KNOW YOUR ENEMY

Our toll free number is 1-888-256-3751

Know Your Enemy

Unless you know your enemy he will always win.

Let me begin by saying that I am not responsible for getting anyone to believe any of the word of God. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. My only job is to present the truth.

Do not, I repeat, do not try to act on what you read in this booklet until you have read the scriptures over and over and there is no doubt in your mind that it is God's will for you to have everything listed here.

Our only purpose in sharing what we have written herein is to help God's children to learn what is theirs and how to get it. As you will see below God's word tells us that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

God's children should not still be destroyed for lack of knowledge. Our prayer is that when the information contained herein is assimilated and faith is built the reader will become a powerhouse for God.

You will find that I have made some statements more than once and have given the same scripture more than once. This is for emphasis.

Critical information.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

This verse of scripture gives two reasons that Pastors and teachers should be diligent in preaching and teaching the TRUTH of God's word.

One is that God's people are still being destroyed today just as they were when Hosea first put the verse forth.

The second is the penalty for not putting forth the truth of God's word.

What are some of the things that people lack knowledge about that causes them to be destroyed? Let us look at a few.

Not knowing how Satan operates. This is one of the prime things.

Not knowing who they are in Christ Jesus.

Not knowing their authority to use the name of Jesus to control situations.

Not knowing what is rightfully theirs as children of God.

Not knowing the importance of the correct meaning of various words in the bible.

Not knowing how to operate in faith.

Let us consider each of those things. Most people are of the belief that humans are physical beings when in reality they are spirit beings. As spirit beings they have three sources of their thoughts. Some, of course, are their own. Some are from God's Holy Spirit and some are from the devil. So, one of Satan's methods of operation is by putting thoughts in people's minds. That is why we are told to try the spirits whether they be of God. The only way to do that is to compare the thoughts to God's word. A person cannot make that comparison if they don't know God's word.

Another way that Satan destroys God's people is by attacking them with sickness, disease and accidents and making them believe it is somehow God's will and God's doings.

Here is scriptural proof of Satan's ability to do the above.

Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?

These next two verses show who we are in Christ Jesus.

2 Cor 5:21 For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Eph 4:24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Here we find our authority to use the name of Jesus.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 14:13 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

In verses 13 & 14 the word ask is strictly a demand for something due. That is based on meeting the terms of the written Will. Most of the time that ask is in the Gospels that is the meaning. Therefore, just asking will not get anything.

The word ask is an example of knowing the correct meaning of words as referred to in number 5.

Even when people are told what they are to do and how to do it, if they don't get in the word and build their own faith they can't operate in faith.

In the following verses we find Jesus giving the one and only responsibility of the Pastor/Shepard.

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these? He said unto him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:16 He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? He said unto him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, do you love me? And he said unto him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said unto him, Feed my sheep.

Notice Jesus didn't say win millions of souls. He didn't say build great congregations and buildings. He didn't say go through a lot of rituals. He said feed three times. Anytime an instruction is repeated it is of vital importance to understand and do it.

Here is an example of how not to get results.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Many people try to resist the devil when they realize what he is doing but he doesn't flee. Why? Because they don't submit themselves to God first. Or they may submit themselves to God but never resist the devil so he stays and does his thing. Either way he continues to cause the problem.

This is a critical point for Christians to know. To get the desired results they must do everything that the instructions say to do for a particular thing. Leave off just one thing and there will be no success.

IT IS TIME FOR PEOPLE TO REALIZE.

God is not the cause of hurricanes. They are the activity of Satan. If all Christians knew what their authority is and started using it we would not have the destruction caused by hurricanes and other things of nature.

Jo.14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Jesus clearly stated that the things He did would be done by those who believe on Him. What did He do about the weather?

Mk. 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mk. 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are you so fearful? how is it that you have no faith?

In verse 40, Jesus is indicating that they should have used their faith and calmed the storm.

Even though a person may know that those scriptures are in God's word they will not work for them unless they study them until faith builds in them. Faith comes by hearing and hearing God's word.

