Armour of God 12.21.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of I John, please read Chapters 4-5 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20John%204-5&version=9

Today we are reading about testing the spirits; an appeal for brotherly love; and the witness of the spirit. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the Holy Spirit and only the Holy Spirit provides you with the truths of the Bible. Any person, thought, or thing that tries to get you to belive that Jesus is not the truth, life, and way (including fake versions of the Bible) is not of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle John warns believers of the evil spirits trying to detour them away from the one and only True, Holy Spirit. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 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. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:1-4).

Doctrinal deception is widespread and often difficult to recognize, but once you accept Jesus into your life the Holy Spirit indwells in you, showing you the truth. Any time you are around people trying to get you to think that Jesus is not God in the flesh then they are not of God. The Holy Spirit leads you to understand the truths in the Bible and gives you the knowledge to pass it onto others. "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (4:6-9).

Being born of God is far more than just believing certain facts about Jesus Christ. It affects the whole life, the mind, body, and spirit, it molds our character and guides our conduct. If we have genuinely put our faith in Jesus as the Son of God we will have a desire to be obedient to His Commandments. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (5:1-4).

Along as Christian's will walk the earth they will daily face the devil trying to get them to lose their faith in Jesus. We can not the devil take control of what we believe! Be strong, stay in God's Word daily and ask Him each day to remove any corruption that you have be subjected to.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:10-16). Submit yourself to the Holy Spirit, let Him work in you and put on that armour of God that shields you from all evil.

Today's Prayer
Dear God,
We are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. We draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks for Your infinite wisdom. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Enjoy your day/night.
God Bless you and Merry Christmas,
Christina

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