Enemies, Slander, Suffering, Oneness, Victory and Thanksgiving

 

  ENEMIES, SLANDER, SUFFERING, ONENESS, BOLDNESS, VICTORY, AND THANKSGIVING

^{1 Peter 2:9} But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

One of the great differences between false religions and Christianity is a real belief in God in practical terms. 

I will prove this by looking at an ancient story from the Old Testament (the Jewish/Christian Bible).

^{The Book of Judges 6:24-32} So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

That same night the LORD said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.

Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.”

So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night rather than in the daytime.

In the morning when the men of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar!

They asked each other, “Who did this?”

When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

The men of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”

But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.”

So that day they called Gideon “Jerub-Baal,” saying, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he broke down Baal’s altar.

Clearly the worshipers of Baal did not believe in an all-powerful God; they had to do their god's work for him.  The same is very true for all false religions.

I will play the fool.

I have enemies.  If I try to punish them - take revenge: perhaps I have misunderstood and they are really innocent, or even about to change.  On the other hand, they may be very evil, and deserve a heavier hand.  God has said to both Jews and Christians: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

See also: Hebrews 10:30, Romans 12:19, Psalm 94:1-end

My version of the Three Kings: think of Paul the Persecutor - there is always hope, where there is life.




THE CHURCH SPIRITUAL is the Real Church of Christ Jesus - in a way known only to Him: the Church Organised is a conglomerate. Many are part of the Church Spiritual, but not all are indeed Believers in the Saviour, and some should have been disciplined for unacceptable teaching and behaviour. Titles sometimes give an arrogant, social aloofness from other Believers; a form of Gnosticism.

LIVING WITH ENEMIES

A close friend and pastoral advisor, was amazed that I had enemies.  I was amazed that he had none.  Psalm 23 assumes that we have them:

“You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.”

In times of peace we might easily forget the threat of enemies.

AN EARLY BOYHOOD MEMORY

It struck me as looking rather like a huge clothes peg – the Hindenburg airship on a fake good-will mission: actually spying and taking recognisance photographs prior to the World War II.  The bombers came over, one night during the War, and bombs fell in the fields in our area.

(From "Down Your Way", Issue 226)

We may have enemies in society: criminals, business people, cheats and so on;

Colleagues at work

Neighbours

Family

Some may be powerful and very threatening

War

Persecution

Oppressive Government, Police, Jurisprudence, and Academia 

Terrorism

To live with the threat of an enemy is to dread the phone ringing, the postal delivery, turning a corner in a street – especially in the dark, passing through a crowd, concern for our family and friends; plus the worry and sleepless nights, it can bring – ill-health.

We may suffer socially, or because we are Believers in Jesus – even a bit of each simultaneously.

FOR CHRISTIANS THERE IS NOT FREEDOM FROM ANTAGONISTS, BUT GRACE AND BLESSING AS WE PRESS THROUGH.

The Church Leaders must deal with the enemies of God and the Good, within the Church.  God Himself must be allowed to handle those who are not Christians.  Unfortunately, the former is often conspicuous by its absence - often because of the threat of litigation.

^{2 Timothy 3:12} In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

^{Romans 8:16} The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory

^{Acts 8:1} And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

There can be the great hope that our enemies will be converted!

^{Acts 11:19} Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.

^{Acts 13:50} But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

^{Romans 8:35} Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

^{1 Thessalonians 3:7} Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

^{Hebrews 10:33} Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

^{Revelations 2:10} Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life

IN HEAVEN THE MARTYRS WILL BE HONOURED, AND WE WILL BE ENVIOUS OF THEM.

WE ARE ENEMIES OF GOD, IF OUR SINS HAVE NOT BEEN FORGIVEN!

It may be that you have the very worst enemy of all: God Himself!

^{Ephesians 2:3} All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

^{Philippians 3:18} For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

^{Colossians 1:21} Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.

^{Romans 5:10} For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

^{Hebrews 10:27} But only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

PEACE WITH GOD

^{Romans 5:1} Therefore, since we have been justified (acquitted) through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

^{Acts 10:36} You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

^{Colossians 1:20} and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

By asking the Lord Jesus to save us – to grant us repentance, and forgiveness of all our sins, we enter the Family of God, and stop being His enemy.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

^{Matthew 5:44} But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

[I have been convinced recently to place enemies near the top of my Prayer List: this is an area in which I have failed.]

^{Luke 6:27} “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

^{Luke 6:35} But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

HOW: PRAY THAT THEY MIGHT FIND FORGIVENESS, REPENTANCE, SALVATION; OR THAT THEY WILL BE MADE AN EXAMPLE OF, BY GOD.

REMEMBER, THERE WILL BE NO ENEMIES IN HEAVEN!

I have worshipped, since my conversion, in many parts of the British Isles, and beyond: Aberdeen, Newcastle, The Isle of Man, Lancashire, Driffield, Scarborough, Leeds, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Wimbledon; Ireland, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Malta.

We had an unsaved acquaintance, who was a petty criminal and caused us much harm as a family.  What should my attitude be?  Firstly to forgive!  Secondly, to pray for their conversion, thirdly to leave any punishment to God – I have four clear, appropriate examples of Him doing this.  If there had to be a Coroner’s Inquest, my family understood that this would be the second name on the list.  There is a joke among my friends, that when I reach Heaven, this person – then a child of God, will live next to me: to my great joy!

THE SERIOUSNESS OF BEING SOMEONE'S ENEMY
If a person's life is inevitably shortened by antagonism - we are guilty of taking days/years from their lifespan: just as much as killing with a loaded gun - we commit murder!  This applies to Christians and non-Christians....
 

Enemies within the Church

 Among the many fellowships we have enjoyed, there are just two or three, where people have caused us trouble.   Here the picture was quite different: we had to forgive (that was the same), but Church leaders, and ourselves as individuals, had to respond in clearly defined ways.

