Satan: The Truth about Lucifer, the Devil

Satan: The Truth about Lucifer, the Devil

Satan has a beautiful appearance and not an ugly creature as described by many artists. God created Satan. Devil cajoles into different images, but I was privileged to see his true image; big, handsome and filled with wisdom.

There are many beliefs about Satan such as: ‘He does not exist’, ‘He is nice, and God can still forgive him…’ Today’s message will tell you the truth about Satan.

The Origin of Satan

He was created by God to be a great musician. Listen to God’s description of Satan’s creation (symbolized as king of Tyre) in the book of Ezekiel chapter 28 verse 12 to 15:

“Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.

The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.”

The Prideful Thoughts that Changed his Status

Lucifer was a mighty cherub in heaven, but after a while, he thought that his great influence can rise above the Throne of his Creator. But, he met his Waterloo.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!

For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Why was Lucifer chased away from Heaven?

He mobilized one-third of the angels in heaven to over-throw the Almighty LORD.Revelation chapter12 verses 4 say: “His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth…”

So, war broke out in heaven and Lucifer was defeated. At that moment, the general acceptance of his name changed from Lucifer to Dragon, Accuser, Satan (or Devil, because evil was found in him).

Revelation chapter 12 verse 7 to 10 says: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”

Where is the dwelling of Devil?

Devil’s abode is presently not in hell fire as widely speculated. He is a spiritual creature without flesh and blood. He dwells in the spiritual realm outside Heaven.  His place is on Earth. Satan and his demons mingle with unholy people by possessing them for various evil implementations. He also communicates from the spirit realm into the heart of holy and unholy people.

Revelation chapter 12 verses 12 say: “Therefore rejoice O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

Satan is not everywhere on earth at the same time, He moves from one place to another. The book of Job chapter 1 verse 7 says: “And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

Where would be the Eternity of Satan?

The Lord revealed a vision to me that Satan and all his followers shall be sentenced to eternal fire. They would be in bondage and sorrow forever. The LORD’s judgement is Holy.

Revelation chapter 20 verse 7 to 10 says: “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.

They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

Devil’s Secret Plan to the world?

Satan knows the judgement reserved for him and the fallen angels, but he does not want to go to the lake of fire alone. He wants all human beings to join him in the eternal punishment.

Devil could only achieve this plan by making sin to abound in the midst of people. That is the reason for the general acceptability of carnal lifestyle everywhere.

Satan knew that a single sin in ones’ life is enough to lose the kingdom of God. So, he is deceiving the Christians that the grace of Jesus will continually take care of their active sinful lifestyle – a big lie

Devil is deceiving everyone that it is not possible to live a sinless life in this world, and that is the reason for the coming of Jesus Christ. “Once you believe in Jesus, you will enter heaven despite any active sin you enjoy committing every day” – a bigger lie!!

There are more deceptions such as: ‘God does not exist’, ‘hell does not exist’, ‘no life after death’, ‘lake of fire is a fable’, ‘God and Satan will reconcile their differences very soon’, ‘purgatory is a place for forgiveness after death’…  

Satan, who was once a great cherub in Heaven, is the originator of sin. He was cast out of Heaven, because of his prideful act to dethrone his Creator. The Devil is a deceiver, and his plan is to lure everyone into sin.

The Lord will judge Satan and his demons, but, the dragon is set to drag every human being along to the eternal lake of fire. So, watch out!

Messiah: Is Jesus the Christ that would deliver us?

Messiah: Is Jesus the Christ that would deliver us?

The Prophets foretold the coming of the messiah in the Old Testament and the Jews eagerly anticipated the arrival of Christ who would do many miracles and rule their nation forever. They expected the Messiah to come from Bethlehem and be a political leader that would defeat the Romans.

According to Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics 2016, the religious affiliation of the Israeli population as of 2016 was 74.7% Jewish, 17.7% Muslim, 2.0% Christian, and 1.6% Druze, with the remaining 4.1% including faiths such as Samaritanism and Baha’iism, and irreligious people with no faith.

The Hebrew word “Messiah” is translated to “Anointed One” which is also called to as “Christ.”

Today‘s message will explain the scriptures that substantiated the truth about Jesus Christ.