Ro. 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

It is high time that we realize that it is time for us to take our rightful authority as children of God.

Whatever God's word says for us to do, will not be done unless we do it. Praying for God to do it will not get it done.

Some common misconceptions

One is about the Sabbath. Many believe that Sunday is the Sabbath. That is incorrect. Saturday is the Sabbath. Some Christians think they are to keep the Sabbath. This is incorrect. The Sabbath has nothing to do with gentiles nor Jews if they accept Jesus as their Savior. God specifically told the nation of Israel that it was a sign between Him and them.

Ex. 31:16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

Ex. 31:17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Another common misconception is that it is ok for women to pastor churches or be deacons. Wrong. The qualifications for those offices are clear and distinct. While a woman may believe that God has called her to one of those offices, she is wrong. God never calls anyone to do anything contrary to His word.

That is why God's word tells us to try the spirits to see if they are of God or not. The only way to know is to know the word.

1 Tim. 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop(pastor), he desires a good work.

1 Tim. 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1 Tim 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre(money); but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

1 Tim 3:4 One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

1 Tim. 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 1 Tim. 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5 For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders(deacons) in every city, as I had appointed you:

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

2 Tim. 1:11 Whereunto, I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

1 Tim 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Paul gives the reason for his statement above.

1 Tim. 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

1 Tim. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

Mal. 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Healing is God's will.

Every promise of God is based on our obedience.

Deu 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if you shall hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth:

Deu 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God.

Some will say that was talking about the nation of Israel so it doesn't apply to us. It does unless we are told elsewhere that it doesn't. God says in this next scripture that He doesn't change.

Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.

In the following verse We are told that God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. That hasn't changed one iota since it was first written.

Back to Deut. 28.

Deu 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if you will not hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command you this day; that all these curses shall come upon you, and overtake you:

The primary focus is on the curse of sickness and disease.

Deu 28:22 The LORD shall smite you with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish.

Deu 28:27 The LORD will smite you with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof you can not be healed.

Deu 28:28 The LORD shall smite you with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:

Deu 28:35 The LORD shall smite you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of your foot unto the top of your head.

Deu 28:60 Moreover he will bring upon you all the diseases of Egypt, which you was afraid of; and they shall cleave unto you.

Deu 28:61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon you, until you be destroyed.

Why are all these things to happen to the people?

Deu 28:45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you, and shall pursue you, and overtake you, till you be destroyed; because you hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded you:

Deu 28:46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and for a wonder, and upon your seed for ever.

Deu 28:47 Because you served not the LORD your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things

Now let us look at what God has provided for us concerning sickness and disease. Notice carefully that sickness and disease were a curse of the law.

Gal 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:

This next verse tells us why He redeemed us from the curse of the law.

Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Prov 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings.

Prov 4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart.

Prov 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

Let's look at how Jesus dealt with sickness and disease when He was here.

Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Mat 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Mat 8:7 And Jesus said unto him, I will come and heal him.

Mat 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go your way; and as you have believed, so be it done unto you. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Mat 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

Mat 8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Mat 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Mat 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Mat 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Keep this next verse in mind.

Mat 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Mat 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give.

Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from there: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Mat 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw.

Here is another reason that people are destroyed.

Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Mat 15:30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

Mat 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Luke 5:15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Luke 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Luke 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Some people have made the ridiculous statement that sometimes God gets glory from someone being sick. Nowhere in God's word is there a single statement about God being glorified when someone was sick. This next verse tells you when God gets glorified.

Luke 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

This next verse really should be enough to let people know that it is not God's will for His children to be sick.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Remember this verse?

Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not;

If God is willing to accept a sick sacrifice today He has changed because this is what He said about it .

Mal 1:8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.

1 Cor 6:19 What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?

1 Cor 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

A reminder.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge,

Where does this lack of knowledge come from or what is the cause?

John 10:10 The thief comes 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.

Who is the thief? It is Satan. He has to steal the truth of God's word before he can kill and destroy.

