Spiritual Warfare Part Two: Fallen Angels and the Armor of God

 Fallen angels are real and still busy opposing Christ by attacking his people

Listen Here
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/jocelynandersen/2011/02/20/armour-of-god-p2--know-your-enemy



Listen to Part One here
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jocelynandersen/2011/02/13/sunday-morning-bible-study

Power to get wealth

We have to have it, and there is no doubt that not having enough money is not only a source of great distress to many, but poverty is known to be a significant source of emotional and physical health problems as well—poverty is even known to cause death—sometimes on a massive scale (that is not to say that there are many happy and healthy people who may also happen to be poor). 

That being said, no one can deny that having more than “just enough” money does indeed make life easier and sometimes a bit happier for some, while not necessarily so for others.

Most have heard the saying found in the Bible: “The love of money is the root of all evil.” How do we reconcile this saying with another in the Word of God which says: “But thou shall remember YAHWEH ELOHIM for it is HE who gives you power to get wealth…THAT HE MAY ESTABLISH HIS COVENANT (Deut 8:18)?”

The first, we see, is self oriented, and the second God oriented. When we are after all we can get for ourselves, others always suffer—one way or another. But when our focus is on God, others always benefit, because God is love. We are told that there are three things we have access to, now, that will transcend time and follow the Christian into eternity. Those three things are faith, hope, and love, and Bible tells us that the greatest of these, is love. 

How do we apply this truth to money and provision? To most people money is a highly personal matter. They take their money very seriously—one way or another. And the Bible has much to say about money. So it behooves us to understand how we can rightly discern the Word of God on this very important subject. Thank God, the Bible, on the subject of money, is really very simple.

Christians live in every conceivable financial strata. Some are rich (the majority are not wealthy, though plenty are), and some are poor. And most will fall somewhere in between. All, at some point in their lives, will know what it feels like to experience financial need. But we can be comforted by the words of Christ when he said, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these other things will be added unto you.” 

Does this mean that we devote our lives to only spiritual pursuits to the exclusion of everything else? Of course it doesn’t, we know that would be foolish—unless, of course, we are specifically called of God to do such a thing—and some are. Let’s balance this statement of Jesus with the passage that says, “Consider the ant you sluggard consider her ways which having no guide or ruler provides her food in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” And also with the verse that says, “They that do not work do not eat.”

There is no denying that we see a clear parallel in the Bible between work and financial provision. Even the apostle Paul referred to his work as a tent maker. But what about those who cannot work? And when we look around us, we also see that there are many hard working people who struggle financially. 

Why is that? 

One reason for financial difficulty, to the hard working Child of God, is debt. Many have struggled financially for that very reason, in spite of the fact that the Bible explicitly admonishes the Christian to avoid debt by owing no one anything but to love them. Another reason for financial struggle to the hard working Child of God, is that we live in a fallen world. The enemy of our souls is determined to overthrow our faith--even our lives—If he can. God knows how to add to our income when it is not enough to make ends meet. And he counsels us through His word to build our knowledge and faith in the area of His provision—note that I just said KNOWLEDGE and faith. 

The Word of God illustrates for us examples of how our attitudes towards and treatment of our money and possessions can affect all parts of our lives—for the good or for the bad—and not just the financial parts. Our money can serve as a god for us—separating us from the intimate counsel of the one true God. Or it can serve as a way to bring us closer to God, as it does when we worship him by his Spirit and by his Word of Truth when we obey his commands to give—to both God and to the poor and needy. 

Nabal is an example of a man who allowed his possessions to create a gulf between him and God. David and his band of armed men had a need to eat. Nabal was so hateful and greedy with his food (of which he had in an over abundance), that he died of a stroke when he found out that his wife, Abigail, had gone behind his back in taking food to David and his army. 

Abigail knew she was married to a fool who would get them all killed if he had his selfish way. You can read about this in the 25^th chapter of 1^st Samuel. It is fascinating.

Psalm 41:1-3 Promises that if we consider the poor (in providing for their needs, including giving them money), we can be assured of God’s provision and deliverance in times of trouble and calamity (all calamity is not money related). When sickness strikes, we have a promise of healing that is directly related to giving to the poor. Read about it. Psalm 41:1-3 contains that amazing promise to God’s people. 

Speaking of the Nation of Israel, God said, “I will abundantly bless her provision I will satisfy her poor with bread.” He also said, and I will paraphrase here, “If you love and serve me I will bless your food your water your children your garden I will take away all sickness from the midst of you and you will not die before your time.” Read it. It is found in Exodus 23:25-27. 

Serving God includes giving money.

