Praise Him

No matter what, praise Him.


Praise Him from thelatterdays on GodTube.

Dis-Spelling Dark Forces

A young Christian contacted me about some spiritual battles they are facing.  They try to pray and cannot.  When they try to focus on the Lord, images of Satan come to mind.  Temptations of the flesh are increasing, confusion is torturing the mind, and they are even doubting the things God has shown them regarding their own salvation.

When the urges of the flesh pick up or demonic attacks increase, it is certainly time for a fast.  Indeed, if we adopt a "fasting" lifestyle, it will help to keep such things at bay.  When we humble ourselves, God draws nigh to us.  So if we want to hear God's voice more clearly, we must sharpen our ears to hear.  How do we do that? Beating down the soul by withholding from it what it craves.

"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom." Psalm 35:13

If we do not afflict our souls through self-denial, then Satan will most certainly afflict our spirits through fleshly overindulgence.  Satan can only appeal to our soul or to the flesh, however, when our spirits are stronger than both, Satan can gain no advantage.  Such is important for us being able to stand strong in the faith.

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." I Corinthians 9:27

The following message from Min. Derek Prince is entitled, "When You Fast" as he speaks to the purpose and benefits of fasting.

• Jesus expects His disciples to fast.
• If a Christian understands the need to fast, but doesn't do it, then they are sure to backslide.
• The purpose of fasting is not to make life hard or to deny us pleasure.  It is a God-appointed way to humble ourselves.
• There are awful dangers to pride and it keeps us back from God's blessings.
• God never promises to make us humble.  God can humiliate us, but only we can humble ourselves.
• The soul is the arrogant, self-assertive part of you which expresses itself as, "I want...I think...I feel".  NONE of those things matter to God, only His will being obeyed; and we must align ourselves with His will.
• The stomach is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.
• God requires His people to afflict or humble their souls.
• King Ahab is noted in Scripture as the most wicked king there was, yet God delayed the curses He pronounced against his family because he turned in prayer and fasting.
• God saw how Nineveh humbled themselves when faced with His judgment and spared them for over 100 years.
• When God's people fasted together at the bequest of Esther, it actually changed the course of Israel's history.
• One of the ways that Paul proved himself as a minister of Christ is by fasting (II Corinthians 6:4-5). 
• Fasting is to turn away from every outer distraction and occupation in order to hear from the Lord.

Jesus Was and Is Eternally God

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:11-12

One thing has certainly become clear as time moves on in these last days, and such is that the "narrow way" is becoming increasingly more narrow.   The text above doesn't just speak of people continuing in the same vein in which they currently are.  The word "still" is speaking of a progression; a furthering of degree or increase.  For example, "Let those who are unjust be even more unjust".  Why does God say this?  Because He is revealing the intents of the heart. 

You might have been able to fellowship before amongst people with whom you have only had minor doctrinal differences.  However, now those slight disagreements have somehow become insurmountable fissures as the depths of these differences are revealed.  God is forcing everyone to choose a side.  Be either hot or code, but lukewarm is getting spewed out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16).  He is cleaning up His Church and preparing His Bride for His return.

And as people begin to choose, you had better know where you stand.  You cannot believe in something just because another person says it is truth.  You must have the fortitude & discipline to study the word of God for yourselves and the ears to hear the Holy Spirit as He reveals its meaning to you.  Otherwise, deception will be so great that, if it were possible, even the elect will be deceived (Matthew 24:24).  You must know that you know who you know so that you can stand firm.

That stated, I wanted to take time to address a doctrine to which some have ascribed proclaiming that Jesus Christ is a created being.  Such a position is not supported by the Scriptures, and I would like to review why.   As we examine the Scriptures, we will see that:

• Jesus existed with the Father prior to His incarnation
• Jesus is the Creator of all things and nothing was created outside of His creative work
• Jesus is both fully God and fully man
• Jesus has the same divine nature as the Father, making Him equally God
• Jesus' role in the Godhead does not impune His divine nature
• Being firstborn denotes Jesus' preeminence, not His creation
• Melchizedek is a type or figure for Christ

The Word AND The Only Begotten Son

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."  John 1:1-3,14

The above text offers two presentations of Jesus: One as the Word and the other as the only begotten of the Father.  From this, we can know that the existence of the "only begotten" preceded His being "made flesh".  In other words, Jesus was alive before His conception.

Jesus is fully God (Colossians 2:9) and fully man (Philippians 2:7).  He is both the Son of God and the Son of Man.  He is not more God than He is man nor more man than He is God.  Rather, each attribute exists in harmony with the other (referred to as the hypostatic union).

He was God Himself and existed "in the beginning" with God as the Word.  John sets forth the principle that the Word's existence coincides with that of the Father.  When God existed, we can know that the Word also was.  There is no reference to an age when God existed where the Word was not also in existence.  There is no mention of the Word being created.  This would be an incredible omission since the entire purpose of this text is to speak of the origins of Christ.  There is only the continued reassurance that when God was, the Word was with Him.

