Matthew 4: 1-11: The Temptation of Jesus

 

 

Matthew 4: 1-11: The Temptation of Jesus

When Jesus was "led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil," He was fully prepared.  He did not need to call on angel armies to force the devil to flee.  Instead, Jesus was fully armed with the words of His Father.  He rebuked the devil by quoting scriptures.  He battled Satan with wisdom.

We must also know the words of scripture so intimately that we can always cause the devil to flee by quoting it.  

James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  Of course, submitting to God and His holy ways is the key!

May I always be armed enough to cause the enemy to flee!

(Matthew 4:1-11) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 

And when the tempter came to Him, he said," If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."

But He answered and said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto Him, "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone."

Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him," All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."

Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

The Ministry of John the Baptist

 

The Ministry of John the Baptist

Because I posted about John the Baptist yesterday, I thought I would reshare this today.

In Part 3 of the "Profile of the Doubter", I wrote about John's father, Zacharias,  you can read that writing here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/02/profile-of-doubter-part-3-zacharias.html    Because I mentioned it in my post about Zacharias, I will not get into the miracles surrounding John's birth, but I will explore his life as an adult and the message that he was born to share. 

In the four gospels, John is only mentioned in two or three chapters per book. In other words, his story is brief.  And yet, he is such an important part of Jesus' story.   

His message was so simple, yet timeless and perfect for his time and much needed for every generation until today. He was the one mentioned in Isaiah 40:3, The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord."   

And his father Zacharias said of John:

(Luke 1:76) And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins. 

As I said, his message was simple:

(Matthew 3:3) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  

(Mark 1:14) “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 

 (Luke 3:8-9) [Jon said,] "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance... And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 

It's pretty clear, isn't it?  The one preaching repentance was the one whose ministry was foretold in Isaiah, whose birth was announced by an angel, whose conception was miraculous (as his mother was past the age of childbearing), who was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb, and was the cousin of Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus' death on the cross was a free gift of grace and salvation to us, but does John ever say there is grace for all sins whether we repent or not?  No, we still need to ask for forgiveness for our sins and then put down those sins in order to serve Jesus. He preaches that we must repent and bear good fruit or be cut off from heaven and thrown into hell.  Jesus says the exact same thing. 

(Matthew 7:17-19) [Jesus said,] "Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 

We need to repent of our sins and bear good fruit.  Bearing good fruit is not just about doing good works and treating each other with love and kindness, it is also about pursing holiness and doing our very best to daily (Luke 9:23) put down sins.  Pretty simple.

(Galatians 5:19-26) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

In spite of John's success as a preacher (he had many disciples as well), he never allowed anyone to glorify him and always pointed them to Jesus.  He tells his followers that he is not the Messiah and humbly states: 

(Matthew 3:11) "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." 

May we have the same desire as John, to lead people to Christ, teach them to repent of their sins, and bear good fruit.  May we always be bold enough to speak the Truth as John did, even if it means respectfully disagreeing with false religious teachings. And may our goals never, ever be about exalting ourselves, but to point to Jesus as the true teacher, and the only way to Salvation through repentance.  

(John 3:27-30 ) John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him...' Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.  

Even Jesus spoke good things about his faithful messenger. I pray Jesus will also find me doing my best to be a "burning and shining lamp" that points to Jesus and that my "witness" bares only "the Truth"!  

(John 5:31-36) “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me."

Matthew 3 & 4: John the Baptist & Jesus

Matthew 3 & 4: John the Baptist & Jesus

The message of John the Baptist and Jesus was the same. They both had the message of repentance. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is more than just believing and even more than being baptized. You must repent of your sins and change your ways. You cannot continue to live in sin.