But that is Old Testament you say? We agree. The Children of Israel had a fantastic Covenant with their God—who also just happens to be our God—the God who is the same yesterday today and forever. And doesn’t it say in the book of Hebrews that although the Old Covenant was good, the New Covenant is even better, as it is based on even BETTER promises? That’s Bible!

God said through the prophet Malachi, that if we are selfish and stingy with our money, and do not allocate God his portion, that we are robbing God. Haggai wrote that, “You have sown much and reaped little you eat and you are still hungry you drink and you are still thirsty you have clothes but they are not warm enough you earn wages and put it in bags with holes—Thus says the LORD OF HOSTS—Consider your ways!

Strong words. 

There are many ways we serve God. The most important is to know His Son. After that we build on our foundation of faith in many ways. One of those ways is looking at our money in a new and a better way. 

Every good thing we have comes from God. Money is a blessing to most. It is a curse for some. God warned that too much money is a curse to all. How about that? Consider this, when ancient Israel demanded a King, so they could be like all the nations surrounding them, God gave them what they asked for, but He warned their Kings, because he knew they would be in the best position to accumulate wealth, not to “greatly multiply” that wealth to themselves. 

God is not a respecter of persons. If the Kings Israel were commanded not to do it, then we can rest assured, that greatly multiplying financial wealth to ourselves cannot be a good thing for any of us.

Remember, we balance the command not to greatly-key word, greatly—multiply our personal financial wealth against many conditional promises that God indeed wants us to prosper and get wealth. So obviously there is a difference between the prosperity of God—which can include financial wealth—and the love of money (which is the root of all evil) which would cause some to GREATLY multiply money to themselves. 

God never said money was evil or that having it makes us bad, although it can tempt some who have it to use it in ungodly and unhealthy pursuits. The Bible promises that God loves us and will provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory. We are admonished to do the work God has given us to do, whether it be a secular job, or a ministry job—or both. God’s word says it is God will for us to be in good health and to prosper—and to trust God in all things. 

The writer of Proverbs said it well when under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he penned the words, “Give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food just right for me lest I be full and deny thee and say Who is the LORD or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain.

YAHWEH ELOHYIM is the Prince of Peace

Is the God of the Old Testament a God of wrath and the God of the New Testament a God of Peace? Many believe so, but God himself says he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His basic nature never changes, and the story of David and Solomon is a good example of this.

It was in David's heart to build a house for Yahweh Elohiym (1 Chronicles 22:7-10), but Yahweh spoke to David and said that he could not do that because he had shed so much blood, but that he would have a son named Solomon who who be a man of peace, and Solomon would build the house for Yahweh.

What insight this passage gives into the heart of Yahweh Elohiym who is a God of love and peace yet helped David win so many battles against his enemies, who helped David shed much blood, yet because of the fact of the bloodshed would not allow David, the man after his own heart, to build a house of worship for him.

Is this a contradiction in the basic nature of our God?

No. The Old Testament is full of references to the mercies of Yahweh and his loving kindness, and the Everlasting Arms.The list of his love for mankind, as demonstrated under the Old Covenant goes on and on.

It is Yahweh Elohiym who is First and Last and alone created the earth and redeemed fallen mankind (Isaiah 44:6,8,24 45:5,21).

It is Yahweh Elohiym who is the Father of Eternity and is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).

How can that be?

Because Jesus is Yahweh (Isaiah 44:8).
 

How can a sinner do miracles

When Jesus made clay and healed a blind man on the Sabbath day, there was division within, and opposition from, the religious leadership of his time.[i] All who opposed the works of God, did so simply because they were not of God.[ii] But some were confused and asked how a man that is a sinner could do such miracles?

That’s a good question, and it is one that Jesus addressed in Matthew chapter seven when he spoke of the false prophets who would not be granted entrance into his Kingdom.

[iii] Jesus clearly told us that there would be men (and women) who were not of God doing miracles and performing great signs and wonders.

In the book of Acts, we read of a man named Simon who used sorcery to deceive the people. He claimed to be a great power of God and from the least to the greatest, because of the signs and wonders he performed, the people believed him.[iv]

The apostle Paul prophesied concerning the Man of Sin, who would use miracles, signs, and lying wonders to steal the souls of those who, because they chose to follow what they could see with their physical eyes rather than the truth of God’s Word, would follow The Son of Perdition into eternal condemnation.[v]

And finally, in THE REVELATION, the apostle John was shown that spirits of devils could deceive people through the working of miracles and that some wonders are indeed lying wonders.[vi]

How can we tell the difference? Some have been given the gift of Discerning of Spirits. Others have not. But all have been given the gift of the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD—THE BIBLE. We worship God through his risen Son based upon what has already been WRITTEN.[vii] We discern what is of God and what is not of God in the same way. But if we are hearers of the Word and not doers of the Word, if we heap teachers to ourselves simply because what they teach makes us “feel good,” then the scriptures are clear that our discernment will be seriously distorted, and we are headed for a fall.[viii]

The Bible tells us our physical bodies are beneficially or adversely affected by distorted discernment, so it is not advisable to take lightly anything that may interfere with our understanding of the expressed, will of God according to his written Word.[ix]

If someone claims to be a great power of God simply because they perform signs and wonders, examine their doctrine (and lifestyle) against the light of scripture. Does it measure up? If it does not, do not make excuses for them. Flee from them!