The fact that He is God's "begotten" Son does not imply that He has had a beginning to His existence. The word "begotten" refers to a uniqueness in relationship and/or kind.  While you and I can be made sons & daughters of God by adoption (Romans 8:15), we have a human nature.   The word "begotten" shows us that Jesus alone bears the same divine nature or essence of the Father.  We may become partakers of that nature, but we do not possess that nature as Jesus does (II Peter 1:4).

Not only did "the Word" exist prior to the conception of Jesus, but the Word has eternally been in relationship to the Father as a Son (I John 4:9; Hebrews 1:2-3).  How is this possible?  Because God Himself is outside of time and space.  It is moot to ask "when" Jesus became in relationship to the Father as a Son.  "When" is an argument of time that is not relevant to One who is eternal.  God does not experience time the way that we do (II Peter 3:8).

How could the Lamb be slain from "foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8)?  How could your name be written in the Book of Life from the "foundation of the world", before you were even born (Revelation 17:8)?  How has He chosen us from the "foundation of the world", before we have even done good or evil (Ephesians 1:4; Romans 9:11)?  How can God's work have been finished "from the foundation of the world" (Hebrews 4:3)?  How could our sins have been covered by His sacrifice when we had not yet committed them? Because God is in the past, present, and future all at the same time.  He is not limited by the construct of time.  Everything He has done has already been completed; we alone are the ones who must experience this through the lens of time.  We are waiting, but for God everything has already been done.

Further, we are told that "all" things were made by Him (the Word).  **Notice that "the Word" is not neutral or genderless the Word is a person (not a human), referred to as "Him".**  The word "all" references every single act of creation.  And just in case that was not clear enough, John reinforces this by stating that succinctly that without Him (the Word) was not any thing made which was made.   

This part of Scripture bears repeating: NOTHING was created outside of what Jesus Himself created.  So if Jesus was created, then did He create Himself?  If not, then at most He becomes the Creator of "most" things or "almost all" things, but certainly not the Creator of all.  Scripture is clear that all things in Heaven and Earth were created by Him (Colossians 1:16).  Nothing was created apart from what the Word Himself created.

"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." I John 4:2-3

"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." II John 1:7

We can say that we have been born, but we cannot say that we have "come in the flesh".  This fact puts forth more than the knowledge that Jesus existed prior to being made flesh, confirming what John says in the Gospel.  It addresses Jesus' entire nature as being God Himself.  Understanding the true nature of Jesus as God is a critical doctrine of the faith and a litmus test for how we are to know who is of God and who is not.

Jesus' Role vs. Jesus' Nature

We must not confuse Jesus' role as a Son with His nature, which is divine.  Just because He is in submission to the Father as a Son does not mean He is somehow less God.  Being the Son of God necessitated that Jesus have the same divine essence of the Father (John 5:18).

God changes not, but is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).  To believe that God at some point existed without Jesus means that God's very nature changed.

God is a trinity (I John 5:7).  There is God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son.

God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; John 10:30; Galatians 3:20).  The members of the Godhead are one in mind, spirit, and purpose.

Go is love (I John 4:8).

God is righteous, holy and without sin (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 33:5, 99:9; I John 1:5).

God is Truth (John 14:16, 16:13).

God is all-powerful (Genesis 17:1; II Peter 1:3).

God is eternal (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; I Timothy 1:17).  

These are just some of the attributes that pertain to the nature of God, however they are applicable to each member of the Godhead.  You cannot eliminate these attributes in one without at the same time denying His deity.

Keep this in mind: the things of this world were created to reflect and help us understand the things of God (Romans 1:19-20).  However, the standard is always God, not ourselves.  It is when we reverse this and start judging God by our reality that we run into error.

For example, some would say, "For God to be the Father, then that must mean He existed prior to the Son because we know that all fathers preexist their children."  This is an example of judging God by human standards.  You can see how faulty that logic is when you apply it to another example and say, "Because we know our fathers have a specific time when they were born, so God the Father must also have a beginning to His existence."  Truth is not defined by our human experiences, but truth is defined by the word of God. While the created things reflect the Godhead, they do not define God.

The word "Father" does not have to denote preexistence, but it can represent preeminence.  When Scripture refers to Abraham as being the "father of all who believe", it is not saying that Abraham preexisted everyone in the faith (Romans 4:11-16).  It is saying that he is being held as a preeminent example for those in the faith.

preeminence: The quality or state of having paramount rank, of being supreme over or greater than.

Not once does the Scripture ever say that the Father existed before the Son, but it does repeatedly state that the Father is greater than the Son (John 13:16, 14:28).  This echoes the truth of preeminence.  Similarly, Jesus being called "firstborn" does not mean that Jesus was created, but that He has preeminence amongst those who would follow Him - His brothers and sisters in the faith (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15).