Beware the volunteer!

Here is a list of the offences: two church leaders threatened me with a beating-up (which is a disqualification from leadership), injustice, satanic lying slander, which was not repented of when pointed out; theft of a large valuable carpet, questionable financial dealings which cost my family over two thousand pounds (GBP)– quite a lot of money to us.  This required seeking advice from the Police, the Charity Commission (who I have worked with on several occasions), and the Legal and Financial Department of the denomination – who require written proof of correction, and they produced a document to guide other churches away from making the same kind of not uncommon error.  [Where I found wrong doing, it seemed only right to pay monies from my own account, to see that righteousness was done – hence the cost to my family.  Even in this I was accused of doing wrong!  "Do you have an agenda?" Yes, the honour of Christ and the integrity of the Church!]  A member of the clergy practised witchcraft; another taught the Modalist Heresy.  Sexual indiscretions  were in evidence.  Members were prevented from giving their help – from a background of rich experience.  Decisions agreed on in the ruling body, and recorded in the minutes, were blatantly overruled – this amounted to being uncivilised; other believers, the cause of the Kingdom, winning the lost, and youth work – all suffered because of this.  (Most committees follow the procedures of Parliament to maintain order: see “The Chairman’s Handbook”, by Sir Reginald F. D. Palgrave, KCB, Revised).  There were several vicious verbal attacks, which went unpunished – and did untold harm in individual lives, and to families (contributing, possibly, to two divorces).  Frequent arrogance: on one occasion came near to causing a death by electrocution - using electrical equipment (240 volts) in a heavy downpour of rain. My prayer was interrupted and shouted-down at the weekly Prayer Meeting; even though I was a serving official and had confidential pastoral insights.  My reaching out to several thousand was put in jeopardy by two clergy; but God in His grace, overruled. Incidentally, not all the church members were wicked; some were fine, Spirit-filled believers.  We saw cunning manipulation of arrangements.  The behaviour of some officials and workers, made it impossible to believe they were truly Christians (“By their fruits you shall know them”); they, and some clergy, certainly were not good, exemplars to Believers.  In the New Testament, enemies are seen to be "in the grip of Satan"; something it took me a decade to realize.  I have some comfort in the fact that several of my enemies within the Church, also caused trouble generally: not just for me.  I see one congregation as a “Synagogue of Satan” as in Revelation 2:9, 3:9.  Five were ladies: three of these are very wayward clergy!  For some there is the possible mitigation of mental instability.  We have fellowship with God Himself, and the Psalmists in these troubles. In one case of slander, I had eleven witnesses; and yet no apologies were forthcoming – rather denial, and accusing me of lying! 

Discipline should come from the individual concerned, then the Elders/Leaders, the whole Congregation, any apostles, and finally God will step in - as with the case of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).

   

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such men [or women] are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

A key Scripture:

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater (witchcraft) or a slanderer (abusive), a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man (or woman) do not even eat.  What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. But as the Scriptures say: “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

1 Corinthians 5:11-13 (reference to New Living Translation)

[Notice how slander is associated in the list of serious evils.]

“Not associating with”, may appear strange; but Christians in the grip of these sins are quite unable to see their faults: they will probably accuse you, or the Church, or other individuals.  It means what Scripture calls, being virtually deaf and dumb to these people.  Being at peace with others is not in conflict here; indeed peace is maintained by following this text in 1 Corinthians.  The advice here avoids the danger of taking vengeance - which we must never do. 

^{Psalm 38:12-16} Those who seek my life set their traps,

those who would harm me talk of my ruin;

all day long they plot deception.

¹³ I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear,

like a mute, who cannot open his mouth;

¹⁴ I have become like a man who does not hear,

whose mouth can offer no reply.

¹⁵ I wait for you, O LORD?

you will answer, O Lord my God.

¹⁶ For I said, “Do not let them gloat

or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips

^{Psalm 119:115} Away from me, you evildoers,

that I may keep the commands of my God!

[We will make no progress in engaging with them, and in fact we will disobey God’s Word.   Something may be said, which we later regret, and their influence on us will be adverse.]

^{Matthew 15:19-20a} For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

^20a These are what make a man [or woman] ‘unclean’.

^{Mark 7:20-23} Jesus said: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ ²¹ For from within, out of [women’s and] men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²² greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³ All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’ ”

^{James 1:26} If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

^{Matthew 7:15-23} “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  ¹⁷ Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.  ²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  [The acid test of the fruit people bear.]

 

Apropos one of these churches, I see the accusation, as I say, of being a “Synagogue of Satan” as appropriate (Revelation 2:9 and 3:9).  Sadly also, the threat of litigation by individuals has become an influence for evil, making it difficult to deal with miscreants.  1 Corinthians 6:1-8 nails this problem as unsuitable for Spirit-led believers.

[A FULLER LIST OF SCRIPTURES ON SLANDER IS FOUND SOME PAGES BELOW.]

I do have one problem, for which help would be appreciated – in biblical terms, that is.  The above refers to slander within the Kirk, but what about one’s own family – when Scripture commands us to care for our own clan (1 Timothy 5:4 and 8).  Perhaps the procedures apropos slander do not apply within one’s own family, where the overriding concern is caring for members.

Sadly divorce is an area that produces slander – though it need not.

Among the worst kind of enemy is the one who should be among the nearest, dearest, and most loving members of one’s family.

All this demands reactions at a Church, and at a personal, level.  In extreme cases, God has to step in – as with Ananias and Sapphira, in Acts 5.  We should always show common courtesies to enemies, I think.

 

As noted, a full list of Scriptures looking at Slander is found well below.  Some of the synonyms are interesting: to rail, defame, and give abuse (social and verbal).

