Spiritual Warfare

If we want to be strong in the Lord, we must put on the whole armor of God. Our battle is not with people, but against evil forces of the unseen world. Therefore, our armor is spiritual.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

Our loins need a covering of truth. The loins are a place of reproduction. For spiritual reproduction, we need a covering of truth. The truth of one God and the gospel of our salvation is essential in our spiritual reproduction. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38)

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…" - Ephesians 6:14 KJV

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:6-7 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," - Ephesians 1:13 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

We must have the breastplate of righteousness protecting our heart and lungs.

"…and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" - Ephesians 6:14 KJV

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

It is by the gospel that we find peace with God, for He reconciled us back to Himself. It is by the gospel that we are able to stand. In order for us to stand our feet must be shod with the TRUE gospel.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" - Ephesians 6:15 KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…" - Colossians 1:20 KJV

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;" - 1 Corinthians 15:1 KJV

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." - Galatians 1:6-7 KJV

We must have faith and trust in God as our deliverer from ANY attack of the enemy. What fiery darts does our faith in God quench? Anger, grief, lust, fear, doubt, confusion, false accusations, guilt, jealousy, hate.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16 KJV

"And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." - 2 Samuel 22:2-3 KJV

By our repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, we have put on protection of our mind. It is by our mind that our body takes direction. We cannot survive without our mind. We cannot survive without salvation.

"And take the helmet of salvation…" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;" - Hebrews 2:1-3 KJV

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV

Just as Christ attacked the devil in his temptation with the word of God, so must we. We attack with the word as well as with the Spirit by praying in the spirit.

"…And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

"And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." - Luke 4:3-4 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

By putting on the whole armor of God we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) We may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)

We must be ready for battle.

While John the Baptist’s baptism is the baptism of repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ, the baptism of Jesus is a blood covenant.

Like John the Baptist’s baptism, repentance is the requirement before being baptized in Jesus name.

Repentance is being sorrowful for our sinful life and a turning away from sin to living for God. It is a change of mind.

We enter into the new covenant (testament) with Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name.

"For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." -Leviticus 17:11 KJV

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." - Hebrews 9:22 KJV

It is by Jesus’ death that He shed His blood for our sins. When we are baptized in Jesus name, we are baptized into His death. It is here that the blood of Jesus is applied to our life for the remission of our sins.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" - Romans 6:3 KJV

It is by the blood of Jesus that there is remission of sins. The blood of Jesus is carried by the name of Jesus. Remission of sins is through the name of Jesus because His name carries His blood. By Jesus name baptism, the blood of Jesus is applied to our life.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." - Acts 2:38 KJV

We receive remission of our sins by His blood when we are baptized in Jesus name.

"To him give all the prophets witness, that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever believeth in him shall receive REMISSION OF SINS." - Acts 10:43 KJV

"And that repentance and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

What is worth more than your soul? A better job? Friends? Material benefits? Better social status in the community?

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:31-32 KJV

The truth makes us free. The truth is a treasure we should cherish.

"Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:5-6 KJV

Jesus is the truth. It is by the Gospel that we find our way back Jesus. It is by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection – the Gospel – and by our obedience to the Gospel – repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receiving the gift of His Spirit, that we are reconciled back to Him. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-7, 2Corinthians 5:19, Colossians 1:20)

The truth makes us free. Jesus makes us free! His Spirit is a treasure to cherish. (2Corinthians 4:7)

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:16-18 KJV

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," - Ephesians 1:13 KJV

We must have a love for truth, the gospel of our salvation. It is by the truth – the Gospel of Jesus Christ – that we are saved. What will we give in exchange for the truth? What will we give in exchange for our soul?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16 KJV

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." - Romans 1:18-19 KJV

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." - Galatians 1:6-9 KJV

Jesus spoke to His disciples. He told them that to follow Him, they must obey His gospel. (Galatians 3:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:24-25, Galatians 6:14-15)

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." - Matthew 16:24-27 KJV

There is no profit, even to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.

