistern simply means your wife is to be your one and only source of romantic and sexual fulﬁ llment. With regards to your wife’s breasts (everybody say breasts—come on now—it’s a Bible word)—you are to be satisﬁ ed “at all times.” “All times” is a lot of times! And the guys said, “AMEN.”

But the main point from this scripture I want to make involves the words satisfy and ravished. Look at these deﬁ nitions in the original text and languages. The Hebrew word for satisfy is ravah. satisfy—7301. ravah, raw-vaw’; a prim. root; to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites):—bathe, make drunk, (take the) ﬁ ll, satiate, (abundantly) satisfy, soak, water (abundantly).

The Hebrew word for ravished is shagah. ravished—7686. shagah, shaw-gaw’; a prim. root; to stray (caus. mislead), usually (ﬁ g.) to mistake, espec. (mor.) to transgress; by extens. (through the idea of intoxication) to reel, (ﬁ g.) be enraptured:— (cause to) go astray, deceive, err, be ravished, sin.

LOVEMAKING SHOULD BE INTOXICATING! PASSION SHOULD BE INEBRIATING!

Oh, if more Christians would get a revelation of the way God planned them to be as husbands and wives, they’d be so happy. The only way that you can achieve the “one ﬂ esh” bond—the relationship and communication that God desires in your marriage—is after you talk, together spend time in prayer, foreplay, lovemaking, holding each other and while you’re there naked before your Creator, give thanks to Him. Guys…treasure your wife. Wives…help your husband.

Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help mate for him.

The wife’s role is that of a helper, an aid, a protector.

Help mate—5828. ‘ezer, ay’-zer; an aid:—help. To surround, to protect, a succor. (A succor—not “sucker”—gives assistance and relieves difﬁ culty, in times of need or distress)

So wives, honestly…Are you relieving the difﬁ culty in your husbands life or adding to it? Are you assisting in meeting your husbands needs or are you creating new ones? Is the distress in his life being assisted and aided or is the weight of it getting heavier? Get honest with God about it and watch how He’ll help you, help your husband.

Husbands, if the wife is the glory of you, (I Cor. 11:7) what is she reﬂ ecting back? What do others see in her? A loving husband? Consider it. God wants you to be passionate and intimate with each other to promote your marriage. (You’ll be far more inclined to share the Gospel with someone if you know it works for you) Give your marriage, ﬁ rst attention, even before your children.

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Too many put their kids needs above the needs of each other—it usually creates resentment, hurt and/or anger. Far too many married couples make the mistake of allowing their children to argue with them. Godly parents use discipline just as God disciplines us. (Dads don’t “ride” or belittle your kids though or they’ll get discouraged—Col.3:21) Additionally, many parents make the mistake of not keeping a uniﬁ ed front with regards to that discipline, house rules, curfews, responsibilities, etc. When a parent sides with a child in front of that child while the other parent is somehow caught in the middle, you have a house that’s out of order.

You didn’t marry your child. Your spouse comes fi rst. After the needs of your spouse are met, then cultivate the relationship with your children—before work, before ministry, before church activities, before hobbies, before sports or before anything else that would put a demand on your time with them. I start with Denise, fi rst, then Jonathan and Piper and then ministry. So…what’s my point? After ministering to the Lord, your fi rst ministry is your family. Those who pray together really do stay together! Consider these equations:

.Effort + love= commitment .Commitment + passion= intimacy .Intimacy + faith= “one-ness” .“One-ness” + prayer= a great marriage .A great marriage + children=God’s design

The early days…. 25 years later…

1. God 2. Marriage 3. Children 4. Everything else That is the “real deal” Divine priority list.

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THE “WINE” QUESTION

(Abstinence—Temperance—Excess)

I Corinthians 9:25 “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.”

Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

I’ve observed, that a vast amount of people, including Christians, have a tendency to go to extremes. After hearing a message or teaching, there are many who embrace it—and claim it—as theirs, before they “test the message,” to see if it’s valid. It’s fair to say that basing conclusions on someone else’s upbringing, tradition, denominational teaching(s), perspectives or life experiences can be premature, foolish or even dangerous.

Too many “churches,” “camps,” “ﬂ ows,” “streams,” “rivers,” “special meetings,” “denominations” or “non-denominations” have—in their own eyes—a “greater dimension of illumination,” on doctrine. It’s basically arrogance.

There’s the Baptist slant, the Charismatic opinion, the Catholic “infallible” teaching, the “Prosperity/ Name it and Claim it” indoctrination, the Church of God perspective, the Lutheran tradition and on it goes. From the liberal extreme to the legalistic extreme. From “Anything goes” to “Nothing goes.”

Legalists can be ruthless. They deﬁ nitely have their take and if you don’t line up with that take, they infer you’re rebellious, independent, maybe a wolf in sheep’s clothing, probably in sin, out of faith or maybe even apostate. This legalism is “religious thinking.” “Pharisee heresy.”

Christians, remember Jesus’ warning to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees.” “Religious” thinking is prevalent. The only One that’s got it right, doctrinally—the real deal—is the Lord of glory, Jesus. Take His advice and leave everybody else’s opinion at the door, if it doesn’t line up with the Word or what the Spirit is showing you. Remember you have the anointing in you if you’re a child of God. (I John 2:27) Please, stick to the Bible and follow the Spirit!

We are instructed and encouraged in the Bible to “study.” As I have said numerous times in this book, we are to “rightly divide the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15) for ourselves rather than trusting someone else’s opinion(s). The only thing Jesus wants us to be extreme about is Him, His Father’s Kingdom and reaching out to people. That is the real deal about “extremism,” thus this chapter on “drinking” addresses that, head-on.

“Money is the root of all evil,” for example, is often how people misquote what the Word says, when in actuality the Bible says that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” (I Timothy 6:10)

Similarly, the misuse and/or abuse of wine, or any intoxicant, is what has damaged or destroyed lives, not a “temperate” use. (I went to St. Cloud State—I know the difference between “All things in moderation” and “PARTY TIME DUDE!”) Quite a contrast. Now obviously, there are people who have “addictive”

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tendencies, genetic predisposition’s for chemical dependency or simply don’t have a handle on their feelings, words or actions, especially anger.

Some people should never drink—ever.

Many have difﬁ culty controlling their emotions, diet, a caustic disposition, volatile or violent behavior and depression. For some, even one glass of wine or a beer, spells trouble. That is why there are so many treatment centers like Alcoholics Anonymous, Hazelden, Betty Ford and the like: wrong thinking and out of control behavior(s). Some addiction problems have at the root a “physical” element, namely an adverse reaction to alcohol. But more often than not, addictive problems have it’s root in the “soul” realm. We should help these people by introducing them to the Lord to ﬁ nd freedom before it’s too late. Past hurts generally lead to destructive behavior, if not addressed.

I’m thankful for, appreciative and ﬁ nancially supportive of, a ministry run by Rev. Rich Scherber called Teen Challenge here in Minneapolis. For those who go there, the “Towing the line, boot camp and Bible study discipline” may be the only thing they have, that will get them back on the straight and narrow. It’s a unique ministry unlike other 12 step programs and the like. It is for what some would call “extreme” or “hopeless” cases. (There’s always hope with God)

I have to take issue with the confession of “I’m a recovering alcoholic.” No, when Jesus sets you free from the bondage of something, you’re “free indeed.” (John 8:36) That word free in the Greek is eleutheros which means you have liberty.

free—(Greek) #1658. eleutheros, el-yoo’-ther-os; prob. from the alt. of G2064; unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (gen.) exempt (from obligation or liability):—free (man, woman), at liberty.

“Liberty”—it’s a good thing. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is this one:

II Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

liberty—1657. eleutheria, el-yoo-ther-ee’ah; from (Greek)#1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chieﬂ y mor. or cer.):—liberty.

Notice that “free” and “liberty” are derived from the same Greek word.

Not free to sin but free to be who God created you to be. To enjoy life fully, which includes a life full of “all things in moderation.”

Another comment I take issue with is “Alcoholism is a disease.” If that’s so, then why would the Spirit of the Lord list it as something that will keep you out of the Kingdom of God if you continue to “practice?” Living a lifestyle of a “drunkard,” is the lifestyle mentioned, to be speciﬁ c. (Galatians 5:19)

Now, cancer or diabetes, clearly are diseases but they won’t keep you out of heaven. You can acquire liver disease by your lifestyle of drunkenness, yes. There are severe consequences to lifestyles of sin.

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By deﬁ nition, an alcoholic is someone who is “addicted to intoxicating liquor.” I’m certainly happy for people who once misused or abused alcohol only to ﬁ nd sobriety through treatment centers but to arrive at the conclusion that a drunkard is a “diseased” person is simply error.