(Matthew 3:1-2 & 5-6) In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

(Matthew 4:17) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

John the Baptist and Jesus Christ also preached the same message about bearing good fruit and the evidence of it. As Christians, we need to bear the good fruit of the teachings of Jesus or be cast into the fire. We need to reflect the love of Jesus Christ or risk being cast into hell. (For a list of the Fruits of the Spirit read Galatians 5:16-26)  

If you want to read more about John, you can read my writing, "The Ministry of John the Baptist" here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-ministry-of-john-baptist.html

(Matthew 3:8 & 10) [John the Baptist said:] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

(Matthew 7:17-19) [Jesus said:] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

A Quick Note About 2026

A Quick Note About 2026

With a new year starting next week, I am going to go back through the Bible. First from Matthew to Revelation, then Genesis to Malachi.  I am going to repost the writings from my Bible journal as well as other writings as they apply to the book of the Bible being posted, with edits as needed. Unlike last year, I am not going to repost my not so good artwork from that journal, but if you are interested, you can use the search bar at the top of this blog site to search book by book for the artwork (or just scroll through the pages).  You can, of course, also use the search bar for looking for specific topics. 

Thank you for reading, and may God greatly bless your New Year with a great fire for knowing Jesus and His Word!

Links to my Husband's Ministry Sites

Links to my Husband's Ministry Sites

My husband has wonderful blogs and Facebook ministry sites.  His main focus is on end-time events and prophecy. Please feel free to check out one of his sites (they all have the same content but just have different titles.)

Blogs:

Final Hour Prophetic Ministries: https://twelfthhourendtimeministries.blogspot.com/

Twelfth Hour Prophetic Ministries: https://swordofthespirit77.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

Bible Prophecy and World Events:  https://www.facebook.com/christianendtimeministries/

Fruit of the Spirit Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/danielendtimeministries/

Revelation 12 Prophetic Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571011996707

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

 Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 

(Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(Matthew 1:21 & 23) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save his people from their sins.  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

(Luke 2:11-14) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

(John 3:16-17) 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.

Do you find it difficult to believe that Jesus came to be your personal Prince of Peace?

Do you find it difficult to believe that Jesus came to be your personal Prince of Peace?

When you hear someone wish you a "Merry Christmas," do you find yourself thinking, "Not possible"? There have been times in my life when I have had this same attitude. I may not be able to exactly relate to what you are going through, but I do know that when your heart is broken, when you are living with an illness (explained or unexplained), when you feel lonely and unloved, when you have to choose between paying bills or buying food, when past Christmas memories bring more pain than joy, when someone you love is dying, when you face fear every day either from abuse or other circumstances, when you feel like God just doesn't care, how could one day a year suddenly be merry when all the others are steeped in misery?

(Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

You may fully grasp the concept of the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us.") and even accept that Jesus was born to die for all of our sins (John 3:16 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.), yet you still wonder if God truly loves or cares about you as an individual. You may find it difficult to believe that Jesus came to be your personal "Prince of Peace."

If God loves us so much, then why is life so full of pain? How do we find the kind of peace mentioned in Philippians 4?

(Philippians 4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Because I have experienced these things, I absolutely promise you that you can be in the midst of grieving over a lost loved one, have a mysterious neurological condition that doctors give up trying to diagnose, be facing homelessness, or be laying in extreme pain in a hospital bed after a second cancer surgery, and yet still find God's perfect peace in the middle of the storm. By surrendering my heart, mind and will to Jesus Christ, He has been my Prince of Peace. He continues to be my strength and joy.

(Psalm 34:18) The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

In order to allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His peace, we need to realize that God never promised us a perfect life, but He did promise we could still "be of good cheer," if allow Him to be Lord of our life.

(John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

People who believe God will prevent all bad things from happening to them or their loved ones end up hating God. They cannot find joy in the midst of suffering or trust in their hearts God is always good. They have difficulty trusting in the love of God. (1 John 4:8 ...God is love. & 1 John 4:19 ... He first loved us.)

Not only does God care about our pain, He grieves with us, He intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. & Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.). God IS fighting for us, but we tend to sabotage His plan, and the perfect peace offered to us when we live in rebellion.

Yes, sometimes God uses negative circumstances to test our love for Him, but in general, God does not intend for bad things to happen to His children. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God wants only the best for us. Does that mean God does not have any control? No, this means we will never fully know why bad things are allowed to happen because there is a war going on we cannot comprehend.