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18

Examine the use of the term "firstborn" in Scripture.  In the New Testament, it is the Greek word prōtotokos, and means literally the first born.  It does not mean "first created".  If God had wanted to state that Jesus was the "first created", then the Greek word prōtoktizo would have been used, which literally means first created. 

The term "firstborn" is not used as a means to show that someone was created, but it speaks to the legal privilege or primacy of one who should receive an inheritance; it speaks of one's birthright (Genesis 29:26, 43:33, 48:14-19; I Chronicles 5:1, 26:10; II Chronicles 21:3). We know that Jesus was born (and that He preexisted His birth), but there is no Scripture which says He was created.

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." Colossians 1:15-16

Jesus is the firstborn (not "first created") of all creation because He is our Forerunner (Hebrews 6:20).  He came in the flesh to be a sacrifice for our sin and to show us the way to the Father. 

Jesus being a Son to the Father as well as being a Brother to those in the faith does not mean that He was created.  In fact, we know from Scripture that He was not.

Melchizedek, No beginning and No end

We first hear of Melchizedek when Abram is returning with the spoils of war from rescuing the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.  And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." Genesis 14:18-20

We see that this "King of Peace" was not "a" priest, but the priest  of the Most High God and he brought bread and wine to Abram.  Later we see that Jesus' priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek.

"The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:4

"So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 5:5-10

"Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:20

Hebrews Chapter 7 tells us a little more about this mysterious figure.

"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually....And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  " Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17

Melchizedek is the King of righteousness.  He is the King of peace.  He is made like unto the Son of God, not having come into being by natural means and neither having beginning of days nor end of life. 

This same idea of a continuous existence without beginning or end is used in reference to Jesus when we are told that He "was, is, and is to come". 

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Alpha and Omega refers to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  It is used to represent the entirety of something, just as we might say, "From A to Z."  There is nothing left out, but the thing described is comprehensive, all-inclusive.

Notice as well that Jesus is not merely "a" beginning, as if there is some existence apart from Him.  He is the beginning; there is nothing above or before Him. As John stated, in the beginning, the Word was with God.

"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.  And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:8-11

In simpler terms, this means that Jesus simply exists. He has no beginning and no end.  It is the same meaning that God gave to Moses as a descriptor, I Am that I Am (Exodus 3:14); and such also applies to Jesus.

"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58

Scripture refers to Jesus as One who is in continuous existence, in the past, in the present, and in the future.  Jesus is the "Everlasting Father" (Isaiah 9:6).  His goings forth have been "from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2), just like that of the Father (Psalm 93:2).

I don't care if someone says that God has given them special revelation that Jesus is created or if they claim the Scriptures have been mistranslated in this regard; you had better rely upon the Lord alone for truth in this matter.  It is no light thing to be in error about the nature of Christ's divinity.

As John says in the Gospel, the existence of the Father coincides with that of the Son.  The Word, the only begotten Son, was not a "created" being.

"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." II Corinthians 11:4

Additional Resources:

Jesus' Divinity & His Humanity by Min. David Pawson

The Uniqueness of Christ - When Did His Life Begin? by Min. David Pawson

The Uniqueness of Christ - Who Did He Think He Was? by Min. David Pawson

The Word Became Flesh by Min. David Pawson

The Wonders of Jesus' Story- His Birth by Min. David Pawson

The Wonders of Jesus' Story - His Conception by Min. David Pawson

The Head of Every Man

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." I Corinthians 11:3

We know that the head of every man is Christ.  Notice, it doesn't say that the head of every male is Christ.  There are many males, and they often bow to many different things as their head; even having women as their head, in direct opposition of the Scriptures.  A true man will only have Christ as his head.

Yet, a true man can only be supported by a true woman.  And guess what?  The head of the woman is the man.  My daughter and I were in a group of women recently when one said, "My Momma always used to say, 'The head of the house is the man, but the woman is the neck and she can turn that head whatever way she wants."  A lot of the women laughed.  You know who says such things (and who laughs at such things)?  Rebellious women. 

The heart of a true woman is not to submit to her husband in name only, pretending he is the head while really getting him to do what she wants him to do.  Rebellion in disguise is still rebellion; and rebellion is still as the sin of witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23).

What I am sharing today might be considered a small thing, but even the little foxes can spoil the vine.  God wants to see our faithfulness, even in the small things...and sometimes those are the toughest.

I had once shared what I thought was a great idea with my husband.  Although I thought that this suggestion might be an answer to prayer, my husband did not see the same potential.  We talked about it and I made my case, but he was just not moved by it.  "Okay", I said, "I will not mention it again."  There set in the struggle.

As time passed and he didn't act on my suggestion, I kept wanting to remind him of this option.  Each time I got the thought to say something, I remembered my words.  And each time I remembered my words, God would remind me of I Corinthians 11:3.  "Do you really believe that the head of your husband is Christ?  If so, then why do you feel compelled to influence his decision in this matter?  Do you think that I am unable to lead Him where I want him to go?" 

