Numbered with the Eleven

Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Word never stops amazing me. How could it? What a deep channel to think upon, that we will never know everything about God and there will always be more to explore.

I love to try to picture in my mind the scene in Ezekiel 1. Gods angels circling the mercy seat examining the oracles of God. and Chapter 2 where Ezekiel receives his commission and goes on to do the great things that are recorded.

A more obscure view that is very worth examining is that of Matthias in the book of Acts. Matthias is mentioned in verses 23 and 26. Nowhere else is he mentioned. But God saw him worthy to be an Apostle.

The Old Testament is full of people and their life stories, however the New Testament is full of the Story of Christ and we see bits and pieces of the other people. Paul plays a major role in the New Testament mostly for his writings but Matthias was worth mentioning.

This brings up an interesting point that hits home with me, "if Matthias is worth mentioning, am I worth mentioning too?". Would God mention me in His book? Not only was Matthias called to fill a very important position but the lot fell upon him. Proverbs 16:33 tells us "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord".

In other words luck does not exist. Giving of gifts is what we observe here. While Matthias was given the gift of being called to be an apostle the responsibility was taken away from Joseph surnamed Justus. This makes me ask the question: are there Godly men and women upon whose laps the lot has fallen and they have not yet responded? And I must carefully answer "Yes".

Matthew 20:16b tells us "...for many be called, but few chosen".

God wants to promote people and only He can do it. Psalm 75:6,7 read "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

So what are the qualifications? What must I do for God to recognize me?

The prophet Isaiah was told these words and so many others. God told him in 66:2 "For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

God told Matthias some holy word by the casting of the lot and it was known among men. Part of it rests upon the man and part of the responsibility rests on God. Election is a two vote process; God has cast his vote for you, now you must cast your vote with God for yourself. If you will agree with God then He will walk with you and you with Him in one accord. Amos 3:3 should serve as a strong indication of our need for Gods direction in what we choose to do. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

As Mattias was called to be an Apostle, each Christian is called to some place of ministry. Matthias probably witnessed the salvation of many souls under his ministry and if we will seek God in prayer and fasting He will surely dispose some righteous call to service into our laps.

I believe that everyone is called to be a prayer warrior, if we read our bible before we pray then our prayer will be inline with Gods Word and He will come along side us, take our hands, help our words and establish our thoughts. Then we will be two walking together in agreement.
By reading the bible before praying we take up Gods concerns and hear what God would say to us. Many have neglected Gods call and served their own selves, prayer is a perfect starting point for a saved person. Action comes next.

With the lot that has fallen into your lap, what will you do?

July 4th 2007 Patriotic Preaching

This was a fun project. Myself and 6 other men took 8 minute spots to preach on 1 subject of Liberty. My subject was The Adventure of Liberty. It was great to get back into the history books and learn more about how independence was won! Freedom for a country is a lot like Freedom for a Christian; it must be won. Fortunately our Freedom was won on the cross and our Liberty is bought and paid for. The adventure is that we have the option of taking other people with us to heaven through Christs finished work and our individual due diligence. Watch, Pray, Stand Fast, and be Vigilant because in this battle God is the only shield who will protect us.

Why read the King James Version?

..or any other version for that matter?

This is in response to an email I recieved from a local "church planter". Which appears to actually be a cult.



Well I love my King James Bible however the english language does not contain many elements that other languages do. German, Arabic, Greek, Hebrew etc. all have words that assume Diety such as the word: righteousness; mans is filthy while Gods is Holy. In light of much continual degrading in languages I deeply respect King James Version and read it 100% of the time however often consult other translations i.e. NLT NIV NASB GNT HOT and since the Word was written in Hebrew Aramaic and Greek, basing a church on "King James Only" would completely lack much substance especially in light that there are hundreds of archaic and uncommon words found in KJV as well as the english language as a whole essentially lacking acknowledgment of Deity. There are a lot of good translations in many languages and I believe that "King James Only" doctrine is an ideology at best and an opening for much deception and damnation at worst.

And, Which Bible "I find true" is irrelevant, because God is His Word and truly the heavenly language is undefiled and no tongue of man is undefiled except by the blood of Jesus according to Gods Bible which I find easiest to read in english and trust most the KJV but resolve not to exalt anything but Christ! Furthermore "truth" is non-subjective and without change, therefore considering archaic language, lack of linguistic elements in english, and any elements I may have omitted: Much reference, study, prayer, translations; should all be employed among other important elements; as the KJV can be twisted by whomever and doctrinalized by men and devils as can anything.

Because it is written by the loved apostle II Peter 2:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies......." And considering all of the information; King James Only theology isn't taught in scripture at all.

Other warnings include
Jude 4, Matthew 24:23 (a few among hundreds)

And for King James to be "historys only Biblical culprit" is ungodly and would leave billions of people without a bible. King James did not "create ideology" he simply charged the execution of the project and oversaw the assembly of translators. And I don't know of Jesus "uttering words" however I see the words of Christ spoken boldly full of grace and truth. That "God... spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" Heb 1:1 pp. making those Words of old valid and true as are the words "...spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Heb 1:2 pp.

The King James isn't a culprit for heresy; it has been reviewed by thousands maybe even millions of scholars and ultimately God is Sovereign and abides by His word. Just because a person does not like conviction and Righteousness by Gods command does not make a translation of the Bible to blame, as if a translation were an agressor. Was man made for work or was work made for man? In this world many would answer that man was made for work, but Gods word is given to man by Himself to change man to His likeness through the revealed and complete revelation of Jesus Christ. God is completely inerrant and that my friend will never change. And an inanimate object having no volition can not be an agressor against man as these are simply objects and tools to be employed by man.

In conclusion KJV is a widely trusted translation and God moves in my life and so many others according to the KJV literally read as it is literally written. Without change is God and He has never changed nor will He. In spite of the abounding of iniquity, Grace abounds much more. King James is fine having withstood the test of time (400 years) and thankfully God has much to reveal to His people in this life as they "study to show thyself approved" and even greater God has an eternity of oracles to examine. Principals and religion do not equal Godliness, however having a personal relationship with Christ Jesus the Risen Lord is Godliness in His Supreme Love. Finally, Christianity is an unselfish creed (biblical, kjv etc) and every other religion at its core is; self-serving.