(Ephesians 6:12) We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1 Corinthians 13:12 (For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.) reminds us that we cannot understand why things happen as they do because we cannot see the big, eternal picture, but when we get to heaven, it will all be crystal clear. This senseless world will make sense.

If we cry out to God, He will hear our pleas. He wants to protect us and save us. It may seem like evil is winning, and I do not believe that this world will ever improve. In fact, I know it will only get worse. Man’s desire for independence corrupts him more and more. The mentality of not wanting to be told what to do is only getting worse. It is up to you to surrender yourself to God as well as your independence. It is up to you to choose to live right and separate yourself from this world. Only then will the Holy Spirit flood you with peace.

Humble yourself and admit you have done wrong. The free gift of salvation begins with repentance and admittance of sin. Then you must begin to and continually walk in holiness to please God (Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.).

Romans 6:1-2 tells us God's free gift of grace is not to be manipulated and abused for our own selfish will (What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?). Grace is not an excuse to live however you want because you are a “Christian.” The opposite is true. We need to have a holy desire to please our Creator and live a truly Christian lifestyle. We need daily self-evaluation and repentance.

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

(1 Corinthians 15:31) I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die [to sin] daily.

Daily very simply means we must crucify our flesh every day, not just once. Furthermore, you could claim Psalm 139: 23-24 as your daily prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Bottom line here is when we quit using the difficult circumstances of life as an excuse to refuse to do what you know goes against the Word of God, we can truly believe that God's Word is true. First evaluate your heart and actions to see if you are going against His will so He cannot help you. Then learn to focus on the eternal picture and see how much God loves you and allow Him to be your Prince of Peace!

Merry Christmas: Why did angels appear to shepherds? (Video)

 

 

Merry Christmas: Why did angels appear to shepherds? 

If you are interested, you can view my video titled "Merry Christmas: Why did angels appear to shepherds?" on my Facebook page (this link will take you directly to the video): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1490624925049731

The In-between Times

 The In-between Times

Over the past year or so I have become a fan of the Gaither Homecoming videos (especially those made in 2003 and before).  I have seen almost every one of them at least twice in less than a year, and I am currently running through them a third time.  I have fallen back in love with many of the songs I grew up with.  The Happy Goodmans (especially Vestal Goodman), The Cathedrals (and now Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Legacy Five, and Greater Vision).  It is the old-fashioned values that these older videos seem to promote and a worship and reverence for God that modern day music lacks.  I am not naive enough to believe all the singers have or are practicing what they sing about, but there is no denying that many (not all) the videos bring about a spirit of true worship.  

If you have ever watched one of these videos on YouTube or another platform, then you know to what I am referring.  You know that it is often the times in-between songs that are the most special moments in the videos.  Testimonies are given of deliverance from alcohol and drugs, stories of healings, people sharing how God gave them strength during difficult times, powerful prayers from Vestal Goodman and Gloria Gaither, and even demonstrations of relationships being restored.  Real emotions are on display: grief, vulnerability, hope, joy, and a love for Jesus.  As much as I adore most of the music and I love worshipping Jesus along with them, those tender moments when I cry and laugh along with those long gone and those still living are the ones that stick with me the most.

It got me to thinking that this is like our spiritual walk.  It is so very vital that we read the Bible, pray, and praise Jesus every day, yet it is the in-between times where those activities will make or break our walk with the Lord.  Whether seeped in mind-numbingly boring tasks or bombarded with too many overwhelming to dos.  Whether struggling through grief or an illness or celebrating all the blessings God has given.  Whether alone or in a crowd.  Every moment matters.  

Are you waking the walk and talking the talk (James 1:22 -But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.)?  When you have had a soul stirring Bible study but then have to go to an ungodly environment at school or work, do those Words stick with you?  Do you remember that you are called to be a witness and testify of God's greatness (John 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.).  Do you remember what the Bible says about morality and refuse to participate in the things you know God hates (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, AMP -Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals. ”Be sober-minded [be sensible, wake up from your spiritual stupor] as you ought, and stop sinning;)?