See, it would never be a problem for me to share my thoughts with my husband or even for me to remind him of something helpful.  A wise man will consider the input of his wife because she has been given specifically as a help for him (Genesis 2-18-24; 21:12).  The issue comes in trying to get him to do what "I" think is right.  The problem creeps in when we try to be his head, even with just our suggestions.  Even with our words, we can wear others down.

"A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike." Proverbs 27:15

How do I know this was a problem?  Because I literally had to bite my tongue to stay quiet.  I had to fight with myself not to bring the topic back up, letting me know the urge was inordinate. Why am I writing about this?  Because I am on a mission to rid myself of every vestige of anything that might displease God.  Aren't we all?  :-)

This is important because my relationship with my husband reflects how I relate to God.  People (men and women) often bring this "neck" thinking to God, supposing that they can run a game on Him.  They will - with their prayers, petitions, or persistence - get God to do their will instead of His own.  It will never happen.

Don't buy into a worldly mindset.  Be a help to your husband 
& your household, not a hindrance.

So, I encourage every woman to consider, "Do you truly believe that Christ is the head of your husband? "  If you do, then you will have peace, even when he is not doing what you may think is best.  Who knows best and who is Lord, you or God?

"For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were accustomed to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands, adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them. It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham, following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you, not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you." I Peter 3:5-6

Sisters, sometimes the hardest thing for a woman to do is to be at peace.  God has really been working with me recently to be "anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6).  I encourage you to rest in Christ always.  Don't buy into the rebellious mindset that you are supposed to "turn the head". And even if you don't believe in such a perspective, keep guard over your heart to ensure that your actions are in line with your heart.

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Proverbs 14:1

Spellbound Spelhouse

"O you poor and silly and thoughtless and unreflecting and senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell over you, unto whom—right before your very eyes—Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly and graphically set forth and portrayed as crucified?" Galatians 3:1

bewitched: to use magic to make someone do, think, or say something; to put someone under a spell; to charm; to attract as if by the power of witchcraft

Paul wondered in Galatians who had bewitched the people. Today, it is clear that one playing a big role in the bewitchment of our children are the educational institutions.  

I do not consider it coincidence that the announcement of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges first "Queer Prom" comes right as I just posted on The Hideouts of the Homosexual Spirit.   They call it "Spelhouse", however, they are actually spellbound.  Like most modern institutions of "higher learning", indoctrination with this agenda is a top priority...and it starts as early as Kindergarten.  They accomplish this, not by convincing all students to become homosexual, but by imparting to students a mindset that is against the mind of Christ; it is anti-Christ.  This is not a Black or White thing, nor is it an age or class issue. 

These are the days, brothers and sisters, in which we live and this is the primary spirit we will confront more and more as the day of our Lord draws ever near.  Why do I write about it?  To prepare the saints for this spiritual war so that those lost in this delusion might be saved. 

Consider this.  Such a promotion is not simply about a person's right to choose perversion.  Examine the t-shirt one of these young women is wearing.  It says, "I met God, She's Black."  Why would this young lady choose to wear such a shirt for this picture?  Here is the truth: You cannot separate support for homosexuality from a direct attack against the nature and authority of God.  For all those lackadaisical persons who consider themselves Christian, yet are disempowered to stand against this spirit, you had better wake up.  Be not deceived that you be a partaker of that same spirit.  This is not just a "personal choice", it is a spirit; and that spirit knows what it is fighting against even if the ones it occupies do not.  It seeks to pervert the image of God because man and woman are made in His image.

Why is God Black?  Because as we stated before, the homosexual spirit is preoccupied with "self" as the standard for righteousness.  Being filled with self-love means you still try to find acceptance and meaning in life according to the flesh.  Therefore, if I am Black, then God must be like me...because I am god.  Educational institutions teach our young people that they can define God in any terms that they like.  It is the same lie Satan spewed to Eve in the Garden of Eden.  "I will not listen to God's words, but I will decide for myself what is good or evil."

"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more." II Corinthians 5:6

We are to know no man after the flesh; even Christ.  So tell me how God is Black, White, Asian, or any other color of the flesh?  This is simply the filth of pride, which comes naturally when we focus on "self".

Let me share with you an example of just how pervasive this spirit is in the church.  My son recently said to me, "Gay means happy".   I responded, "Not the way people use it today."  There is even a song which has become very popular now called, "Happy" by Pharrell Williams.  Most people do not realize that this song is about promoting perversion.   In part, the lyrics state:

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy

If "happiness" is the truth and if "happiness" is based upon whatever it means to you, then by default, the truth is subjective.  There is then no standard for absolute truth.  Truth is no longer the person of Jesus Christ.  Truth is no longer what God says it is.  Truth becomes whatever you say it is...for you.  Whatever makes you happy is your truth.  That is the same principle behind Aleistar Crowley's "Do What Thou Wilt" law.