One of the saddest comments I heard on pastoring, was apropos a very sick lady: little help was on offer, and anger was shown to the family, when an outsider notified the church of a specific need.  The family’s comment was: “Out of sight: out of mind!”  Fortunately, some church members and a friend, acted to redress the problems.

Beware the Heavenly Barrister, and the Heavenly Angelic Armies.

FEAR GOD!

This leads to another question: is there any kind of Church we would not join?  Looking at local fellowships, I can see failings in all – so I recommend that we inevitably need to attend an imperfect Kirk – as an imperfect person.  We may observe: wrong behaviour, evil folk not disciplined, weak and poor leadership which fails to discipline, LGBTQ issues in:  leadership/Congregation/Denomination, preaching by inappropriate people, those I find it impossible to have fellowship with – on biblical grounds, no opening for service, and shown disrespect.  How does this add-up?

 I find comfort apropos churchmanship from “Anglican Unscripted” on the YouTube facility. Gavin was an Anglican Bishop, shortlisted for higher positions, but resigned 29.AUG.2018.  A local RC Cardinal said, “We need you here.”  He took this as a “Macedonian Call”, and became a Roman on 22.DEC.2019.  He does not think much of Pope Francis, and obviously does not agree with all their doctrines. 

I cannot totally sympathize with the beliefs and practices of any of our local churches, but finding good fellowship, and an opening for service a plus.  What do you think?

 

A strange problem is anger: people who claim they are showing the "anger of God".

^{Galatians 5:19-21} The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage (anger, RSV), selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

^{1 Corinthians 13:5} 1 Corinthians 13:5 It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered (NIV)

^{Ephesians 4:26} “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.

 ^{Ephesians 4:31} Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

^{Colossians 3:8-10} But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

^{James 1:19-20} My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

I wonder if slander can be non-verbal: an attitude of despising from a position of arrogance and self-righteousness – an inverted snobbery born of inferiority.  Harmful actions would identify this.  

Christian Concern (see website) can give legal help in the UK.

^{2 Corinthians 11:12-15} And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.   ¹³ For such men [and women] are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

I keep this passage mounted on my work desk, as an encouragement.

When a friend was reported to be seriously ill, I phoned the Minister – rather than the household.  She refused to give any details.  My first thought was: This is not the Church I joined many years ago.  There was a fear of litigation: not unknown in that particular Church.  Then I realized this was not new; the Corinthian Ekklesia had been rife with litigation.  She could have been helpful and asked the permission of the family.

TWO SCRIPTURES ARE WELL-WORTH NOTING

The churches in question will no doubt delight in quoting the first; but they do well to listen to the second, which is more apposite.

^{1 John 2:19} They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

^{1 Thessalonians 2:14-16} For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, ¹⁵ who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, ¹⁶ hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.

FALSE TEACHERS, ANOTHER KIND OF ENEMY IN THE CHURCH, AND WHAT WE MUST DO ABOUT THEM

This requires wisdom and balance, because we will rarely agree with everything taught around us in the Church; but some subjects are clearly marked as important, in Scripture.  St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London, UK, is a congregation which has faced-up to serious issues in the London Diocese, and I have found the teaching, hard work, and courage of the Rector William Taylor a great help (Summer 2019).

Unavoidable avoidance

So here is another form of hostility: false belief and teaching.
Here is a list; how serious do you view them?

1. Do not believe there is such a person as Satan
2. Most of the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in the New Testament are not for today's Church
3. An eternal Hell (Gehenna), is a fiction
4. Same Sex Marriage is in order
5. Full sex education from the age of 4 years
6. Ladies teaching doctrine to male members of the Church
7. Women not wearing hats at prayer
8. Theistic Evolution – God used Evolution as a means of the original Creation of life
9. Modalism – not admitting the three Persons of the Godhead (but saying there is One Person wearing three different hats)

RELEVANT SCRIPTURES

Jesus’s warning: Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  Matthew 7:15

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Matthew 10:16

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.  Luke 10:13    

The Holy Spirit through Paul, Jesus’s Apostle:

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Acts 20:29 – to the Ephesian Elders.

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.  Romans 16:17-18

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 love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the 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.  2 Timothy 3:1-5

The Holy Spirit through Peter, Jesus’s apostle:     

2 Peter chapter 2

¹ But there were also false prophets among the people (Israel in the Wilderness), just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

² Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. ³ In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

⁴ For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; ⁵ if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; ⁶ if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; ⁷ and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men ⁸ (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) — ⁹ if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. ¹⁰ This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; ¹¹ yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. ¹² But these men (and women) blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. ¹³ They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. ¹⁴ With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! ¹⁵ They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. ¹⁶ But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. ¹⁷ These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. ¹⁸ For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. ²⁰ If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. ²¹ It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. ²² Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

The Holy Spirit through one of the inner three of Jesus’s Apostles, John:

^{1 John 2:26-27} I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. ²⁷ As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

^{1 John 3:7-10} Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. ⁸ He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. ⁹ No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. ¹⁰ This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

^{1 John 4:1-6} Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ^:2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. ⁴ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

^{2 John 7-11} Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. ⁸ Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. ⁹ Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. ¹¹ Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.

^{3 John 9-11} I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. ¹⁰ So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. ¹¹ Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

The Messiah’s Step Brother and Apostle, Jude

A major part of the Letter: verses 3 – 23

³ Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.

They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

[GOD PUNISHES THOSE WHO ARE: WICKED ACCORDING TO HIS RULES]

⁵ Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. ⁶ And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.

⁷ In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. ⁸ In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.

⁹ But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

¹⁰ Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them. ¹¹ Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. ¹² These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. ¹³ They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. ¹⁴ Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones ¹⁵ to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” ¹⁶ These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. ¹⁸ They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” ¹⁹ These are the men who divided you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

²⁰ But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. ²¹ Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. ²² Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³ snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

 ^{2:2-13 ff} I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

⁶ But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

¹⁴ Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. ¹⁵ Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. ¹⁶ Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

²⁰ Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. ²¹ I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. ²² So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. ²³ I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. ²⁴ Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): ²⁵ only hold on to what you have until I come.