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Book report 12-18-07



Introduction:

The basic overall theme of The Pursuit of God is; that God has paved the way for man to come unto Himself however man has the responsibility of responding to God and utilize that given way.
Tozer delves into: Christ’s finished work of redeeming sinful man, man’s need for complete humility and need to realize his dependence upon God, the old testament picture of Christ opening the way to Gods throne room portrayed in the veil and how man must by faith step into the “…holiest by the blood of Jesus” Heb 10:19, the work of faith and how man enters in by faith by realizing that spiritual things are reality and truth, the sins and hindrances that man allows and can reject from ones life by “looking unto Jesus” Heb 12:2 and being changed by the Word, and two ways that God presents himself to man 1. The manifest presence of God and 2. The omnipresence of God both of which are clearly explained and of course both instrumental, the difference between the written word and the spoken word of God, the doctrines of redemption, propitiation, and reconciliation are discussed and show the different sides of Christ’s work as it pertains to God, man, and satan and the world. And finally to finish this work he explains the complete life of a Christian and how we should totally glorify God in all that we do; nicely expanded and citing 1st Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”







Summary:

Chapter 1.
Man has a spiritual hunger that is given to him by God because of his justification which comes by faith in Christ.
Man is only capable of pursuing God by what desires God has put within man. God not only having a personality is a person and therefore is capable of being chased after or pursues. Therefore pursuing God can be examined and compared alongside social pursuit I.e. pursuing a wife, friend, family members and many human relationships. God appeals to our hearts and minds because He has feelings and thoughts. God is prologue to man and our communion with Him is based upon the foundation He has already layed. Searching (pursuing) Him is an endless journey because He is infinite yet still personal and majestic, thus complex yet practically inconceivable outside of divine knowledge of Himself, that which God also places within as the apostle Paul points to in Philippians 3:8-10.
Worship and pursuit of Christ is simple and has been complexly wrapped in ritual and earthly things “…programs, methods, organizations…” as well as complacency. Thus the need to seek a more basic understanding of who God is rather than what God does for man or what man can do for God, rather a better understanding is simply found in Philippians 3:10 (pp That I may know Him), and this most basic and foundational truth points to the fact as stated on p19 “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one.”
To completely pursue is to have full knowledge and communion and brings great joy and thanksgiving to him who is in pursuit of his Lord.

Chapter 2.
Man has a history of turning to objects as a source of satisfaction when the true place of satisfaction is at rest in Jesus Christ.
The blessedness of possessing nothing goes back to an early creation account and shows how sin blinds man and turns him toward idolatry. The foolish hearts of men are pulled towards things and material possession. However with the newness of life or regeneration Christians should be hotly interested in possessing God who is eternal rather that any temporal gift. Poor in this sense (Matthew 5:3) actually refers to a person who is detached from earthly belongings and yearns for God. Realizing the destitute state of oneself and this present world gives the believer a more clear perception of how great it is to be with our Savior and as our hearts and minds are set more upon the cross the less we are in love with material gain because we seek to “win Christ“. God has not withheld much from man and truly men have access to much possession; gold, silver, hills, cattle and the fullness of the earth, however all of it belongs to the Lord and He will do with it as He sees fit. Owning things isn’t evil but worshiping those things is evil by its very rejection of God and by placing a created item above the Creator.
Coming to God without hesitation or reservation is a right that we are permitted. However humility is key in our pursuit of God, because He is attracted to contrition and those who seek to know Him as they realize their own complete lack of any ability, sinful nature and need for Gods almighty favor as he shines upon us life.


Chapter 3.
In Old Testament times the Holy of Holies is where the ark of the covenant was placed in the temple and where God placed his manifest presence on earth. The high priest in those days was allowed to enter in only once a year to the innermost chamber (Holy of Holies), this was allowed only after deep purging and sanctity unto God. The whole area and the whole man were prepared for Gods manifest presence.
Tozer explains that by the blood of Jesus we are granted continual access to God and His manifest presence, however many believers are caught up in the trap of holding onto the deeper and more hidden sins, those sins that keep one from truly experiencing Gods manifest presence, the option is to only in in Gods omnipresence which is compared to living a Christian life in the outer court of the temple and never really entering in unto the holiest.
These more subtle since include: self love, self confidence, parts of the fallen nature that are undealt with and unsubmitted areas in the hearts and minds. Parts of the sin-nature that the believer has yet to bring to the cross or must bring back to the cross.
Ultimately as stated on p43 “We must bring our self sins to the cross for judgment.” Because truly we have been granted total access, anytime with boldness to enter into the holiness of God and truly have deep fellowship with the Savior, and by self service the old mans nature is to stop that communion through sin. The work of the cross is painful and the shedding of sin and self tax our minds deeply, however freedom from these is truly glorious as we can be continually bathed in Gods Word and His manifest presence comes with much comfort. The reward is far greater than the sacrifice.

Chapter 4.
Knowing God in theory alone is idealistic and whether from the scripture (bible) or some other source this kind of knowledge is incomplete at best.
Experiencing God with a right knowledge is essential however incomplete, in order to truly know Him intimacy is involved. Believing in Christ is a point of introduction and the start of a relationship. Seeing Him work in our daily lives is a matter of seeing the Words found in the Bible carried out by Him after salvation. This requires not just introduction and occasional communion but constant spiritual engaging. Reality (defined as that which is true without observatory conclusion) and reckoning play a major role in the believers life. Everything spiritual is reality, as much or more than what we see physically. A division between spiritual and reality does not exist. Spiritual things are real. Reckoning is to count upon and has to do with ones imagination. So reckoning in that which is spiritual in a Godly sense is the act of believing in reality. Seeing God for who He is and who His word defines him as would be a more simple way to state this. Since the mind tends to reckon and think in pictures it should be noted that a very unregenerate perspective will naturally separate spiritual from real. This is not the case.
A true perspective is that spiritual is reality and truth and that seeing Gods light shine upon us is seeing Him and putting the perspective of Him in right order puts our faith in Him in right order.