Some may say, "What does that have to do with anything?  You are taking things too seriously.  It is just a nice, innocent song."  Then I ask, have you seen the video?  Why is the young man who sings this song singing it with the backing of a choir inside of a church?  Obviously, there is some connection being implied with Christianity through this song.  So what is that connection and why is this connection being made?  It is a direct - yet subtle - attack against the Truth, who is Jesus.  It is people boldly proclaiming, "We can be religious, spiritual, and even Christian, but we don't have to believe in the truths of God.  As long as we are happy, we have found truth."  That is a lie.  Sometimes, the things which make you "happy" are things that God despises.  This is why we must be born again.  The evidence that you have found truth is not that you are happy, but that you have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost...not in the flesh (Romans 14:17).

This song has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity.  It does not preach the Gospel or speak of Jesus Christ in any way.  Yet, how many church choirs are singing this song as if it is talking about the Lord?  What you are looking at is the spirit of homosexuality in manifestation.  Am I saying these people are all involved in same sex unions?  No.  I am saying that they have been bewitched.  The spirit of homosexuality is inspiring this behavior.  Such persons are not glorifying in the Lord; they are glorifying in themselves, and how they "feel".  An exaltation of self is always this same spirit, and it is prominent throughout the churchworld.

Why must God be a woman according to this young girl in the Spelman/Morehouse picture?  Because that spirit has to reject all Godly authority by virtue of being a rebel.  If truth is going to be based upon what I say it is and what makes me happy, then I must change God from being a loving disciplinarian who gives commands into someone who can placate me and accommodate my sin.  Therefore, instead of being reconciled to the Father and being changed to reflect His nature, I will join a false religious system headed by a woman where I can do as I please.  This is not about ethnicity or gender; it is about a rejection of God and alienation from Him...even while thinking you have met and come to know Him.  How strong must this spirit be to deceive where it can convince someone that they know God and are walking with Him while in complete rebellion against Him?  This is why we must pray.

"As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people, your leaders cause you to err, and they confuse (destroy and swallow up) the course of your paths." Isaiah 3:12

Remember, in religious Babylon a woman rides the beast. Again, this has nothing to do with women being evil or substandard in the Kingdom of God.  It has everything to do with being bewitched to follow a false religious system which is set-up for the express purpose of turning you against the Father and leaving you captive to the god of this world.

Do I want these young men and women to go back in the closet?  Absolutely not!  I want them to be set free in Christ Jesus and become witnesses of His saving grace to this dying world.  However, who will care enough about their eternal souls to speak up and turn aside from every false way?

"I then heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out from her, my people, so that you may not share in her sins, neither participate in her plagues....Because in one single hour all the vast wealth has been destroyed (wiped out). And all ship captains and pilots, navigators and all who live by seafaring, the crews and all who ply their trade on the sea, stood a long way off, And exclaimed as they watched the smoke of her burning, What city could be compared to the great city! 

And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and grieved, exclaiming, Woe and alas, for the great city, where all who had ships on the sea grew rich through her extravagance from her great wealth! In one single hour she has been destroyed and has become a desert! Rejoice (celebrate) over her, O heaven! O saints (people of God) and apostles and prophets, because God has executed vengeance for you upon her! 

Then a single powerful angel took up a boulder like a great millstone and flung it into the sea, crying, With such violence shall Babylon the great city be hurled down to destruction and shall never again be found.  And the sound of harpists and minstrels and flute players and trumpeters shall never again be heard in you, and no skilled artisan of any craft shall ever again be found in you, and the sound of the millstone shall never again be heard in you. 

And never again shall the light of a lamp shine in you, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall never be heard in you again; for your businessmen were the great and prominent men of the earth, and by your magic spells and poisonous charm all nations were led astray (seduced and deluded). And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all those who have been slain (slaughtered) on earth." Revelation 18:4, 17-24 

There is a day coming when this unrighteous Babylonian system siring harlots and abominations will be judged, but before then, God is calling His people to come out of her.  This is the time for the Bride to make herself ready so that she may be fit for the Master's use.  Sanctify yourselves with prayer and fasting for the sake of the young people who need true witnesses of the Lord, those who actually do know Him and can make Him known.

Fire on the Beach

Omega Church & Ministries Center is having our Summer conference in Destin, FL at the Sandestin Beach Resort.  It is called, "Fire on the Beach" and you are all welcome to attend!

AGENDA
Friday Evening, August 22, 2014
Meet & Greet, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Saturday Morning, August 23rd, 2014
Praise & Worship Service, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday Evening, August 23rd, 2014
Barbeque Beachside, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Sunday Morning, August 24th, 2014
Praise & Worship and Ministry, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Sunday Afternoon, August 24th, 2014
Farewell Buffet Luncheon, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

Please see links below for more info.