Run to Jesus. Run to his Word. And you will be safe.[x]

Is it well with your soul?[xi]

[i] John 9:16, All scripture references in this commentary are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures[ii] John 8:47[iii] Matthew 7:22-23[iv] Acts 8:9-11[v] 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12[vi] Revelation 16:14[vii] Isaiah 8:19-20[viii] Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:3-4[ix] Proverbs 4:20-22, Luke 11:34-36[x] Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 14:26,[xi] John 3:14-21, Romans 10:9-10. 13

A Woman Leads Men

2 Kings 22:12-14 And the King commanded...Go ye inquire of YHWH for me and for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that is found for great is the wrath of YHWH that is kindled against us because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book to do according unto all that which is written concerning us 14: So Hilkiah the priest and Ahikam and Achbor and Shaphan and Asahiah went unto Huldah the prophetess...[1]

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[1] The High Priest, under orders from the King, and accompanied by other honorable men (a scribe and servants of the King), went to a woman to inquire of the LORD for the King, for the people, and for all Judah. The situation was dire, with the wrath of God about to come down on them all. A careful reading of this passage, vs. 12-14, bears clear witness to the biblical testimony that God does not single out men [only] for leadership. Here we see the most powerful men in the kingdom entrusting their physical safety to the spiritual leadership of a woman.

Why is Judah called Judas in Matthew Chapter one?

Q: In Matthew chapter one we find the generation of Jesus Christ. In verse 2 it says " Jacob begat Judas" but in Genesis 35:23 the sons of Jacob and Leah are listed and no Judas and Rachel's sons are Benjamin and Joseph. What am I missing?

A: In the Received Text, the Judas of Matthew One and the Judah of Genesis 29 and 35 are the same person that was born of Leah and who King David and our Lord Jesus descended from. The likely reason for the difference in spelling and pronunciation is that Matthew was written in Greek and Genesis was written in Hebrew, but there is no Biblical contradiction here.

We see similar differences in other Bible names such Isaiah/Esaias. MATTHEW 3:3 is a reference to the prophet Isaiah who the writer called Esaias:  "For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias saying The voice of one crying in the wilderness Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" 

 GENESIS 29:
32: And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
33: And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
34: And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
35: And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing

GENESIS 35:
Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
23: The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
24: The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:
25: And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:
26: And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padan-aram.

Genesis 1:1 Trinity Marraige

    1: In the beginning God[1] created the heaven and the earth 

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[1] ELOHIYM: All references to “God” in Genesis chapter one are Strong’s Hebrew reference 430, “Elohiym”).  The word refers to more than two (Dr. Walter Martin/Ankerberg 1985?). There is a word in Hebrew that refers to more than one but not more than two, but Elohiym is not that word. The word “Elohiym, is a reference to the Triune Godhead. Genesis 1:1 specifically tells us that it is the Triune God--the Godhead---who created all things (Isaiah 44:24, 45:18, John 1:3,10). This is the first Biblical evidence that Jesus is Jehovah—God Almighty—and not simply a subordinate that God “used” to create all things (Watchtower Society teaches that Jehovah created Jesus and then used him to create all other things. Scripture does not substantiate their claims). According to Philippians 2:10-11, which is a New Testament quote of Jehovah who is speaking in Isaiah 45:23, Jesus is the LORD GOD—Yahweh Elohiym—of Genesis1-3. That is the first Biblical reference to the Godhead which resides in Jesus in physical form (Colossians 2:9). We serve a Triune God who is one. The Holy of Holies literally means the Holy place of the Holy Ones—i.e., the Godhead (Dr. William Cooke). Do we understand how God can be three yet be one? No, we do not. It is as impossible for man to analyze and pry apart the Godhead as it would be to attempt to separate the soul and spirit; only God has sufficient understanding and power to accomplish such a thing in His triune personage and yet remain one. It is sin to theologically transform the Triune Godhead into a hierarchal, idolatrous, triad. Just so, it is sin to theologically turn the holy, one flesh, relationship of marriage into a hierarchal duo with a god-man at the helm. Man-made hierarchies accomplish nothing less than the conversion of triune into triad and one flesh into duo...