Weekly Message: How to overcome a satanic attack and live in unity by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Weekly Message: How to overcome satanic attack?

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce Christian Arts Ministries 6/15/2016 & 3/17/2024

 

                   Living in this Dark Age, and face spiritual warfare, weekly message today, "how to overcome a satanic attack and live in unity?" Listening to this biblical precepts and message, what Jesus urges His disciples in John 16:33 and what elements in Eph. 6 that can result in victorious life? it may intensify of your faith. We understand that evil intended to steal, destroy kill and create a sense of fear. In Jesus age, he urged His disciples, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world. (John16:33). In this era, we faced the same changeling of darkness forces of evil. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, we earnestly pray for peace, comforting and we encourage the brothers and sisters rest on God's promises and plans. As Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John14:27).

We lift up Jesus' prayers,

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from evil one. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me so that they may be ONE as we are ONE (v.11) My Prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me. Through their message, that all of them may be ONE. Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you, may they also be in us so that they world may believe that you have sent me… That they may be ONE as we are ONE. I in them and you in me, may they be brought to Complete UNITY...(John17:15,11,20-22). 

We do believe that "the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and he delivers them. And the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him on those whose hope is in his unfailing love." (Ps.34:7,18). We who follow Jesus Christ have an enemy, and his name is Satan (Mark1:13). A created being, Satan is loose in the world but limited in what he can carry out against us. Satan's schemes and intends to draw us away from God through both direct and subtle means. Satan intends to thwart God's purpose in our lives by getting us out of our Father's will. Or deny God His rightful glory and honor, which results from our choosing to live obedient lives. But Jesus said, "Take heart! I have overcome". Christians need to believe “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John4:4)

Today there continue to be many dividing walls between people. Human nature is no different in the modern age than it was in the first century: Power, pride, and privilege still dominate in the kingdom of darkness. Unfortunately, many dividing walls also exist in the Christian community. Yet, the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as powerful today in " Making the two into one new man, thus establishing peace".(Eph.2:15) It doesn't matter what the barriers are -we can overcome them by recognizing that we all have our access to the Father through the same Spirit. (Eph.2:18). As Apostle Paul spoke to the church in Ephesus, "now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall. (Eph.2:13-14). O Lord, so we pray... make us one and in unity.

 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of peacemakers (Matt.5:9) some people do have a way about them that brings peace wherever they go. All of us, however, can become peacemakers because, as 1 Corinthians7:15 says, "God has called us to peace." and " if possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." (Rom.12:18). Jesus made it clear that unity within the church is a top priority. It doesn't really matter whether we have offended others, or they have offended us in either case, we should take the initiative to be reconciled with our brothers. Even if a brother will not listen, we can still pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. (Rom.14:19)

              How to overcome a satanic attack? Christians need to know there are six items of God’s armor in Ephesians 6 in order to stand firm in this Dark Age and live a victorious Christians’ life. Let’s discover “breastplate of righteousness” (Eph.6:14), “the Gospel of peace” (Eph.6:15), “Helmet of salvation.” (Eph.6:17). And “The shield of faith” (Eph.6:16). To put on 

1) “the breastplate of righteousness” is to cover our conscience, signified by the breast. Satan is the one who accuses us. In fighting against him we need a conscience void of offense. Regardless of how clear we feel our conscience is, it needs to be covered with the breastplate of righteousness, to be righteous is to be right with bother God and man. If we are just a litter wrong with either God or man, Satan will accuse us and there will be holes in our conscience through which all our faith and boldness will leak out. Therefore, we need the covering of righteousness to protect us from the enemy’s accusation. Such righteousness is Christ.(1Cor.1:10).

2). “Gospel of peace” means the Christ made peace for us, with both God and man, on the cross, and this peace has become our gospel. This gospel of peace has been established as a firm foundation as a readiness with which our feet may be shod. Being thus shod, we will have a firm footing what we may stand to fight the spiritual warfare. The peace for such a firm foundation also is Christ.

3) “Helmet of salvation” is for covering our mind, our mentality against the negative thoughts shot in by the evil one. Such a helmet, such a covering is God’s salvation. Satan injects threats, worries, anxieties, and other weakening thoughts into our mind. God’s salvation is the covering that we take up against all these. Such a salvation is the saving Christ whom we experience in our daily life. 