Overall Event Information

Complete Registration Instructions

The Hideouts of the Homosexual Spirit

Unclean spirits do not want to be exposed
and will try to hide in an attempt to
remain undiscovered.

In ministering once to someone who is dealing with a spirit of lesbianism, I stated, "You know, there are other ways a homosexual spirit can express itself outside of just sexually."  They responded, "I know!", in a defensive and aggravated tone.  Actually, I should more rightly say that the spirit within her responded in that way.  She was not ready to consider that this spirit was still influencing her even though she was no longer participating in same sex unions.

Yet, the truth of the matter is that a homosexual spirit is not merely expressed in same sex attraction. It is primarily a spirit of perversion; it perverts how you see yourself, how you see others, and how you see God.  It gives you an upside down perspective of life, blinding you to the truths of God.

perversion:  the process of improperly changing or corrupting that which is good; an aberrant or reprobate practice or interest

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

Consider this text.  Remember, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:24, 15:8; Luke 6:45).  Perversion within man is the result of a breach in his spirit.  Instead of being whole, there is an inner opening to the enemy, giving him access to torment and pervert them. It is this access that I am speaking of today.

Spirits have appetites.  They feed off of the lustful affections of the persons they afflict.  If they cannot be fed one way, then they will seek another avenue.  If they cannot have a burger from McDonald's, then they will settle for some chicken from KFC; anything as long as it can be fed.  This is what I mean by the "hideouts" of the homosexual spirit.  When you see the attributes below in manifestation, you can know that you are dealing with the roots of a homosexual spirit - whether or not the person is actively engaged in same sex unions.  More importantly, those seeking deliverance from this unclean spirit need to be aware of its devices so that they can be truly set free.  Demons do not want to be exposed and will do whatever is necessary so as not to have to depart from what they consider their "house" (Matthew 12:44).

Inordinate Relationships

We have spoken before about how a homosexual spirit will seek to be fed by inordinate relationships.

inordinate: exceeding reasonable limits; immoderate; improper 

If this spirit cannot express itself physically in an intimate relationship with those of the same sex, then it will seek to do so spiritually.  It does this by trying to cull others off into some unique or exclusive relationship with itself.  How so?  By giving you gifts, creating a common contempt for those of the opposite sex, or even by sharing intimate (and often sinful) secrets which should be kept private.

The goal of these efforts is to create a soul tie with you, thereby binding you to them in ways which are unnatural.  Such relationships are so clingy and possessive that this spirit will jealously attempt to disrupt other relationships in your life which threaten its attachment to you.  It wants you all to itself.  Remember, this is not about sex; this spirit just wants to be fed and can use any inordinate relationship to do that.  This can be a relationship between a parent and child, "best" friends, co-workers, brothers and sisters "in the Lord", etc. 

When you are plagued by such a spirit, you will find that you are only comfortable with those who have that same homosexual spirit, regardless of gender.  It makes one unable to have normal, healthy relationships with those of the same or opposite sex.

Against What is Natural

The spirit behind illegal church authority
(such as female pastors) is the
same spirit behind homosexuality; it is
perversion and rebellion.

Not only does this spirit pervert natural affections in relationships with others, but by definition it stands against all that is natural for man; natural roles, natural order...  It is not content to exist on its own; this spirit has to "make of you what it is", as the men of Sodom attempted in Lot's day (Genesis 19:5).  It can only thrive in an environment of lawlessness, as it seeks to change that which is natural into that which is against nature (Romans 1:26). 

As such, there will be a strong denial of gender roles and a push to eliminate gender distinctions; turning men and women inwardly into the opposite of what God has created.  Have you ever wondered why God refers to homosexuals as "effeminate" (I Corinthians 6:9)? Why Jesus berated those sitting in kings' houses seeking "soft" things - same word as effeminate (Matthew 11:8)?  Even in the world, people know subconsciously that a "soft" man or a "hard" woman are indicative of a homosexual spirit.  When you masculinize a woman or feminize a man, this rebellion sows the seeds for the sodomite nature to grow into full stature (homosexuality).  

This spirit is not only seen in rebellion against natural roles, but is also present in a rejection of God's natural order.  A person may not reject their gender, but may reject the role in which God has called them to serve.  In outlining this order, God says "...the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (I Corinthians 11:3).   Nature itself was designed by God to complement this order (I Corinthians 11:14).   

Some will claim to be "led by the Spirit" in rejecting God's order.  Particularly in the churchworld, spirituality is used as a cloak for this rebellion by those who refuse to acknowledge and submit to Godly authority (i.e. raising up women to be the spiritual heads of men).  However, while such may be led by a spirit, you can know that it is not the Holy Spirit because it is out of accord with God's word.  When one wars against the natural order of men and women - including the patriarchal authority God instituted - it is the same homosexual spirit at work.

Perverting God's Word

Because this spirit makes you a rebel against Godly authority, one must as a result reject the truths of God's word.  Whenever you see someone perverting God's word, you are looking at the seeds of that same spirit.