Chapter 5.
God is everywhere at all times. He stands outside of the parameters of creation, time, space and is able to universally be everywhere yet remains unrestricted by location and
Remains separate in being from object and created things.
Gods transcendence automatically places an inrefutable gap between Him and His creation. No matter how close something seems to Him it is separated by His Divine Deity. Yet He is in all places at all times equally (perfectly) and does not rely on boundaries as we created beings know them. Even angels are limited by spiritual boundaries similar as humans are “(Job 1:7 1st Peter 5:8 Satan is always seen as being in motion)”. God however created these limitations and exists outside of them while still being completely everywhere at all times. A more simple way to view this is that all things are contained by God therefore nothing and nobody can hide from Him. Understanding the universal presence of God is essential to having victory over sin, love for him, obedience and cooperation. But coming to Him shouldn’t be thought of in spatial terms. Rather coming to him must be done in cleanness of conscience or biblically stated as “Spirit and Truth” this kind of pursuit is what gets men close to the Creator. God of course is close to us at all times however it is mans responsibility to respond and reach back out to pursue.

Chapter 6. , 7.
The speaking voice of God really coincides with the written word however has greater weight unto men because of His living presence being attached to it.
The difference between the written word and the spoken word is that the spoken word has Gods life attached to it. The Holy spirit speaks by the words written in the bible in relation to believers and in immutable. While the written word in itself is lifeless and in need of a life giver. While the word is being read by a Christian it is needed to have Gods voice accompany them so one may hear. Hearing often requires waiting. Seeing is also important to listening to Gods spoken voice.
Looking has to do with the element of faith and “looking unto Jesus” Heb 12:2. Faith is noted all over the bible for its function and outcomes however is never defined. It can be simply understood as “looking”.
The act of having faith is exercising spiritual foresight based on fact and is a continual series of actions taken toward God on each believers part. Believing God and listening to His spoken voice are acts of faith resulting in Him changing our lives as we continue to pursue him. Numbers 21:4-9 is a great picture of Christ from the Old Testament. The children of Israel looked upon the serpent and were made whole just as we look unto Jesus we are made whole. This depicts that looking is believing the same way that faith can not really be explained in its very function but always produces a more clear picture of God when we believe on Him according to the word.

Chapter 8.
Mans relationship to God, the world and sin are forever changed upon salvation.
God now views man as acceptable and capable of having fellowship with Him, while man should abhor sin and place Godly things as priority over earthly things.
Before the fall man had no experience with anything that was not of God and there wasn’t any barrier to hinder a right relationship between us. However since the fall of man we must have a restored relationship and continually be renewed. A right relationship requires a whole change in sinful man towards God. The blood of Jesus satisfies Gods judgment of man and the holy spirit works in mans heart and mind continually to assist in
a right perspective of who God is. Man can not have a right view of God without reconciliation, God can not accept sinful man without the propitiation of Christ Jesus which satisfies Him, and the world has no more grasp on those who have been bought away from it by the redeemer.
Experientially man is changed continually into Christ’s image and this all takes place beyond our initial introduction to Christ. It is a process that is ongoing and we have the ability to help speed up the change that happens within us or to slow it down. Responding to God, His call to purity, holiness and desires is the fastest track to where God wants us to be. This is a matter of complete submission to His will and volunteering ourselves as sacrifices to whatever He wants. Any Christian has the ability and option to respond to God in this way although it seems that very few actually do. It is a high form of honor and exaltation to surrender ones life for Christian service and actually much easier a burden than being a slave to sin. Tozer writes (pp) that sin comes with a hard taskmaster however Christ’s is a gentle and loving master and if we live sinfully we commit ourselves as servants to sin and thus to a hard taskmaster. It is much simpler to live submitted to God and His ways therefore being free from the bondages of darkness.
So truly the path to freedom is living a complete submitted life to Christ “hurling” oneself at the cross and seeking only Gods honor.


Chapter 9.
The beatitudes (Matthew 5) often portray the opposite of what humans do. Men often operate in; pride, pleasure, arrogance, self indulgence, and many evil qualities. Christ’s words were opposite and portray the qualities that believers should have and express.
These qualities describe one who has true meekness and rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Rest is not something that we do rather is something we stop doing. And meekness is an inward peace caused by right relationship with God and a holy understanding of ones true needs and lack of care for how men view you. Meekness is the only escape from what Tozer cites as a mentally decaying burden. Men sinfully desire to feel a sense of superiority over others and tend to live in constant fear that they will meet another person who will have experienced something greater or own something better while meekness doesn’t care for the fashions of life rather the ways of God are His priority and this is freedom. Meekness is the only escape from what Tozer cites as a mentally decaying burden.

Chapter 10.
A right standard of Christian living is that one does all things unto the Lord.
Making a division of life into sacred and secular is a great hindrance to believers. Everything a person does can be done to glorify God. Though church, prayer, bible reading and “spiritual activities” tend to be restful and “spiritual” all of our daily activities should be made or viewed as spiritual also. Christ took on a body “and never once performed a non sacred act” so believers can do everything with Him in mind and heart and do everything in a way that glorifies God. Paul talks about eating and drinking in the text I Corinthians 10:31 and shows how basic spirituality can be. This kind of “sacramental” living is a practice and Christians should do it and become accustomed to fellowshipping with God as we do all things. Unlike Old Testament times we no longer wash vessels and such before making an offering but we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and ourselves are an offering to God as we learn His holiness. While tasks are not equally important they can be equally sanctified and accepted by God. Christians should strive to do everything to Gods glory.


