Satan has a strategy for the Demise of the church and of the individual. He uses different tactics to acquire our demise. Satan realizes that when Christians are gathered together in the name of God, He will be in their midst. (Matt 18:20). So one of Satan’s strategies is to keep fellow believers from gathering together by convincing them of their need to be alone. Satan plants the temptation to withdraw fellowship, (for self-protection or self-righteous reasons) to remove our support system. Satan knows it is not good for man to be alone, so he tries to get us to move into a form of isolation.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Pet. 5:8) If you’ve ever watched the nature programs on National Geographic or Discovery you can see the symbolism in this statement. A herd of wildebeests are gathered at the river to drink. If the lion pounces while they are organized, he will get his brains kicked in. But, when he lets out a roar and causes the animals to go into a panic, he is able to separate a weak or young one to feast on. He has isolated one to devour. That’s what Satan does, he roars to get us to panic, so he can isolate us and devour us.
How does he do it? Sometimes he has us concentrating on our own sins. He gets us feeling unworthy to serve God, the church, or the people. He’ll whisper in our ears our moral failings, and tell us we’re no good. He gets us to focus on what God has already forgotten about. A pastor had been called to a new church to lead. He had a past that he didn’t want the congregation to know about. After a couple of months, a woman in the congregation came to him and said she had visions of God every time she prayed and that God and her would talk. The pastor being skeptical of the situation devised a plan. He asked her, "The next time you talk with God, ask him what great sin your pastor had committed." The woman said she would inquire of God. Later in the week, the woman approached the pastor and told him that while she was praying, she was visited by God. The pastor asked her, "Did you ask Him the question that I asked you to ask?" She nodded and answered, "I asked what great sin you had committed in the past and God’s answer was, ‘I don’t know, I forgot it." Don’t let your past sins keep you from worshiping with others.
Another tactic is fear. Satan gets us to be afraid of the church and the people. We become uncomfortable of the situation. We’re afraid of what others will think of us. We’re afraid of what others will do. We’re afraid we’ll embarrass ourselves when the church does their normal traditional things. We’re afraid of appearing stupid around others. All of those excuses for fear are hogwash. Christians brothers and sisters are not concerned about where you’ve come from, what you wear, how embarrassing you are with the traditions. Christian brothers and sisters are concerned about where you are going though.
The bible teaches against isolated worship. "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Rom 10:14 NIV emphasis mine) Someone has to teach the gospel. The passage goes on to say that noone can not teach without being taught. Worship needs to include more than 1 person. Scripture itself is not meant to be held by a persons own interpretation "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation." (2 Pet 1:20 NIV)
So what does the bible say then about worshiping together. First it doesn’t have to be in a group of 200 or so, it can be a small number "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Mat 18:20 NIV) So it is possible to have small group bible studies, but don’t make that you only form of worship. We still need to gather with believers for the purpose of encouragement. "Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer ." (Heb 10:25 CEV)
It is not good for man (or woman) to be alone. We need the support of others to help us grow as Christians . Only by meeting together on a consistent basis, can we overcome Satan’s strategy for our Demise
Have a blessed week
Daniel Vandenburg
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Demise: Miscommunication
One of Satan’s strategies to further the demise of you and/or the church is . . . Miscommunication. God is not the author of confusion but Satan loves to cause confusion. Disrupt or confuse your enemies communication and you can seriously hinder their ability to succeed.
The first thing you must ask yourself is: Are you Jesus’ or are you Satan’s? "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:43,44, NASB) Why aren’t you understanding God’s communication? Who’s side are you on? "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters." (Luke 11:23 NIV) In order for you to understand God’s words you must be on His side. There is no middle of the road when it comes to God.
How then does Satan cause miscommunication among the believers? First, he uses distractions (see previous posts) to make sure you don’t listen properly. You may be bored, you may be tired, you may be busy with something else. Satan realizes that and will keep you distracted to keep you from getting the proper communication. If you’re not listening and don’t hear it correctly, you will misunderstand what was being said.