Just as surely as Jesus shed His blood and took our sins at the cross for our souls, He did two things at the cross for us to have a healthy body. Isaiah said:

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. That was the first thing. He also said this:

Isa 52:14 As many were astonished at you; his visage(appearance) was so marred(disfigured) more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: That took place during the three hours of darkness as Jesus hung on the cross. During that period His body experienced the worst case of every sickness, every disease and every accident that would ever touch a human body and it became so grotesque that if they could have seen it they could not have handled it.

I must add a personal word of testimony here. A few years back, I had gone to bed one night. I was lying on my back and quicker than a split second, God showed me that body. It was so horrible that I recoiled so forcefully; I think I pushed the bed down about 5 inches or so. Prior to my learning that it is God's will for me to live in a healthy body, I had high blood pressure, arthritis, crazy heart and even spasms of my scalp. Today, I am in perfect health and take no medicine.

The question is: “Are you going to believe Satan's lies and let him destroy you and your loved ones or are you going to believe God's word and live in a healthy body, the temple of the Holy Spirit?”

Here is what Peter had to say on the subject. 1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. The healing has already been provided. It is up to us to meet the terms to get it.

As far as God is concerned He has provided your healing. You just have to ask for it by faith. You have to build your faith for healing just like for anything else.

The phrase “If it be your will” should NEVER be used when praying for a sick person to be healed. That is not faith and God cannot answer that prayer. That phrase has killed more people than all the weapons of humanity throughout history.

Just because the Holy Spirit may have born witness with your spirit that what you have read is true, you cannot get results immediately. You must build your faith by reading the scriptures above regularly or read them from the bible until you build your faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. That means hearing and hearing.

Josh 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

The word meditate here means to utter, mutter and speak aloud which coincides with hearing and hearing in Ro. 10:17.

May God's richest blessings be yours.

The binding of this booklet is for ease of removal to make copies to give to other people.

If you are a Pastor, you should give a copy to each family in your church.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Let me say up front that it is not my responsibility to get anyone to believe God's word. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. My only job is to present the truth.

2 Cor. 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

How to win the Spiritual Warfare.

God tells us in Hosea: Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: ………………

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your ADVERSARY the devil, as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour:

Who is it that destroys? An adversary, right.

What is an adversary? This is what the Webster's Dictionary has to say.

ADVERSARY, refers to a person, group, or personified force contending against another. ADVERSARY suggests an enemy who fights determinedly, continuously, and relentlessly:

Notice that an adversary fights DETERMINEDLY, CONTINUOUSLY, and RELENTLESSLY.

Are not Christians today, God's people? If they are, are they not being destroyed today and for the same reason as in Hosea's day?

If you are in a war there are certain things you must know if you expect to win.

You must know who your enemy is.

You must know his method of operation.

You must know what your weapons are and how to use them.

When you hear most Christians talk you would think that God is their adversary. They say things like: God let this bad thing happen to me to teach me something. Or, God is in control so if it happens it must be His will. In fact lately I have been hearing a preacher with a huge church talking on TV about going through a lot of bad things and when he asked God, he said God told him that all of it was coming from Him because He is in control.

Could all of that be true? Let's look at God's word for the answer.

1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

1. Whoa! What did Peter say? He said our adversary is the devil, did he not. If God is our adversary, why did Peter say the devil is? Could it be that the lack of that knowledge is part of the reason God's people are being destroyed? Well if the devil is our adversary, what are we to do about it? Check the next verse.

1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Peter tells us that we are to resist. What does that mean? Here is Webster's word on resist. Resist: to withstand, strive against, or oppose. Strive: to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict. Contend: to assert or maintain earnestly. Assert: to state strongly or positively; I think you will agree by the time we finish that the last is the proper meaning.

2. Many people have the erroneous idea that we are physical beings but we are not. We are spirit beings living in a physical body in order to operate in this physical world.

Jesus told us this in John. John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

You might ask: What does God being a spirit have to do with us being a spirit?”. This is what it has to do with it.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our IMAGE, after our LIKENESS: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.

A thorough search of the Hebrew for likeness shows it means a duplicate. Therefore we are a spirit.