Conclusion:
In each chapter Tozer follows a basic “God did/Man can do” format and expresses the points with extreme clarity and ease of reading. The doctrines of sanctification, propitiation, justification, reconciliation and redemption (among others) are peppered throughout the book and truly gave me a better insight of some very key factors: Understanding the opposite actions and attitudes of the beattitudes is very helpful, and the explanation of being poor in spirit has proved helpful in right prayerfulness. I would say that overall this book has changed my Christian life in doctrine and practice (for the better) and has given me a broader perspective of what is happening in the work of Grace.
My opinion is that this is a must read for any Christian and a timeless masterpiece that addresses modern struggles in Christianity that will exist far into the future.

Media Today and the Church Today

"For men shall be lovers of their own selves,..."II Timothy 3:2a





A time ahead or present to the Apostle Paul and the Church was spoken of, and this is such a timely and prophetic word.

Amazingly prophecy as it is written in the Bible is often misrepresented before, during and after the very fulfillment. How though, could a statement such as read in this passage be misused?

My sole objective here is to examine possibilities and probabilities of false teaching and teachers and I encourage you the reader to closely examine the scriptures, the teachings you've heard, and allow the Bible to dictate sound doctrine regardless of mans opinion. We'll go for the very heart of lies by projecting the truth. First off this preface should lay a foundation for our understanding of what the Bible fundamentally is and what it fundamentally teaches when literally interpreted within proper respect to context. Be encouraged to look up difficult or archaic words at http://www.webster.com for your own understanding.

Now let's jump to it!


Corrupt financial gain is very obvious in so many people today however there is a much more subtle corruption that is in the churches. Outward seducers observed in II Kings 21:9 a king by the name of Manaseh appear to be easily discerned. But, the element of deception is often ignored. Taking a look at II Timothy 3:13 "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." We see the deceiver being deceived, waxing worse and worse, sin upon sin; that sounds like {deeply rooted wickedness} and that is how the Bible literally reads.





Outward confession of "christ" or "jesus" does not always represent inward belief. Shallow men claiming to be ministers have sought and gained access to many avenues infiltrating churches and homes. Look at II Timothy 4:6. I use lowercase christ and jesus to speak of impersonators.

Did Jesus say "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect." in Mark 13:22 for any other reason? Is it possible to seduce the elect? Yes, read on!

To understand "deceiving the elect" it is important to understand the simple definition:
Lets talk about election for a moment: Man is explained completely in Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" Gods Holiness and Saving power are explained completely in Romans 3:21 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; v22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: v23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."


On election we see in these verses 3 aspects of the Bible:


1. Gods Holy nature (righteousness)


2. Mans utter fallen state (depravity i.e. all have sinned)


3. Gods plan to purchase man from sins wage through Christ Jesus (redemption i.e. without the law)


These 3 aspects of the Bible are regarded by theologians to be what the Bible is written about. And are often referred to as "The three major themes of the Bible". The three major themes of the bible are key to this study and I believe important for every believer to know.


Simply stated:
How simple the gospel of peace is, that even a child can easily understand he has done wickedly, God is opposite of wicked (holy, righteous etc.) and I need God the Son to forgive me by His death, burial and ressurection. This work has been completed on the Cross. Gods chosen way to forgive men and buy us back from the sin wages is amazingly simple.



Moving on from basic theology lets take time to examine one more thing before moving into some timely analysis. II Peter 2:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."


Let us really ask God to shine light on this part of the verse containing the word "privily" meaning privately, subtly , cunningly, and devisively. Keep that in mind as we study the following which has been written due to my own concern with false teaching in a church I attended for some time. Now let's see how all of this information is so useful.

Media Today and the Church Today

by Shane Cameron

The media undermines the existance of God by its rapid share of information including much speculation portrayed as absolute fact coming from ungodly sources around the world. The prince of the power of the air (satan) must work hard to limit and control any Godliness being transmitted over airwaves. Having strong, explicit, constant references to sex, sexual intercourse, and sensuality makes media very attractive/alluring and prepares the mind and heart to be ever defiled by its ever tarnishing wickedness and competitive nature.

Constant media is available via. print, radio, television, electronic devices, and propaganda spread by individual persons speaking on media and its behalf. The only avoidance is much Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and complete separation to solitude with God.

A moral Christian will be attacked by sensuality and mind defiling propaganda disguised as the word of God. Morality in its purest form is the word of God; mixed with the human element: morality and Godliness is spoken by Jesus Christ through his preachers empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The most effective place to wreak havok in the church is from the pulpit and from the pastors office. A pastors involvement in media can only open portals of darkness and offers for strongholds if true biblical balance is not heavily practised and God be exalted always above godliness or Godliness. In other words, the Bible provides everything needed for man especially the pastor. Essentially Gods word is what He speaks by.

Congregations which seem to thrive are being rent at the seams with foolish doctrines spoken by cunning orators dressed in the clothing of falsehood. Keeping in mind that Satans prophets come as angels of light. Such orators men and women they are; speak vain words of wrath, malcontent, deceit and exalt every work of holiness above Him Who is Holy. Thou the doctrines sound so clearly wonderful and godly, filled with every work of darkness they are. So incredibly deceptive. Wicked orators stand before men and women spewing lies packaged in excuses clothes in what looks like the Love of Jesus, all the while the Bible tells us "...thou are inexcusable, o man." Romans 2:1. Plainly stated and as it stands in its text the words of the Bible need not an interpretation, assumption or any variance. Variableness, slackness and the like are not of God but the word is pure concerning all men and the Word of God is first pure.

Right Judgment

Who should count himself called to divide and judge the words coming over the pulpit or from a speaker? Acts 17:11 holds a valuable lesson for every Christian "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The Bereans heard the preaching and then went to the Holy Scriptures to make sure that the word they heard was in exact unison with the written Word found only in the bible.

Compare the Bereans to the Athenians Acts 11:20-21 who said, "For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these mean. v21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)" The Epicureans and Stoicks here in these verses were very superficial idolaters who were full of praise towards anything that sounded good at that time. Complete foolishness when compared to Gods Word and the Bible believing Bereans!