In Eph.6:16 indicate that believers need to take up “the shield of faith”, with which they will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. “The flaming darts” are Satan’s temptations, proposals, doubts, questions, lies, and attacks. Flaming darts were used by fighters in the apostle’s time. The apostle used this term to illustrate Satan’s attacks on us. Therefore, believers need 4) “Shield of faith” to protect ourselves against the attacks of the enemy. And to have our loins girded with truth, our conscience covered with righteousness, our feet shod with peace, and our entire being protected with the shield of faith. If we live by God as reality (truth), we have righteousness. And righteousness issues in peace. Having all these, we can easily have faith as a shield against the evil one’s flaming darts. Christ is the Author and Perfecter of such faith. For us to stand firmly in the battle, we need to be equipped with all these four times of God’s armor.

            Through it all, God's intention to His people is good not evil. So that Christ may make His home in all the believers' hearts through faith. And being rooted and grounded in love. And be full of strength to apprehend with all the saints what the breadth and length and height and depth are. And to know the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ, that all the saints may be filled unto all the fullness of God. For to Him who is able to do super abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power which operates in us. (Eph.6:17-20). For this cause, I bow my knees unto the Father, of whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit into the inner man. That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith. (Eph.3:14-17).

Bibliography,

 Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3^rd Chicago: The University of Chicago press,2000.

Brown, Robert, Philip W. Comfort and J.D. Douglas, ed. The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.1990.

Friberg, Timothy, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller et al., eds. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.1^st ed. Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing, 2005.

       Lee, Witness. The New Testament (R.V.) Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1985.

 

Weekly message: the battle on the great day of God Almighty (2) by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Weekly Message: The battle on the great day of God Almighty                          6/27/2018

 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce Christian Arts Ministries

 Living in the United States of America, there are many ministers and prayer warriors face the spiritual warfare, and forces. It results in frustration, self-defeating, rejection, confusion, grudges, despairs, and hesitate to explore some scenarios. Many self-defeating and degraded Christians faced spiritual conflicts, couldn’t overcome (or unable to be set free from) the bondages of sins, and darkness, then gave up the faith in Christ. Ultimately, they became the bitter vessels, blamed others and cursed God because of their circumstances. As Revelation 16:8-11, 18, 21 had foretold as follows,

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they coursed the name of God, who had control over the plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. (16:8-9)

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done. (16:10)Then there came flashed of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth… from the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.” (16:21).

“The battle on the great day of God Almighty the war will consist of several battles, beginning with Antichrist’s campaign into Egypt (Dan.11:40-45) and including a siege of Jerusalem (Zech.14:2) as well as the final battle at Armageddon. (Rev.16:16).”[1] Three evil spirits looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, beast, and false prophet. The dragon is Satan. The beast is Antichrist (Rev.13:1-3), the false prophet, the lieutenant. (13:11-18). “They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.” (Rev.16:14).  Jesus did warm us, “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”  (Rev.16:15). “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” (Rev.22:7). Apostles John unveils these visions and awakens the saints keep watching and wait patiently upon the Lord. Once we know the truth, the truth shall set us free, and aware of the spiritual warfare.   

Christian’s faith is truth encounter.

             The spiritual prayer warriors and ministers who fight for the battle of Christ, in Christ, they are victors. They pray without ceasing for the nations, stand for the Biblical principles. These fighters have strong faith in Christ, mood swings cannot touch their joy, despair cannot control over them nor do the grudges corrode them.[2] In Christ, they are victors, not victims, this is faith realization. For the sins cannot be the master to rule over the servants of God.

             Unfortunately, there are many degraded and self-defeating Christians became hardened hearts, and refused to believe the Word of God, nor listen to the voice of God, because of their  circumstances resulted by sins. They were the salts on the earth, but lost saltiness, and let Satan gained the foothold. More shameful is that some self-defeating Christians even let the unbelievers and the secular psychologists diagnose them as mental illness, the term such as “schizophrenia, paranoia, psychosis, neurological chemical imbalance, Bai-polar, mania and depression”. And force them to take medication, and some results in the drugs abuse, regardless of a spiritual battle of the mind.