Prophecy and the Fulfillment of Jesus as the Messiah 

1. Jesus was born of a Virgin

The prophecy recorded in the book of Isaiah chapter 7 verses 14 was fulfilled and recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 1 verse 20 to 23:

“…behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

2. Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Prophecy written in the book of Micah chapter 5 verses 2 says: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. After His birth, King Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah would be born. They responded by citing the Old Testament prophecy revealing that Christ would be born in Bethlehem.

“So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:5-6)

3. Jesus performed Miracles.

Isaiah chapter 35 verse 5 and 6 says: “…Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”

Jesus also fulfilled this prophecy as the messiah, because it was confirmed by the Jews who refused to accept Him as the Christ.

John chapter 11 verse 47 says: “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘what shall we do? For this Man works many signs.’”

4. Jesus was rejected by His people.

Psalmist prophesied that: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:22-23)

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”(Matthew 21:42-43)

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, but I am not comfortable with verse 43 above. Could that mean the Jews had lost the ‘nation’ they are still waiting for? Is that the cause of the Jews not believing Jesus as the messiah…? 

5. Jesus numbered with transgressors and suffered for the sinners

One of the prophecies related to the messiah was written in the book of Isaiah chapter 53 verses 12: “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong,

Because, He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”   

No one fulfilled this prophecy except Jesus, because He was crucified along with two thieves and His crucifixion was for the redemption of sinners according to God’s spiritual plan.

Luke chapter 23 verses 32 and 33: “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”

Did GOD confirm Jesus as the Messiah?

Yes of course! Jesus was simultaneously baptized with water, and anointed with the Holy Spirit. The LORD confirmed Him publicly.

“And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22)


Did Jesus Admit to be the Messiah?

Jesus was bold to confirm Himself. “The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things. ”Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25-26)

The careful studies of the Old and New Testaments emphasize that Jesus is the Messiah and the Savior of everyone and every nation. I have seen the manifestation of Jesus, and I am also a living witness that Jesus is the Christ.

How would the Judgment Day look like?

How would the Judgment Day look like?

Some people thought that there won’t be any moment called the judgment day. The Atheists believe there is no Judge, so the judgment day is a mirage. In Jainism and Buddhism there is no judgment day because they believe in re-incarnation after death.

Some Pastors in the Christendom teach their members that the great judgment day is for the sinners only, is that true?

Previously, I joined the school of thought that God so loves and cannot pass an incredible judgment on human beings. But, I was enlightened when the Lord revealed the great vision below to me:

Vision as regards the Judgment Day

“I saw some huge guards that surround a particular place which I could not properly describe but the place was white, and they were shouting at the top of their voices calling someone. I was wondering the need for such aggressive call…

After a moment, a Mighty Gigantic Being in white robe rose from the white place. Then I saw a golden crown descending upon His shoulder. The LORD is so mighty that the huge guards look like a cockroach beside HIM, I am sure my size can’t be more than a grain of sand.

The LORD moved forward and I saw two groups, one at the right, and the other to His left. And He proclaims judgment: “Satan has not been doing good, and he is condemned to eternal fire”. It was at that moment I knew that the handsome group leader was the devil. And after the proclamation, Satan and his followers automatically received golden handcuffs. They hopelessly bow their heads in deep sorrow.

The Great Judge and His hosts moved to the second group and said: “Jesus have been doing good, so He is victorious.” It was at that moment I knew that the handsome group leader was Jesus. Then, I saw Jesus dancing and His followers were filled with joy. They were clapping their hands, jumping and shouting Victory! Victory!!

It was 4am when the Spirit of the Lord came and explained the vision to me.

Scriptural Interpretation of the Vision – Judgment Day

  1. “… Some huge guards …” – they are the Hosts that surrounds God’s throne. Revelation chapter 7 verses 11 say: “All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God.”

 

  1. “… place was white …” – it was the throne of God. Revelation chapter 20 verses 11 says: “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.”

 

  1. shouting at the top of their voices…” – Revelation chapter 8: “…So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound…”
  1. “… golden crown descending upon His shoulder …” – means righteous Authority. Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 says: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

 

  1. “… Satan has not been doing good and he is condemned to eternal fire …” – Matthew chapter 25 verse 41 says: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels…’”

 

  1. “…golden handcuffs…” – Psalm 51 verse 4 says: “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.”

