Armor of God: How to Put on the Spiritual Gadgets

Armor of God: How to Put on the Spiritual Gadgets

Armor of God is a set of spiritual gadgets you put on to overcome the battle from the devil and his demonic forces. Many people do not want to experience any form of battle. They are pleased to accept Jesus Christ into their life as the Prince of Peace. But, it is written that every Christian must fight the devil.

This post will reveal the right spiritual gadgets to put on, and how to possess the armor of God for a permanent victory.

Ephesians chapter 6 verses 11 and 12 say: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

You need the armor of God to defeat the devil. And your peace would be sustained from earth into eternity. Is it true that you have a battle to fight?

Revelation chapter 12 verse 17 say: “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

There is no need to be afraid of the spiritual battle. Listen to the consolation of Jesus Christ to His followers: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Christians without the armor of God cannot enjoy the victory of the Lord. Such Christian suffers fiery battle that leads to lukewarm, depression, life threatening experience and so on.

What is the Armor of God?

Our God is not a magician and He respect His Word so much. He promised us peace and victory, but we have to abide by the rules related to spiritual warfare.

The best way to enjoy victory involves the use of all the following armor of God:

 

1. Belt of Truth

Always tell the truth in all circumstances. The attitude of righteousness would firmly hold your spiritual stand. You won’t fall when the enemies attempt to pull you down. If you put on this armor of God, then it would be impossible for the devil to lure you into a lukewarm lifestyle.

2. Shoe of Evangelism

Evangelism is the spread of the Good News. Jesus changed the practice of spending more time in the church services to spending more time in the public preaching.

Mark chapter 16 verse 15 says: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”

No spiritual traps can capture your feet when you share the Good News of Jesus to the people. Shoe of evangelism is an armor of God that you must put on every day.

3. Shield of Faith

Use the power of choice given to you by the Lord to believe in the Power of Jesus only. Christians that do not solely believe in the power of Jesus run after magic and materialism of false pastors/prophets. Use this armor of God (faith) to shield yourself.

It’s no more news that Satan is attacking the true children of God. But, when he throws his fiery arrows at you, use the Word of Faith to shield yourself. Your heart is a strong battle field. Thus, when the devil speaks some words of discouragement to you, reply him with the faithful word of God. So, reading the Bible daily with all seriousness is essential.

4. Helmet of Salvation

If you always put this armor of God on your head, then it will remind you of the power in the Blood of Jesus. And your consciousness in the salvation of Jesus will refresh you with His anointing. This would make it impossible for the devil to behead you spiritually.

The helmet of salvation will fit and secure your spiritual head when you renounce all forms of idolatry and debaucheries of this world.

Note: Your spiritual head is the powerhouse that controls your existence (including thoughts and decisions). If the head is exposed without a helmet, then easy access of the spiritual bullets is unavoidable.

5. Sword of Word

This armor of God is very powerful, because it is the only offensive spiritual weapon you can use to defeat your enemies. The spiritual sword is the Word of God. Whenever the enemies draw a battle line, don’t sit down to cry! But, recite the promises of God in the Bible. Speak the Authority of the Lord in the Bible (Jesus did the same when Satan attacked Him- Matthew chapter 4)

You cannot be defeated by the attacks of the devil, if you always reply him with the Word of God.

 

Jesus says: “All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life…” (Rev 3:5)

A victor is someone who defeated a war. So, do not be scared of spiritual war. Always put on the four defensive armor of God; belt of truth, shoe of evangelism, shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. And, always use the offensive armor of God-sword of Word to strike your enemies. Remember, you are not fighting against human, but against the devil and his soldiers.

Lukewarm Christian: God’s View and His Advice

Lukewarm Christian: God’s View and His Advice

Lukewarm Christian is someone who loves the Lord with a partial heart, and gives the other part of the heart to worldliness. The love for sins and things of the world (invented by Satan) is called worldliness.

First John Chapter 2 verse 15 says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

The word “lukewarm Christian” refers to someone with an unstable identity in the presence of the LORD. I am led by the Lord to write this eye-opener content for His children.

Many years ago, I hardly admit to being a lukewarm Christian. I don’t miss the attendance of the church weekly services. I represent the church in Bible quiz competition, and won prizes. I lead the choir, and I sometimes preached in the church. Also, I put the gift of vision and prophesy into use in the congregation. But, I was delighted in worldly lifestyle, such as; lies, drunkenness, gluttony, dark powers, love for money and so on.

I engaged in the misconception of the Bible to justify my worldly lifestyle. I thought my lukewarm lifestyle was covered by the grace of Jesus, and I can’t miss heaven. I never knew that my speed to hell was more than a million kilometers per second, until I had a near death experience. I thank God. He saved me and gave me a second chance.