Love the truth.

Jesus told of a man that had two sons.

The younger son went to his father and asked for his share of his inheritance. So his father divided his wealth, giving to him his half .

"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living [wild living]." - Luke 15:13 KJV

"And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him." - Luke 15:14-16 KJV

Fed up with the world of sin? When the son "came to himself" he realized true Life is found returning to his Father's house!

Jesus said,

"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." - John 6:35 KJV

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

“And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." - Luke 15:20-21 KJV

"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." - Luke 15:22-24 KJV

Jesus said,

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. ... Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." - Luke 15:7, 10 KJV

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" - John 11:25 KJV

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." - Luke 19:10 KJV

"It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." - Luke 15:32 KJV

Jesus is a loving Father ready to forgive. It's time to come home.

We are baptized in the name of the One crucified for us - Jesus Christ!! 

"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?  

"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." - 1 Corinthians 1:11-15 KJV 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

Faith

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." - Luke 17:5-6

Jesus told His disciples, a grain of mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, yet when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all herbs. (Mark 4:31-32)

When faith is sown in our heart, even if it is a tiny seed of faith, it will grow and become great faith.

We hear about Jesus. We believe. A tiny seed of faith is planted. We begin praying, thanking Jesus for another day of life. We ask Him for His help with the things of life we are going through. We see Jesus answering prayer after prayer. We see Him working miracles. We see His healing touch in our life. With each prayer answered, our faith grows.

Faith is essential to our relationship with God.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

We have faith in God. We believe the Creator of the universe stepped down into humanity, taking on the form of man, so that He could pay the price of our sins.

Through faith by believing, we are baptized in Jesus name, applying His blood to our life for the remission of our sins. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

Because of our faith, we believe God's promise, and receive the gift of His Spirit in us, the Holy Ghost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

Faith is the beginning. Faith grows. Faith takes us through trials, works miracles, and takes us places as God’s hands, feet, and mouthpiece. We live by faith. We walk by faith. We stand fast in faith. And faith keeps us to the day when we see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face.

What does it mean to be covetous, and what does the Bible say about it?

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor COVETOUS, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV [Capitalization my emphasis]

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." - 1 Timothy 6:10 KJV

Another translation:

"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." - 1 Timothy 6:6-10 NLT

The Bible says that covetousness is idolatry. God wants us to put Him first in our relationship with Him. He wants us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Idolatry enters in when we have a love for money, Jesus no longer being number one in our life.

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them." - Colossians 3:2-7 KJV

Another translation: “…Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” – Colossians 3:5b NLT

If we are dealing with covetousness, we have a hope through Jesus.

"And such WERE some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV

Through the power of the Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Jesus, we can overcome the temptations we face of putting money and possessions first in our life. We can keep our minds right by seeking Jesus and the kingdom of God instead of seeking money first in our life. There are so often costs to money that causes a person to compromise their morals and right living. 

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints... for this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." - Ephesians 5:3, 5 KJV

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: [Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have.] For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." - Hebrews 13:5 KJV

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

"What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" - Psalm 8:3-4 KJV

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" - 1 Peter 3:15 KJV

What is that hope?

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" - Colossians 1:26-27 KJV

When we receive Christ in us – which is His Spirit in us, the Holy Ghost – we have received the earnest of our inheritance. The Holy Ghost is our foretaste of heavenly glory.

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV

"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you," - 1 Peter 1:4 KJV

"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;" - Colossians 1:5 KJV

God purchased us with His own blood, redeeming us from sin, to be His very own beloved.