One more scripture. Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. See. It says that man became a living soul not a living body. Webster's word again. soul n. 1. the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical.

Now that we have established the reality of us being spirit, what does that have to do with our warfare? Well, for one thing, it means that there are three sources for our thoughts. Some of course, are our own. Some are from the Holy Spirit, and some are from the devil. Look at these scriptures.

2 Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal(of the flesh), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

So our adversary, the devil, uses thoughts to bring us into captivity and to destroy those who don't know the truth. That is his method of operation.

3. So what are our weapons? They are the words of God spoken in faith by us. Let's check some more scriptures.

Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Whose tongue is he talking about? Ours, of course. How so?

Mat 12:37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.

Jesus knew what He was talking about don't you think? Look at this scripture.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Jesus tells us here how we bring things to pass. What is in our heart is what we speak. Here are some instructions to follow.

Eph 5:1 Be therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Unfortunately, The KJV leaves us hanging because some words are not translated properly. The Greek word translated followers means imitators. So, how does a child imitate a parent? They walk, talk and act like them do they not? All the power is in talking.. How does God talk? Let's find out.

1 Cor 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1 Cor 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are:

Notice that God has chosen things that are not to bring to nothing the things that are. Well how does He do that? Check this.

Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were.

Paul just told us that God calls things which be not as though they were. If we are going to be obedient and imitate Him then we will call those things that be not as though they were.

We are actually using our words to bring things that we don't want, or keeping things we don't want, by the words coming out of our mouth on a regular basis.

A lot of times when people find out that the devil is their problem, they start trying to resist him but don't have any success. The reason is two fold. a. They haven't taken the time to get in God's word and build their faith. b. They don't submit themselves to God first as it tells us below.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Now how did Jesus resist the devil when He was here on the earth? Let's see.

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If you be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Mat 4:5 Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Mat 4:6 And said unto him, If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.

Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God.

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil took him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Mat 4:9 And said unto him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.

Mat 4:10 Then said Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.

Mat 4:11 Then the devil left him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Jesus didn't try to overcome the devil on His own but quoted God's word. That is our defense today but if a person doesn't know God's word, they are defenseless. Whatever God tells us to do, will not be done unless we do it.

Today it is seldom that people come face to face with the devil as Jesus did. But the devil puts thoughts of doubt, unbelief, fear, and evil in people's minds. When those thought enter the mind the person goes with the thoughts not knowing that they are from the devil.

Every evil deed that is done on the earth, no matter how big or small, no matter how it is done or who does it, is the result of the thoughts put into people's minds by the devil.

Someone might ask, “Why would the devil do all of that?”. The answer is simple. He hates God with a burning passion but he can't do anything to God Himself. His only way to get at God is by causing God's children to suffer by their not knowing the truth and how to defeat him.

Here are some more things Jesus said that Christians should know.

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.

John 16:23 And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Do you suppose Jesus knew what He was talking about? If He did then why do so many prayers go unanswered?

If you remember, I said earlier that our weapons are God's words spoken in faith by us. One of the biggest reasons that prayers go unanswered is because the requests are not made in faith. A person cannot ask in faith unless they know they have a right to what they are asking for. If they don't ask in faith, God cannot answer. The only way a person can know they have a right to what they are asking for is to know what God's word says about it. The only way to know what God's word says is to get deadly serious with God get in the word and let the holy spirit do the teaching.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Don't you know that if these people searched the scriptures to see if what the apostles told them was true, then people sure better be searching today.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

That is an interesting statement by James. He said if we don't do what the word says then we deceive our own selves. Naturally if we deceive ourselves it opens the door wide for us to be deceived by the devil.

Whatever level a Christian is on concerning the word of God if they will be obedient in that and diligently seek with all their heart to learn more and be more obedient, God will give them the knowledge that sets them free.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed;

John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Jesus didn't beat around the bush here. He said the truth shall make you free. Shall is an imperative. It doesn't mean, maybe, hope so, possibly, if it's God's will. It means you can depend on it.

Any child of God who meets the condition set forth in God's word, as recorded by Peter, that person will be taught by God's Holy Spirit and their lives will be revolutionized.