  Author Neil Anderson opened up the blind sight of our spiritual eyes. Satan is spiritual beings; distract people through temptation, accusation and deception. Through a book named, “the Bondage Breaker”, Anderson explored the Psychologists and psychiatrists routinely see patients who are hearing voices: chemical imbalance is the standard diagnosis. But he debated, “How can a chemical produce a personal thought? How our neurotransmitters can involuntarily and randomly fire in such a way that they create thoughts that we are opposed to thinking? Secular psychologists limited to a natural worldview attempt to offer natural explanations for mental problems while Christians are encouraged to believe, declare, and act upon the truth of God’s Word.”[3] “Satan and his demons are spiritual beings; they do not have material substance, so we cannot see them or any spiritual being with our natural eyes, nor hear them with our ears. Satan’s only weapon is deception.”[4] But the Bible stated, “The one in us is greater than the one in the world.” In perfect love drives away the fear, for God is love. We can command whatever frightens us to leave in the name of Jesus. Believers have the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. (Eph.6:14-17). Believers can pray or communicate with God in their mind and spirit, for God knows that thoughts and intents of their heart. (Heb.4:12). They can have unspoken communication with heavenly father. But when they under a direct attack from Satan, for instance in their room at night, they need to exercise their authority in Christ by speaking out loud, since the evil one does not have the power to completely know believers’ thoughts.” [5] As James says, “submit therefore to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).  The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2Cor.10:4). Accusation is one of Satan’s primary weapons, when Satan accused Joshua’s filthy clothes day and night; God vindicated and defeated Satan’s accusation. By the blood of lamb, and the testimony of the saints, believers can overcome the Satan’s accusation.

Christians’ awareness

 In order to live a victorious life there are few factors as followers,        

 1). Keep testifying Jesus Christ died on the cross at the Calvary has powerfully defeated the Satan. Through Jesus’ redemption the believers have purchased back to Heavenly father. Christians need to do is keep testifying the Christ and declare the victory of their life in Christ.

2). A desire of heart to trust.  In the New Testament, Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man; the demon-possessed man had cured. (Luke8:26-39) Jesus also healed many sicknesses, for the person who came to Jesus had a desire of heart to be healed and trust.

 3). Keep praying and fasting. In some cases require the believers to fast in order to defeat the demons, pray without ceasing, and declare the victory.

4). Repentant and obedience. An unrepentant heart, disobedience, and reject the voice of God, it results the spiritual conflicts, weakness, and many sickness. (John8:44-49). Adam and Eve didn’t stand on the ground of obeying God’s instruction. It resulted in spiritual dead and cursed.

5). Recognizing and partaking the cup in worthy manner. Many Christians’ weakness and sicknesses were resulted by partaking cup and bread without recognizing the body of Christ. (1 Corin.10:14-22).

6) Applying the Sword of the Spirit.  Christians’ best spiritual weapon is Sword of the Spirit which is Word of God. And take up the whole armor of God, having girded loins with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and the gospel of peace. (Eph.6:13-17).

7). Keep perfect love in Christ. Keep serving the Lord through serve the people, and family with perfect love in Christ, for God is love, and the perfect love will drive away the fear.

8). Keep conscience clear and forgive one another. An unforgiving heart will blind one’s inner man’s conscience, to keep conscience clear, Christians must forgive one another.

9) Completely humble and compassionate. A meekness heart like quiet water, calm the soul. A proud heart gives Satan the foothold to dominate one’s mind, act in flesh impulsively, and speak malice, full of envy, deceit, hypocrisy and slander of every kind. God resists proud but give grace to the humble.

10). Announce the freedom in Christ. Christians have right to be free and gain the victor in the battle of their mind. For where the spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. Christians need to announce the freedom in Christ and have nothing to do with the ancestors Adam and Eve’s sins. Because second Adam, Christ Jesus had paid the price for the sins once for all. By His blood shedding on the cross, believers are redeemed, and their sins are forgiven. 

  Conclusion,

 Where the spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. Christians’ faith in Christ is the key element to be set free from the bondage of sins and sickness; by declaration, repentance, and act upon the truth of God’s word. Believe that Jesus has already delivered Christians from Satan, and sins. The cross of Christ at cavalry has defeated the Satan, sins, and dead. Christians need to be still, steadfast and believe the battle belong to Christ. Satan (dragon), Beast (Anti-Christ) and false prophet’s schemes are deceitful, full of confusion, deception, and lies. (Jh.8:44). At the ending time, even the idol can speak, demonstrate the miracles, dominate the economy and refuse to have business with certain groups, such as those whose forehead without mark (tattoo). It will be very difficult to recognize the Christ. Apostle Peter encouraged disciples, “The end of all things is near, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”(1Pet.4:7-8).