People can get legalistic even with something like coffee. I actually had a sister rebuke me once for drinking coffee at church. “Why, it’s nothing but a drug.” (Denise and I both love good, strong coffee)

Yes, caffeine can be addictive but God made coffee—which is a fruit—as His natural anti-depressant. (He knew we’d have the devil and Pharisees to deal with. Sometimes coffee helps) Back to the topic. One time at a local ministers meeting that meets once a month, I was sharing with a group of my ministry peers about a Lutheran pastor that used to come out to hear me play the piano at the Anchorage restaurant—my tentmaking while ﬁ nishing up Bible college—that seemed to need a couple of drinks just to “unwind.” I was concerned about his stress, his load, his marriage, his congregation and his life, in general. (My concern was that of a true shepherds heart. I had compassion) As the story unfolded, a “fellow minister”—obviously a legalist—stated emphatically, “He drinks because he’s not saved.” My heart sank and my blood pressure boiled as I thought, “Are you his judge?” In his book, “Judgment triumphs over mercy” which is just the opposite of scripture.

Not too long ago, one of my favorite preachers was explaining how it is possible to “forfeit” your salvation. As he was talking, he pretty much outlined the message as I have explained it in Chapter 8.

“You guys out there cheating on your wives and stuck in your secret adulterous affair. You really think you’re not flirting with your destiny?”

Then he proceeds in with his “indoctrination.” “And you “sipping saints” out there—got your little glass of wine or beer…”

Lumping the two sentences together, the inference was drinking a glass of wine will somehow put you in Hell. The Jesus of the New Testament, hates that condemning and shaming stuff.

Some ministerial associations that license and ordain those “called,” will actually require or mandate complete abstinence from wine as a criteria for validating someone in ministry or they’ll be turned down. Jesus—who drank wine—wouldn’t be accepted, licensed or ordained by some for ministry? Whoa.

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made you free and do not be entangled again in a yoke of bondage.”

Anybody that is trying to disciple and mentor by guilting or “yoking” you with something that is controlling, manipulative or uses unscriptural “qualiﬁ cations,” is not speaking for God, at that time. God is trustworthy and when you’re around a mature minister that God has sent as a gift—a true shepherd—to help you; you’ll be, and feel, safe in their care. (Beware of the controller, condemner or legalist. Too many of my peers, unfortunately, are stuck in this)

For example, when people are delivered and set free from a sexual addiction, a good minister wouldn’t tell them they can never experience what God has ordained in marriage. That would be a doctrine of devils. (I Timothy 4:1-3) You’d simply instruct them in the proper purpose for romance, lovemaking and intimacy. So let me show you my study about the “wine” question.

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The word “wine” is used 37 times in the New Testament. All but one time, the Greek word used is, oinos.

Wine—(Greek) 3631. oinos, oy’-nos; a prim. word (or perh. of Heb. or. (H3196)); “wine”(lit. or ﬁ g.):— fermented wine.

It is from the Hebrew word, yayin, which is a fermented, intoxicating wine.

Wine—(Hebrew) 3196. yayin, yah’-yin; from an unused root mean. to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by impl. intoxication:—banqueting, wine, wine (-bibber).

When the Holy Spirit wanted to talk about “unfermented” wine, or grape juice, in the Old Testament, He used the word, tiyrowsh.

Wine—8492. tiyrowsh, tee-roshe’; or tiyrosh, tee-roshe’; from H3423 in the sense of expulsion; must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by impl. (rarely) fermented wine:—(new, sweet) wine.

Jesus ﬁ rst “miracle” was turning water into wine to celebrate someone’s marriage. The wine that He made as His ﬁ rst miracle at Cana was oinos. (John 2:9)

Jesus turning ordinary water into “good” wine (fermented) at a public wedding was a “miracle!”

John 2:10 And he said to him, Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior: You have kept the good wine until now. This beginning of signs (miracles) Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

He was accused of being a “winebibber” because He was seen drinking wine (oinos) with the “wrong crowd.” (Matthew 11:18-19)

Matthew 11:18 (Jesus speaking) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a demon. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Look a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. winebibber—3630. oinopotes, oy-nop-ot’-ace; from G363. A tippler:—winebibber. A habitual or excessive wine drinker; chronic.

Jesus was always challenging the “religious mind set.” He only got ticked off at arrogant, high minded, “holier than thou,” sanctimonious, Pharisee thinking. The only time in the New Testament where oinos isn’t used is in Acts 2:13 where Peter used the word, gleukos, which can be either sweet wine i.e. grape juice, or an intoxicant under the fermenting process.

Wine—(Acts 2:13)1098. gleukos, glyoo’-kos; akin to G1099; sweet wine, i.e. (prop.) must (fresh juice), but used of the more saccharine (and therefore highly inebriating) fermented wine:—new wine.

When the Holy Spirit wants to speak speciﬁ cally about “Welch’s grape juice,” He uses the phrase “fruit of the vine.” (Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, Luke 22:18)

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There are some in the body of Christ who say that drinking a glass of wine or one beer at a meal makes you unholy and unrighteous because they are “unclean” substances and because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we should not deﬁ le it.

First of all, we are saved, made holy and righteous only by what Jesus has accomplished at the cross and the resurrection— any addition is “works.”

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

II Corinthians 5:21 that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Secondly, the Bible says there is nothing “unclean” in, and of, itself.

Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteems anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. nothing—3762. oudeis, oo-dice’; includ. fem. oudemia, oo-dem-ee’-ah; and neut. ouden, oo-den’; from G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing: unclean—2839. koinos, koy-nos’; prob. from G4862; common, i.e. (lit.) shared by all or several, or (cer.) profane:—common, deﬁ led, unclean, unholy.

Thirdly, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We do not, however, “defile” it with what we drink or eat.

Matthew 15:10 And He (Jesus) had called the multitudes to Himself, He said to them, Hear, and understand: It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but that what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. defiles—2840. koinoo, koy-no’-o; from G2839; to make (or consider) profane (cer.):—call common, deﬁ le, pollute, unclean

Matthew 15:16 So Jesus said, “Are you still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man…”

Fourthly, it is sexual immorality that defiles your “temple,” not food or drink.

I Corinthians 6:13 Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

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v. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own?

I Corinthians 7:2…because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

The “unclean thing” talked about in II Corinthians 6:17, is not wine—it is immorality.

II Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh. unclean thing—169. akathartos, ak-ath’-ar-tos; from G1 (as a neg. particle) and a presumed der. of G2508 (mean, cleansed); impure (cer., mor. (lewd) or spec. (doemonic)):—foul, unclean. filthiness—3436. molusmos, mol-oos-mos’; from G3435; a stain, i.e. (ﬁ g.) immorality:—ﬁ lthiness.

Finally, when we pray over our meals, it is to bless the food and drink and to “purify” it.

I Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. nothing—3762. oudeis, oo-dice’; includ. fem. oudemia, oo-dem-ee’-ah; and neut. ouden, oo-den’; from G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing sanctiﬁ ed—37. hagiazo, hag-ee-ad’-zo; from G40; to make holy, i.e. (cer.) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:—hallow, be holy, sanctify.

(Don’t go getting squirrely on me with this scripture of “nothing to be refused…” so you can justify smoking pot, doing lines of cocaine, or shooting up heroine. We’re to obey the laws and ordinances of the land—those “substances” are illegal. And yes, while tobacco is legal—it is a veriﬁ able killer)

Now, as I said in the “Once saved-always saved?” chapter, there are warnings about staying in sin, practicing sin as a lifestyle, and refusing to give up sin.

So we are crystal clear on this—getting drunk is sin.

There were people actually getting drunk at communion. Oinos was obviously the wine used not “fruit of the vine” at the Lord’s table.

I Corinthians 11:20 When you come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.(Again, this was at communion) drunken—3184. methuo, meth-oo’-o; from another form of G3178; to drink to intoxication, i.e. get drunk:—drink well, make (be) drunk

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Being a drunk puts your eternity “at risk,” professing Christian or not. This is an absolute Bible truth. (Ask the Lord for His deliverance) drunkards—3183. methusos, meth’-oo-sos; from G3184; tipsy, i.e. (as noun) a sot:—drunkard.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. drunkenness—3178. methe, meth’-ay; appar. a prim. word; an intoxicant, i.e. (by impl.) intoxication:— drunkenness. do—4238. prasso, pras’-so; a prim. verb; to “practice,” i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160, which prop. refers to a single act)

When you know that your lifestyle is sin and you choose to “live in sin,” you’re denying Jesus His Lordship and you are saying “I will do it my way. It’s my life. I do not care what God thinks or what the Bible says.” That was Satan’s mistake, as well. (Isaiah 14) When you harden your heart to the point that you “depart” or “fall away” from your faith, you’re jeopardizing your salvation, if it was truly there to begin with. God knows when you’re sincere and when you’re playing games. Again, remember these warnings:

James 4:17 Therefore, to him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Phillipians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

As I have said, being a true believer, doesn’t mean you can’t sin or won’t sin but you won’t stay there and sin won’t have power or dominion over you. (I Cor.6:12)

I John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God does not (commit) sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. commit—4160. poieo, poy-eh’-o; appar. a prol. from of an obsol. prim.; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):—abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue

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Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

dominion—2961. kurieuo, koo-ree-yoo’-o; from G2962; to rule:—have dominion over, lord, be lord of, exercise lordship over.