Here it is. 1 Peter 2:2 As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby.

Sadly that doesn't even hint at what it said in the original. Here is the original. 1 Peter 2:2 As new born babes intensely crave the un-deceitful, unadulterated milk of the word that you may grow thereby.

The fact that we are told to crave the un-deceitful, unadulterated milk is proof positive that the word does get used deceitfully and it does get adulterated. When it does it is harmful rather than helpful.

The phrase intensely crave is like a dope addict craves dope or an alcoholic craves alcohol. While I have never had any experience with either, I have talked with those who have. Those people have one characteristic in common. It doesn't matter what anyone else says thinks or does, they are going to get what they are craving.

How does that apply? This is how. When a child of God makes the decision that they want the truth of God's word above anything else in the world and when they get it they will go with it no matter what anyone else says, thinks or does, the Holy Spirit will teach them.

WHETHER YOU KNOW IT OR NOT

WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT

YOU ARE

An heir of Almighty God

That is 100% correct. Every human is an heir of eternal life. It seems that many people don't fully realize or understand that truth. Once a person takes the necessary action to receive eternal life, the person immediately is an heir of every good thing that God has provided for the heirs.

In order to receive an inheritance, three things are necessary

You must know you are an heir.

You must know the terms of the will.

You must meet the terms of the will.

It is our sincere desire that by the time you finish reading this, you will understand and make the commitment to receive your inheritance of eternal life if you haven't done so. If you are already a child of God our desire is that you will begin to receive every blessing that God' desires to give you.

There are so many conflicting stories out there in the world about God and the origin of man and the earth that confusion reigns supreme. This confusion has one source. It comes from the enemy of all mankind. His name is Satan and is commonly referred to as the devil. As a result of the confusion, many people have rejected God and His son Jesus Christ.

Every human is an heir of Almighty God because of Jesus' death on the cross. As mentioned in the paragraph above every human has an enemy whose name is Satan. He is the mastermind of all the confusion. The reason he does what he does is because he hates Almighty God with a burning passion. He can't do anything to God directly. He can only get at God by getting humans, which are the crown of His creation, to believe his lies, so God cannot bless them.

Let's take it from the top, so to speak.

Gen. 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.

Here we find God using the pronouns us and our. That is a clear indication that there was more than one involved in the making of man.

While there are those who deny that there was more than one involved in the making of man, it is because of a misunderstanding caused by Satan. Satan doesn't want anyone to believe there was more than one, to keep them from believing in the activity of God's Holy Spirit in peoples lives and the truth that Jesus was and is God's son, sent to earth to provide the means for humanity to return to the family of God.

Throughout God's word we find references to Him as father. The fact that He used the phrase, ”in our image and after our likeness” is a clear indication that His reason for making man was His father heart. He wanted a family that would love Him and obey Him so He could bless them and make them happy, which would make Himself happy. Also, giving man authority over all of the things on the earth is an indication that He intended for man to have control over everything that God had created.

It is very apparent that something went wrong along the way. Let us see if we can find out what it was and why it happened. We can check on one instruction that was not followed.

It is unfortunate but the following verse is misunderstood by many. They say that God didn't mean that they would die the day they ate the forbidden fruit but would start dying. That may be due to the fact that they don't understand what death is. Physical death is separation of the spirit from the body. Spiritual death is separation from God. So the day that Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they died spiritually.

Gen. 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.

Satan didn't want Adam and Eve to believe that so he lied to them and they believed him instead of God.

Gen. 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die:

As a result of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, the entire human race was born into the family of Satan. Therefore, because of not understanding that, many people believe that a person will go to hell for any number of sins. The truth is that those who go to hell do so because they stay in the family of Satan.

Jo. 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.

Every sin that is committed by anyone is the result of the lies that Satan tells them. This statement by Jesus should make that clear.

Jo. 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Probably, the most powerful and damaging lie ever told by Satan is that he doesn't exist. Once a person accepts that lie it is easy to accept the lies that hell doesn't exist, that Jesus wasn't and isn't the son of God and that God has no desire to bless His children.