^{Rev 3:1 ff}  These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. ² Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. ³ Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

⁹ I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

¹⁰ Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

¹¹ I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

                                                                 ********

SUFFERING

A recorded Bible study, some years ago, came at a time, which provided apt illustrations, and insights, some of which are still valuable.

Two passages of Scripture, which are crucial to our understanding here, are Psalm 119 and its comments on suffering, and affliction – some attribute it to Daniel the Prophet; and the Book of Job.

PASSAGES IN PSALM 119

Verses

⁵⁰ My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise preserves my life.

There is comfort and deliverance in the promises of God

⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

Suffering corrects our lives by bringing us into obedience

⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

Affliction enhances the learning process

⁷⁵ I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,

and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

It accords totally with God’s faithfulness towards us

⁹² If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

Loving the Word of God brings salvation in suffering

¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much;

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

God’s promises offer us salvation

¹⁴³ Trouble and distress have come upon me,

but your commands are my delight.

Our loyalty to God’s word should not waver

¹⁵³ Look upon my suffering and deliver me,

for I have not forgotten your law.

Our memory should be rich in the word of God

THE BOOK OF JOB

Even within the whole landscape of Scripture, Job’s sufferings were massive.

The Book of Job is set out in an orderly way: rather like a play with recognisable scenes and speeches.  It may well be the oldest part of the Bible, and, in my opinion, holds its own with the famous, highly developed pieces of ancient literature still extant.  It can be an entertaining book, when well read aloud.

The most important statement is that God was pleased with Job, and as today, was able to trust Job with suffering.  This brought glory to God, and reward, honour and development to the saint.

Job 1:2  “This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.”

Job 1:8  Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Job 2:3  Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

Job 1:20-22  At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship ²¹ and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

may the name of the LORD be praised.”

²² In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 23:10-12  But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

¹¹ My feet have closely followed his steps;

I have kept to his way without turning aside.

¹² I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

He had been highly respected, realistic about himself, altruistic, holy, wise, just, and stood against the oppression of the vulnerable.

See if your suffering is on Job’s list:

o        He was unclear about God’s plan for

o        the Devil was his enemy

o        from being the richest person in the area, he lost all his farm animals and his slaves (assets and work force - his business collapsed)

o        his ten grown-up children were killed in an accident

o        he was struck down with an overwhelming illness, which he thought was terminal

o        had no sympathy from his wife

o        was covered in sores and was unrecognisable from a distance

o        bad breath made his wife and household servants avoid him

o        his “friends” gave him complex, ill-informed, and critical arguments, along with false advice and false hope – blamed and accused him, but gave not an iota of truthful, accurate encouragement, and constantly required defensive arguments from him

o        although he had hope in a Redeemer, knew he was not forsaken by God or receiving punishment for sin, and looked for the physical resurrection of his body; death still filled his vision

o        a typically “bi-polar” condition: he suffered depression, felt that everybody was against him, and talked at considerable length

o        was mocked, taunted, and cruelly treated by the wicked around him

o        lived in fear

o        suffered agoraphobia

o        lost all dignity

o        family and friends stayed away

o        children showed their despising reaction

o        he saw that his critics were placing themselves in great danger of divine justice

Ernst Kris wrote: “We have come to view psychological conflict not only as an unavoidable necessity to personal development, but also – within limits – as an essential ingredient and incentive.” (‘Psychoanalytical Explorations in Art’, 1953, Allen and Unwin, London)

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

We must differentiate between suffering within the Kingdom, and of those outside.

Hardship entered the Human Condition at the Fall and its consequences, in the experience of Adam and Eve; and for God’s People, it will only end with our life on Earth.  For those who choose to remain outside God’s care, there is a serious vulnerability, which is only mitigated, if God overrules in His great mercy, on Earth.  Satan is a nasty, vile, and powerful enemy.

The reading of the whole of the Bible will reveal more of the subject than I am able to give.

Suffering in the World is often the main plank of the Atheist’s argument: how can a loving God, who is all-powerful, and all knowing, allow suffering and disaster to hurt us?  We need to read the small print.  In theory only, there could be a choice:

[A] God overrules totally in our lives.  An angel kicks us out of bed at 7.30 am, ordering us to church, compelling us to place several hundred pounds in the collection, forbidding us to go to the pub to get drunk, preventing drunken partying with our friends, many of our questionable possessions are found in the bin, a hand over the mouth to stop us insulting or swearing; and so-on.

[B] God gives us the freedom and responsibilities, compatible with being made in the Image of God.  We can ask for His grace and help, or decline.  Only with this freedom can my love for God, and obedience, be revealed.

My neighbours would be horrified at the first: therefore they should appreciate the second!

 

REASONS FOR SUFFERING

[1]  When people become Disciples of Christ, they buy-in to being persecuted by the enemies of the Kingdom.

Matthew 5:10-12  Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….

The enemies of God's true people often have the lives of children to answer for?
1 Samuel 22:18-19 King Saul then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.
19 He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.

Acts 8:1-4 And Saul, later known as Paul the apostle, was there, giving approval to Stephen's death.
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Psalm 79:1 ff

2 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.  God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.

Philippians 2:25-30 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs … you heard he was ill.  Indeed he was ill, and almost died.  Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:18  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,

2 Timothy 1:11-12  And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.  That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

2 Timothy 2:3-4  Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

2 Timothy 2:8-10  Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 3:10-12  You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.  In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted….

Hebrews 12:2-3  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  [This must be our attitude as Disciples.]

The eschatological prophets, Daniel and John, suffered the impact of the process of receiving revelations.  (Daniel 10:16b-18)

Most Believers can testify to suffering for the Gospel: in family, at work, in Christian service, and in a neighbourhood; like the Lord Jesus – for the joy that was set before Him.  We would be told about this, hopefully, when we became Believers.