You’ll daily confess it, if need be. As often as you confess, you’re forgiven and clean. Put I John 1:9 into practice until you’re free!

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

cleanse—2511. katharizo, kath-ar-id’-zo; from G2513; to cleanse (lit. or ﬁ g.):—(make) clean (-se), purge, purify.

Back to the issue of “drinking”…

…Is it sin? It is not. …Is getting drunk sin? It is.

There are two laws here: the law of liberty and the law of love.

The law of liberty:

I Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

II Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

liberty—1657. eleutheria, el-yoo-ther-ee’ah; from G1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chieﬂ y mor. or cer.):—liberty.

The law of love:

Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended, or is made weak.

stumbles—4350. proskopto, pros-kop’-to; to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); spec. to stub on, i.e. trip up (lit. or ﬁ g.):—beat upon, dash, stumble (at). offended—4624. skandalizo, skan-dal-id’-zo (“scandalize”); from G4625; to entrap, i.e. trip up (ﬁ g. stumble (trans.) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):—(make to) offend.

made weak—770. astheneo, as-then-eh’-o; from G772; to be feeble (in any sense):—be diseased, impotent folk (man), (be) sick, (be, be made) weak.

We are called to bear one anothers burdens which includes being aware of, and sensitive to, someone’s cravings, weaknesses, potential downfalls, and/or addictions.

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Romans 14:21 is usually the scripture that some pull out to inﬂ ict or mandate abstinence from wine as a New Testament precedent. But that word, “offended” in Romans 14:21 is the same word that Jesus used in Matthew 18:6 when He’s giving a serious warning to those who “offend” or “cause these little ones to sin.” That Greek word, skandalizo, is where is we get our English word, “scandal.”

It literally means to be willfully, maliciously and/or intentionally trying to get someone to sin. Having a glass of wine with your spouse hardly falls into the category of trying to get someone to sin.

Another word in Roman 14:21 is the word “stumble.” It’s the same word that is used in I Peter 2:8 where it says that people will even “stumble” with scripture—the Bible itself.

1 Pet 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word. stumble—4350. proskopto, pros-kop’-to; from G4314 and G2875; to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); spec. to stub on, i.e. trip up (lit. or ﬁ g.):—beat upon, dash, stumble (at).

So…if you’re never to “do anything” that would ever cause your brother or sister to “stumble,” are you going to stop preaching the Gospel? Going to stop praying? Stop tithing? Stop being a witness? Stop showing people Bible verses that relate to their life? No, of course not, even though some will “stumble” over those things.

You could go to many extremes in this “nor do anything” deal…

.Your overeating and being way overweight may cause some others to “stumble” and be a glutton—a sin—so are you going to stop eating? Doubtful. (Maybe you should change your eating habits and exercise routine though)

.Should we throw out our televisions simply because there is some real questionable stuff on the air? (That’s what alarmists do)

.How about telephones? “Why, don’t you know about some of the phone sex out there?” (This is legalistic panic)

.Going to stop driving because of some who were killed?

.Going to stop swimming because some have drowned?

.Sell our computers and rid ourselves of all Internet because of some of the ﬁ lth that’s available?

The list could go on and on…ah legalism, it’s so prevalent. But, as I’ve said, this is a fallen planet. There’s sin down here. No surprise.

Simply take this one scripture, Romans 14:21, as a caution: Be careful of what you do, where you do it and who you do it around.

Question: “Well, I thought to be a minister, according to I Timothy 3, you’re not to be “given to wine?”

A fair question. This speaks of the criteria of an overseer/ bishop/ pastor.

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A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine…

At ﬁ rst glance, without studying it out, it would appear to indeed say “any drinking is forbidden.” But digging in, we see the truth.

The word in the Greek for “not given to wine” is paroinos. not given to wine—3943. paroinos, par’-oy-nos; from G3844 and G3631; staying near wine, i.e. tippling (a toper):—given to wine.

(A toper isn’t a social drinker or as some call it “a sipping saint” but rather a hard drinker/chronic drunk. Tippling is drinking intoxicants habitually and to the point of excess. It means to be “addicted” to wine)

I Timothy 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine… given—1402. douloo, doo-lo’-o; from G1401; to enslave (lit. or ﬁ g.):—bring into (be under) bondage, X given, become (make) servant. much—4183. polus, pol-oos’; includ. the forms from the alt. pollos; (sing.) much, large amounts wine—3631. oinos, oy’-nos; a prim. word (or perh. of Heb. or. (H3196)); “wine” (lit. or ﬁ g.):—wine.

Question: “Well, doesn’t it say we are to be sober in I Thessalonians 5:6 and I Peter 5:8?”

Yes, we are. But the Greek word for sober, nepho, is used as a ﬁ gure of speech for being morally attentive and watchful. (II Timothy 4:5) When you study out that word “watchful” in the Greek original text, you’ll discover it is figurative not literal. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament words: (page 667) nepho—#3525 “to abstain from wine” is used metaphorically of moral “alertness” and translated “to watch.”

3525. nepho, nay’-fo; of uncert. afﬁ n.; to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (ﬁ g.) be discreet:—be sober, watch. A metaphor.

The point is, to be self-controlled or what the Bible calls, “temperate.” (Galatians 5:22) temperate—1466. egkrateia, eng-krat’-i-ah; from G1468; self-control (espec.continence):— temperance.

Studying out the originals text in the original language brings illumination and the truth. So many are “wrongly dividing the word of truth” and making up doctrines and establishing erroneous rules.

So the admonishments, warnings and correction are these:

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit drunk—3182. methusko, meth-oos’-ko; a prol. (trans.) form of G3184; to intoxicate:—be drunk (-en). excess—810. asotia, as-o-tee’-ah; prop. unsavedness, i.e. (by impl.) proﬂ igacy:—excess, riot.

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If we go back to the “law” of the Old Testament and break even one of them, we’re guilty of breaking all of them.

James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet fails in one point, he is guilty of all.”

So, don’t be rules and regulations oriented:

Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. stand—4739. steko, stay’-ko; from the perf. tense of G2476; to be stationary, i.e. (fi g.) to persevere:— stand (fast). liberty—1657. eleutheria, el-yoo-ther-ee’ah; from G1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefl y mor. or cer.):—liberty. free—659. eleutheroo, el-yoo-ther-o’-o; from G1658; to liberate, i.e. (fi g.) to exempt (from mor., cer. or mortal liability):—deliver, make free. entangled—1758. enecho, en-ekh’-o; from G1722 and G2192; to hold in or upon, i.e. ensnare; by impl. to keep a grudge:—entangle with, have a quarrel against, urge. bondage—1397. douleia, doo-li’-ah; from G1398; slavery (cer. or fi g.):—bondage.

“The Message” Bible says it this way:

“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment Christ’s hard-won gift of freedom is squandered.”

YES AND AMEN!

Thankfully, we’re not under the law but grace. It’s true that Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law but fulﬁ ll it. (Matthew 5:17) So, how is the law fulﬁ lled? Love.

Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself.

Regarding drinking wine, this may be hard for some to swallow—no pun intended—but Melchizedek brought to Abraham, bread and wine as he received Abrahams’ holy tithe. Yayin (fermented wine) not tiyrowsh (unfermented wine).

Dake’s study Bible teaches, inaccurately, that fermented wine was not used in the receiving of tithes. (page 152) You need to be careful about “study Bibles”—some opinions simply are erroneous.

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Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:20 And blessed be the most high God, which has delivered your enemies into your hand. And he gave him tithes of all. wine—3196. yayin, yah’-yin; from an unused root mean. to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by impl. intoxication:—banqueting, wine, wine (-bibber).

Jesus is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek who receives our tithes and then confers blessings on us. (Hebrews 6:20)

.Wine (yayin) was used in commerce.

Ezekiel 27:17-18 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your merchants: they traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.18 Damascus was your merchant in the multitude of the wares of your making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.

.Wine (yayin) was used to make you happy without getting intoxicated.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God now accepts your works.