What is God’s view  on a Lukewarm Christian?

The unstable attitude (lukewarm) of some Christians had been in existence since the early church. So, the Lord warned the lukewarm Christians in the church of Laodicea as recorded in the book of Revelation chapter 3 verses 14 to 22.

“…I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth… (Verse 15 and 16)

I don’t want you to get confused about the Lord’s meaning of hot, cold and lukewarm. The dictionary meaning for ‘hot’ in this context is ‘friendly’ and ‘cold’ means ‘unfriendly’. And the Lord says: “I wish you were cold or hot.”

So, the wish of the Lord is: “You are either friendly (hot) to the Lord or unfriendly (cold) to the devil. Thus, a lukewarm Christian is neither friendly nor unfriendly to the LORD and to the devil.

My mom always warned me when I was in the high school not to keep bad friends. She said: “keep good friends only, because bad friends will corrupt your good heart.”

Revelation chapter 3 Verse 16b showed that the Lord will reject the lukewarm Christian.

‘’… I will vomit you out of My mouth…”

So, the lukewarm Christian would have no place in Heaven. Hell? No! Then where is the destination for the lukewarm Christian?  …They shall be spilled into the eternal Lake of fire…!

How to Know a Lukewarm Christian

1. Such person claims to be comfortable (self-confidence)

A lukewarm Christian has a comfortable emotion. And most of the lukewarm Christians are wealthy. The LORD says: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ –and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…” (Revelation chapter 3 verse 17)

2. A typical lukewarm Christian is spiritually blind
So, a lukewarm Christian cannot see issues from the point of view of the Lord. So, the lukewarm follows the misconception of the Bible.

3. A lukewarm Christian enjoys the habit of lies and jokes

The Three Escape Routes for the Lukewarm Christian

The Lord says that the lukewarm Christians are spiritually wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. HE will never accept the unstable Christians into His kingdom. So, the Lord advised the lukewarm Christian to obey the following steps for deliverance:

1. Ask the LORD for Purification

The LORD says: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” (Revelation 12:18a)

A lukewarm Christian who rebukes the bad friend (devil) would be transformed by the Lord. …“buy gold from me” means pay the price of discipleship and you will be pure.

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:34-36)

2. Put on the Garment of Righteousness

The LORD says: “I counsel you to buy from Me… white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed… (Revelation 3:18b). Sin exposes spiritual nakedness, and a naked person without the ‘white garment’ of holiness cannot dwell with the LORD.

3. Obey the Word of God

The LORD says: “I counsel you to… anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. The soothing word of God is the eye salve you need, and the spiritual blindness would receive good spiritual sight.

 

If you’d read this article and the Spirit of the Lord speaks to your heart for a change, then I appeal to you to obey the Call. The Lord corrects and disciplines everyone He loves. The LORD loves the lukewarm Christian, and He wants the genuine repentance.

The Lord will uphold you in Jesus name.

Unforgivable Sin: How Terrible is Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Unforgivable Sin: How Terrible is Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Unforgivable sin is an eternal sin that cannot be washed away by the Blood of Jesus. It is an intentional sin that blasphemes the Spirit of the Lord.

This article explains the context, content and mind-set of Jesus for exempting blasphemy against the Holy Spirit from His Deed of Salvation.

I love to read the passage as recorded in the book of Matthew. If you want a good understanding about this topic, then carefully read this passage:

Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

Now when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation…  

“If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you… “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men…but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come…

How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks… “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment.

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:22 – 37)

7 Reasons for the Unforgivable Sin

1. They knew Jesus was the Messiah (through the Old Testament Prophetic records), but they refuse to accept Him. (Verse 23)

2. The Pharisees blackmailed Jesus to turn the heart of the people away from Him. (Verse 24)

3. Jesus felt bad, because the Pharisees did not acknowledge the Spirit of God as the Great Deliverer. (Verse 28)

4. The Pharisees were antagonists to Jesus’ ministration. (Verse 30)

5. The Pharisees knew the ‘Special Power’ (Spirit of GOD) of Jesus, but they insulted (blaspheme) the Spirit (Verse 32b)

6. Their hearts were filled with evil words. (Verse 35)

7. The Pharisees were fond of speaking idle words. (Verse 36)

Can a Christian Commit the Unforgivable Sin?

From the passage we read, you would agree with me that the unforgivable sin was not committed by the large crowd of unbelievers who were ready to give their lives to Jesus.

The unforgivable sin was committed by the group of people who claimed to know the religious laws; they read the Bible in the synagogue. And they are the teachers of the laws (pastors).