Jo. 10:10 The thief comes 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.

The thief is Satan and he steals the truth of God's word. When he does, there becomes a lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

How are people destroyed? By sickness, disease, accidents and murder. What do people need to know in order to avoid being destroyed? God's children(Christians) need to know that it is not His will for them to be in a sick and in broken down body, and what He did to provide them a healthy body.

No child of God can ask for anything in faith unless they know they have a right to it. If they don't ask in faith, God can't give it to them.

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

That verse says it is impossible to please Him without faith. Here is a verse with important instructions.

Ro. 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

That verse says to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable. Let's look at what is not acceptable.

Mal. 1:8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.

That verse leaves no doubt that God will not accept anything but a healthy body. Some will say He has changed in that because we are no longer under the law. Has He really changed? Here is His word on that.

Mal. 3:6 For, I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.

If He doesn't change, then He still requires a healthy body, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto, God, which is your reasonable service. That being the case, we have some more verses that shed light on it.

1 Pet. 2:24 Who, his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.

Col. 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Jesus' bearing our sins on the cross and shedding His blood is guaranteed undisputable proof that it is God's will for us to be born back into His family. Jesus also experienced two things at the cross, which are guaranteed, undisputable proof that it is God's will for his children to live in a healthy body.

Isa. 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Most all Christians are familiar with the stripes. Isaiah 52 gives the other part.

Isa. 52:14 As many were astonished at you; his visage(apperance) was so marred(disfigured) more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

That came about because of what Jesus experienced while He hung on the cross. During the three hours of darkness, Jesus' body experienced the worst case of every sickness, every disease and accident that would ever touch a human body. It became so grotesque that had they been able to see it they couldn't have handled it. That was the reason for the darkness.

Since it is abundantly clear that it is God's will that His children live in a healthy body, they should never use the phrase, “if it be thy will”, when asking for healing. The terrible reality is that using that phrase when praying for healing has caused more deaths than all the weapons of humanity throughout history. It shows a lack of faith. That is why God can't provide healing when it is used.

We used this verse above. It talks about lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

Not only are God's people destroyed for lack of knowledge but they fail to receive everything that is rightfully theirs as children of God, due to lack of knowledge. So, let's look at some things that are lacking.

They don't truly know who they are as children of God. They just think of God as the all knowing, all powerful, creator in heaven. They don't fully understand why He made man, so they miss the reality of His being father even though they use the term father. God made man because of His father heart. He wanted a family that would love Him and obey Him so He could bless them and make them happy which would make Him happy.

LK. 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Jo. 16:24 Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Now that we have established the reason God made us, let us consider some other reasons Christians don't get everything that is rightfully theirs.

They don't know what is rightfully theirs. Therefore, they don't know what they have to do to get what is theirs. So it stands to reason that they don't know how to do what they must do.

How do we find out what every Christian has a right to? Here is a verse that is important.

Col. 1:13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Since God has already translated His children into the kingdom of His dear son, it stands to reason that everything there, is available when anyone meets the conditions given in God's word.

The conditions are simple. Be obedient and ask in faith. So how do you get the faith? Here is how.

Ro. 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The word hearing has the sense of hearing over and over until your faith reaches the point that you have no doubt. In reality, true faith is a lack of doubt. Where there is no doubt there is faith.

MT. 21:22 And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.

It must be pointed out that in the above verse and most others in the New Testament, the Greek word translated ask, is not like our word ask. If we ask someone to do something, it is their prerogative whether they do it or not, but that word ask is a demand for something due.

In order to give a clear understanding of that, let us digress for a bit. Let us check some verses in Hebrews chapter 9.

Heb. 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb. 8:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

We must point out that one of the meanings of the Greek word translated testament is devisory will. This next verse indicates that will is the proper translation.

Heb. 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

Heb. 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.

Since will is the proper translation, the word ask being a demand for something due, means that when we have met the terms we have a legal right to what we are asking for.

Ps. 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD; and he shall give you the desires of your heart.