No wonder Paul in v22 stood on Mars Hill and said "...Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious." Too superstitious, that is a strong statement from the apostle Paul. I find it amazing that the translators picked up on that phrase "too superstitious", they must have been reckless and completely vain in every way.

Let's look at some elements in this text:

-people who are seeking knowledge

-people with a form of godliness but denying the power thereof

-people suffering from indecision because they love experiecing new doctrines

-and ultimatly; twofold children of hell

Pauls preaching in Athens resulted in people saying v32 "..We will hear thee again of this matter." and a few converts were reaped from Athens. Little fruit was harvested in such a pagan stronghold, this is what appears to be told in the text and is thought to be true by many theologians as well as there being few mentions of the church in Athens throughout the New Testament. However, of course some converts are better than no converts.

But realize that the Athenians appear to be very experience driven, having so many idols and inscriptions to false gods.

Comparing the Bereans and the Athenians with the words offered to the comers, are we not instructed already in I Peter 4:17 "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" Isn't it amazing and revealing that in this chapter v15 murderers, thieves, evil doers and busybodies are swiftly driven out and in v16 the Bible says no apology is ever needed for Godly Christianity. So a preacher of light should never apologize unless he is in error or teaching false doctrine and such an apology should be clearly stated with much repentance. Gods word is in need of no apology or excuse. For it is man who is inexcusable. This is clearly scriptural without apology nor confusion and the bible is clear on Gods purpose.

The inexcusable men behind Bibles who claim excusability by transparency, obedience, emptiness, authority, position, history, identity etc. and other subtle/explicit explanation proclaim and practise every work of darkness in their twisted apologies and self justification.
What does that mean? That means that if a preacher or any Christian claims themselves to be better than their brothers that person is in error.

Divine Justice is, Gods Bible plainly stated as it is plainly written and He is completely without sin and His book literally means what is literally written. The very person of God is complete and without sin and His word is complete and in no need of revision or assumption. Sin is universal among men and our dapravity goes so far that Christ reached to the ground, up the cross and to the bosom of Abraham and then to where He Gods Right Hand is properly placed at the Right Hand of the Father who is the Son, Jesus Christ.

Praying, practising, obeying is all works, but Gods perfect love casteth out fear. Let this be the recipe to a tree producing good fruit: Christ crucified. His ultimate sign and wonder so mighty and wonderful that mankind should never need another is Christ crucified and that is what we preach. Period.

Itching ears have found their ways onto ministers heads who have swerved unto vain janglings and are making shipwreck of Christians and their faith. Because a "preacher on television or video" is speaking a "fresh, new" doctrine that will cause a congregation to grow in numbers or maturity. We have done foolishly. Thank God for His redeeming love.

Obedience, fear, refining, power, fire or any such "fruit" of righteousness is never a reason to visit an altar. We aren't instructed to go to God for fruit but we are instructed to behold Him and He will make us fruitful just as a benifit. The God of Gods will never visit such wretched sinners seeking the fruitfulness... that is called "love of self". Seeking God is the only invitation a minister shall invite hearers to an altar for. Anything else is abominable and Antichrist by its very deed and deception. Only able to produce rotten fruit, much deception and backsliding. Remember the 3 themes in the Bible discussed above.

Such foolish and wicked attempts to define scripture based on experience, identity, position, history, knowledge of any external means, are exactly: false prophecy and unsound doctrine. Jude 12 and 13 call such preachers "clouds..without water and twice dead and trees whose fruit wither". I wonder if withering fruit is a sign of one being deceived.

Could a cloud possibly look fierce and never render a drop of rain? Can sin kill again an already dead sinner or apostate teacher? And can a tree be entierly bad from root-to-tip? Surely Hebrews 6:7,8 points to rain falling on fertile ground that brings forth herbs and ground that is nigh unto cursing.

False teachers are rampant and abundant in pulpits and have taken up masks in many forms of pupular meadia having found its way into pastors homes, offices, congregations, and even pulpits. Many have transgressed and become ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Those who were once rooted and grounded in love are being deceived and much of it is taking place by satanic angels dressed as preachers.

These wicked gnostic (greek: gnosis eng. intellectual knowledge ie. higher knowledge as in extra biblical) teachers are selling books and tapes by the millions to the born again Christians and are deceivedly working to strip the churches of anything that resembles salvation. All the while these teachers mention Jesus name just enough to wear the minds and persons God given faculties of discernment and right judgment down to nothing.

Evil imaginations, sensuality, filthy financial gain, power loving, lovers of self are some qualities that fill pulpits and have crept into churches and houses leading captive as many as they may and binding scores of Christs servants who once evangelized the gospel of peace.

Genealogies we are charged to avoid, repentance without Christ invites no good thing but leaves the doors open, the house swept and garnished for seven more wicked to enter and destroy

In Psalm 107:27-28 had the reeling staggering sailors caught in a storm chosen to call out to anything but YHWH our Most High God, they would have come up empty and devoid. Would they have possibly gotten results i.e. signs wonders? Possibly, however as a famous author once stated "desiring to rest in Abrahams bosom, you've found yourself in the lap of Delilah.." or something to that effect. In other words, seeking provision away from the Most High Name will always and only be worshipping at the altar of "ye know not what."

Deceptive teachers who use the bible must constantly draw from their own intellect and use worldly examples and pull the peoples attention away from the Bible with vain words, some of which are as follows: Listen, Are you following me, you need to understand, we can assume, look at me, hear what I'm about to say, sorry but I've never done this before etc. The deceiver must be cunning and much deceived himself to demand such participation from the audience.

We know that the word of God is literal truth and God absolutely means exactly what is written. No assumption or apology is needed to rightly divide the word of truth.

Excuse makers are wicked and useless, deceptive teachers believe their own lies.

Proverbs 1:11 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.