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" - Ephesians 1:6-7 KJV

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 KJV

We heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation. We repented of our sins, took on His name Jesus in water baptism, and He filled us with His holy Spirit of promise.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

This is the gospel. Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost when the church first began.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16 KJV

"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." - 2 Timothy 2:25-26 KJV

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Colossians 4:6 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:18-20 KJV

When we draw close to God, He will draw close to us. (James 4:8)

We draw close to Jesus by prayer – thanking Him for all He has done for us, from giving us breath, to giving food on our table, to meeting our needs. (Philippians 4:6)

He speaks to us when we read His word, the Bible. When we pray and ask the Lord for His will in our life, He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

We know that because of God’s mercy, we can always come to Him. If we have wandered from the Lord, we can return to Him and He will forgive us. (Acts 2:38-39, Isaiah 55:6-7, Psalms 145:8, James 4:10, Luke 15:24)

We draw close to God when we go to the House of God to worship, give thanks, pray, and hear the preaching of His word. (Titus 1:3, Hebrews 10:25)

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalms 122:1

When we are baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Holy Ghost we have put on Christ.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

We identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, and Spirit baptism by receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues as His Spirit speaks through us).

We become a new creature in Jesus. We have crucified and buried our old nature/old man of sin and have put on the new man, Christ Jesus. His Holy Spirit is in us. We walk in His Spirit.

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27 KJV

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:14 KJV

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:24 KJV

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 KJV

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:" - Colossians 2:6 KJV

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" - Colossians 1:26-28 KJV

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." - James 3:1 KJV

What is this verse saying?

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the word that is translated as “masters” in this verse as “of those who in the religious assemblies of Christians undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit.”

The word translated as “condemnation” means “judgement.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, specifically for James 3:1, “God’s judgment upon men.”

So what is this saying?

It is saying that those that hold a position of teaching in the church will be judged more strictly.

What do the next verses say?

The next eleven verses are speaking about the tongue. This is the warning: those that are in the position of teaching in the church must take the utmost control of their tongue.

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." - James 3:2 KJV

The word “perfect” in this verse, according to Vines, means “’complete,’ conveying the idea of goodness without necessary reference to maturity…”

Another translation of this verse says, “Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” (NLT)

What is James’ warning?

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." - James 3:6 KJV [“And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” - NLT]

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.

“My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

“Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh." - James 3:8-12 KJV

What did Paul mean when he said, I Die daily?

There is a misinterpretation of this verse.

 Some people say that Paul sinned every day so he needed to repent every day. This is diametrically opposed to the gospel Paul preached. In other words, totally false.

Paul was a preacher of the Gospel which teaches that we are to be dead to sin.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" - Romans 6:1-2 KJV

Paul further said,

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

We make a commitment to God when we enter a covenant with Him in baptism to be dead to sin and alive to God, walking in a new life in Christ.

Paul spoke of dying unto sin once, not every day.

"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:9-11 KJV

Rather, it appears the emphasis should be on walking daily in the Spirit.

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 KJV

So what was Paul talking about when he said, I die daily?

In the chapter this verse is found, Paul was speaking of the resurrection from the dead, and that there will be a resurrection day.

"Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? ... And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." - 1 Corinthians 15:12, 17-18 KJV

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept [those that were saved and have died are “asleep” in their grave]." - 1 Corinthians 15:20 KJV

 He then said,

"And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die." - 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 KJV

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says,

“…Oratorically, although the proper signification of the verb is retained…I meet death daily, live daily in danger of death, 1 Co. xv. 31, cf. 2 Co. vi. 9.”

This definition of the Greek words by Thayer are reflected in other translations of the verse, which say “I face death daily,” and another “every day I am in danger of death!”

The other verse that is mentioned as having the same meaning of the word is found in 2 Corinthians 6:9:

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; ... as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;" - 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, 9 KJV

There are words in the song, “Crimson Stream of Blood" that say, "When gloom and sadness whisper, ‘You’ve sinned—no use to pray,’ I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say: I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me."

The enemy will come to us to steal the spiritual blessings we have received, to kill us spiritually by trying to get us to give up and go back, and to destroy us. BUT God has given us His unfathomable MERCY by His BLOOD when we obeyed the Gospel and got baptized in JESUS name for the REMISSION of SINS!!!