  In order to live a Christian life in victory, there are ten factors that Christians need to be aware with. 1). Keep testifying Jesus Christ died on the cross at the Calvary has powerfully defeated the Satan, through the Lamb of God; he had purchased the believers back to Heavenly father. And declare the victory of their life in Christ. 2). A desire of heart to believe and trust. 3). Keep praying and fasting in some cases. 4). Repentant and obedience. 5). Recognizing and partaking the cup in worthy manner. 6). Applying the sword of the Spirit which is Word of God. 7). Keep perfect love in Christ, for perfect love drives away the fear. 8). Keep conscience clear and forgive one another. 9) Completely humble and compassionate. 10) Announce the freedom in Christ. The ancestors Adam and Eve’s sins through the second Adam, Jesus who died on the cross, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ had set us free. Christians have right to be free and gain the victor in the battle of their mind. For where the spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. In Psalm 2:9 states, “you will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” God gave Christ authority to rule over the nations; Christ gives the same authority to His overcomers. And encourages disciples, “He who overcomes and he who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.” (Rev. 2:26). My friends, May God strengthen you to be the victors, and overcomers.

Video listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPp3fJoOJBI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLULwE5i_Lg

Bibliography,

                Anderson, Neil. The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings, habitual sins. Sisters Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3^rd Chicago: The University of Chicago press, 2000.

Brown, Robert, Philip W. Comfort and J.D. Douglas, ed. The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.1990.

Bruce, Katherine L. Book review: the bondage breaker by Neil T. Anderson. M.Div. VAN670. Orlando FL: Liberty University Baptist Theo. Seminary, 2012.

Friberg, Timothy, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller et al., eds. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.1^st ed. Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing, 2005.

            King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

                       

            Lee, Witness. The New Testament (R.V.) Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1985.

Lucado, Max. God is with you every day. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2015

             __________. Glory Days. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson, 2015

            Myers, Roth. 31 days of praise. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books, 1994.

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

 Strong, James. Strong’s: the expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010. 

---

[1] Charles C. Ryrie. The Ryrie Study Bible (NIV). (Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.),1738.

[2]  Max Lucado. Glory Days. (Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson, 2015),21.

[3] Anderson, Neil. The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational feelings, Habitual sins. (Sisters Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2006). 20

[4] Bruce, Katherine L. Book review: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson. (Orlando FL: Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. 2012). 6

[5] Ibid.

Weekly message: the battle on the great day of God Almighty (1) by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Weekly Message: The battle on the great day of God Almighty                    6/27/2018 & 3/9/2024

 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce Christian Arts Ministries

 Living in the United States of America, there are many ministers and prayer warriors face the spiritual warfare, and forces. It results in frustration, self-defeating, rejection, confusion, grudges, despairs, and hesitate to explore some scenarios. Many self-defeating and degraded Christians faced spiritual conflicts, couldn’t overcome (or unable to be set free from) the bondages of sins, and darkness, then gave up the faith in Christ. Ultimately, they became the bitter vessels, blamed others and cursed God because of their circumstances. As Revelation 16:8-11, 18, 21 had foretold as follows,

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they coursed the name of God, who had control over the plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. (16:8-9)

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done. (16:10)Then there came flashed of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth… from the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.” (16:21).

“The battle on the great day of God Almighty the war will consist of several battles, beginning with Antichrist’s campaign into Egypt (Dan.11:40-45) and including a siege of Jerusalem (Zech.14:2) as well as the final battle at Armageddon. (Rev.16:16).”[1] Three evil spirits looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, beast, and false prophet. The dragon is Satan. The beast is Antichrist (Rev.13:1-3), the false prophet, the lieutenant. (13:11-18). “They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.” (Rev.16:14).  Jesus did warm us, “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”  (Rev.16:15). “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” (Rev.22:7). Apostles John unveils these visions and awakens the saints keep watching and wait patiently upon the Lord. Once we know the truth, the truth shall set us free, and aware of the spiritual warfare.   

Christian’s faith is truth encounter.