Heretics, apostates and deceivers are truly "false balances" prayer without Bible reading, fasting, fellowship, church attendance etc. will only result in confusion and that can be adjusted to explain any false balance. Let's look at an example: If black is one extreme and white is the opposite extreme and gray is a mixing of those extremes, then very dark gray compared to very light gray are not extremes however they are medial and if dark gray is presented as black it is as much of a lie as if light gray is presented as white. That is called "false extremes"

God is extremely Holy, while men are all equally bad off due to Adams sin. Men are not all equally bad and to say so would be an obvious lie. However the truth is that men are all facing the same eternity of judgment and hellfire because of one sin (commited by Adam of whom we are heirs) unless they each individually enter into redemption completed by Christ.

To avoid false balances requires only to realize the true extremes.

Grevious Wolves

Acts 20:29-30

For I know this, that after my departing shall grevious wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. v30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

This is a work in progress in will soon be added to. Thanks for reading

Please see www.gatecreepers.com to view some exposed media tactics in addition to the ones that I have borrow and posted here:

23 Tools To Brainwash and Influence People Through Media

Original article: [1]

‘’till at last the child’s mind is these suggestions, and the sum of the suggestions is the child’s mind. And not the child’s mind only. The adult’s mind too all his life long. The mind that judges and desires and decides made up of these suggestions. But all these suggestions are our suggestions!“ - Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

The opinions and behaviors of people and societies are easily swayed. Every decade, every year, every week, those who control mass media change the climates of human thought. New pop stars, fashions, and fads are paraded center stage and then exit stage left followed by floods of expendable cash, leaving the path of sordid garbage known as “popular culture” in its wake.

Now the power to rule the world and wag the cultural dog is at your fingertips. What follows are simple instructions, a manual, a playbook of sorts, some simple behavioral tools to influence and take advantage of the nervous systems of all your peers.

The 23 Tools:

1. The key to truly effective brainwashing is to work at people’s most fundamental awareness. Shape them at the neurological level so they develop the faculties to take your input and call it “thinking for myself.” Enable them to stop thinking.

2. Limit any and all faculties for self-awareness and self-sensing. Destroy instinct and intuition. Actively and endlessly encourage external awareness. Make people dependent on your external input for as many decisions as possible.

3. Speed up messages so that the pace and rhythm of information is disorienting and visually biased.

4. Condition people to being bombarded with hundreds of thousands of signals a day. Teach them to attend to this stream of information and to call it Reality. Never let them ask what “reality” is.

5. Framing is everything. Decide what you want people to believe and make sure that any choices you give them are within a framework which assures you of your result. This is called the Illusion of Choice. “Do you want to sweep the floor before or after dinner?” Repeat this formula for economic systems, politicians, news stories, competing product brands and entertainment.

6. Appeal to the lowest common denominator. Make sure that all shows model conflict resolution of people with an emotional and intellectual maturity no greater than that of a six year old. Make it funny so no one notices.

7. Keep people passive. Encourage the Couch Potato Alpha Wave Escape Plan as the healing elixir for all that ails.

8. Don’t make people think. Their days are hard enough as is. Bypass the need for opinion making by giving people ready-made opinions. Do it as though you don’t have a conscience – they are probably too stupid to make their own decisions anyway.

9. Ensure that there are no ongoing storylines with meaning or purpose beyond immediate sensory stimulation. Avoid universal themes as much as possible. Make absolutely certain there is no cultural, societal or global story or mythology present that conflicts with the myths of comfort and consumption.

10. Never encourage responsibility, or so much as suggest that humans could be involved in co-creating their future and the realities in which they reside.

11. Encourage group-sanctioned individuality only. By making ‘individuality” the new conformity you are generating a powerful illusion of free choice.

12. Sensationalize the superficial.

13. Keep information bytes infinitesimally small. Promote Attention Deficit Disorder. Several decades of television have already set this in motion.

14. Repetition is key. Repeat important messages as often as possible.

15. Repetition is key.

16. Repetition is key.

17. Bypass rationality by any means possible. People don’t need logic to accept information. Belief is emotional. Always remember: WAR=PEACE.

18. Remember –- two half-truths make up a whole truth.

19. Demonize self-knowledge technology of all kinds. Throw around words like “cult” and “brainwashing.” Marginalize anyone involved in such pursuits.

20. Keep old models of consciousness alive and well. If you can get away with referring to people’s states as being phlegmatic or sanguine instead of programmable and intentional, do it.

21. Keep people’s attention on what really matters. Emphasize what’s wrong as much as possible.

22. Always give the impression that Everything Is Under Control – but just barely so – hammer into the populace the idea that their greatest fear could strike at any moment.

23. Teach people that they are their thoughts and emotions. Reinforce this by teaching them to feel bad about their ideas, and to feel bad about feeling bad. Remember: Identify, identify, identify –- this will widen the empty void inside of them that only shopping can cure.

By sticking to these simple premises you should be able to produce entire societies capable of ending world hunger, but too selfish to care. You will be able to bring about massive consumer mindsets and buying habits so powerful that logic and reason become superfluous in making the sale. You will be the new face of media. Good luck!"

That is from Gatecreepers.com

I find the information highly informative, eye opening, and disturbing.

James 4:8

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

How far we continually are in danger of becoming from our God and how deeply the spirit of man desires to draw nigh unto him. How sweet it is to be close to the rock and the one who builded our foundation; solid rock. How easily we slip and how much I believe we must ask God in prayer to grant us his grace that we may continue to serve him for yet another day. He doesn't just come to those who draw nigh unto him but he comes like a great waterfall crashing down into the pool depths in need of recharging below. His love comes pouring down with such generosity and power as to smooth the sharp edges from the rocks at the bottom, much like he desires us to be smoothed and refined by the great love that comes in power continually. That we draw nigh unto him or be it likely our lack not be filled and we remain as jagged rocks at the bottom of a dry cliff because without God as our waterfall of perfecting and love no amount of our own efforts afford fining such as he sees fit, lest we be abandoned pools of lifelesness outside of our glorious Lord.