 

  1. “…Jesus has been doing good, so He is victorious…” – Matthew chapter 25 verse 34 says: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…”

 

  1. “…shouting Victory! …” – Revelation chapter 19 verse 1 and 2: “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments…”

Note: Everyone I saw in the vision had the image of God. So, the cosmetic/make-up folks should have a re-think!

The group members of Satan were disobedient people/angels, while the group members of Jesus were the obedient children of God.

The judgment day would be sharp like a two-edge sword. The Judgment Day would be bitter for some people, and it would be superb for the other group.

I implore you to join the class of hot and obedient Christians who would never allow the sweet things of this world to make them depart from the rules of holiness.

Cling to the rules of Jesus and let the Spirit of the Lord control your lifestyle. Then you will enjoy the victorious judgment of the LORD.

Self-Righteousness: How to avoid Hypocrisy!

Self-Righteousness: How to avoid Hypocrisy!

Self-righteousness is a lifestyle controlled by some pleasing doctrines created by the wise great men. Hypocrisy is pandemic in the Christendom. Why? Self-righteousness has replaced godly righteousness in the church. Why?

A big log of wood fell off my eyes and I want you to read today’s message with an open-heart, because it will help you to escape the trap of self-righteousness.

The Parable of Self-Righteousness

… Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ’God, be merciful to me a sinner!’

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

This parable reveals that self-righteousness is common among the religious people. The tax collector was justified, because he realized his sinful life and wanted God’s mercy for a change in lifestyle.

The Lord will never contradict Himself, only sinners who repent shall be justified. Proverbs chapter 28 verse 13 says: “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

Thus, every Christian must be careful to avoid stumbling into hypocrisy.

8 Actions of Self-Righteousness

It is a virtue rated by man and not by God. Self-righteousness is highly esteemed among people, but it is an abomination before the Lord. Self–righteousness includes;

1. Unnecessary Segregation

The self-righteous people believe they rank higher in holiness than others, so they don’t relate with everybody except their caucus.

2. Blowing Trumpets

They announce the number of souls won, the amount spent on the poor and how important their presence and finances helps the church.

3. Sitting on the Fence

Self-righteous people put one of their legs in worldliness and the other in church doctrines. They might be physically clean but spiritually dirty or vice versa.

4. Self-righteousness Loves Praises

They want the Pastor to always exalt them on the pulpit for their wonderful gifts to the church. They prefer all eyes to be on them for admiration. The self-righteous present themselves as church celebrities!

5. Dislike Corrections

The self-righteous are educative, so they thought their knowledge of the Bible surpass others. They love to correct others, but they don’t want corrections.

6. Good Judge

The self-righteous condemns those struggling with the stronghold of sins. But, if you ask them to substantiate their hypocrisy with the Bible, you hear them say “thou shall not judge…”

7. Boastful

Self-righteousness is filled with pride. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’” (Matthew 23:29-30).

8. Inventors of new Doctrines

The most powerful tool that divides the Christendom is self-righteousness. Many church founders choose to be unique by creating diverse doctrines that do not originate from Jesus Christ. Each Founder considers theirs to be the right church.

 

5 Ways to Guard against Self-Righteousness

The antonym of self-righteousness is godly righteousness, thus;

1. Give the Holy Spirit the total control of your life.

2. Don’t put yourself under church doctrines but give yourself to instructions of Jesus in the Bible.

3. Don’t make Pastors and Prophets your role model, but make Jesus Christ your role model.

4. Believe in Jesus and don’t put hope in great men.

5. The lifestyle of many superiors is self-righteousness. So, imitate the lifestyle of Jesus written in the Bible.

Self-righteousness is like a filthy rag before the Lord (Isaiah 64:6). But, godly righteousness is the basic need for you to enjoy eternal rest in Heaven. In the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 46, Jesus says: “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Christian Discipline: The Tough Path of Christianity!

Christian Discipline: The Tough Path of Christianity!

Christian discipline is organized by the Holy Spirit to make you do the things your body, soul and spirit will not ordinarily do. Discipline is essential for the continuous growth of every Christian.