             The spiritual prayer warriors and ministers who fight for the battle of Christ, in Christ, they are victors. They pray without ceasing for the nations, stand for the Biblical principles. These fighters have strong faith in Christ, mood swings cannot touch their joy, despair cannot control over them nor do the grudges corrode them.[2] In Christ, they are victors, not victims, this is faith realization. For the sins cannot be the master to rule over the servants of God.

             Unfortunately, there are many degraded and self-defeating Christians became hardened hearts, and refused to believe the Word of God, nor listen to the voice of God, because of their  circumstances resulted by sins. They were the salts on the earth, but lost saltiness, and let Satan gained the foothold. More shameful is that some self-defeating Christians even let the unbelievers and the secular psychologists diagnose them as mental illness, the term such as “schizophrenia, paranoia, psychosis, neurological chemical imbalance, Bai-polar, mania and depression”. And force them to take medication, and some results in the drugs abuse, regardless of a spiritual battle of the mind.

  Author Neil Anderson opened up the blind sight of our spiritual eyes. Satan is spiritual beings; distract people through temptation, accusation and deception. Through a book named, “the Bondage Breaker”, Anderson explored the Psychologists and psychiatrists routinely see patients who are hearing voices: chemical imbalance is the standard diagnosis. But he debated, “How can a chemical produce a personal thought? How our neurotransmitters can involuntarily and randomly fire in such a way that they create thoughts that we are opposed to thinking? Secular psychologists limited to a natural worldview attempt to offer natural explanations for mental problems while Christians are encouraged to believe, declare, and act upon the truth of God’s Word.”[3] “Satan and his demons are spiritual beings; they do not have material substance, so we cannot see them or any spiritual being with our natural eyes, nor hear them with our ears. Satan’s only weapon is deception.”[4] But the Bible stated, “The one in us is greater than the one in the world.” In perfect love drives away the fear, for God is love. We can command whatever frightens us to leave in the name of Jesus. Believers have the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. (Eph.6:14-17). Believers can pray or communicate with God in their mind and spirit, for God knows that thoughts and intents of their heart. (Heb.4:12). They can have unspoken communication with heavenly father. But when they under a direct attack from Satan, for instance in their room at night, they need to exercise their authority in Christ by speaking out loud, since the evil one does not have the power to completely know believers’ thoughts.” [5] As James says, “submit therefore to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).  The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2Cor.10:4). Accusation is one of Satan’s primary weapons, when Satan accused Joshua’s filthy clothes day and night; God vindicated and defeated Satan’s accusation. By the blood of lamb, and the testimony of the saints, believers can overcome the Satan’s accusation.

Christians’ awareness

 In order to live a victorious life there are few factors as followers,        

 1). Keep testifying Jesus Christ died on the cross at the Calvary has powerfully defeated the Satan. Through Jesus’ redemption the believers have purchased back to Heavenly father. Christians need to do is keep testifying the Christ and declare the victory of their life in Christ.

2). A desire of heart to trust.  In the New Testament, Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man; the demon-possessed man had cured. (Luke8:26-39) Jesus also healed many sicknesses, for the person who came to Jesus had a desire of heart to be healed and trust.

 3). Keep praying and fasting. In some cases require the believers to fast in order to defeat the demons, pray without ceasing, and declare the victory.

4). Repentant and obedience. An unrepentant heart, disobedience, and reject the voice of God, it results the spiritual conflicts, weakness, and many sickness. (John8:44-49). Adam and Eve didn’t stand on the ground of obeying God’s instruction. It resulted in spiritual dead and cursed.

5). Recognizing and partaking the cup in worthy manner. Many Christians’ weakness and sicknesses were resulted by partaking cup and bread without recognizing the body of Christ. (1 Corin.10:14-22).

6) Applying the Sword of the Spirit.  Christians’ best spiritual weapon is Sword of the Spirit which is Word of God. And take up the whole armor of God, having girded loins with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and the gospel of peace. (Eph.6:13-17).

7). Keep perfect love in Christ. Keep serving the Lord through serve the people, and family with perfect love in Christ, for God is love, and the perfect love will drive away the fear.

8). Keep conscience clear and forgive one another. An unforgiving heart will blind one’s inner man’s conscience, to keep conscience clear, Christians must forgive one another.

9) Completely humble and compassionate. A meekness heart like quiet water, calm the soul. A proud heart gives Satan the foothold to dominate one’s mind, act in flesh impulsively, and speak malice, full of envy, deceit, hypocrisy and slander of every kind. God resists proud but give grace to the humble.