Jesus said,

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." - John 10:10-11 KJV

"For this is my blood of the new testament [new covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"Now when they heard this [heard the Gospel Peter preached to them], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:37-38 KJV

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV

We have VICTORY IN JESUS! When our feet are shod with and stand in the Gospel, God has given us the shield of faith that we may quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked!

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:14-17 KJV

Thank you Jesus for your BLOOD!

Here are the words to the song, "Crimson Stream of Blood” by GT Haywood:

On Cal’vry’s hill of sorrow where sin’s demands were paid, and rays of hope for tomorrow across our path were laid.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Today no condemnation abides to turn away my soul from His salvation, He’s in my heart to stay.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

When gloom and sadness whisper, “You’ve sinned—no use to pray,” I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say:

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

And when we reach the portal where life forever reigns, the ransomed hosts’ grand final will be this glad refrain.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

What does the verse mean, “…To KNOW them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you”? (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

The definition of this word “know,” according to Thayer's Greek Lexicon, (which is specific for this one verse) is the following:

“Hebraistically, to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to: 1 Th. v. 12”

The next verse after this verse confirms this definition, “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV

Whom is this verse speaking of? It is speaking of pastors, the shepherds appointed by God to feed, lead, and guard the flock.

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. ... Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:17, 28 KJV

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." - 1 Timothy 5:17 KJV

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

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 KJV

What doctrine do the elders labour in, according to the Bible? To begin with, they labour in preaching the gospel.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:39-42, 47 KJV

Our battle is WON when our “enemy” - those that are being used by the devil to do evil – falls under conviction, is converted, and is saved to live for Jesus (Acts 2:38), JOINING the army of the Lord against the forces of evil.

How can we know God?

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:" - Jeremiah 31:31 KJV

This is a prophecy of Jeremiah speaking of the new covenant. This covenant would not be the covenant of the Law, written on tables of stone.

"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:" - Jeremiah 31:32 KJV

This new covenant would be the LORD’s law written in their hearts.

"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." - Jeremiah 31:33 KJV

This new covenant would be like the covenant of the Law in that it would also be a marriage covenant. While the covenant of the Law was a covenant of Divine Justice, this new covenant would be a covenant of Divine Mercy. It would bring forgiveness of sin, and for the first time since the Garden, the LORD would fill man with His Spirit. This new covenant would be an intimate relationship between God and His people.

"And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:34 KJV

The word “know” in this verse is the Hebrew word “yada.” One meaning of “yada” is, “dedicating ourselves to a person so we can engage them with our love and affection.”

Because baptism in Jesus name is a marriage covenant with the LORD, and because Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit as a promise for entering this covenant with Him, we can see how this is an intimate relationship between Jesus and His people. Those that are part of this new covenant truly know the LORD.

This new covenant began on the Day of Pentecost. The LORD poured out His Spirit on the believers that were gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 KJV

The Jews that were gathered from every nation for Pentecost, when they heard the preaching of the gospel by Peter, asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter preached to them how to enter the new covenant.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:40-42 KJV

When we were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, we were baptized into Jesus Christ and baptized into His death. We repented of our sins and became dead to sin.

What does it mean to be dead to sin?

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” - Romans 6:2

To be dead to sin means, “To become wholly alienated from a thing, and freed from all connection with it” {Thayer’s Greek Lexicon}

“True Christians are said simply as ‘you have died’, having put off all sensibility to worldly things that draw them away from God:” {Thayer’s}

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3 KJV

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:" - Romans 6:8 KJV

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." - Romans 6:17 KJV

What is that doctrine?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:22-23 KJV

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Think about Paul and Silas that were thrown in prison…

Paul knew from a vision that appeared to him in the night that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia. In the vision, there stood a man of Macedonia that prayed him saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us. (Acts 16:9-10)

Little did Paul and Silas know that God would allow them to go through a beating with many stripes, and being thrown into prison with their feet bound in stocks in order to accomplish their mission. (Acts 16:23-24)

This was how Paul and Silas’ path crossed the path of the man in the vision that cried, Come over into Macedonia and help us.