That verse indicated that whatever we desire, is God's will for us to have unless it is contrary to His word.

So how does one obtain eternal life?

Here is your answer.

Ro. 10:9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

Believe in that verse does not mean mental assent. It means believing so strongly that you place the destiny of your soul on it and will not back down from the belief and confession.

When you believe that strongly and ask God to save you, He will honor your request and will make you a new person with new desires.

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

Any time a person accepts Christ as their Savior, they come into God's family as spiritual babies. As such they must be fed the milk of the word to grow.

Jo. 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these? He said unto him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said unto him, Feed my lambs.

The very first responsibility of a pastor is to feed new Christians the milk of God's word. The second responsibility of the pastor is to feed the sheep. Those who have grown. They are to be fed the meat of God's word.

Jo. 21:16 He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? He said unto him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said unto him, Feed my sheep.

1 Cor. 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able.

We are admonished to be doers of God's word.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

When a child of God fails to do what God's word tells them to do, not only do they deceive themselves but, they open the door for Satan to deceive them, steal from them and destroy them.

Paul tells us about every word being established.

2 Cor. 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

That indicates that we need to read all of the verses dealing with a subject. In other words, we need to read the other verses that are given for the superscripted letters.

However, it is easy to lose your concentration when looking for those other verses.

In order to solve that problem, the Integrated New Testament was created. Here is a sample.

JOHN

Jo. 3:4 Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jo. 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, dExcept a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

d. Mk. 16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.

Acts 2:38 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 you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1 Pet. 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Jo. 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jo. 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.

Jo. 3:8 The ewind blows where it lists, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell where it comes from, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

e. Ecc. 11:5 As you know not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so you know not the works of God who makes all.

1 Cor. 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God.

Jo. 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, fHow can these things be?

f. Jo. 6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he says, I came down from heaven?

Jo. 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things?

Jo. 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto you, We speak what we do know, and testify what we have seen; and you receive not our witness.

Jo. 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

Jo. 3:13 And gno man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

g. Pro. 30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended? who has gathered the wind in his fists? who has bound the waters in a garment? who has established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if you can tell?

Jo. 6:33 For the bread of God is he which came down from heaven, and gives life unto the world.

Jo. 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he said himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand,

1 Cor. 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthly: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Eph. 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

Jo. 3:14 And has Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

h. Num. 21:9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

Jo. 3:15 That who ever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jo. 3:16 For iGod so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that who ever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I. Ro. 5:8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Jo. 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

As you can see the Jesus Is Lord Integrated New Testament is of great benefit in studying God's word because you don't lose your concentration on what you are studying because you don't have to look up the reference scriptures.

The Jesus Is Lord Integrated New Testament is on a CD. It is in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect and PDF formats. The Adobe Reader is included. The INT is also available on 3.5” floppy disks in Microsoft Word and Word Perfect formats. The format desired must be specified for floppies. The price is $15.00 for the CD. $5.00 for the floppies.. Send check or money order to:

Glory Publishing

1410 Holmes Rd

Eva, AL 35621

We are convinced that those who have an extremely strong desire to know God's word so that they can get the greatest blessings of God will learn more in a shorter time with the Jesus Is Lord Integrated New Testament. Many people who have purchased it in printed form over the last 7 or 8 years have said that they learned more.

You need to be fully aware of the fact that when you decide to build your faith to receive what Jesus died to provide for you, the devil will attack you either in your thoughts or physically to try to get you to speak words of doubt. It only takes one word of doubt to dig up the seed you plant.

THE WISDOM OF GOD IS HIDDEN FROM THE WORLD

FIND OUT WHY

Due to a lack of understanding, many people think that they can read God's word just like they read a newspaper and they will understand it.

Fortunately this is not the case because, the truth of God's word and how to use it is so powerful that if it could be obtained that way, evil men would use that power for destruction.

God's word makes it abundantly clear that only those who have been born again(back into God's family) can get the understanding and even they have to meet conditions given in His word.

We are told in Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…. Sadly that hasn't changed over the years because Christians are still being destroyed by sickness, disease, accidents by people who are controlled by Satan, by weather forces, which some people erroneously call acts of God.