10). Announce the freedom in Christ. Christians have right to be free and gain the victor in the battle of their mind. For where the spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. Christians need to announce the freedom in Christ and have nothing to do with the ancestors Adam and Eve’s sins. Because second Adam, Christ Jesus had paid the price for the sins once for all. By His blood shedding on the cross, believers are redeemed, and their sins are forgiven. 

  Conclusion,

 Where the spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. Christians’ faith in Christ is the key element to be set free from the bondage of sins and sickness; by declaration, repentance, and act upon the truth of God’s word. Believe that Jesus has already delivered Christians from Satan, and sins. The cross of Christ at cavalry has defeated the Satan, sins, and dead. Christians need to be still, steadfast and believe the battle belong to Christ. Satan (dragon), Beast (Anti-Christ) and false prophet’s schemes are deceitful, full of confusion, deception, and lies. (Jh.8:44). At the ending time, even the idol can speak, demonstrate the miracles, dominate the economy and refuse to have business with certain groups, such as those whose forehead without mark (tattoo). It will be very difficult to recognize the Christ. Apostle Peter encouraged disciples, “The end of all things is near, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”(1Pet.4:7-8).

  In order to live a Christian life in victory, there are ten factors that Christians need to be aware with. 1). Keep testifying Jesus Christ died on the cross at the Calvary has powerfully defeated the Satan, through the Lamb of God; he had purchased the believers back to Heavenly father. And declare the victory of their life in Christ. 2). A desire of heart to believe and trust. 3). Keep praying and fasting in some cases. 4). Repentant and obedience. 5). Recognizing and partaking the cup in worthy manner. 6). Applying the sword of the Spirit which is Word of God. 7). Keep perfect love in Christ, for perfect love drives away the fear. 8). Keep conscience clear and forgive one another. 9) Completely humble and compassionate. 10) Announce the freedom in Christ. The ancestors Adam and Eve’s sins through the second Adam, Jesus who died on the cross, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ had set us free. Christians have right to be free and gain the victor in the battle of their mind. For where the spirit of Lord is, there is liberty. In Psalm 2:9 states, “you will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” God gave Christ authority to rule over the nations; Christ gives the same authority to His overcomers. And encourages disciples, “He who overcomes and he who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.” (Rev. 2:26). My friends, May God strengthen you to be the victors, and overcomers.

Video listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPp3fJoOJBI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLULwE5i_Lg

Bibliography,

                Anderson, Neil. The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings, habitual sins. Sisters Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3^rd Chicago: The University of Chicago press, 2000.

Brown, Robert, Philip W. Comfort and J.D. Douglas, ed. The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.1990.

Bruce, Katherine L. Book review: the bondage breaker by Neil T. Anderson. M.Div. VAN670. Orlando FL: Liberty University Baptist Theo. Seminary, 2012.

Friberg, Timothy, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller et al., eds. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.1^st ed. Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing, 2005.

            King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

                       

            Lee, Witness. The New Testament (R.V.) Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1985.

Lucado, Max. God is with you every day. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2015

             __________. Glory Days. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson, 2015

            Myers, Roth. 31 days of praise. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books, 1994.

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

 Strong, James. Strong’s: the expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010. 

---

[1] Charles C. Ryrie. The Ryrie Study Bible (NIV). (Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.),1738.

[2]  Max Lucado. Glory Days. (Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson, 2015),21.

[3] Anderson, Neil. The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational feelings, Habitual sins. (Sisters Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2006). 20

[4] Bruce, Katherine L. Book review: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson. (Orlando FL: Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. 2012). 6

[5] Ibid.

Weekly message: Aging doesn’t guarantee immunity from sin or free from error By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Weekly message: Aging doesn’t guarantee immunity from sin or free from error

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                Date: 2/21/2024

Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 

My friends, have you even pondered about what words will be used in the eulogy to sum up your life? What do you think those who survive you will write as your epitaph? What phrase or form of words is written in memory of you as an inscription for a tombstone? What legacy have you passed down to those who survive you? What final words will you encourage them?