If you don’t understand what is being said, it is difficult to do the task. What is it that we do that leads to the misunderstandings. First we don’t asks questions. If we don’t understand something, our pride and ego, most of the time, won’t allow us to ask a question for fear of looking stupid. If you don’t understand something, you must ask the questions. Especially if your salvation is dependant upon it.
Second, not talking it out with someone leads to misunderstandings. If someone says something, but you hear the tail end of it, you may not fully understand what it is they are talking about. If you think they said something that they didn’t say, or said it differently than what you heard them say, leads to the same misunderstanding. What Satan thrives on when our miscommunication leads to misunderstanding is the affects it has on the people. What are those affects?
The most prevalent one is gossip. You start talking about the other person. Since you are unaware of what was actually said, you are then unsure as to what was meant. (This type of Satan’s strategy will be discussed later) The worst aspect of the gossip is slander. You say nonflattering things about someone. All of these are based on false perceptions of what was said about you are a situation. You then speak out against that person in a false malicious way. You may not even think or realize that’s what you’re doing. So, to avoid that, stick with the old axiom, "If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all." Most importantly though remember what is written in Ephesians. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Eph 4:29 NIV)
What does miscommunication create? Divisions within the church. Miscommunication destroys the trust one has with other believers. People start taking sides, against one another. They start working independently of each other. They start going against the pastor or leadership of the church. They place themselves, or perception thereof, ahead of the general needs of the church. That all leads to a destruction within the church and within yourself.
To combat Satan’s schemes of miscommunication we need to focus on Jesus. Approach each other with love when we don’t understand something, whether it was said, or done. Don’t jump to conclusions that only lead to divisions and hurt. Don’t let Satan’s schemes lead to the destruction of the church or yourself. Satan loves to cause confusion, turn him away and keep your eyes focused on the prize.
Have a blessed week
Daniel G Vandenburg
The first thing you must ask yourself is: Are you Jesus’ or are you Satan’s? "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:43,44, NASB) Why aren’t you understanding God’s communication? Who’s side are you on? "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters." (Luke 11:23 NIV) In order for you to understand God’s words you must be on His side. There is no middle of the road when it comes to God.
How then does Satan cause miscommunication among the believers? First, he uses distractions (see previous posts) to make sure you don’t listen properly. You may be bored, you may be tired, you may be busy with something else. Satan realizes that and will keep you distracted to keep you from getting the proper communication. If you’re not listening and don’t hear it correctly, you will misunderstand what was being said.
If you don’t understand what is being said, it is difficult to do the task. What is it that we do that leads to the misunderstandings. First we don’t asks questions. If we don’t understand something, our pride and ego, most of the time, won’t allow us to ask a question for fear of looking stupid. If you don’t understand something, you must ask the questions. Especially if your salvation is dependant upon it.
Second, not talking it out with someone leads to misunderstandings. If someone says something, but you hear the tail end of it, you may not fully understand what it is they are talking about. If you think they said something that they didn’t say, or said it differently than what you heard them say, leads to the same misunderstanding. What Satan thrives on when our miscommunication leads to misunderstanding is the affects it has on the people. What are those affects?
The most prevalent one is gossip. You start talking about the other person. Since you are unaware of what was actually said, you are then unsure as to what was meant. (This type of Satan’s strategy will be discussed later) The worst aspect of the gossip is slander. You say nonflattering things about someone. All of these are based on false perceptions of what was said about you are a situation. You then speak out against that person in a false malicious way. You may not even think or realize that’s what you’re doing. So, to avoid that, stick with the old axiom, "If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all." Most importantly though remember what is written in Ephesians. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Eph 4:29 NIV)
What does miscommunication create? Divisions within the church. Miscommunication destroys the trust one has with other believers. People start taking sides, against one another. They start working independently of each other. They start going against the pastor or leadership of the church. They place themselves, or perception thereof, ahead of the general needs of the church. That all leads to a destruction within the church and within yourself.