“Pablo Casals was considered the greatest cellist (Someone who plays a violoncello) to ever live. When he was 95 years old he was asked why he continued to practice 6 hours a day. He answered, “Because I think I am making progress.”

Thus, Christian discipline enhances continuity on the lane of perfection to heaven.

Today’s message will broaden your understanding on the concept of Christian discipline and how to attain the acceptable margin.

What is Christian Discipline?

Christian discipline sounds restrictive, but it is a godly training for acquiring strength and victory. It is the act of total submission to the instructions of the LORD. Christian discipline involves obeying the directives of the Holy Spirit without argument or personal opinions.

The aim of Christian discipline is to tame your body, soul and spirit in the way of godliness. First Timothy chapter 4 verses 7 and 8 say: “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things…”

The spiritual system for Christian to be disciplined is not readily acceptable to the human thinking. But, self-control is the key attribute needed for a successful Christian.

For instance, a lot of people get bored after prayers of 20 minutes. But, if you make yourself available for discipline, there are some times you won’t stop praying until the Spirit of the Lord ask you to stop, though your knees might suffer pains, but you have to endure like a soldier standing on the parade ground….

Christian discipline means pruning your life for fruitfulness. Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:1-2) 

Who is the Tutor for Christian Discipline?

The tutor for Christian discipline is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23)

The only successful way for you to survive this sinful world is to give yourself to consistent discipline in the Lord.

Don’t be scared of God’s discipline and don’t refer to it as a harsh punishment! Rather, it is an expression of love to save your life from eternal condemnation.

Hear God speaks in Revelation chapter 3 verse 19: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

The Lord becomes your Father when you give your life to Him. Thus, a good child must always yield to the training of the father.

You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you. Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deuteronomy 8:5-6)

How to Become a Disciplined Christian!

1. Readiness to give everything about your Life to the Lord

“Then Jesus said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

2. Avoid Distractions

Be focused on godliness. The Blood of Jesus washes away all your sins, but your focus on Him to live a godly life sustains His salvation in your life. Your thoughts, speech and actions must always fall in line with His instructions.

3. Create Time for Fellowship

There are many activities you encounter every day, and if care is not taken you might have no time for spiritual exercises. I am sure Jesus went through similar experience and that was the reason for His regular night fellowship with His Father on the mountain. (Matthew 14:23)

Christian discipline gives strength and mark of holiness. So, it is mandatory for you to allocate time for prayers, Bible studies, inspirational songs and meditation in the presence of the Lord every day.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…” (Ephesians 5:18-19)

4. Charge yourself always

Your heart must not be passive for a second. Christian discipline involves filling your heart always with the word of God.

I share this to you as a testimony; the gadgets that keep me away from mess include my mp3 audio Bible. I listen to it in the car or anywhere I go to. My computer has music files that can play for the next 24 hours…

So, my ear is trained to listen to the word of God always and my heart is adapted to the obedience of His word. That is the secret of any discipline Christian! Your heart must be updated always with godly information, and not with the latest deal of worldliness.

5. Obedience to Instructions

The success of the army in battle is always credited to their obedience and disciplined actions.

Similarly, the success of every disciplined Christian is solely dependent on obedience to the instructions given by the LORD. Thus, a genuine Christian is not a lawless person!

6 Benefits of Christian Discipline

1. Hearing God’s Voice

If you find it difficult to hear God’s voice, then give yourself to godly discipline.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

2. It gives you Strength and Power

Devil cannot defeat you. And, you will be free from the bondage of carnal nature.

3. You will always enjoy the presence of God

4. Free from sin

Many people in the church commit disobedience to the commandments of Jesus, because they refuse Christian discipline.

Only disciplined Christians are children of God. “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.” (1John 3:9)

5. Secured Salvation

Christian discipline is for those that are active and not for those who love Jesus Christ, but dislike His commandments.

Jesus says: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21)

So, the disciplined Christian who strive everyday will enjoy secured salvation.

“Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able…” (Luke 13:23-27)

6. You cannot suffer deceit

“He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)

 

Only the disciplined Christian can succeed in the Christian race on earth. So, make yourself available for God’s discipline every day and your spiritual growth will receive strength. Note: The Blood of Jesus does not support indiscipline!