The harlot church - Babylon - thrives on this spirit; both in the preachers and in the pews.  They intentionally use a spirit of perversion to bind people because they are after filthy "lucre"; even spewing lies about an obligatory tithe to keep Christians bound.  As Scripture says, they pervert judgment because they want your money (I Samuel 8:3; Proverbs 17:23; II Peter 2:2-3).

We see this personified when the King of Sodom tried to bargain with Abram for the captive people who had been rescued (Genesis 14:17-21).  When does the King of Sodom attempt to make this deal with Abram?  As soon as the "Word" is revealed; when Abram enters into covenant with Melchizedek, king of Salem - a type of Christ.  The King of Sodom will always try to prevent the people from being reconciled to God, and he will malign God's word to do it. He pays big money (the rewards of iniquity) to his servants to accomplish this.  Remember, Babylon trades in the souls of men (Revelation 18:13).

Similarly, people under that same spirit of Sodom will today pervert God's word in order to be enriched off of the bondage of the people. 

Whoredoms

All sexual sin has its roots in the homosexual spirit: pornography, sodomy, fornication, masturbation, adultery...  Engaging in these activities further feeds that spirit.  If you are involved in sexual sin of any kind, then you are on your way to becoming a full-blown homosexual.  This is what Satan has in store for you, he simply has to keep degrading your mind to erode away your resistance to it.  Romans Chapter 1 outlines man's progressive steps into homosexuality and finally into reprobation.  This includes initially, a dishonoring of one's body with another, which is sexual sin (Romans 1:24).

God's instruction to us is that our bodies should not be used as instruments of self-gratification (I Thessalonians 4:3-5).  Rather, even sexual unions are to be expressions of selflessness - which is the true definition of love, used for the benefit of our spouses (I Corinthians 7:3-4).

We have spoken before about Baal Peor, and how this abomination was used by the enemies of Israel to derail them right before they were to enter into the promises of God.  However, notice what God says about Israel before they engaged in this abomination of oral and anal sex:

"He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them."   Numbers 23:21

No matter what Balaam did to try and curse Israel, he could not because God could find no perversion in them. Remember, there must be a breach in the spirit of man for perversion to set in (Proverbs 15:4), and sexual sin brings about such a breach.  Why does all sexual sin feed a spirit of homosexuality?  Because all sexual sin comes from a place of selfishness. 

Self at the Center

I have stated before that homosexuality is an expression of self-love; one is so in love with one's self that one can only be with those who are like themselves.  It is the epitome of selfishness, which is opposite to God's character of love (selflessness).

Being self-absorbed does not just mean that one is full of pride, although that can be part of it.  Whether thinking highly or lowly of yourself, the issue is that you are consumed with yourself; one's perspective in life centers around one's self.  Even salvation in Christ Jesus becomes all about you; how people treat you, how you feel, what you think, how you can finally be somebody... You become unstable and driven by your emotions instead of moved by the Spirit and word of God because all you can see is you.  The Scripture tells us that in the last days, men will be lovers of themselves (II Timothy 3:1-2).  That is indicative of this spirit. 

The world will tell you that you should love yourself; God never says that.  God says that you should love others as yourself, meaning you think no more highly of yourself than any other.  If you truly love yourself the way the world encourages you to, then you will never lay your life down for another (John 15:13).  You will never "deny yourself" and therefore can never be a disciple of Christ (Luke 14:27).  This spirit will lead you to pamper the flesh instead of crucify it, making you one with the world rather than sanctified from it. You become one with the world's music, tv shows, movies, sports, fashions, culture, morals, etc.  Why? Because that spirit of perversion is making people just like its Daddy, who is the god of this world.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is not to beat up on, or finger point at, those who are seeking deliverance from a spirit of homosexuality.  It is my hope and prayer that this info will be a means of providing freedom to those who truly desire to be free.  Jesus said that the truth will indeed make you free.

There is no need to hide out in religion, trying to pretend that you are not dealing with the things with which you know you are struggling.  Why claim victory, yet still remain bound?  These are unclean spirits and Jesus has made the way for you to be free from them once and for all. 

Further, this is also written to help others understand what they are encountering, especially in the churchworld.  This spirit has a stronghold in religious circles because people mistakenly believe that being under the influence of a homosexual spirit is only about sex.  Through a lack of knowledge, many are destroyed.

As God instructed Israel when they were to inherit the Promised Land, "Do not enter into covenant with the strangers in the land.  Do not make peace with them as they will be a snare unto you and lead you to sin against me." (Exodus 23:32-33; 34:12; Deuteronomy 7:16; Joshua 23:13; Psalm 106:35).

Similarly, we must not compromise with the unclean spirits which seek to bind, blind, and deceive.  Do not rest until you have been fully delivered.  Don't grow weary in the fight.  Cut off every avenue by which this spirit tries to sustain its influence over you.  Do not settle for the outside of the cup to be clean, but pray that God would clean all that which is within.  Jesus has already made a way.  In your patience, possess your souls (Luke 21:19).