I remember a keen Christian sixth former, who was the obvious choice for Head Boy, being rejected because of his faith.  He later became a university lecturer, and then received a rewarding position in the Civil Service.

In Heaven, we shall be most envious of the Martyrs.

In 2014, the Church in the Middle East saw massive and grotesque suffering at the hands of the Islamic State (IS) jihadists.  Children were decapitated in front of their parents, or cut in two!  Huge suffering was caused in the name of their false religion.  In my own country, Britain, the sixteenth century saw the cruel reign of Queen Mary Tudor – known as Bloody Mary.  Three hundred Protestant Christians were burnt to death: all walks of life and age groups – a baby born at the stake was thrown into the flames.  False religion of Atheism has no claim to immunity.  One thing stood out: God’s provision of grace.  With courage and great rejoicing many saw beyond death to future glory with Christ.  “When they heard the death sentence, the martyrs joyfully gave thanks to God.”  Count Noailles, the French Ambassador wrote about John Rogers, an eminent Christian and the first martyr of Queen Mary’s reign, going to his death: “as if he had been led to a wedding” - in a sense, he was.  ("The Martyrs of Mary Tudor", Andrew Atherstone, Day One Publications, 2005.)

^{Nehemiah 8:10} Nehemiah said, “… This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

^{John 10:10} The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

A very knowledgeable friend wrote in December 2014:

This year the big news in the media has been about the advance of the darkness and destruction of ISIS. My past experience tells me that the Lord will use this to bring many out of Islam into the light of Jesus. I am reminded of the era when Khomini brought destruction to his people back in the early 80's. Many Shia Muslims fled the country. Today more than half of those immigrants are following Christ as their Savior while enjoying the freedom in the West.

Here we see the contrast between false religion, and Christ – the true and good shepherd. 

[2] We must ask the question sometimes: Am I suffering because God is speaking to me about moral failure: as God has defined morality, and not as humans. or Satan have implied?

[3] Is God taking His peace from us, because we are straying out of His will?

[4] Is it a case of Satan tempting, or attacking us?

[5] Have I shown a lack of care, and balance, in my life pattern?

[6] Job’s position: proving God’s grace in our lives, as a witness to angels and men.

[7] Is suffering being used to teach, and develop me, as a Disciple of Christ?  Perhaps to keep us humble.

^{Romans 5:2 b-5} And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope.

⁵ And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

[8] We may require God’s loving chastening, or disciplining – a proof that we are His child.

Hebrews 12:5-11  And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?  If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!  Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

I appear to be a bit blind on this, at the moment.

[9] Our suffering may be a means of qualifying us to comfort others in times of trial. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

[10] It could be a kind of guidance to bring us into a place where God wants us to serve Him.  A policeman found himself in hospital with an injured back: he was witnessed to and became a Christian, and met his future wife!  God may want you laid-up so you will come back to spending more time in prayer and in His Word.  To give us much needed rest – that is my excuse.  Think of Paul the apostle, put in prison: suffering for Christ, witnessing to the elite guard, and writing our letters of the New Testament.  Similarly, John Bunyan and his book “Pilgrim’s Progress”.  Martin Lüther: imprisoned by his friends to save his life – he translated the New Testament into German, and formulated the national language.  We may need to recognise our growing old.

[11] Illness may be given so that in my healing, God will be glorified – you cannot have a victory without a battle. 

John 9:2-3  His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.

James 5:13-16  Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

[12] We may need to confess some past sin or waywardness.

[13] Is it related to occult, or unclean spirit, activity?

[14] It may be the approach to our "promotion to glory" (death)

AIR TRAVEL [a parable about death]

As the aircraft was returning from the Mediterranean, he felt that they were starting to lose height – just after crossing the English Channel and the South Coast.  The landscape below became clearer.  There was some discomfort: his ears hurt and then popped (because of the increase in air pressure), there were bumps and bangs as the flaps were adjusted and the undercarriage lowered.  If the approach to Manchester Airport was over the Cheshire Plain, it could be a smooth descent, but coming in over the Derbyshire hills, and with strong winds, it would be disconcerting for a short time.  Actually touching down might mean a sudden movement and a bump or two.  Even taxiing-in is unnerving.

There are two things I have not told you.  This is a private aircraft: the Boss will meet him at a special place, with a chauffeur-driven car, and take him straight to his home.

Secondly, remember, this is a parable.

There are two impressive, definitive, and very readable, books on suffering in the Christian life, by an eminent friend from many years ago:

“Braving the Storm” (2007), and

“Storm Force, Winning the battle for the mind” (2009)

by Eric Gaudion, published by Authentic, Milton Keynes.

This sets a benchmark for suffering in the spiritual life.

A lesson from Gold and Silversmithing

How does a flat sheet of metal become the beautiful shape of a chalice, or bowl?

The sheet is cut out with sharp sheers, heated gently to soften it, placed in an acid bath to remove the oxides, washed, taken to a block of hardwood with a bowl shape in the top, and beaten with a mallet to approach the desired shape.  Again it is annealed – heated and the acid bath treatment.  Now comes the long process of planishing: placing on specially selected steel stakes, and hammered with blows using a steel hammer – each blow overlapping those next to it.  Finally, after high temperature and dropping into cold water to temper the metal, there is buffing on a revolving polisher, and polishing with lesser abrasives to obtain the finished shine.

2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

We do well to note Scriptures, which contain processes of help.

Matthew 11:29-30  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.”

1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

The following eminent passage shows how Jesus Himself would suffer, and how He offers to us, in some form, the lifting of our burden. 

[I carry a copy of this chapter with me – I am still trying to learn it by heart – and show it to people I meet, saying: “This is one of the most important passages ever written.”  And explaining why.]