You may have just had a spirit filled prayer and worship time and felt God move in your heart.  But as soon as you say "amen", you are faced with rude people saying and doing heartless things that test all nine Fruits of the Spirit.  Do you remember the power of God you so recently felt and call upon His power to help you forgive the cruel people and show kindness to all whether they deserve it or not (John 15:12 -This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.)?

 For me, I know that in the in-between times, it so vital that I recall all I have read and sang about.  If not, then what is the point?  God wants all of us to access His power by overcoming the bondages of sin (Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.).  He gave us His life-changing words through Godly writers to remind us to call upon the Holy Spirit to help us combat temptation (1 Corinthioans 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.) as well as giving us peace in the storms (John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.).  

I am horrible at memorizing anything not put to music, so I may not always remember where the Bible says a certain thing, but because I try to read every day, I can tell you what the Bible says on almost any subject.  It helps me during my in-between times to pull out the Word of God from my heart so I will not sin (Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.) and so also helps me stay calm in the midst of cancer or the loss of a loved one (Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.).  It also helps me remember how I should treat others.  When I should stand up against a false message or walk away from someone God does not wany me to be unequally yoked with.

I just happened to be reading 2 Timothy today and the below verses in chapter 2 and 3 beautifully sum up my writing. 

(2 Timothy 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(2 Timothy 3:14-17) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

When we study God's word regularly, it makes it possible for us to discern right from wrong; it makes us wise in all areas of our lives.  2 Timothy 3:1-13 (not posted) warns against false teachers that will try to lead us astray from God's Truths.  This is why Paul is reminding Timothy to recall all he has learned.  He also reminds that scripture, not man's false doctrines, will help us know how to live righteously. 

Nothing is equal to the power of the Word of God and time spent praising Jesus, therefore, remaining in a state of holy reverence will help us spiritually and mentally survive the in-between times.  

Where is the discernment? Part 2, Written by my Husband

 

Where is the discernment? Part 2

Written by my Husband (Mel) 

There are also many counterfeit revivals going on, where God’s Holy Spirit has been replaced by demonic manifestations. People are laughing uncontrollably, as well as making different animal sounds. They are hissing like snakes, mooing like cows, roaring like lions, howling like wolves, as well as barking like dogs. These same manifestations occur within Kundalini Hinduism, as well as other forms of occultism. In a congregation in Boston, the pastor crawled on his hands and knees like a dog, barking, and his wife led him around on a leash fastened to a dog collar around his neck. The wife then said, “Where he leads, I will follow!”

People also claim to be drunk in the spirit; they display symptoms of physical drunkenness. After leaving one of these revivals in Florida, numerous people were pulled over by law enforcement officers for drunk driving. They all passed their breathalyzer tests, because they were made drunk by an unholy spirit. God’s Word is clear that God hates drunkenness, and no drunkard will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Satan is the lawless one, and he is making a mockery of God, within these revivals. After leaving this flesh fest, people were also seen displaying drunk behavior in local restaurants. They were falling on the floor in the restaurants, laughing hysterically. God is a God of order, and not foolishness. God will not make a person drive drunk or embarrass them in public. Where is the discernment? Why can’t Christians see that an unholy demonic spirit, is at work in their churches?

There are many counterfeit revivals producing demonic manifestations occurring worldwide. The Toronto blessing, Pensacola outpouring, Lakeland revival, Kansas City IHOP, Bethel Church in Redding Ca, Hillsong church etc. are but a few examples. False Ministeries to avoid, Rodney Howard Brown, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Joyce Meyers, Paula White, as well as all other prosperity gospel preachers, and those that teach the unconditional eternal security doctrine.