.Wine (yayin) was used in rejoicing.

Deuteronomy 14:26 And you shall bestow money for whatsoever your soul lusts after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household,

.Wine (yayin) was not to be consumed by Nazarites for a season.

Numbers 6:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,2 Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves to the LORD:3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

In the case of a Nazarite vow, it was a “temporary” restriction or command.

Numbers 6:20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

In the Old Testament, Aaron was commanded not to drink before he went into the temple.

Leviticus 10:8 And the LORD spoke to Aaron, saying,9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: 10 And that you may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Apparently, he had been drinking and didn’t catch what his sons were doing. Back up to verse one.

164 The “Wine” Question

Lev. 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. strange fire—2114. zuwr, zoor; a prim. root; hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; spec. (act. part.) to commit adultery (In other words, sex in the temple—forbidden)

“Strange” is the same word the Holy Spirit used in Proverbs 23:31 to describe a “strange woman”—a harlot to commit adultery with.

He couldn’t do an effective job as a minister because he was under the inﬂ uence. He was not able to distinguish between what people were bringing in, or doing in, the temple. Whether it was holy or unholy—clean or unclean. God got ticked, thus the mandate.

Can you imagine your pastor having 3 or 4 brewskies before Sunday’s service? Doubtful. In other words, ministers are not to be tipsy while ministering i.e. “on duty.” (See Nave’s topical Bible) The phrase, “put difference” in Lev. 10:10 simply means to know what’s going on. put difference—914. badal, baw-dal’; a prim. root; to divide (in var. senses lit. or ﬁ g., separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.):—(make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation)

Question: What about in Proverbs when it says when you drink wine it can lead you into all kinds of trouble or temptation?

Proverbs 23:31 Don’t look upon wine when it is red, when it gives his colour in the cup, when it moves itself aright. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. Your eyes shall behold strange women, and your heart shall utter perverse things. strange women—2114. zuwr, zoor; a prim. root; to turn aside (espec. for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; spec. (act. part.) to commit adultery:—(come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, strange woman.

Yes, your inhibitions go down when you consume alcohol. That’s why we’re told to “renew our mind,” so our thought life is pure. The thought is the father of the deed. But if you’ve been contemplating or entertaining some fantasy, chances are you’ll succumb to it, wine or no wine. You’ll be looking for it.

Again, you need to take all the text, in context. Take a running start before the verse being looked at, as well as, verses after, to get the “bigger picture.” Look at verse 30. You’ll see the operative word.

Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. tarry—309. ‘achar, aw-khar’; a prim. root; to loiter (i.e. be behind); by impl. to procrastinate:—continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer). The warning speaks to “needing to catch a buzz,” addictive drinking or getting intoxicated.

Wine (oinos—fermented wine) was used medicinally. The suggestion came from the great apostle, Paul to a young pastor—Timothy. (A seasoned man of God approving of moderate wine use)

I Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your often infirmities.

165 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

little—3641. oligos, ol-ee’-gos; of uncert. afﬁ n.; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); espec. neut. (adv.) somewhat:—+ almost, brief (-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.

wine—oinos, oy’-nos; a prim. word (or perh. of Heb. or. (H3196)); “wine” (lit. or ﬁ g.):—wine. infirmities—769. astheneia, as-then’-i-ah; from G772; feebleness (of body or mind); by impl. malady; mor. frailty:—disease, inﬁ rmity, sickness, weakness.

Between a possible ulcer (“your stomach’s sake/frequent sicknesses”) and/or the polluted water—either from alkali or poor sanitation—Paul recommended to Timothy “drink some wine.” Oinos (fermented wine) not “fruit of the vine.” Today, it is a medical fact noted in J.A.M.A. (Journal of American Medical Association) publications that red wine aids in digestion, blood circulation, cardio-vascular health and boosts HDL (good cholesterol) which we as Americans need to consider with heart disease being the number one killer. (The antioxidants combat “free radicals”)

Because of red wine’s medicinal beneﬁ ts, it actually adds to your life, used properly; namely moderately and temperately. I discussed this with our family physician, Dr. Greg Lehman. He concurred and reassured us the facts about wine are accurate. (Ethyl alcohol and resveratrol, beneﬁ t)

We need to rightly divide the word when studying not adding 2 and 2 and getting 5. We need to daily search the scriptures. Otherwise, whole doctrines and denominations are created. We surely don’t need another doctrine or denomination popping up. We need to simply obey the word when it says to “be sanctified with truth, your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“Dancing’s a sin,” for example, is a doctrine in some camps. Fortunately, we have the Word that shows us to dance. (Kevin Bacon in “Footloose,” was right)

Psalms 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises to him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in his people:

Psalms 150:4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him on the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that has breath praise the LORD.

So, in conclusion to the “wine” question, I would agree with my brother Dan Schaeffer, a highly respected pastor in Tulsa, who said the following:

“The Bible teaches temperance and the only way to guarantee temperance is abstinence.”

That, of course, is the safest route. Obviously, you’ll never have a drinking problem or get drunk, if you abstain. However, if you know your limit and maintain self-control in every situation, you are free to pray over, and enjoy—in moderation—a glass of wine or a beer. You are not under the law. You have the New Testament liberty to do so.

I’ll let you into our world for a minute. At the Haage home, we drink a lot of water, orange juice, apple juice and 1% milk. We also like—in moderation—Pepsi and strong french roast coffee.(Mmmm, cappuccinos. It’s one of the things I’m known and loved for…brewing a strong cappuccino then sitting down to study and pray)

166 The “Wine” Question

With some meals, let’s say a pizza, Denise and I like an ice cold Pepsi but we also very much enjoy a Killian’s Red beer. (It tastes good)

We have a family tradition—some traditions are good—where we “bond” and “regroup” from the day as a family over dinner. We debrief, settle in, talk, laugh, discuss issues, discuss the ministry, talk about the Lord, pray and just hang out.

Denise and I occasionally enjoy a glass of Australian Shiraz red wine as we share this special time together, especially with Italian food, such as spaghetti, lasagna or fettucini with garlic toast. (Husbands and wives, it’s very important to spend time this way) It’s one of the best things we do as a married couple. (Talk, listen, “bond,” dream build and relax)

To be honest with you, one of the best examples of a follower of Jesus is my wife. She is sharp as they come, compassionate, mercy motivated, hates hypocrisy and legalism and has a passion to see others, understand who Jesus is. She is steady and a unique witness. In no way does her enjoying the blessings of God—including a glass of wine or an occasional beer, compromise that witness. She’s great.

One of the elders on my UP FRONT Ministries board, Craig Olson, has the same sort of incredible witness to others and he too enjoys a glass of wine or quality beer. As a matter of fact, he owns a wine import business and is a constant source of “Kingdom” insights to a lost and dying world. I wouldn’t trade my wife, my dear friend or anyone else who has proven their love for Christ, loyalty to me and generosity to others, for anything. They are “true riches,” for sure.

When Denise and I have fellowship gatherings or have others over for dinner, we try to be gracious hosts and offer people things to drink but are very sensitive and conscious about NOT tripping up someone who has had or still has a drinking problem. We ask them what they’d like or if they would have a problem if others have, wine let’s say. That’s simply being courteous and doing the word by not causing someone to fall back into an addiction.

We need to get away from the legalistic stuff, whatever the topic. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy…” Legalism is a “heavy yoke.” It’s anti-Christ.

However, Jesus also gave a stern warning of not causing people to sin, in this case, getting drunk. Paul admonished us “Don’t cause your brother or sister to stumble by what you’re doing.”

For example, as an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, when I serve communion as Pastor for UP FRONT Fellowship—our house church—and I know that someone has had a “problem” with alcohol, I’ll offer them out of courtesy, Welch’s grape juice rather than wine. They appreciate that. I certainly am empathetic towards and agree with the message of “If you drink: don’t drive!” M.A.D.D. have our support.

Here’s a good barometer. If you can’t have just one glass of wine or a beer,” I’d suggest you abstain. (You might have a problem)

*There may come a time when your spouse, employer or even the Lord, requests you to “Lay it down, please—put it away, for now.” Be prepared to respect and honor that.* A point of caution: If you ﬁ nd yourself needing to have a glass of wine or a beer, you’d better seriously examine yourself. Something is “up,” so take time to regroup, pray for wisdom and talk with those whom you trust.

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The right teaching about the “wine” question is the balanced Bible teaching.

Please, don’t be a legalist. Subtle or overt, they’re in all camps. I’ve noticed there are even “Spirit-ﬁ lled, Charismatic, tongue talking, tithing, radically saved, legalists—maybe the worst kind. They can be cruel, dominating, controlling and brazen. There are some that don’t know how to—or refuse to—walk in mercy or grace. They teach you’re responsible for someone else sinning by virtue of your liberty. Look, scripture says that the Lord Jesus is well able to “keep you from stumbling” and every situation where you’re being tempted to get drunk, He provides the “way of escape for you.”

Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…

Stumbling—679. aptaistos, ap-tah’-ee-stos; not stumbling, i.e. (ﬁ g.) without sin:—from falling. (See it? Trust the Lord to keep you)

1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Way of escape—1545. ekbasis, ek’-bas-is; an exit (lit. or ﬁ g.):—end, way to escape.

Not all that long ago, I watched on a Christian TV station, one of the most powerful sermons I’ve ever heard. Rick Godwin, a pastor in San Antonio, was addressing from his book, “Exposing witchcraft in the church.” He kicked over many sacred cows that multitudes of us have been thinking about but not addressing for years. “Manipulation—domination—intimidation.”

It was so freeing to hear the Holy Spirit, through Rick, address this “trusting in the ‘law’ again” mentality, as well as, the legalism that is pervasive, especially in Pentecostal, Charismatic and “Spirit ﬁ lled” circles. Way to go, Rick!

Truly, “the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.” As Rick would say, “Knock off the law.” Satan doesn’t have to work very hard in many church gatherings because too often they’re is guilting, shaming, backbiting, devouring and/or wounding going on. Not good.

But don’t go off the deep end with “I’ve got my liberty, so anything goes.” No, it’s all about moderation.

Maybe for you, any kind of moderate drinking won’t work. Having a glass of wine for you may be “off limits.” Refraining and abstaining for some, is the only safe route and that’s good that you recognize it.

I Corinthians 6:12 (NIV) Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything.

“Mastered” in the NIV is “not brought under the power of”…Amen.

Temperance—that’s real deal about the wine question. (I Cor.9:25)

168 Chapter Eleven

#1 MILITARY STRATEGY

(Know your enemy)

2 Cor 2:11 “…lest Satan should take advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Whether you know it or not and whether you like it or not: there is a war going on today on planet earth. No, not just in the Middle East, in inner cities and not just in gangs: there’s a war going on for souls. It is the oldest war known to man namely the war between good and evil i.e. God and the one who wanted to be.

Every good military commander knows the strengths and weaknesses of his own troops but also his opponents. If they’re “ignorant” of the game plans of their enemy, they’ll be at an extreme disadvantage and in great peril. So, let’s examine ours…

In the Old Testament (Hebrew), Satan means “the arch enemy of good, adversary, opponent” and the New Testament (Greek) it means, “the accuser—the devil.” He’s the crafty, resourceful type.

He was originally, however, one of God’s greatest creations named Lucifer. He basically was one of the chief angels in heaven. It’s been taught that he led the Praise and Worship.

Ezekiel 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; your clothing was bejeweled with every precious stone…all in beautiful settings of finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. I appointed you to be the anointed guardian cherub. You had access to the holy mountain of God. anointed—4473. mimshach, mim-shakh’; from H4886, in the sense of expansion; outspread (i.e. with outstretched wings):—anointed.

cherub—3742. keruwb, ker-oob’; of uncert. der.; a cherub or imaginary ﬁ gure:—cherub, (plur.) cherubims. Angels.

In other words—an enormously big angel with glorious wings who protected God’s stuff. He was part of the ministry “staff.” v.15 You were perfect in all you did from the day you were created until that time when wrong was found in you. Your great wealth filled you with internal turmoil and you sinned. Therefore, I cast you out of the mountain of God like a common sinner. I destroyed you, O overshadowing cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty: you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor…v. 18 You defiled your holiness with lust for gain…

ﬁ lled with pride (“lifted” KJV)—1361 be lofty; ﬁ g. to be haughty:—exalt, be haughty, be (make) high (-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height.

169 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Satan fell because of his clout and appearance. He got cocky, ambitious and arrogant. He tried to take over heaven. That’s when he got the boot down to earth. Notice the “I wills”…

Isaiah 14:12 How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how you are cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your 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 you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see you shall narrowly look upon you, and consider you, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?

Jesus was around when he got the “left foot of fellowship”…

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

Remember the “gap theory” I spoke of? Some scholars speculate that Satan ruled the earth long before the re-creation of the planet in between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. They say he ruled during the dinosaur and Cro-Magnon man days until something destroyed the planet. A meteor shower, pre-Noah fl ood, atmospheric calamity, world wide volcanic activity or global earthquake—it’s a very interesting theory/perspective. (Personally, I speculate that when we get to heaven, we’ll all take History #101) Notice, however, it says in Isaiah 14:12 that Satan—then Lucifer—did “weaken the nations.” It looks as if Satan had a role in the destruction of “earth past.” Look at the words in the Hebrew: weaken—2522. chalash, khaw-lash’; a prim. root; to prostrate; by impl. to overthrow, decay:—discomfi t, waste away, weaken. nations—1471. gowy, go’ee; rarely (short.) goy, go’-ee; a foreign nation; hence a Gentile; also (fi g.) a troop of animals, or a fl ight of locusts:—Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

His number one strategy, however, is deception. Plain and simple. Then destruction. He is quite capable of “signs and lying wonders.” (II Thess. 2:9) So…have you ever wondered why there are so many religious sects, denominations and world religions? Here are two insights:

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

If you can get people scrapping, arguing, debating and ﬁ ghting about God then Satan doesn’t have to stick around—he can leave and stir up trouble back in Israel. (Start the ﬁ ght and split) Satan absolutely hates any kind of unity. (Ever notice that Middle East peace treaties don’t last?)

Regarding this deception, we need to remember the one thing that Christians must be in unity about: Jesus died for sins, period.

John 3:16 applies to everyone or it means nothing. “…God so loved the world”…the drug dealer, the murderer, the mass murderer, the Muslim, the Jew, the Hindu, the new ager, the atheist, you and me. Yes, God demonstrated His love for all of us as sinners.

While I know that we won’t come into agreement about doctrines down here, followers of Jesus must band together and say collectively, “Jesus is Lord” or the world will just scoff.

170 #1 Military Strategy

At one of the Promise Keepers meetings, Max Lucado demonstrated this principle well. He said “At the count of three, everyone shout out the name of your denomination or afﬁ liation.” It, of course, sounded like loud garble. (Pretty much what the world hears)

But then he said, “At the count of three, shout out the name of our Lord and Savior.” 40,000 men then declared together and boldly, JESUS! He made his point…

.The Baptists .The Catholics .The Episcopalians .The Methodists .The Lutherans .The Pentecostals .The Charismatics .The Presbyterians .The Non-denominational .The Messianic Jews

…all saying the same thing. Pretty powerful.

That is why strife is such an effective strategy for the enemy. It works if we remain ignorant. His main thrust is through mind assault i.e. spiritual warfare—get you to listen to and embrace his agenda and “another” word. If he can successfully keep his strongholds erected in your thinking, he’s beat you.

Abortion, for example. Mother Theresa once said “A nation is in its ﬁ nal stages of moral decay when they destroy the fruit of the wombs.” Well, we’re there. Over a million babies a year. Abortion has one of its roots in the “environmental movement.” Some promoting it say that the planet is over-crowded and therefore we must love our “Mother earth” by keeping it from being over stressed by “checks and balances” i.e. millions of abortions. That is just about as sick and ludicrous, as it gets. Abortion is horriﬁ c.

It is mainly, however, Satan inﬂ icting his revenge on women. Remember the Garden?

Genesis 3:14 And the LORD God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; enmity—342. ‘eybah, ay-baw’; from H340; hostility:—enmity, hatred.

Satan hates us—especially women. One of the best ways to assault them is get them to destroy themselves—spiritually, mentally, physically—and their children.

Make no mistake about it, abortion is evil but God is the Judge, not us. Violence begets violence. Clinic bombers are not God sent.

Romans 12:17 Repay no man evil for evil.

James 1:20 The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.

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Always remember, however, God’s promise of forgiveness:

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Abortion is forgivable, like any other sin.

Another form of deception is the idea of the counterfeit. Notice nobody ever counterfeits monopoly money. Why is that? Because it’s worthless. They counterfeit the original. There are many Christian counterfeits out there. Unfortunately, the average Joe doesn’t know what the Bible says, therefore, they get duped and sucked into heresy or a false system of authority.

II Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness;

David Koresh, Jim Jones, Charles T. Russell (Jehovah’s Witnesses), Joseph Smith (Mormons), “Heaven’s Gate,” and the like, all did what is forbidden by scripture—they added to it and took away from it. They all knew the Bible, talked the talk, looked the part, however, they were false apostles and deceitful workers. The blind leading the blind.