Thy "hands" are filthy from a days work and spotted from the lack of godly effort because we are warned "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength:..." (Ecclesiastes 10:10) thus as the iron lacks sharpness put oil on it before attempting to bring the dull edge to a cutting point and if the hands are spotted with worldly care let us wash them in water as we pick up Gods work. The idea is impetious and further explained to the latter. Of course we know we are sinners and let us realize Gods pure character and how far he has sent his Son to redeem our filthy hands, minds and bodies. Therefore the heart as it is not proverbial but rather simple we can look upon it as only the thoughts. Not thoughts only but the deep thoughts; thoughts as jagged edges at the very bottom of the riverbed pool where the water crashes with such power. Though the waterfalls force is slowed by existing water Gods pure love pours down into our mind (heart) with force adhering to nothing of hindrance but all is benevolent and subdue in his presence; strength unsurpassable and complete beyond imagination. Let every thought and deep misconception be rained upon by the proverbial waterfall of lovely mercy from the gracious abundant rivers of God Almighty above, on high in the mercy seat as we give to him every thought and work of our lives. Submitting our own lives down to the very pebble for his worthy purpose.

Galatians 2:20-21

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Upon confessing that one has sinned against God and professing Christ Jesus as ones savior our sin nature is suddenly rejected and completely overcome. The sin nature of man is so present and desireable to those who have never known Christ. Let us pray; Lord Jesus forgive again all sins against you and all wickedness we have done if you haven't before then enter us now and push us forward in prayer, preaching, and the fivefold ministry that thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Salvation is sweet, simple and gives so much to endear and that at first we are awestruck and enamored with His love. The sin nature is stomped out like a bad flame and our hearts desire is to never relight the fire of sin. The desire to not sin is a new one in that the old wants for the cares of this world are "crucified with Christ:" What sweet simplicity our savior gives us by his holiness working in us.

Even though we as born again Christians are still on this earth our Lord is the fantastic treasure in us. The apostle Paul writes that living by faith is essentially Christ living in us. If a believer is truly seeking he "who loved me, and gave himself for me." then sinning less will be the norm. Faithful Christian living exalts Christ Jesus the Risen Lord by exemplifying his name above any desire attached to the flesh and the mind. The flesh desires to be served like a lazy rich superstar and given its every desire including sinful ones, however the spirit is made alive to God and our minds become dead to Sin. Being a dead man walking doesn't feel right; infact it feels downright awful and completely filthy. Although being made alive is what our spirits have been crying out for. Our spirits would say "Alas, you have entered this wretched body and permanently reside within". Does anyone understand the extent of his own wretchedness and furthermore does anyone understand the complete holiness of the God who is our friend and even furthermore again does anyone understand the conflict of such wretched men being friends with such a holy God and our deep need for the Mediator who hung upon the tree?

Not realizing the depth of our need for God and the depth of our fallen sin nature will only result in great separation from his love and or great frustration. The law will convict the mind and heart of its wrongdoing. With so much media and noise going on in the world how can one expect to hear God speaking his law or his grace? In the home; the television, computer, iphone, text messages, commercials, radio; in the car; noise, traffic, commotion; at work; lists of demands, gossip, monotany, business; in bed; tossing and turning or sleeping in such cares of the burdens that this world has bestowed upon ones conscience clouding out the pure voice of the Lord. But Christ is not dead in vain. He liveth in me. His word cometh. His word changes the hearts and minds of men. We get on the proverbial scale of God and on the other side is the all-heavy weight of Gods perfection and holiness and on our side is the Lord Jesus Christ standing in our place taking full responsibility for our sin debt and our complete lack of anything perfect according to holiness.

These observations lead us to the fact that our lives are given so that "none shall perish" John 3:16. I ask the question "who will I allow to perish, and whose blood will I give account for"?
and I pray to answer "no one". But I can not save anyone so therefore if I continue to exemplify myself or feed the sin desires of the mind and flesh and neglect to ask God by his Word to change me and work the crucifiction in my life that Christ will have very little place in my life and I unknowingly will collect blood upon my hands continually and people will suffer in eternal hellfire for eternity. Christ should require that I give my life to His work and take liberty to allow His Word to penetrate all lives that can be touched through me. My daily life should consist of living unto Him by speaking his words to every person that I see and living in a loving manner. My personality is innefective if my actions are unholy. Our ideas and opinions are sinful if our minds are not continually renewed and our characters dealt with. Whet the edge with prayer. Prayer is Gods way of measuring our desire and discipline and changing our minds and hearts.

Let us take be changed by him, lest we "frustrate the grace of God.

The Saint's knowledge of Christ love by John Bunyan

The Saint's knowledge of Christs love which is based on Ephesians 3:17-19 is a
profound exposition intensively elaborating many views and much light given
to the author.

The first thirty or forty pages are very intense, well organized and effectual.
Subject matter ranges on many parts of the bible and remains clearly focused
on the theme that "Christs love... passeth all knowledge". Bunyan writes wonderful
illustration on the depth, height, breadth and width of the love of Christ; comparing
depth, the the Psalmist(s) speaking of falling to the lowest pit which seems endless; height, to
spiritual powers that attempt to overtake us ie. Goliath v. David; breadth, to sickness in body; and width to, sin spreading like leprosy. This book addresses the love of Christ covering and overcoming any of those "measures" and anything that can come against a Christian.

Honestly, I read about 1/3rd of this book and prayerfully decided to put it down; however would say that it is a 5 star reading to my knowledge.

Ephesians 3:19

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Knowledge can be a very detrimental and death working force if it is according to sin. Knowledge can also be the breath of life and longevity in all types of sufferings and trials.

Paul writes to the church at Ephesus "to know the love of Christ". The love of Christ is love that is completely beyond any human comprehension. This love as we see in verse 18 goes a measure beyond anything and everything all the way past sin, sickness, opression and depression. Those four things come against us as knowledge of evil and good and those difficulties desire to bind us up and make our Christian walks ineffective. But I want you "to know the love of Christ which passeth all knowledge" is such a powerful statement that shows the believer where to put his faith; in none other than Christ Jesus our risen Lord. That His love alone is the love that covers any sin, any sickness, any opression, any depression.