Let us look at some scriptures concerning the wisdom of God then we will look at some others.

1 Cor. 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Note: It says hidden wisdom.

1 Cor. 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Note: It says princes of this world.

1 Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. Note: It isn't received automatically.

1 Cor. 2:10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. Note: The knowledge and understanding are revealed by God's Spirit.

If we must have faith to please God then it is of utmost importance that we know how to get it. This next verse gives the answer.

1 Cor. 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Note: Only the Spirit of God knows the things of God.

1 Cor. 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Note: Paul was talking to Christians.

1 Cor. 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Note: He is reiterating the fact that only by the Spirit of God do we get understanding.

1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Note: Natural means one who has not been born again.

1 Cor. 2:15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. Note: He means that a Christian who has met the terms to be taught the truth understands thing of the spirit but those who haven't met the terms does not understand him.

1 Cor. 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Note: Only those who have been taught by God's Spirit have the mind of Christ.

Now let us look at some more vital scriptures.

Heb. 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Note: The Greek word translated diligently seek means to crave. Of course if a person craves something they will definitely diligently seek it.

Heb. 11: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Note: Substance means the assurance. In it's simplest term, faith is believing that what is said in God's word is true.

Ro. 19: 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Note: Hearing here has the sense of hearing God's word about a particular thing over and over until we know for sure that we can act on it. It doesn't mean just reading it silently.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Note: The words meditate means to speak aloud. It coincides with Ro. 19:17 above. There is a reason for reading aloud. There is a physical parallel. For example if a person goes to the Doctor and the Doctor prescribes some medicine, how it is administered is determined by the severity of the problem. If it is something minor the medicine will be given by mouth or a shot in a muscle. But if it is critical it will be given in the vain so it will go almost directly to the problem.

Reading Gods word silently is like getting medicine by mouth or in a muscle. Reading aloud is like giving a shot right into a vain. Reading aloud sends the word directly to the spirit without having to filter through the brain.

If a person doesn't know that they have a right to something they can't ask for in faith God can't answer their prayer. In fact praying without faith is a sin. Look at this verse.

Ro. 14: 23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Note: While this verse is dealing with eating certain foods the statement “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” applies to everything.

My desire is that you may be benefited by this and that you will get God's greatest blessings

If you benefited from this or any other of my writings and want others to benefit, please make copies and give to them.

What makes you think you can call God a liar and still receive blessings?

You don't do that, do you? Well don't get mad. Take time to read this and you will find that you more than likely are in effect doing just that.

I use provocative titles to get people's attention.

If you believe God's word means what it says doesn't it make sense to do what it says to do? So let us look at some things we are specifically told to do and some things Jesus has clearly indicated we are to do.

John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.

That is clear. Are you doing that?

John 14: 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Here are two very interesting statements concerning keeping Jesus' commandments.

1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 2:4 He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

John 14:13 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

That sounds simple enough doesn't it? But how many times have you asked God for something in Jesus' name and never received it? Did you not receive them because it wasn't God's will or was it for some other reason?

Maybe it was for this reason. You didn't meet the requirements. The word ask in that verse isn't like our word ask. That word ask is a demand for something due. It means if we have met the requirements given in God's word.

Here is one of the requirements. It says that we get what we ask because we keep His commandments.

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

So if keeping God's commandments is required for us to get our prayers answered then it behooves us to find out what His commandments are, that we are to keep. Right?

1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.

Here they are:

Matthew 19:18 He said unto him, Which? Jesus said, You shall do no murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,

Matthew 19:19 Honor your father and your mother: and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 19:20 The young man said unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Quite often when that verse is mentioned, someone will say, there was a small hole in a wall over there that a camel had to get on it's knees to go through. So it means we must humble ourselves. That is not what it means. Look at verse 26.

Matthew 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Jesus clearly states that with men it is impossible and this next verse explains it.

Mark 10:23 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

What it all comes down to is, that if anyone wants their prayers answered and to be blessed they must keep the commandments given by Jesus.