God answered Paul and Silas’ prayers from the inner prison, hearing them at midnight singing praises unto Him. God sent a great earthquake, shaking the foundations and setting all the prisoners free. AND setting up their meeting with the man in the vision from Macedonia! (Acts 16:25-26)

It was the keeper of the prison! 

When the keeper of the prison saw the great earthquake opened all the prison doors and that all the prisoners’ bands were loosed, he threw himself at the feet of Paul and Silas and cried, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:27-30)

The keeper of the prison would have taken his life, but Paul called out and said, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. That night not only was the prison keeper’s life saved… so was his soul! (Acts 16:27-28)

That night Paul and Silas were able to fulfill their mission and preach to the man in Paul’s vision in Macedonia, as well as preach to all his household. (Acts 16:31-32)

When the keeper of the prison and his household heard the Word of the Lord preached to them by Paul and Silas, they were all baptized in Jesus name, rejoicing and believing in God!! (Acts 16:31-34)

When we say, “Here I am Lord - use me!” are we ready to go through ANYTHING for Jesus?

Are we ready to go through what Paul and Silas went through to see their calling to preach the gospel to the man in Macedonia fulfilled?

Are we ready to praise the Lord no matter what we are going through like Paul and Silas did?

Are we ready to see signs and wonders like Paul and Silas saw, God sending a great earthquake to deliver them from their bonds?

Are we ready to see God’s mission accomplished?

Are you ready?

There are some that say we are forgiven by the blood of Jesus, but we do not need to be baptized in Jesus name to apply it – just have faith and believe in the blood.

What does the Bible say about the blood of Jesus?

The Bible compares Jesus to the Passover lamb. Both shed blood and brought salvation.

The LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron in the land of Egypt about the Passover lamb. He gave them detailed instructions. The people of Israel had been in cruel bondage to the Egyptians.

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." - Exodus 12:12

"Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever." - Exodus 12:21-24

"And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they." - Exodus 12:28

"And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle." - Exodus 12:29

In the New Testament, the Bible speaks of Moses and his obedience to the Lord’s commands the night of the Passover. Moses’ faith was coupled with obedience.

"Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." - Hebrews 11:28

It speaks of his faith, saying that through faith he “kept” the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood.

 Because Moses had faith and believed God, he obeyed Him, so that their firstborn would not be touched by the destroyer.

It was by the application of blood that their firstborn sons were saved from death. Faith in the blood and the application of the blood go hand in hand.

Through faith in God’s word, the people of Israel applied the blood of the lamb to their door posts. Through faith in God’s word, they stayed inside their house that had the covering of the lamb’s blood on the doors, and did not go out until the morning.

That night when the LORD passed though Egypt to bring death, He passed over the obedient people of Israel and none died – they were saved because they believed God and applied the blood of the lamb to their house.

The Bible says that Christ is our Passover that is sacrificed for us.

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7

Just as it took the application of blood on their houses on the night of Passover to save the firstborn Israelite from death, it takes the application of the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name upon our “house”, our bodies, to save our souls.

How can a person have faith and believe God that the blood applied to their house will save their firstborn and then not apply the blood??

They applied the blood of the lamb because they had faith in God’s word.

If the people of Israel had faith in the blood of the Passover lamb, but had not applied the blood to their house, they would have perished that night. (And if they had not applied the blood, it would be apparent that they did not have faith in the blood.)

Faith and belief must be coupled with obedience for salvation. When we have faith in the blood of Jesus, we apply His blood by baptism for the remission of our sins.

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

When Paul spoke of Jesus to the twelve men at Ephesus, they “believed on him”, and straight away were baptized in the name of Jesus. Because they believed on Jesus, they got baptized in Jesus name.

"Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. " - Acts 19:4-6

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." - Romans 6:17