So, if you lived a bad life before giving your total life to Jesus, then you are saved by the Blood of Jesus. And, if you respect the awesome Power of the Holy Spirit after giving your life to the Lord, then you cannot commit the unforgivable sin.

People that commit the unforgivable sin are those that have the knowledge about the Spirit of God. Unbelievers that are yet to know the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit) cannot suffer the judgment of the unforgivable sin.

Note: There are false teachings spreading around us that once you give your life to Jesus, you would have eternal security in heaven. They said: “whatever sin you committed after giving your life to Jesus would not judge you to hell…”

Please, engage yourself in a sincere Bible study and you will know that if a Christian goes back to a sinful lifestyle after accepting Jesus, such person shall be disowned by the Lord.

Do not be fooled by these famous preachers. Can a citizen of a country engage in a street shooting and still walk freely? That is not possible, and he cannot accuse the authority of hatred. His identity will change from good citizen to bad citizen immediately.

If a good Christian change to a life filled with abominations, then the name of such person will be wiped away from the Book of life. The book of Revelation chapter 21 verses 27 says:

But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination, or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

Let us read the book of Hebrew chapter 6 verses 4 to 6: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

I am sure that the passage above gives you a better understanding that the unforgivable sin is committed by Christians who were once enlightened. And they experienced the good things of heaven and share in the Holy Spirit. They chose to deviate from the rules of the Lord, because they intend to satisfy their selfish desires.

Dangerous Signals of Unforgivable Sin

1. When a Christian seeks for power of miracles from the spirit of darkness.

2. When a Christian uses other ‘book(s)’ or human philosophy to argue with the word of God in the Bible.

3. A Christian whose total believes is not in Jesus anymore. Such Christian craves to believe in materialism, statue of Mary, priest of Allah, angelic powers, marine spirits etc.

4. Turning the heart of people away from the right doctrines in the Bible to man-made doctrines in the church.

5. There is a danger when a Christian starts to abuse God for any reason.

6. Don’t give your tongues to idle words, abusive words and jokes. You can’t embarrass the Holy Spirit and tell Him after a while that you were only joking… (Ephesians 5 verse 4 condemns jokes)

Unforgivable sin is common among the people who can distinguish the right from the wrong. So, be careful and do not take the word of God in the Bible for granted. Obedience to the will of the Lord in reverence awe is a vital step that keeps you away from eternal and unforgivable sin.

8 Great Promises of God for You!!

8 Great Promises of God for You!!

Promises of God are His vows for you to enjoy your life on earth and in heaven. Everett Storms engaged in the count of God’s promises in the bible. It took him one and half years to come up with a total sum of 7,487 promises by God to man.

This platform cannot explain all the promises of the Lord, but I will discuss some of the great promises with you today:

1. When you find it difficult to please God and the devil whispered the speech below for you:

“It is impossible to be holy… it is not possible to please God…”

Don’t leave the narrow path for the broad way. But, read His promises for you in the book of Ezekiel chapter 36 verse 26 to 27:

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

2. When you cannot fight your battle and you become weary, recite these promises of God:

But thus says the LORD: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Isaiah 49:25-26)

3. If the doctors tried their best, but no positive result, then claim the promises of God for your healing:

For I will restore health to you. And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her.’” (Jeremiah 30:17)

4. You may suffer home related issues, racism and oppression. Always calm yourself with the promises of God that say:

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

5. Are your neighbors making a jest of you? Or are you going through tough situations as a Christian? Hmm! I want you to recite these God’s promises as the tears roll down your cheek:

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

6. It is not an easy task to endure the hard times. But, always strengthen your heart with the promises of the Lord written in the book of James chapter 1 and verse 12:

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

7. When you are physically or spiritually tired, the Lord promises to strengthen you.

He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

8. Please, do not commit suicide when your heart is heavy. And do not seek for rest from the devil. Listen to the promises of the Lord for you:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

How to Enjoy God’s Promises

  1. Acquire the Mustard-Sized Faith

Your faith is the most essential attribute to the fulfillment of God’s promises in your life. For instance; the promises were written in the book of Isaiah that Jesus will comfort the brokenhearted. But, He could not comfort the blind men without the faith. The book of Matthew chapter 9 verse 27 to 30 says: “…two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”… And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you…”

If you don’t have faith in the promises of the Lord written in the Bible, then it will be difficult for you to enjoy the promises of the Lord.

2. Obedience to God’s Instructions

I am aware of some generic promises which do not need obedience. For instance; the rainfall is for the good and bad people. But, the fulfillment of some special promises of the Lord for His children needs obedience to the will of God.