Isaiah 53

² He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

³ He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God,

smitten by him, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

And who can speak of his descendants?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

…and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

¹¹ After the suffering of his soul,

and be satisfied;

…and he will bear their iniquities.

¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

SINGLENESS

Being single can be an experience of extreme suffering and uncertainty in the lives of many Christians.  It is a very personal issue, and the Church must work harder at supporting.  Our Witnessing and Bible Study group (most in their early twenties) was like a line of dominoes: one fellow fell for a girl, who fell for another chap, who fell for another female, and so on!  It did marvels for their prayer life, and things sorted out in the end, quite miraculously.

Here are my general thoughts:

1. As a new Believer, my initial ideal was to follow the Lord Jesus in celibacy – along with Paul the apostle.
2. There came a time, whilst on a preaching tour in Ireland with friends, that the Holy Spirit spoke to me most clearly that I was not called to singleness – it was as though the Holy Spirit withdrew His presence from me until I came to terms with my real calling.
3. Being led to the right person to marry was not an easy time, but nevertheless God’s guidance was most clear.

1 Corinthians chapter 7 gives much of the teaching on these concerns.  I have an article, elsewhere in my Blog, on “Guidance”.

 

 

SUFFERING AND ITS CAUSES, OUTSIDE THE KINGDOM OF GOD

In the pagan cultures there is little prayer for families to be protected.  If a tragedy occurs, my non-Christian neighbours would be the first to blame God.

I was teaching in a school in Leeds, when the Aberfan Disaster took place (Friday, 21 October, 1966).  A boy went home, collected a spade, and hitchhiked to South Wales, to see what he could do.  People would say, at that time, “Where is God?”  Human incompetence on the part of office holders was blamed at the enquiry.

Experts in the field point out that modern technology can often predict disasters; but it is a human characteristic to ignore such warnings.

In some cultures, suffering is inherent in the belief and practice system.

In a community of headhunters, women who were pregnant or lactating, were told they should not eat green vegetables because of evil spirits; always they were doing one or the other.  This produced chronic anaemic pneumonia, which caused death within twelve hours.  This was a major disaster among ladies and girls between the ages of 15 and 45.  This was within an Animistic, Pre-literary culture.

From the same missionary source: in part of Sarawak, for 100 days a year, for 5 days at a time, people were drunk; hence their babies were left to die.  This cause a death rate higher than the birth rate – the tribe was being wiped out.

Within our own culture, it is noted that the unbiblical practice of required celibacy for Church leaders in the Roman Church is related to wicked immorality, particularly against children.  The New Testament requires Church leaders to be married with children.

Practising male homosexuals are being advised by the BMA, to have the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination to reduce the risk of anal cancer.  In a letter from the BMA to the Health Minister: “The increasing incidence of HPV and development of anal lesions in gay men, particularly HIV positive gay men, is alarming.” (Viewed 24 January 2013, Christian Concern)

A Consultant in this field, took early retirement because of his shock at the consequences of this practice.

“Save The Children”, a charity of good repute, has campaigned for mothers to breast feed from the start, in order to save millions of lives.  In contrast, multinationals offer products, which ultimately are harmful, and some localities enforce dangerous customs – feeding babies coffee, in Mexico.

Tragic events will happen, for which we as humans have no explanation; only in Heaven will we learn.

One of our great concerns is for the Suffering Church, across the World.  Here are two of the many organisations committed to helping:
Barnabas Fund
9 Priory Row, Coventry, CV1 5EX, UK
024 7623 1923
+44 24 7623 1923
info@barnabasfund.org

Open Doors UK
PO Box 6
Witney
OX29 6WG
UK
www.opendoors.org

 

 ONENESS

That is the oneness of all Believers – the unity of Christ’s "Body", the Church

As young Christians in the 1950’s, many of us learned verses of Scripture following the Billy Graham services.  These can be viewed on my Blog Site: “Bible – its authority”.

Compare these quotations:

^{Psalm 37:23,24} The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: 

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

On a recent occasion, checking for revision, I found the mistake: I had omitted an important clause.

So often I reckoned that God was never pleased with me.  To discover that He delights in me was a wonderful revelation.

Also in the Minor Prophets:

^{Zephaniah 3:17} The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Listen!  Do you hear Him singing over you?

Steve Clifford, General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance UK, writes:

I've come to the conclusion that there is a quiet revolution going on in the UK Church. It's under the radar and it's easily missed, but from where I sit it's profoundly significant and carries all the hallmarks of God at work.

This fundamental change is being outworked at both a national and local level. It's impacting on how we see ourselves as a Christian community … . For many of us we have come to the realisation that we, above every other point of our identity, have been included in on this amazing family of God, the body of Christ, with the privilege of praying to "our Father in heaven". This revelation means that other labels -denominational, network, cultural, ethnic differences, or theological affiliations - are secondary.

When someone asks me which church I belong to: the answer should be, “Is there another one?”  

Why place these titles together?  Apart from logistical reasons, the six subjects are related, don’t you think?

If all the denominations joined together in a covenant, would that be the answer?  They would not do it, and it would not solve the problem, anyway!  Some argue very persuasively, that the Church of Christ IS ONE, and it cannot be altered; in a sense there is truth in this.  The World, outside the Church, may not see it to be a scientifically observable fact, however.  I would argue that it is the responsibility of all of us to make it a reality in our own hearts: whatever others do!

In actual fact, I could not agree fully with any local church (six denominations) - their practice and doctrine.  As we say: if you find the perfect church, don't join it; you would spoil it!  But I must attend somewhere: preferably close to the ideal, and where I can serve.  Even in one denomination there can be shades of confession.  An African Christian said that tribalism was present here in Methodism.

What do the Scriptures say, and why is it important?

There are two well-known passages in this context.