In some, so-called Christian rock concerts, many of the young people are going into trances, where they display tribal dancing. These are but a few of the demonic manifestations going on worldwide. The late pastor David Wilkerson warned the church about this invasion of demonic activity, as well as the need to return to holiness preaching, but most will not listen. It is time for the church to start using discernment and realize that something has gone wrong. God is withdrawing his Spirit from many churches, because they will not endure sound doctrine. If the churches will return to teaching and living in holiness once again, then maybe God’s Spirit will return!

Many of the leaders of these false revivals have been caught in adultery, as well as homosexual relations. I believe that in many cases physical perversion is a manifestation of spiritual perversion. A false prophet from Florida who led a well-known revival, has a tattoo of a Japanese goddess on his arm. He claims that this goddess is really an angel by the name of Emma who accompanies him during his kicking sessions at his so-called revival. He claims that Emma has instructed him to hit or kick people in need of healing, as an act of obedience. The revival was shut down when it was revealed that he was having an affair during the entire time of this revival. This wolf in sheep’s clothing, divorced his wife and married his mistress. Now he is back at it again. A false prophet from Kansas City, claims that this same angel Emma came floating into his church to usher in their false revival. His church later removed him from his ministry position due to sexual misconduct with church members. Another false prophet from his church admitted to being a practicing homosexual. I could go on and on with examples of how perverted these revivalists are, but this should suffice.

Many of the television evangelists, as well as mega-church leaders, have also had their share of scandals. A well-known television evangelist, who wears a white suite, and has a healing ministry, has much darkness surrounding him. Channel six news from Orlando featured an expose on this minister. They showed on film a group of men sitting at a table together, and the evangelist handed a bong to his lead singer, as well as another man at the table. Both of these men smoked the bong. One of the men who smoked the bong, died later from a heroin overdose. While this married evangelist was in Rome, he was filmed walking and holding hands with a female television evangelist, who was wearing very short shorts. They both admitted to a friendship when the pictures were released but denied their obvious affair. In spite of this wickedness, their supporters chose to forgive them. If Christians would wake up and stop supporting these apostate ministers, they would shut them down overnight. God’s anointing is not on these reprobates, who use God for dishonest gain. Hell will be full of those who fleece the flock.

Many Christians are afraid of supernatural experiences because of the demonic manifestations. However, we need to allow God’s true gifts to be in operation within the church. It is not good to quench God’s Spirit, or to be afraid of it. For God does give visions, dreams, work miracles, heal the sick etc. (1 Corinthians 12). It is crucial that we pray over experiences, as well as use sound judgment. The reason for this unholy spirit which has invaded the church is a false grace message that promotes loose living, as well as other false doctrines. God gives Grace to those who repent and walk in the light, but NOT to those who love darkness.

Where is the discernment? Part 1

 

Where is the discernment? Part 1

Written by Me (Part 2 posted tomorrow is written by my husband.)

If you call yourself a Christian, you should be outraged by the false messages being taught not only behind the pulpit on Sundays, but also at "religious" conferences and concerts. Yet it seems the farther the messages being taught stray away from the True gospel of Jesus Christ, the larger the audience.  The more entertaining and outrageous the event, the larger the crowd.  The more the message of holiness is preached, the smaller the congregation.  People do not want to be changed from "glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:8) and transformed to imitate the character of Jesus Christ.  No, they want to be gods in their own might, and not acknowledge that they answer to the one and only God in Heaven!

One of the reasons discernment has left the church is because of a rebellious spirit.  People are literally plugging their ears to the wages of sin (Romans 6:23).  What is stated in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 sums up man's rebellion exactly, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Therefore, even when one knows the Truths of the Bible, they refuse to listen to it and walk away because they want to feel good in their sin. They ignore the discernment telling them what the preachers are teaching is wrong. Here is the real Truth, you will find more joy walking upright with the Lord than you ever will wallowing in sin with the devil.

(Hebrews 5: 11-14) Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing... and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

I realize that some people may be new to Christianity and mere babes in the ways of the Lord.  They are still on spiritual milk and have not yet progressed to the meat of understanding the deeper things beyond the basic gospel message.  2 Timothy 2:5 means that we are to do our own studying so we can learn to understand right from wrong, not let someone else tell us their version of right and wrong: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The more we study the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit will make it clear what the false teachers are saying does not align with the holy Word of God.