As I have grown in age sixty, I often wonder if I can live longer to seventy or eighty years old to serve the Lord. And constantly I ask the Lord, “Do not take away thy Holy Spirit from me, until I proclaim your might to the young generations to come. And pass down Messiah ministry and my Biblical precepts preaching and teaching, Gospel music and worship albums that I composed and produced as legacy to the young generations to come. And keep me humble before God, practice reverence before God, fear God and shine evil.”  For age alone is no guarantee of maturity or freedom from error. As Elihu said to Job, “The experts have no corner on wisdom; getting old doesn’t guarantee good sense.”(Job 32:9). NIV translated, “It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.” A spiritual leader must be careful of each step and decision making. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more we are guaranteed immunity from sin? No, this is not the case. Until we are with the Lord, we will never be immune from sin’s appeal. Often those who fall the hardest are those who have walked with God the longest.

We know that the real battle for our lives occurs in the mind. When the apostle Paul wrote of Satan’s work, he said, “We are not ignorant of his schemes.” (2 Cor.2:11) The Greek term rendered “Schemes” has in its root the word “mind”. A paraphrase might read, “We are not ignorant of his ability to get into our minds and direct our thoughts.” This was exactly what happened to King David, when he grew older. In 2 Samuel 24 & 1 Chronicles 21 we are given a vivid account of a tragic example of this when King David, in the latter years of his life, committed a sin that affected thousands of lives. Sin pays a terrible wage and brings sorrow and grief to others.  

Ø  Go, number Israel and Judah

King David’s last battle and his first battle both were with Philistines and both involved giants. King David killed Goliath in the first battle; in this last one, a brother of Goliath was killed, as were several other who are called “descendants of the giants in Gath.” After the battle and the victory, David was vulnerable. We are most vulnerable immediately after victory. That’s when Satan sets his traps. Satan pushed David in his private thoughts and said, “Why don’t you number these people? Let’s see how big the kingdom is. Why not inventory how vast your land has become?” King David said to Joab his commander of the army,

 “Go, number Israel and Judah”; “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.” (1 Chronicles21:2;2 Samuel 24;1).)

Although Joab wondered why the King wanted to do that? And said,

“Now may the Lord your God add to the people a hundred time as many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see; but why does my lord the king delight in this thing ?” (1 Chronicles 21:2)  

Joab as commander offered a wise counsel, “O king, I hope that God multiplies the nation of Israel a hundred times during your lifetime, but why do you want insist on doing this?”   but King David didn’t get it, nor listened to him, in 1 Chronicles 21, provided more insight into the decision. “Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1) . The final decision is the king prevails against the general. Joab must do what King David’s order, unquestioned in his authority. King David at this point, he didn’t seek God’s counsel, or search Scriptures before he made this decision. He simply decided to do it. This was a dangerous oversight and was unaccountable to anyone around him.

Ø  God’s displeasure in what he had done King David repented sin

After King David had numbered the people, his heart troubled (2 Samuel 24:10) deep inside David’s inner man was a disturbing reminder of God’s displeasure in what he had done. And God was displeased with this thing, so He struck Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:7) . King David was a sensitive man. Was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, ““I have sinned greatly in what I have done, But now, O Lord, please take away the quilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” In Chronicles 21:8 he stated, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of Thy servant, for I have done very foolishly. (2 Samuel24:10; 1 Chronicles21:8)

 When we have done wrong and we begin to see the devastation that results from our sin, we cannot let it rest- at least not very long if we are sensitive to God’s dealing with us. Many are the stubborn saints who knowingly step out against God’s will only to run faster and faster, refusing to listen to the troubles heart down inside. Regrettably, those in greatest power are often those who listen the least to that inner, aching voice. Have you ever been troubled by something in your spiritual walk? If so, what have you done about it? Have you ignored it and just kept going in the same direction? Or did you come to a dead stop and say, “I was wrong. God is dealing with me about this, and I know what He wants me to do about it.”

Ø  God gave him three choices

King David was in great distress, by the grace and mercy of God, God gave him three choices, the opportunity to choose the consequences of following wrong. “The Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer, go and speak to David, saying,

“I offer you three things; choose for yourself one of them, that I may do it to you.” So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘take for yourself either three years of famine, or three months to be swept away before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the Lord, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now therefore, consider what answer I shall return to Him who sent me.” (1 Chronicles 21:9-12)

 At this moment, King David must be sorrowful and the tremendous guilt he felt down inside was almost more than he could bear. He responded, “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man.” (1 Chronicles 21:13). King David’s choice resulted in those who were under his leadership had to pay the price. How miserable David must have felt, his failure caused those who followed him, trust in him pain and loss and brought the devastation of his own act of foolishness.