PSALM 133

A song of ascents. Of David.            

¹ How good and pleasant it is

when brothers live together in unity!

² It is like precious oil poured on the head,

running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard,

down upon the collar of his robes.

³ It is as if the dew of Hermon

were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the LORD bestows his blessing,

even life forevermore.

[This Psalm is one of the eleven I know by heart, and recite to myself, whilst waiting at the bus stop, or during any waiting times, when reading my “New Testament and Psalms” is not easy.]

Who finds this unity “good and pleasant”?  God does; but so do all those who have been invited, and have accepted the invitation, to be God’s people.  If unity is good: disunity is evil!

Then there are the two analogies: the glorious anointing of the High Priest, with the sacred oil; and the huge mountain’s dew, falling on the small Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

Finally, God’s similar generous blessing: depicted in the all-embracing title of “life for evermore”.  This is blessing indeed: salvation, revival, awakening, and sanctification – the whole great work of God on Earth.

 

JOHN 17:20-23

Jesus Prays for All Believers

“My prayer is not for them (the current disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Immediately before Gethsemane and The Crucifixion, the unity of His followers was our Lord’s chief concern!

I used three separate sermons in preaching on this important theme, but here I make these salient points.

^{1Corinthians 10:16-17} … is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?  Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

^{Ephesians 4:1-6} As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 

[We confess the oneness of Christ's Church - in the Communion Service.]

1. I saw it work in the university Christian Union, where we agreed to keep our denominations secret, and not discuss them; we saw revival.

2. In reading the New Testament again, and using a study guide such as “Nave’s Topical Bible”, or a Concordance looking at key subjects and important words, you could study this subject further!

I recommend my friend John Isherwood’s fine book, on Unity in Church History: 

"Digging out the Embedded Church"

http://www.maranathacommunity.org.uk/pdf/A-History-of-Christian-Unity-%28print%29.pdf

It has been translated into Russian and German, and is referred to on 10,000 websites; and has had one million visits.

In this book John makes reference to Richard Baxter (1615-1691):  "The Church of England was an episcopal church but Baxter's view of episcopacy was radical; there was to be no over-lording of the church by bishops, their authority was to be exercised through a council of pastors.  He saw much of what denominations held dear, including a belief in apostolic succession, created division, not unity in the Church.  His definition of what was needed to be a church member of any denomination was a personal repentance and a Trinitarian faith." Page 77

At HTB Focus 2015, the following illustration was given during a Q and A time:
Two brothers may disagree; but they never stop being close relatives - indeed, brothers.  So it is in the Church: we may have disagreements and denominations, but we are still ONE, through our origin.




20 REASONS WHY I SHOULD GO TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY

1. God commands it: "... not staying away from our meetings, as some do...." (Hebrews 10v25 NEB)

(I now realize that there can be various reasonable, inevitable causes which interfere with our desire to comply: health, work schedules, economics, geographical, incarceration for the Gospel, conditions in local congregations and their leadership – heresy, or antagonism, and so on.   We may need innovative methods of having fellowship!   There is a whole movement in the Church called “Fresh Expressions”.)

 Pam wisely placed this paragraph at the end.

2. To experience worship on Earth; a token of worship in Heaven.

3. I enjoy karaoke.

4. To hear God speak to me through others.

5. To be taught more about the Way.

6. As a witness to my neighbours, who see me leave for church early and hurrying – not like most Jehovah’s Witnesses, who invariably walk slowly.

7. As God's witness to the heavenly beings.

8. As proof of my seriousness - not being lukewarm.

9. To receive the needed help others can give.

10. To give the help only I can give to others.

11. To have life placed in perspective and re-orientated (Psalms 5, 84): to formulate the week.

12. To experience the most joyful part of worship: the Collection. (2 Corinthians 9v7)

13. To put my shoulder to the strength of corporate prayer.

14. To keep in touch with the life of the Church - hopefully.

15. To find out how my friends are.

16. To have communion with Christ and His people at the Lord's Table.

17. To hear the reading of the infallible Word of God.

18. To give and receive prophecies, encouragement and healing.

19. To tell others my joys and sorrows.

20. Because I'm the Minister.

St iPod 2

SLANDER, in various parts of speech in the NIV, with AV equivalents AV …

^{Leviticus 19:16} “ ‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.

“ ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.  AV talebearer

^{Deuteronomy 22:14} and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity.” AV occasions of speech against

^{Deuteronomy 22:17} Now he has slandered her and said, ‘I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.’ But here is the proof of my daughter’s virginity.” Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town. AV occasions of speech against

^{2 Samuel 19:27} And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you. AV …

^{Psalm 15:3} and has no slander on his tongue,

who does his neighbor no wrong

and casts no slur on his fellowman.   AV backbiteth

^{Psalm 31:13} For I hear the slander of many;

there is terror on every side;

they conspire against me

and plot to take my life.  AV …

^{Psalm 35:15} But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;

attackers gathered against me when I was unaware.

They slandered me without ceasing. AV did tear

^{Psalm 38:20} Those who repay my good with evil

slander me when I pursue what is good.  AV …

^{Psalm 41:6} Whenever one comes to see me,

he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;

then he goes out and spreads it abroad.  AV iniquity

^{Psalm 50:20} You speak continually against your brother

and slander your own mother’s son.  AV slanderest

^{[kept silence]}

^{Psalm 54:5} Let evil recoil on those who slander me;

in your faithfulness destroy them.  AV mine enemies

^{Psalm 59:10} my loving God.

God will go before me

and will let me gloat over those who slander me.  AV mine enemies

^{Psalm 101:5} Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,

him will I put to silence;

whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,

him will I not endure. AV slandereth

^{Psalm 119:23} Though rulers sit together and slander me,

your servant will meditate on your decrees.  AV speak against

^{Proverbs 10:18} He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,

and whoever spreads slander is a fool.  AV …

^{Proverbs 30:10} “Do not slander a servant to his master,

or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.  AV curse

^{Jeremiah 6:28} They are all hardened rebels,

going about to slander.