Revelation 22:18 If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

You’re safe when you leave the Bible as it is, namely inspired and holy. It is Satan’s greatest desire to keep you from knowing who you are and what you have, in Christ.

We are told what to do in Ephesians 6…

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

If you don’t put these six items on and keep them on, you’re open game. You’re as vulnerable as you can get. Some are metaphors.

1. truth—“the loins” is your procreative area. In this analogy, Paul is spiritually speaking of your ability to reproduce—other believers—therefore, “pass on” God to others. So, Paul is saying protect yourself and that ability to “duplicate” by wrapping this sensitive area in God’s Word, which is Jesus—the Living Word.

172 #1 Military Strategy

Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father is except by Me. (John 14:6) So, “surround” yourself with Jesus—He’s the One with all the answers.

2. righteousness—the breastplate in Rome covered the vital organs. Our protection in frontal assaults to these vital organs by the enemy is knowing that we are the righteousness of God in Christ. (Phillipians 3:14) Don’t let anyone tell you different.

3. gospel of peace—Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace,

In other words, be a witness wherever you go—do the work of an evangelist. (II Timothy 4:5) Every Christian has a testimony. Share it. That’s how you “overcome.” (Revelation 12:11)

4. Shield of faith—notice it says in this verse, “above all.” Faith is crucial. I once heard someone say that demons don’t listen to weak Christians. You must know and exercise your authority or you’ll get chewed up. When you have this shield of faith up, notice it says you’ll be able to extinguish all the ﬁ ery darts of the devil.

Do you know what this word, all, in the Greek means? It means, all. Very interesting. The Word means what it says and says what it means. I like that accuracy deal.

5. Helmet of salvation—Protect your head—your brain—your mind by knowing, He’s for you. You can be “in Him.” Not hoping—not thinking—not maybe—but knowing that if you are in Christ—you’re saved. Period. You can’t get talked out of something you’re convinced of, isn’t that right? So, be fully persuaded about your eternal life with Him. Stay away from the sin lifestyle thing.

6. The sword of the Spirit—this is the only offensive piece of the armor. The Word you know and use is the deciding factor in your victory or defeat.

Remember, John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

This word, “know” is ginosko, which means you understand, you know experientially and you’re sure of it. It’s settled.

So many believers aren’t free because they aren’t convinced that His promises apply to them. Healing, deliverance, protection, prosperity are God’s best for you. Know it.

Satan is many things…

.He is limited—he is not omnipresent (he can only be one place at a time) Isaiah 14:16, nor omnipotent (he has only so many weapons at his disposal) II Cor. 10:4, nor omniscient (he cannot read your mind) I Cor. 2:11. .He is a self-promoter—he exalts himself. (Isaiah 14:12) .He is deceived and is crazy. I Cor. 2:8 .He is a tempter. Matthew 4:1 .He is a possessor. Mark 5:15.

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.He is the father of evil. John 8:44 .He is an oppressor. Acts. 10:38 .He is a condemner. I Timothy 3:6 .He lays traps. I Timothy 3:7 .He is resistible. James 4:7 .He is a devourer. I Peter 5:8 .He is a sinner. I John 3:8 .He is a contender. Jude 1:9 .He is a deceiver. Revelation 12:9 .He is ruthlessly, viciously angry. Revelation 12:12 .He knows the Bible. Matthew 4:6 .He is a Scripture twister. Luke 4:11 .He has a kingdom of his own. Luke 11:18 .He is a master of disguises. II Cor. 11:14 .He has a place where he lives. Revelation 2:13 .He has depth—some things up his sleeve. Rev. 2:24

*Most importantly, however, he is defeated and only has power in your life if you give it to him.*

I John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

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

Colossian 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

You are not just a conqueror but you are more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens you. (Roman 8:37) I Peter 5:8 says to be “vigilant.” That simply means “heads up.” Be alert. Stay sharp. Don’t let your guard down. For example, with regards to the Y2K deal, many thought it was reasonable to do some mild preparation in the form of extra food and water storage, as well as, some miscellaneous supplies. Prudence is ﬁ ne but it’s inappropriate for a Christian to live in fear or panic. Satan tried to use that computer “bug” to get some to freak out and it worked.

Again, in Genesis 3:11, God asked Adam, “Who told you…?”

The Father is still asking that of us. Don’t let Satan talk you into anything. He is defeated but you must still contend with him until we’re out of here. Don’t underestimate him but don’t fear him either. Just be wise to his “pungy pit” hidden deadly traps.

As in any good military, soldiers have to learn how to obey orders. In the army of God, your battle plans and combat directions are clearly spelled out in the New Testament. Besides knowing the military strategy of your enemy, you need to know whom you’re ﬁ ghting with, so cultivate friendships with your allies in a united front against the adversary: the forces of darkness.

Unlike what some teach, the devil CANNOT read your mind:

174 #1 Military Strategy

1 Cor 2:11 For who knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him?

Be assured, Satan or his demons only know what you’re thinking by what you say and do, so don’t lose sleep over it. Just be wise to his tricks. Being a good soldier involves knowing your enemy. It’s a big part of the real deal.

175

Chapter Twelve

JESUS IS GOD, SPARKY!

(The Deity of Christ)

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 8:58…I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

I guess I’d better explain the title…

When I was ﬁ nishing up Bible college and bringing my career as a professional musician to a close, I prayed and started looking around for employment opportunities.

In my search, I called a local church and inquired about the congregation, ﬁ nances, leadership and music style. Having told the “pastor”—and I use that title loosely with this guy—that my background was Non-denominational and Biblically conservative, he said sheepishly but unapologetically, “Well…you might not like our praise and worship here.” I said, “Really? Why’s that?”

He replied, “Well, for example, we don’t worship Jesus.” I paused and stated curiously, “OH? Well, uh…who do you worship?”

He said, “God.” I immediately wanted to break out my spiritual baseball bat and say, “Jesus is God, Sparky.” (Thus the title)

However, self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So, I said, “Well, you’re right. We probably wouldn’t be compatible” and got off the phone thanking God for protecting me from such ﬂ akiness. (As you can tell from my thoughts through my writing, I’m a very passionate individual. Restraining my passion, sometimes is needed)

How some miss the truth in scripture that Jesus is divine and the clear teaching of the Godhead i.e. the Trinity, is absolutely astonishing to me. (One God in three persons—not three Gods)

Like I said earlier, in the creation story, God (Elohim) is plural—Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Jesus was addressed inclusively when Elohim is mentioned in the Old Testament as the Savior.

Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour: (God here is Elohim)

The demons certainly knew and recognized Jesus as God and were freaking out that He was now on earth.

177 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are, the Holy One of God.”

The same voice that told Moses “I AM” (Exod. 3:14) was now walking around on Planet earth.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 5:8 Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.

Jesus has always been—He is the eternal

Colossians 1:16 For by Him (Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.

Jesus is God—not the Father nor the Spirit but God

Revelation 1:8 (Jesus speaking) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

We sing a Christmas carol, “What Child is this.” Who is this Child? Well, He was prophesied about for hundreds of years before being born into a body of ﬂ esh.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God…I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right…

Isaiah 45:21…and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (God here is Elohim)

Jesus is God

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. v.14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah—God in the form of man—Emmanuel (God with us)

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus is God—equal with the Father and the Spirit

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

178 Jesus Is God, Sparky! one—1520. heis, hice; (includ. the neut. [etc.] hen); a prim. numeral; one:

Not the “same” but one. One in direction, purpose, unity and doctrine. Sameness isn’t oneness. (According to Vine’s Expository dictionary heis is used metaphorically of “union” i.e. complete unity) Peter addressing the “religious leaders” of the day said this:

Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you and killed the Prince of life…

Jesus is God—the Holy One, the Just, Lord of all, Lord of glory

Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all:

1 Cor 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Cor 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

About to be stoned, Stephen locates his heart, his loyalty and his faith:

Acts 7:58 And cast him (Stephen) out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Now honestly, would anyone who thought Jesus WASN’T alive, call on Him to bring them to heaven? No way! Yes, Jesus is God. Here…do a little comparing of Old Testament and New Testament:

Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:11 John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

Ezek 34:11 For thus says the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Did His deity get addressed in scripture? Absolutely.

To the blind man:

John 9:35 Do you believe in the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on Him? And Jesus said to Him, You have both seen him, and it is He that is talking to you.

To the Jews:

John 10:28 And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

179 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

To Peter:

Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

To the high priest:

Mark 14:61 Again the high priest asked Him, and said to Him, Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am:

Christ—5547. Christos, khris-tos’; from G5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:— Christ.

The whole Jewish population was looking for Messiah—the deliverer of their people. When He appeared in a form different that their perception of what Messiah should look like, some could not embrace Him but Jesus is just that: the Messiah.