The following may also be helpful:

A Microscopic Examination of the Homosexual Spirit

Prayer of Deliverance from the Homosexual Spirit

Demon Gangs - by Derek Prince

Not Everyone Wants Jesus

I know.  It sounds crazy doesn't it?  Yet, not everyone wants Jesus.

Remember the exuberance and excitement you had when you first got saved?  Everything looked brand new; it seemed as if you never really noticed the beauty of creation all around you.  You just knew that if people only understood the truth that Jesus as Lord God had died to set them free from sin & bondage, they would all come running.  Who wouldn't want to be free?  Who wouldn't want to be delivered?  Who wouldn't want to be loved and accepted in the Beloved?  Apparently a lot of folks.

A number of believers mistakenly believe that if they tell people Truth, then the people will turn to Christ.  They are then unprepared for the rejection and contempt which often comes their way when they do.  They do not understand that most people really do not want Christ at all; they want their own way.  They want to do what they want to do...without anyone saying anything about it.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:16-21

The old man hates Christ and prefers darkness.  Why?  Because darkness hides his dirty deeds; it keeps his sin from being revealed and reproved.  Most people just want a cover for sin.

"If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin." John 15:22

We must search our hearts - not just when we first get saved, but continuously - to see if we truly want Christ or not.  Even when Satan tempted Jesus, it says that Satan only departed from Him "for a season" (Luke 4:13).  Satan will sift, trying to see if we will accept anything else in place of Christ.

How much do you really want that spouse, that job, that money, that house, etc.?   Are you willing to lie for it?  Steal for it?  Fornicate for it?  Or maybe you don't commit some overt sin, but you just decide to take matters into your own hands instead of waiting on the Lord.  Even a good deed done in the flesh apart from God is sin (Romans 14:23).

What idols are there in our souls which compete for our attention, time, devotion?  Until Jesus becomes our heart's sole desire, then we will be double-minded and unstable. Unless we love Jesus above all else - including ourselves - then we don't love Him at all.

Scriptures indicate that we can walk with Jesus for a while, but then come to a point were we turn back from Him and walk with Him no more  (John 6:66).   Such doesn't mean necessarily that we disavow Christ publicly, but we can deceive ourselves, pretending that religious fervor makes up for us seeking our own ways vs. God's ways.  We will engage in a lot of church activity as a substitute for obedience to God's word.  Yet God is not fooled or mocked and calls such persons "workers of iniquity" (Matthew 7:23)

Is there within "the brethren" an "evil heart of unbelief" leading us to depart from God (Hebrews 3:12) or will we be of those who continue on in the faith "unto the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:39)?  Will we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mark 12:30) or will our love grow cold causing us to leave our first love (Matthew 24:12; Revelation 2:4)?

Understanding that not everyone wants Christ - and even that people may want Him today, but not tomorrow - shows you why we should never strive about the Gospel (II Timothy 2:24).  It removes all effort on our part to make people receive Truth.  We are simply witnesses.  We are called to proclaim the Truth.  However, it is God's Spirit which will open the person's eyes to truth...based on the condition of their heart.  Are they really seeking after righteousness? Then they shall find it (Matthew 5:6).  Do they just want to continue in sin?  Then they will remain blind to truth until they repent (Ephesians 4:17-20; II Peter 1:9).

The truths of God are not too hard, ambiguous, or irrelevant.  It just boils down to whether a person is through with sin or not.  When I first got saved, I used to spend a lot of time trying to get people to understand the truth.  You point something out in God's word that is plainly stated, and they still claim not to perceive it.  How is it, for example, that Scripture can repeatedly say that a bishop/overseer/elder MUST be the husband of one wife, and yet someone still defend female pastors?  The answer is sin. 

It is by the perfect design of God Almighty that only those who want to be freed from sin can walk in His truth.  As long as there is any part of your soul that still wants to do things your way, then you will not see Truth.  Knowing this cuts down on the need for a whole lot of talking with folks...even though those still in covenant with sin will want to argue to the death about it.

"And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 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." Matthew 13:10-15

"To them it is not given" to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.  Some people God will not permit to know His truths.

But wait a minute!  Doesn't God want everyone to be saved?  Absolutely!  However, there are conditions which must be met for salvation.  This is why "Repent!" is the first word of the Gospel.  We must love light more than darkness.  We must want freedom from sin instead of a cover for sin.

To whom is it not given? To those who cater to their fattened hearts (full of their own lusts) by closing their eyes to God's words so that they will not be converted.  Choose to indulge your own lusts instead of receiving God's word, and you will not only be blind to God's truth, but any understanding you currently have will eventually be taken away.

When you go out to proclaim the good news, know that not everyone wants Jesus...and as you go, examine yourself to ensure that He is all you want.