They are bronze and iron;

they all act corruptly.  AV …

^{Jeremiah 9:4} “Beware of your friends;

do not trust your brothers.

For every brother is a deceiver,

and every friend a slanderer. AV slanders

^{Ezekiel 36:3} Therefore prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because they ravaged and hounded you from every side so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations and the object of people’s malicious talk and slander.  AV are an infamy

^{Matthew 15:19} For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.  AV blasphemies

^{Mark 7:22} greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  AV blasphemy

^{Romans 3:8} Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved. AV…

^{1 Corinthians 4:13} when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. AV defamed

^{1 Corinthians 5:11} But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. AV railer

^{2 Corinthians 12:20} For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.  AV backbitings

^{Ephesians 4:31} Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  AV evil speaking

^{Colossians 3:8} But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  AV blasphemy

^{1 Timothy 5:14} So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.  AV speak reproachfully

^{1 Timothy 6:1} All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. AV blasphemed

^{Titus 3:2} to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.  AV to speak evil

^{James 4:11} Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.  AV speak not evil

^{1 Peter 2:1} Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.  AV all evil speaking

^{1 Peter 3:16} keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  AV falsely accuse

^{2 Peter 2:10} This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.

Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings.  AV speak evil of

^{Jude 1:8} In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.  AV speak evil of

^{Revelation 2:9} I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  AV blasphemy

^{Revelation 13:6} He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven.  AV blaspheme his name

Slander is evil, and puts us in bad company, including Satan and the Antichrist.  It is associated with the Synagogue of Satan – one of the characteristics, of which, is to promote it.  The blasphemy is sometimes against people, and the Gospel.  There are 37 occurrences in the NIV (Zondervan Pradis software), and 10 in the Authorized Version (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).

BOLDNESS

Boldness was prayed for by the early Church in the Book of Acts, and commended in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs; let us not be lacking this in our witness.

^{Acts 4:29} Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

^{Proverbs 28:1} The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but

the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Also to be noted are:

 

Courageous

 

^{Deuteronomy 31:6} Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua1:6-7,9 and 18; 10:25

 

^{Joshua 1:7} Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

^{Joshua 10:25} Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”

 

1 Chronicles 22:13, 28:20

2 Chronicles 26:17; 32:7

 

^{1Chronicles 22:13} Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

 

Courage

 

2Samuel 7:21; 1Chronicles 17:25; 2 Chronicles 15:8, 19:11; Ezra 7:28, 10:4; Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50; Acts 4:13, 23:11, 27:22, 27:25; 1 Corinthians 16:13, Philippians 1:20; Hebrews 3:6

 

^{Acts 4:13} When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

 

When God called Ezekiel to prophethood, He required Ezekiel to be faithful and tough. But there was warning of hostility. Ezekiel 2:6-21

 

 

 

The danger of the opposite

 

^{Revelation 21:8} But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

 

 

 

 

VICTORY AND THANKSGIVING

(Using the Zondervan study notes on CD-Rom – edited, Nave’s Topical Bible)

There can be no victories without an enemy, and a battle.

When I worked with my good friend Rev Dr Daniel Mwailu, we agreed often, that: Victory is not negotiable!

I have linked Victory with thanksgiving, because they are associated in my mind:

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Of God it is said: You are good, and what you do is good.  Psalm 119:68 a
[This is the backbone of victory.]

If you are waiting to fall asleep, at night, why not think through the day gone by, and give thanks to GOD for everything.

THREE KEY VERSES

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:37

Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Corinthians 2:14

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

DETAILED AREAS OF VICTORY

Warfare of Saints

Not after the flesh 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

³ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.

⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ..

It is a good warfare 1 Timothy 1:18-19

¹⁸ Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,

¹⁹ holding on to faith and a good conscience..

Called the good fight of faith

1 Timothy 6:12-16

¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ In the sight of God - who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴ to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Against the devil

^{Genesis 3:15} And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

^{Ephesians 6:12} For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

^{2 Corinthians 2:11} In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

^{James 4:7} Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

^{1 Peter 5:8} Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Temptation

^{1 Corinthians 10:13} No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Enemies

^{Psalm 38:19} Many are those who are my vigorous enemies;

those who hate me without reason are numerous.

²⁰ Those who repay my good with evil

slander me when I pursue what is good.

²¹ O LORD, do not forsake me;

be not far from me, O my God.

²² Come quickly to help me,

O Lord my Savior.

^{Psalm 56:2} My slanderers pursue me all day long;

many are attacking me in their pride.

³ When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

⁴ In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man do to me?

The World

^{John 16:33} “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

^{1 John 5:4} for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

^{1 John 5:5} Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Death

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15

With faith and with a good conscience

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.

1 Timothy 1:18-19

With steadfastness in the faith

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

(Do everything in love.)

1 Corinthians 16:13, (14)

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:23

THE END OF THE STORY

^{Revelation 20:10, 14} And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

^{Revelation 22:3-5} No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

⁵ There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

THE FRUIT OF THE GOSPEL IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

Rev George Crowder (Church Society) made a study in the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles chapter 14 – which describes part of the First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas.

This indicates what we can expect by way of success:

Staying for a long time in a toxic situation is gospel fruit, v.3. 

Preaching [witnessing] boldly is gospel fruit, v.3. 

Teaching against false religion is gospel fruit, v.15. 

Faithfulness under fire is gospel fruit, vv.19-20. 

Winning a large number of disciples is gospel fruit, v.21. 

A strengthened church is gospel fruit, v.22. 

Patient, hopeful endurance is gospel fruit, v.22. 

Rising up leaders is gospel fruit, v.23. 

God’s grace is active in all of these things.