The book of Genesis 2:9 ends with "and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." and we know that in verse 17 God says "thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." And of course in chapter 3:6 "she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." and in verse 8 we see that "Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God...." What a sad tragic departure mankind has taken from the presence of the Lord God Almighty. We easily confess our sin and our sickness and our opression and our depression and these things confessed outside of Christs love worketh death. The confessing of good and evil without covering it with Gods truth is the most shameless and common sin we must all learn to overcome at some point in order to live a victorious Christian life and that other people may be drawn to Jesus by His Love. Simply by covering the knowledge of good and evil with our own solutions (v7fig leaves) or in our case just leaving Gods eternal truth out. So many have died from unbelief but we are called and corrected to 'know the love of Christ which passeth all knowledge". If we know His love we will confess it, the more we know it the more we will confess it. If my back hurts and I say that it hurts I should follow that knowledge with the love of Christ by saying "and He is the Lord who healeth me". Even though my back may not immediately feel better Gods words are loving and contain the only useful power. His love will cover my pain because the bible says He took our iniquities and bore our infirmities. That is right my infirmities are as washed away as my sins are forgiven and my sins are as forgiven as my enemies are defeated and my enemies are as defeated as my hiding from God or depression is overcome. With the Right hand of His righteousness who is Christ Jesus He reaches to the lowest of lows a measure beyond how far I have fallen and stands taller than my highest foe while He, Christ Jesus spreads over sin that seems to cover my entire being and all sickness is nothing in the sight and word of the Lord who is risen. Also my joy is fulfilled in Christs love and it is made complete, my mind is given to me of power and of love and of a sound mind, my body is completely restored and this I see with the faithful eyes as I embrace His love and every warm embrace he shed out on Calvary!

His glory is terriffic and lovely and his wonderful love passeth any and all knowledge. If I know His love then I will speak of it and I will speak His love over all my trouble, trial, struggle, sickness, sin, everything in life should be surpassed in my words and deeds by Christs love that His words will go before and after and inbetween mine. That the true Christian who is walking in the riches of his glory will see the much bigger picture and tread upon the high places of the earth. That no thing of earthly knowledge compares to the love in Him with whom we have to do that is the God Almighty Christ Jesus who we are in and He who is in us that we be seated and at rest in Jesus.

A space shuttle takes off and the ride is very bumpy and shaky. But once out of the atmosphere the astronauts just float around the cabin effortlessly. Much the same is Christs love that when we are in the atmosphere of His love we live, work and do His work effortlessly. We are entered into His love and his rest and that love is love that truly passeth all knowledge. And the bible says in v17 of Ephesians 3 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, " ... v19 And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. So let us not miss His love and let us be filled with all the fullness of God that we embrace Christs love and live it fully.

(source: The saints knowledge of Christs love, John Bunyan)

II Chronicles 5:11-14

These are some really powerful verses that God uses to keep me set apart for Himself. And some perspective that He gives me.

2 Chronicles 5:11-14

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place]: (for all the priests [that were] present were sanctified, [and] did not [then] wait by course: v12

Also the Levites [which were] the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, [being] arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) v13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD; v14

So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

Amazing how the house was "filled with a cloud". I don't put quotation marks there because this is no abstract statement. No, the house was literally filled with a cloud and that cloud is Gods very real presence.

Imagine going to a church service and as the music is playing, a thick mist fills the entire chapel or sanctuary. Then after the song service the preacher goes to stand up on the altar to preach the message; but he can't even stand up because the love of God is a powerful river flowing over and through everyone.

For so many of us these scriptures bear no weight because we can be held ignorant to the power and life God is. His power and liveliness are recorded in the Bible over and over. Sin covers our eyes from seeing the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father. Thank God that Jesus is the final sacrifice for all sin and His resurrection continually working in those who seek Him and confess their sins to Him.

The confessing of sins unto God through Jesus Christ is the most powerful step we can take into eternity knowing that Christ is Gods perfect Son. Confession is what the priests did to keep themselves "sanctified" (v11) Sanctify is simply to set apart or separate. In this case the priests were living their lives separate from the sin sick world and its idea0logy and paths. By these priests living sanctified unto Gods Holiness the entire house and congregation witnessed Gods amazing Spirit in a very tangible way. This same power is available to us today.

The ark of the covenant was brought into the newly constructed temple in earlier verses (v4-10) however I ask myself this: If the priests were not in good standing with God what would the outcome have been?

Truthfully the outcome could have been awful. These verses show the initial entering of the Ark of the Covenant into the newly constructed Zion Temple. A temple that still stands today and is the source of much contention amongst sects and cults. In 1 Samuel 6:19-21; A large number of men were killed by a plague for looking into the ark. They were simply curious and wanted to see for whatever reasons, however these in possession of the ark at that time were not sanctified unto God and aside from that were in sin as well as rejecting Gods covenant and command. These men were probably men of Israel thus Gods chosen people and they sinned against Him.
They died there and 1 Samuel v20 says ...Who is able to stand before this Holy Lord God?...

How powerful and lovely is the presence of the Holy God. I can't stand before Him and no other man can either. There has been given to me and for everyone a Mediator. The Son Jesus stands and covers me with His blood as my sins are confessed and I live apart/sanctified for Gods Will. Thus, I stand before this Holy Lord God with Jesus covering me inside and out. What amazing power that has been given to believers and is available.

The priests could have been smitten down that day in 2 Chronicles chapter 5 but we do not know because they were sanctified unto God. Every person on this earth also can be smitten down or killed any day at any time as our days are numbered and may be very few or even none. This is why it is important to live each day sanctified and to trust in the Lord Jesus for; not just the converting of our souls but also the transforming work from Him. Living sanctified comes from a continual transformation caused by Gods words entering us constantly and doing a continual washing in the minds, bodies and hearts of each believer. Being sanctified requires submitting ones time thought and effort unto the Lord completely.

May we each walk the words of 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."