Mark 16:15 And He (Jesus) said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized (into the body of Christ) shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; (demons) they shall speak with new tongues;(natural and prayer language)

…They shall take up serpents; (Satan not snakes) and if they drink any deadly thing,(unknowingly not willingly) it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

As the Good News is preached, Jesus—not us—performs miracles.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

This is a promise to sink your teeth into—if you are His disciple—Jesus is always with you. He is omnipresent thus He is God.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, If a man love me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him.

God the Father and Jesus the Savior by the power of the Holy Spirit lives in you, if you’ve asked Him to.

Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

This God is a friend, as well as, the Lord and Savior of mankind.

180 Jesus Is God, Sparky!

Proverbs 18:24 and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

John 15:15 I no longer call you servants; because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you. friends—5384. philos, fee’-los; prop. dear, i.e. a friend; act. fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.):—friend.

I so testify that Jesus has been with me since I asked Him to. Never has He let me down.

“Well, Greg, how come I can’t see Him?,” you may ask.

First of all, we walk by faith not by sight. We are blessed because we believe and have not seen. He said so. (John 20:29)

Secondly, you have to start over—be born from above—born again—clean the slate—the “do over” deal—before you can even get a glimpse of what the Kingdom is about.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. see—1492. eido, i’-do; to see (lit. or ﬁ g.); by impl. (in the perf. only) to know:—be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand

Simply say, “O.K. Lord, I invite you into my life” and mean it. Watch what He’ll do for you.

Jesus is the only person who meets the criteria prophesied throughout the Old Testament of who this Messiah is. Here are but a few:

.Born in Bethlehem—(Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:4) .Born of a virgin—(Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:26) .Flight to Egypt—(Hosea 11:1 and Matthew 2:14) .The way prepared—(Isaiah 40:3 and Luke 3:3) .Declared as the Son of God—(Psalms 2:7 and Matthew 3:17) .Ministry in Galilee—(Isaiah 9:1 and Matthew 4:13) .Sent to heal the broken—(Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18) .Rejected by His own people—(Isaiah 53:3 and John 1:11) .Priest after Melchizedek—(Psalms 110:4 and Hebrews 5:5) .Triumphant entry—(Zechariah (9:9 and Mark 11:7) .Betrayed by a friend—(Psalms 41:9 and Luke 22:47) .Betrayed for 30 silver coins—(Zech. 11:12 and Matt. 26:14) .Silent to accusers—(Isaiah 53:7 and Mark 15:4) .Pierced—hands and feet—(Zech. 12:10 and John 20:27) .Soldiers gambling for clothes—(Ps.22:17 and Matt. 27:35) .Bones not broken—(Ps. 34:20 and John 19:32) .Side pierced—(Zech. 12:10 and John 19:34) .Resurrected—(Ps. 16:10 and Mark 16:6) .Ascension to God’s right hand—(Ps. 68:18 and Mark 16:19, I Cor. 15:4 and Ephesians 4:8)

181 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Colossians 2:9 In Him, dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Again, Godhead is where we get our “Trinity” reference i.e. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. (The actual word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible but neither is the word “Bible”) As I said earlier, they are not the “same” but they are one. There are some sects called “Jesus only”—most are part of a ﬂ ow called “United Pentecostal”—that actually teach that Jesus is the Father and that Jesus is the Holy Ghost. When you look at scripture, that simply is a ridiculous conclusion. Look at how that would change the Lord’s prayer: “Me, who art in heaven. Hallowed be my name. My kingdom come, my will be done.” (That sounds like Satan’s prayer)

Or John 5:30, “I did not come to do my will but my will who sent me.”(Sounds schizophrenic)

Look at Mark 1:11

“And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

So…if Jesus is the Father, who was Jesus praying to in the Garden for help? If Jesus is the Holy Spirit, who was descending on Jesus – like a dove – while He’s getting baptized? Himself? No, The “Jesus only” doctrine is deception. “One” yes—“same” no. They are one in unity but not the same persons. Different roles, assignments, and functions but one in purpose. Like a football team—Coach, Quarterback, Receiver. God—the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit—agree on everything.

I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

All throughout scripture, the deity of Christ is solidiﬁ ed but the distinction of the separate persons of the Godhead is clear…

Mark 13:31 (Jesus speaking) Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away. Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

John 3:34 For He (Jesus) whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life: and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

John 5:22 For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor not the Father who has sent Him.

John 6:44 No man can come to Me, except the Father who has sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

“Well doesn’t God say “I will make man in my own image?” Actually no. It says, “Us” and “our”…

182 Jesus Is God, Sparky!

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:

King David in the Psalms said it this way: The LORD (The Father) said to my Lord (Jesus), Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.(Psalms 110:1)

They are one but not the same. (Look again carefully at page 12)

The Godhead (the Trinity) will be cloudy until we see them, face to face. I’ve heard different takes on explaining. The egg—it has a shell, has a yoke and it has a white but they’re all “egg.” Or water—water is steam, water is liquid, water is ice—but they’re all “water.”

Like I said, I like movies. The easiest way for me to think of it is like the end of Star Wars 3. When Yoda, Obie One and Darth Vader are all in spirit form. They are separate but one—the force, etc.

Phillipians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant (a slave) and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

There is something called “hypostasis” that only describes Jesus. By deﬁ nition, hypostasis is “the one personality of Christ uniting the human and the divine.” So, like most students of the word and theologians, I believe Jesus is 100% God and 100% man. This is commonly called “the hypostatic union.” While Jesus was always God when He walked the earth, He left his power in heaven but not His deity. He did none of His miracles until He was water baptized and then subsequently empowered by the Holy Spirit, as a man. Had Jesus done miracles as God, then He couldn’t have expected nor commanded us to continue His ministry by doing not only the same miracles He did but “greater works” as it says in John 14:12. As the Spirit empowers us, He can do miracles through us. The truth that He was God and man is totally supported by scripture. Let me summarize:

Jesus as God… Jesus as Man… Cannot be tempted by man. Was tempted as a man. (James 1:13) (Matt. 4:1, Hebr. 4:15)

Was known to Moses as I AM. Had limited knowledge. (Ex. 3:14, John 8:58) (Mark 13:32)

Was worshipped. Gloriﬁ ed the Father. (Matt. 2:11, 8:2) (John 17:1)

A pre-incarnate Jesus was seen as God in the Old. Test.(Ex. 6:2-3, 24: 9-11, Num.12:6-8) yet God (the Father and the Spirit) has not been seen. (John 1:18) Later they will be seen. (I John 3:1-2) Jesus prayed to the Father (John 17:1) yet Jesus is the Creator. (Coloss.1:16, Eph. 3:9, Heb. 1:2) Jesus as God is eternal yet Jesus as a man, physically died. (John 19:30) Jesus as God is a Spirit (John 4:24) yet Jesus as a man Has ﬂ esh and blood.(Luke 24:39) Hypostasis is deep stuff yet it is the absolute truth.

Yes, Jesus is God. He is the Almighty. He is the real deal.

183

Chapter Thirteen

WHOOSH KABOOM—WHERE’D THEY GO?

(The Rapture and the Second Coming)

I Thess.4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

I don’t know how people can miss the truth of what’s commonly called “the Rapture” but they do. There is nothing, prophetically speaking, that has to happen in order for Jesus to come for His church. All things are in place and right on schedule. But when?

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

God knows speciﬁ cally when. Of course, you should be aware of cults and “date setters” but watch the stories on the evening news i.e. wars, terrorism, etc. and you can only conclude that something’s up.

In verse 17 of I Thessalonians 4 the word “caught up” is harpazo. caught up—726. harpazo, har-pad’-zo; from a der. of G138; to seize catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).

It will be powerful and sudden. Those who are “ready” and waiting for Jesus, will go. Those who are “playing church” and are unwilling to leave their lifestyle of sin, will stay.

Matthew 25:1 The kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!

Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should be not enough for us and you: but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us! But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you’. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man is coming.

My counsel simply is this: “Be ready.”(Matt. 24:44)

185 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Regarding the rapture/catching away, there at ﬁ rst will be chaos, of course, when millions of people just “vanish.” CNN folk will be on this story like white on rice—those CNN folk who weren’t ready for this “catching away,” that is. There will be pundant after pundant giving their take as to what happened to these people. You think the O.J. case, the Clinton scandal/impeachment or Presidential elections got air play: just wait. This event will dwarf those cases.

“They were upducted by aliens” “They were destroyed by God for being false prophets” and so on and so on…

It’s my belief that God’s faithful will be protected from the bowls of judgment talked about in the book of Revelation. I’m what you call a “pre-wrath” Christian. I believe God’s own will be protected from the Great Tribulation. We will be “rescued.”