To combat Satan’s schemes of miscommunication we need to focus on Jesus. Approach each other with love when we don’t understand something, whether it was said, or done. Don’t jump to conclusions that only lead to divisions and hurt. Don’t let Satan’s schemes lead to the destruction of the church or yourself. Satan loves to cause confusion, turn him away and keep your eyes focused on the prize.
Have a blessed week
Daniel G Vandenburg
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Demise: Excuses pt 2
It's full of hypocrites. It's starts too early. It lasts too long. All they want is money. It's just a fashion show. There's nothing for my kids. What are these excuses given for. To avoid going to a wedding. No that's not it. They are given to avoid going to church. Satan uses many strategies to enhance his agenda. What is Satan's agenda for us? Our DEMISE. Giving people excuses to use is one way to separate us from God and other Christian people to hasten our demise. As for some of the excuses given for not attending church they might as well say: I'd rather be on a golf course on Sunday. I want to sleep in. I want to get the best seat at the best restaurant. I'd rather spend my money on me. I don't want to wear a suit and tie (or dress). I will keep my kids from God. There is no difference between the two sets of excuses other than the second set is more honest.
The church is full of hypocrites. Let's take that excuse a step further. The sad news is there are hypocrites everywhere. Do you not continue to go to work, yet there are hypocrites there. Do you continue to go the bowling alley, grocery store, neighbors house, families house, movie theater, and an assortment of other places that have a gathering of people. There are hypocrites everywhere. Do you stop going someplace because a hypocrite will be there? Why then stop yourself from worshipping the LORD, because of other people? Why base your decision on a handful of people? I am reminded of the story of a pastor and a hog farmer who refused to go to church because of hypocrites in the church.
A certain hog farmer refused to have anything to do with the church because all he ever saw was a bunch of hypocrites who belonged to it. He always named two or three.
One day the pastor of the church came by to buy a hog from him. After looking over the farmer's entire swine herd, the pastor pointed to a scrawny, sickly, ugly little runt and said, "I want that one."
The farmer remonstrated vigorously, "Why, Preacher, you don't want that one. He's the scrawniest runt I ever saw. Look, here are some fine hogs over here." "That's all right," said the preacher, "I want that one."
After the purchase was completed, the pastor said, "Now I am going to haul this pig all over the country and tell everyone that this is the kind of hog you raise!"
"Hey, Preacher, that's not fair," the farmer protested. "I raise fine hogs. An occasional runt doesn't ruin my whole stock."
"I am only following your example of condemning a whole church because of the stunted spirituality of a few of its members," explained the pastor.
It's starts too early. It lasts too long. We don't have a problem getting up at the crack of dawn (or even before) to head to the golf course, to go hunting, (I'm not against hunting, I do it every morning. I hunt for my glasses. I hunt for my wallet. I hunt for my shoes.) to go shopping or an assortment of other things we feel we need to accomplish before 9 in the morning. Yet, when it comes to serving the LORD, 10 o'clock is awfully early. The other side of that excuse is it lasts too long. Most non Pentecostal services last roughly an hour now. People don't have a problem with sitting through a movie that lasts for two hours, or a ball game, or a theatre play. They use that excuse so they can get to a restaurant to eat, instead of eating at home at the family table, or being patient and wait 20 minutes to eat. (I'm not bashing Pentecostalism, in fact, I'm in favor of not clock watching and letting the Holy Spirit control the ending time of the service, not your belly.)
All they want is money. Don't separate me from my money. We put so much stock in the all mighty dollar. It controls us. We need it to survive. We need to take care of our needs (wants). Isn't it funny how large a $100 bill looks in the offering plate, but how small it looks at the mall. Whatever we sow we will reap. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor 9:6-8 NIV)
It's just a fashion show. I know someone who only went to church to see what others were wearing. That person is an anomaly not the norm. God doesn't care what you wear on the outside, He cares what you have on the inside. The church is not to be a showcase for the saints, but a hospital for the sinners. As above, don't let the stunted spirituality of a few, keep you from attending church.