(Matthew 7:15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Jude, Verse 4) There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is so very true that there are more false teachers than honest ones.  They are intentionally deceiving the masses.  It is an active choice to be wolves and preach a false grace message. The reasons clearly have to do with fame and fortune.  If they tell you the Truth, that you need to repent of your sins, then their offering plates and their church pews would be nearly empty.  However, you and I are not responsible for what other people teach, we are responsible for how we respond. Apart from reading your Bible, every time, and I mean each and every time you attend a church service, a Bible study, a concert, or a conference, you need to pray that the Holy Spirit will give you His discernment to recognize what is false and what is from the Lord. Ask for a supernatural check in your spirit.  If you experience physical symptoms, you know are not natural: a tightness in your chest, a headache, nausea, tingling in your hands, earache, etc. these may be signs God is speaking to you to leave the meeting. Sometimes it is a strong feeling to go now! Don't stick around because your family or friends may make fun of you for saying God is speaking to your heart and you need to leave.  They are not the ones you will stand before on judgement day, God is, and He will honor you when you take a stand.   

(Ezekiel 4:23) And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 

It is good that there seems to be a desire to worship God and there are many "worship" groups to choose from.  It all looks good to see the leaders on stage raising their hands before God and singing pretty words.  Yet, it you allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment you will see this is often false fire offered before God. These concerts are more about emotionalism to make you feel good so you will spend money. The lyrics of the songs are often shallow and even more often theologically incorrect.  John 4:24 says, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."  How many are in a spirit of truly examining their hearts and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to them? Or are they just trying to look holy by raising their hands? True worship means being vulnerable to God and allowing Him to convict your heart, not just singing a pretty song (Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24) If you do your research, you will easily discover that the majority of popular "Christian" singing groups are not living Godly lives.  They are sexually immoral, even rapists, drink, smoke, dress provocative, etc.  They are not trying to bring glory to God, but to self.  And if you listen to the Holy Spirit's voice, you can feel their "praise" to God is hitting the ceiling versus listening to true gospel music where you can feel the power of God stir you to yearning to change for Him and grow in His love.  (You can read more about "Christian" music in my blog here:  https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/exploring-christian-entertainment-part.html )

There was a woman in a documentary we watched that claimed she had an experience where Jesus climbed into bed with her and played with her hair and told her she did not ever need to worry about her sins because He understood her! This is not only utterly depraved to say Jesus would ever act like your boyfriend, but also theologically incorrect. What did Jesus Christ say in Luke 5:32? "I came to call the... sinners to repentance." And in 1 John 1:9 says, "IF WE CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus will never say, "You are only human, so it is okay to sin."  There should have been an outcry of discernment from those who say they follow Christ instead of promoting this woman's false story.

(Romans 6:1-2 & 6) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

In the same documentary, another woman, also a prominent leader, was shown in several clips repeating the same story so it can be assumed she toured many places with this false testimony.  She said she saw The Holy Spirit as "the genie from [the Disney movie] Aladdin." That He is "blue, silly, and funny."  First, a Christian with discernment and an obedient heart to God should never support Disney.  Almost everything associated with Disney is linked to witchcraft, including the genie who is based off of Arabic folklore that says he is a "magical spirit."  God hates witchcraft, so how dare she link the Holy Spirit with satanism.  Second, the Holy Spirit is not "silly or funny." 1 Corinthians 14:33 says that "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace."  Where is the discernment? Why didn't people walk out of her conferences in huge numbers. Did they never read their Bibles where it says in Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." And also in Luke 12:10, "Unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."?  

Again, please pray for supernatural discernment from God, and obey when He tells you to run away from anyone not preaching the Word of God! As 1 Corinthians 2 tells us, we are to rely only on Holy Spirit of God and never on men!  

(1 Corinthians 2:5 & 12-15) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.