In the Old Testament, the Lord gave the Israelite the commandments to obey. Their Obedience led to the enjoyment of His wonderful promises as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 28 verses 1 to 14.

In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus gave us the commandments to obey as well. Read Matthew chapter 5, 6 and 7 for details.

So, obedience to the instructions and guidelines of the Lord is a vital role you must play every day. And the promises of the Lord shall come to pass in your life.

3. Proclaim the Promises

God’s promises are free of charge. You don’t have to pay for the enjoyment of God’s promises upon your life. When you see God’s promises in the Bible, read it aloud and believe the fulfillment in your life.

 

The promises of God in the Bible are for every child of God. So, confess your sins, obey the instructions of Jesus and proclaim the promises with Faith. And you will enjoy the goodness of the Lord on earth and in heaven. Hallelujah!!

Perfection: How to Become Perfect as God

Perfection: How to Become Perfect as God

Jesus teaches His followers to be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect. This teaching was not controversial in the midst of the disciples, because no one asked Jesus to explain the meaning. And no one argued with Him about the impossibility of the practical teachings.

But, it is unfortunate that the teaching of perfection is a strong argument in our midst today. I always smile when people beside me say statements like: “It is impossible to be perfect like God… Human beings on earth cannot be perfect… You cannot be equal to God… Blasphemy! …etc.”

My question to everyone is: “Can Jesus ask us to do something that is impossible?”

I would explain the intention of Jesus in this article as regards the need for you to become perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect. Before I proceed, I want you to listen to this story:

“One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers he said, “Okay, time for a quiz” and he pulled out a one-gallon wide-mouth mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class yelled, “Yes.”

The time management expert replied, “Really?” He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.

He then asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?”

By this time the class was on to him. “Probably not,” one of them answered. “Good!” he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, “Is this jar full?”

“No!” the class shouted.

Once again he said, “Good.” Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?”

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!”

“No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”

If you reflect on this short story, then I want you to ask yourself this question: what are the ‘big rocks’ in my life. If your big rocks are fruits of the Spirit (such as; love, long-suffering, self-control…), then put those characters in your ‘jar’ first. That is the only way you can understand the perfect status the Lord want you to be with Him.

What Does Jesus Mean By ‘Perfect’?

Let’s read the full passage for proper understanding of the word ‘perfect’. The book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 43 to 48 says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

“For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Jesus specifically taught His followers about ’Agape Love’, ‘Impartial Love’, and ‘Perfect Love’.

Jesus changed the Law of Moses to a perfect law. He does not want us to hate any human being (though they might be your enemies). Jesus wants us to imitate the perfect love that our Lord practices on every person. For instance, the Lord gives natural resources such as sun, rain and mineral resources to both the Christians and non-Christians.

So, practice the perfect love even as your Father in Heaven is perfect in love. The failure of this generation to adhere to the teachings of perfect love led to high rates of crime, terrorism, divorce and worst of it all is the terrible division among the Christians.

It is saddening to hear a pastor referring to another pastor of a different denomination as his enemy. Hmm! Thank God there is no church denominations in heaven…

Is it a Difficult Task to be Perfect?

Note: you are not in a competition with the Lord. To be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect does not imply flexing your muscles with the Lord.

To be perfect implies a positive change of attitude to bad people around you. It’s all about the character of love. Your need to be perfect does not involve the struggle to climb on the throne of God. But, you are expected to imitate the Lord’s kind of perfect and pure love with your friends and enemies.

To Be Perfect Means:

1. Love your enemies

2. Bless those who curse you

3. Do good to those who hate you

4. Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

Every child of God is required to practice the four steps above. No argument!! (Matthew 5:45a)

I am sure you won’t tell me that it is difficult for you to love! Love is an attitude that everyone finds it easy to either release or withdraws. So, Jesus is asking you to release your heart of love, not only to your friends, but also to your enemies.

If you help those who do not love you, then you are practicing perfection.

If you love those who are not from your race, then you are perfect.

Don’t be deceived by false preachers who give you the impression that you cannot be perfect (in love). You have all it takes to love…

You can be perfect. A true follower of Jesus must practice perfect love. Children of God do not (sin) disobey the instruction of Jesus. The book of first John chapter 3 verses 9 says: “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”

So, I want you to understand the following facts:

Your call to become perfect is to love, and help your friends and enemies.

 

It has nothing to do with competition with the Lord.

 

You can be perfect, if and only if your lifestyle is controlled by the fruits of the Spirit. Read Galatians chapter 5 verse 22 to 24 for the details on the fruits of the Spirit.

 

The power to love is in your hands. So, to become perfect in love is not a difficult task.

 

May the Lord empower you with His Word of Salvation in Jesus name – Amen