I Thess.1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

I Thess. 5:9 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. wrath—3709. orge, or-gay’; violent passion (ire, or [justiﬁ able] abhorrence); by impl. punishment:— anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.

I’m certainly not in a hurry to get out of here. I don’t share the “escapist” mentality many have. “My spiritual bags are packed. Anytime Lord, is ﬁ ne with me.” Not me. I have witnessing to do and personally I’d like to see my kids married with kids. But His will be done with that.

The controversy amongst Christians usually stems around time table “theories.” And that’s all they really are because nobody knows the speciﬁ c time. These “theories” are commonly called “pre-tribulation,” “mid-tribulation” and “post-tribulation.” Though I believe Christians will have tribulations in life because Jesus said we would (John 16:33), I also believe that will be “caught up” before the period of God’s wrath being poured out occurs.

Luke 21:36 Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Many believe, including me, that the Holy Spirit is the “restrainer” holding back the undiluted attack of evil presently at work in the world. When His “restraining” is removed and we’re “caught up” with the Lord, that’s when all hell will eventually break loose.

(II Thess. 2: 6-8) And now you know what is restraining that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work: only He (the Holy Spirit) who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

After the initial shock of multitudes disappearing, during this time on earth—3 and ½ years—things will become peaceful as this new leader emerges on the scene. (This is referenced in Daniel 9: 25-27, Rev.

186 Whoosh Kaboom—Where’d They Go?

11:1) This first three and one half years is what people are referring to when they talk of “the tribulation” not the “Great Tribulation.” There will be great evangelism on earth by two incredible men. After they’re killed, God raises them up and the whole world sees it. (Probably on CNN and Fox)

Some say that this new world leader ﬁ gure will appear out of what’s now called the EU—the European Union. They speculate that he will be extremely gifted in speech, highly intelligent, possess a genius military mind and will be incredibly charismatic. He will be a ruthless killer, however, and the world will discover this the hard way, especially those who receive Christ during this second “three and one half years” time period called “the Great Tribulation.” He is the Antichrist i.e. “the beast.”

He gets what looks like a “mortal head wound” (Revelation 3:13) but is brought back to life giving the appearance of a miracle. He establishes himself as the “world leader.” After this apparent “miracle” and time of peace, his true colors show up and basically, martial law is implemented. If you’re unfortunate enough to ﬁ nd yourself on earth during this time, you won’t be able to buy or sell anything unless you take his “brand of ownership.” Actually, the Bible says they’ll be many martyrs then. You may lose your head.

Rev 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercised all the power of the first beast before him, and caused the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no one might buy or sell, except those that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

It won’t be a fun time here on earth and basically will be The Third Reich to the 100th power. Hitler was nothing compared to this guy.

Back to the teaching…

Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Truly I say to you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

The “ﬁ g tree,” in this scripture text, references Israel. Israel became a nation again in 1948. In 1967, the Jews regained their land. Some said, “If a generation is forty years, (Numbers 32:13) add 40 to 1967 and subtract 7 years for the Great Tribulation and you come up with the year 2000.”

It was interesting but all it was, was speculation. Again, don’t trust the date setters because only the Father knows. There are too many variables with how long “a generation” is, when to begin counting from and the differences of the Gregorian and other calendar starting dates. We do indeed look through a glass darkly, here.

187 The Real Deal (Following Jesus 101)

Just “be ready” at all times—a lifestyle of readiness

Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord comes.

We certainly are in the times as of Noah—eating, partying, sexual perversion, wickedness and lukewarmness, everywhere. Deﬁ nitely.

If you’re a committed Christian, you have a great living arrangement awaiting for you after this “catching away.” A living quarters personally built by Jesus, Himself. (Remember He was a carpenter)

John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Alright!

Don’t confuse the Rapture with the Second Coming. He ﬁ rst comes, for us, (I Thess.4:16) and then returns, with us, and establishes His 1000 year reign. (Revelation 19:7-16)

The rapture will come as a thief in the night—unexpectedly. The whole world, however, will witness the Second Coming:

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Before the Rapture and the Second Coming occur, the Bible teaches there will be a “falling away” i.e. apostasy, which means “defection from truth,” by many professing Christ. And there will be, of course, people making fun of those who talk about Jesus returning.

II Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? scoffer—1703. empaiktes, emp-aheek-tace’; from G1702; a derider, i.e. (by impl.) a false teacher:— mocker, scoffer.

Pretty much the inference today… “Jesus is coming back again, yeah right.” We have on Oprah, Geraldo, Larry King, CNN and other shows, so called “Biblical scholars” and “great theologians” explaining to the world the inaccuracy of the Bible, the dead sea scrolls being fake or incomplete or “the legitimacy of the lost Gospel(s).” Again, the blind leading the blind. Again, I would strongly recommend reading

188 Whoosh Kaboom—Where’d They Go? the book called, “Storm Warning.” It will illuminate these truths in a way that truly is life changing and accurate. Don’t miss your opportunity to “get right” with your Maker. Carpe Diem (seize the day)

“What about Jews?” They have a covenant with God and “true Jews” i.e. Israel, will be saved (Romans 11:26) though many will go through the Great Tribulation, should they not receive Jesus before the Rapture.

As I’ve said, all of this was prophesied thousands of years ago. With regards to these so called Biblical “experts” giving their slant, don’t get sucked in. The more true studying you do, you’ll ﬁ nd the Bible to be amazingly accurate with no errors. Difficulties in the Word aren’t contradictions. It’s a weave that is perfect.

The real deal all comes down to this—Jesus is alive and He is Lord. If you don’t believe that, you are deceived and lost. (No offense)

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

God loves you. That is the truth. The clock is ticking. That is the truth. Eternity is not worth gambling. Don’t trust your intellect—you’re not that smart. (Again, no offense)

Jesus is the Living Word. HE is the one and only way to heaven. Follow Him with freedom but also with truth. You’ll enjoy the adventure of His lordship.

Jesus? He’s the real deal.

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In closing:

I mentioned the “do over” earlier. Some have said that we need more of the “terror of the Lord.” That word “terror” in the Greek is phobos, (fob’-os) to be put in fear, alarm or fright:—be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror. It’s where we get our word, phobia. Going into eternity without Jesus is just that: fearful. However, after you accept Him, Jesus tells us NOT to be afraid, otherwise we won’t approach Him with conﬁ dence and boldness.

Rev 1:17 And when I saw Him, (Jesus) I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid.”

“Terror” and “afraid”…they are derived from the same word. You’re safe after He’s your Lord, once you’ve said “Yes, come in and stay.” When you get into His presence, you’ll respect and reverence Him but you shouldn’t be afraid of Jesus. He’s for you, trust me. So, If you haven’t done this surrender/ reset/ do over/ deal, won’t you do it now? You can settle the issue of heaven, forever. I’ve prayed that He be drawing you at this very moment, so say this from your heart and mean it and you’ll have a miracle:

“God, I’ve sinned—I know it and admit it. I’m choosing to accept You as my Father, Your Son as my Lord & Savior and Your Spirit as my guide, comforter & helper because I now believe. So Lord Jesus, please come into my life. I’ll live for you. Lord I thank you for saving me. Amen.”

There, you’re saved. Done deal. Real Deal. Now, go out into the world and impact it with God’s love through Jesus. You know, “Salt and light.” Help people wherever and whenever you can, especially if you’ve been equipped to do so. Again, love is a verb.

1 John 3:17 Whoever has this world’s goods,(ﬁ nances, money, etc.) and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

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About the author:

Rev. Greg Haage was raised near Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. He has a Bachelors degree (B.E.S.) in psychology with a marriage counseling emphasis from St. Cloud State University, a Masters degree (M.A.) in Biblical Studies and Theology from Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. He is a Bible College graduate, as well as, being an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a music minister, pastor, psalmist, worship leader, songwriter, recording artist and author.

In 1977, Greg received a word of knowledge stating God’s desire for him to “sing a new song” and to proclaim the Lord to the multitudes. In 1995, he ﬁ nally yielded and went into full time ministry.

His 26 years in the music industry, live performances and recording studio experiences, are now being utilized for the glory of God.

Greg and his wife, Denise, have been married 25 years. They have two children—son, Jonathan and daughter, Piper.

He has an uncommon zeal for seeing Christian marriages restored and ﬂ ourishing. Like the Lord, he’s big on cultivating the intimacy and passion element between husbands and wives.

They promote “market-place” ministries. “The Lord demands fairness in every business deal.” (Proverbs 16:11) The Living Bible

UP FRONT Ministries Rev. Gregory Haage PO 22421 Minneapolis, MN. 55422 763-522-8156 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.UpFrontMinistries.com