There's nothing for my kids. So let me get this straight. You would rather keep your children home and uneducated about God, than take yourself and your family to church, because there's nothing for them. Growing in Christ should be enough for you and your children. There is a line that shouldn't be crossed when it comes to worship and that is turning the message into full blown entertainment time. Not that the message and method can't be entertaining, but not to the point of only entertainment. Don't use your children as an excuse not to attend church. Use them as an excuse for going to church.
Satan will give you many excuses to avoid going to church. Don't listen to any of them. Get up and go. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb 10:25 NIV) Don't let Satans strategy of excuses lead to your Demise.
Have a blessed week
Daniel Vandenburg
The church is full of hypocrites. Let's take that excuse a step further. The sad news is there are hypocrites everywhere. Do you not continue to go to work, yet there are hypocrites there. Do you continue to go the bowling alley, grocery store, neighbors house, families house, movie theater, and an assortment of other places that have a gathering of people. There are hypocrites everywhere. Do you stop going someplace because a hypocrite will be there? Why then stop yourself from worshipping the LORD, because of other people? Why base your decision on a handful of people? I am reminded of the story of a pastor and a hog farmer who refused to go to church because of hypocrites in the church.
A certain hog farmer refused to have anything to do with the church because all he ever saw was a bunch of hypocrites who belonged to it. He always named two or three.
One day the pastor of the church came by to buy a hog from him. After looking over the farmer's entire swine herd, the pastor pointed to a scrawny, sickly, ugly little runt and said, "I want that one."
The farmer remonstrated vigorously, "Why, Preacher, you don't want that one. He's the scrawniest runt I ever saw. Look, here are some fine hogs over here." "That's all right," said the preacher, "I want that one."
After the purchase was completed, the pastor said, "Now I am going to haul this pig all over the country and tell everyone that this is the kind of hog you raise!"
"Hey, Preacher, that's not fair," the farmer protested. "I raise fine hogs. An occasional runt doesn't ruin my whole stock."
"I am only following your example of condemning a whole church because of the stunted spirituality of a few of its members," explained the pastor.
It's starts too early. It lasts too long. We don't have a problem getting up at the crack of dawn (or even before) to head to the golf course, to go hunting, (I'm not against hunting, I do it every morning. I hunt for my glasses. I hunt for my wallet. I hunt for my shoes.) to go shopping or an assortment of other things we feel we need to accomplish before 9 in the morning. Yet, when it comes to serving the LORD, 10 o'clock is awfully early. The other side of that excuse is it lasts too long. Most non Pentecostal services last roughly an hour now. People don't have a problem with sitting through a movie that lasts for two hours, or a ball game, or a theatre play. They use that excuse so they can get to a restaurant to eat, instead of eating at home at the family table, or being patient and wait 20 minutes to eat. (I'm not bashing Pentecostalism, in fact, I'm in favor of not clock watching and letting the Holy Spirit control the ending time of the service, not your belly.)
All they want is money. Don't separate me from my money. We put so much stock in the all mighty dollar. It controls us. We need it to survive. We need to take care of our needs (wants). Isn't it funny how large a $100 bill looks in the offering plate, but how small it looks at the mall. Whatever we sow we will reap. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor 9:6-8 NIV)
It's just a fashion show. I know someone who only went to church to see what others were wearing. That person is an anomaly not the norm. God doesn't care what you wear on the outside, He cares what you have on the inside. The church is not to be a showcase for the saints, but a hospital for the sinners. As above, don't let the stunted spirituality of a few, keep you from attending church.
There's nothing for my kids. So let me get this straight. You would rather keep your children home and uneducated about God, than take yourself and your family to church, because there's nothing for them. Growing in Christ should be enough for you and your children. There is a line that shouldn't be crossed when it comes to worship and that is turning the message into full blown entertainment time. Not that the message and method can't be entertaining, but not to the point of only entertainment. Don't use your children as an excuse not to attend church. Use them as an excuse for going to church.
Satan will give you many excuses to avoid going to church. Don't listen to any of them. Get up and go. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb 10:25 NIV) Don't let Satans strategy of excuses lead to your Demise.
Have a blessed week
Daniel Vandenburg
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