“So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time; and seventy thousand men of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. (2 Samuel24:15).  

Then God sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem. King David saw the death angel sweep across the land,

“He… lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, with his sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces.” 

And David said to God,

“Is it not I who commanded to count the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? O Lord, my God, please let Thy hand be against me and my father’s household, but not against Thy people that they should be plagued.” (1 Chronicles 21:16-17).

Ø  Sin pays a terrible wage

King David saw the horror, devastation and the payment he had to pay of his own iniquity. There were 70,000 grieving families whose lives were marked by King David’s compromise with pride. He is a broken man facing the responsibility of his own iniquity, and he throws himself upon the mercy of God. The Lord saw and was sorry over the calamity, and said to the destroying angel “It is enough…” (1 Chronicles 21:15). Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.( 1 Chronicles 21:18). And David went up according to the word of Gad, just as the Lord commanded. King David bought threshing flooring from Ornan the Jebusite for a price, and built an altar to the Lord. “The Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath.” (1 Chronicles 21:27). So the plague was held back from the people.

Ø  King David’s final words to his son Solomon

 King David served the Lord forty years as Israel’s leader, the significant commands and final words he said to his son Solomon was,

“Know the God of your father,  and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” (1 Chronicles28:9) 

 

“Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (1 Chronicles 28:20)  

King David wants his son to know God above all else, get to know Him deeply. And serve the God of your father; serve Him with whole heart devotion and a willing mind. Don’t make God force you to worship Him, do it wholeheartedly and willingly, hold nothing back. Seek God, do not forsake God. King David passed down an unforgettable legacy in Solomon’s mind. And Solomon must have witnessed in his father an intense passion for God. The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Finally, King David assured and encouraged Solomon to rule the people, be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.    

Theological principle and Application

1)      Aging doesn’t guarantee immunity from sin or free from error

For age alone is no guarantee of maturity or freedom from error. As Elihu said to Job, “The experts have no corner on wisdom; getting old doesn’t guarantee good sense.”(Job 32:9). “It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.” A spiritual leader must be careful of each step and decision making. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more we are guaranteed immunity from sin. No, until we are with the Lord, we will never be immune from sin’s appeal. Often those who fall the hardest are those who have walked with God the longest.

2)      Be aware of Satan’s schemes, keep humble before God, for God rejects pride, but gives grace to the meekness. “For the accusers of our brothers, who accuse them before our God day and night, have been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of Lamb and by the word of their testament.” (Revelations 12:10-1) if My people…will humble themselves…then will I …heal their land (2Chro.7:14) as a traditional hymn “If my people’s hearts are humbled” says, “if my people’s hearts are humbled, if they pray and seek my face if they turn away from evil, I will not withhold my grace. I will hear their prayers from heaven; I will pardon every sin. If my people’s hearts are humbled, I will surely heal their land. Then my eyes will see their sorrow, then, my ears will hear their plea. If my people’s hearts are humble I will set their nation free. If they turn away from evil, I will not withhold my grace.  

3)      Always put the Lord God first and seek His face, strength and help by prayer and petition.  When you are in the high authority position, don’t make any decision by your own canal mind, daily seek God’s face, and His strength, and select a godly counsel group, and listen to the wise counsel for each important decision making.

4)      Make sure that God is with us. The Lord is with King David. God let him saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. God opened Kind David’s eyes and saw the destroying angel. King David, was a man heart of God’s own heart, the Lord is with him and instructed him by sending him Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, the prophets and the seers.

5)      Make our hearts home for Christ; serve Him with wholehearted devotion.

 In this era, not many people can see the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven. But we, born again Christians, will be led by the Holy Spirit, and make hearts home for Christ, let the Spirit of Christ dwells in us, speaks to our inner being when we meditate upon His Word, read the Bible (Old Testament & New Testament) and keep praising and worshipping the Lord. Our inner being will know and affirm that God is with us.  As King David’s final words to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.”; “Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” (1 Chronicles28: 20,9).

 

Bibliography,

 

           Dyer, Wayne, Your ErroneousZones  New York: Avon Books, 1976.

      

          King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

   

          Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie Study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute,       1986.

    

         Swindoll, Charles R. David. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing, Inc, 1997.