Sunday, November 20, 2005

Divine Appointments

Divine Appointments

gtcotr/ss112005

God has a plan …

He will succeed …

We have a chance to participate!

Key Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (NKJV)

A story from 2 Kings 6 & 7

* Elisha’s insight into the ambush plans of King Benhadad of Syria

* More there be with us than be with them

* The Syrian army blinded

* Feeding the enemy

* The siege of Samaria, capital of Israel

* King Joram’s dilemma

* It’s God’s fault - the prophet must die!

2 Kings 6:33 … then the king said, “Sure this calamity is from the LORD; why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” (NKJV)

* Elisha’s prophecy

Here we pick up with:

2 Kings 7 (NKJV)

3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die?”

4 “If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.”

The story continues …

* Off to the Syrian army camp at twilight

* The miracle of hearing

* The richest men in town

* Under conviction

* The king’s concern

* A prophecy comes true

The central characters in this story are four unsuspecting men who have a divine appointment with destiny.

There was nothing special about these men, quite the contrary. They had lived difficult lives: outcast from society and looked down upon. Most likely they had been beggars who depended solely on the kindness and charity of others for their daily needs.

Nonetheless these men were sovereignly chosen to carry out the plan of God.

In their minds they had nothing to loose. If they were captured then perhaps the Syrians would at least feed them, and if not - they would but only die - a destiny that awaits us all.

Even death is a divine appointment with God.

Following the normal progression of their disease, each day was more difficult than the former day. These men lived in pain and loss. Loss of the sense of feeling and loss of body parts accompanied by the mental and emotional pain of losing friends, family and community contact.

Perhaps one of the biggest losses faced by these men was the loss of their future hopes and dreams. Life was already over for them. They were among the living dead and their best years were behind them.

However, they had not calculated one factor into this equation of life. the factor of God’s will. What did God have in store for them. What was God’s plan for their lives.

In the New Testament we read in:

James 4:13 (NKJV)

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make profit”;

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanished away.

15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Jesus, the Christ, said in

John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (NKJV)

I believe that:

* You are special to God

* There are places you must be and people you must see

* The plan of God is unfolding all around you right now

* It’s probably not all about you

So for this I have three challenges I want to give to you this morning.

#1 Don’t let fear hold you back in life - take your best shot!

#2 Enjoy the blessings God sends your way.

#3 Don’t forget to share the blessings with others.

Fear can keep you from getting God’s blessings, enjoying God’s blessings and sharing God’s blessings.

Luke 12:32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Commitment

Commitment

Gtcotr/ss102305

What are you committed to?

Key Scripture: 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

The Apostle John, called the disciple of love, the same disciple whom Jesus entrusted His mother’s welfare to as He spoke from the cross, reveals the true hope of God.

John is speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit late in his lifetime and tells that his true heart’s desire is that, in representation, we would prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper.

How can a man’s soul prosper?

We have come to understand that man is a triune being, created in the image and likeness of God Himself. Man is a Spirit, he has a soul and he lives in a body.

The Spirit of man is his life force. The body is his earth suit which houses man’s soul during his earthly journey.

The soul of man is that which makes us, us! Our mind, will and emotions. The makeup of our collected thoughts, desires, intelligence, wisdom, feelings and determinations.

The soul of man is where decisions are made and actions are taken. This is the part of man which needs to be saved.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, their souls were emptied of the life of God and they became mere mortals. Mortality was passed on to all the natural descendents of Adam and Eve. From that time forth … man was born in sin and destined to die.

This is what God meant when He said:

Genesis 2

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

We know from a later scripture, Genesis 5:5, that Adam lived to be 930 years old, and then he died.

What did God mean, “in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”?

Adam surely did die - spiritually … Adam’s soul died spiritually, not in that it ceased to exist, but in that was it no longer infused with the immortal life force of God. God withdrew Himself from man. It was in this spiritual death that Adam lost his right relationship with God.

This is why Adam and Eve had no eternal right relationship to pass on to their sons and daughters and no immortality or godliness.

Right relationship with God would now have to be purchased by the blood of bulls and goats which would be sacrificed for the sins of men and women each year as they came to God for cleansing on the day of atonement. During the year rules would have to be followed, laws, commands kept in order to maintain one’s right relationship with God.

The prophets foretold of a time when God would offer one perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. One sacrifice for all sins forever.

Isaiah 53:1-12 & Hebrews 10:12

This perfect sacrifice would be a man, descended from the tribe of Judah, born of a virgin in the town of Bethlehem, the seed of Abraham, the Lord of David, the Son of God. His name is Jesus!

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?

This Messiah would first become the scapegoat and then become King.

It is also my prayer today that God would grant you prosperity and health as He prospers your soul …

The place in your life Where decisions are made and actions are taken.

How can you work with God to see your soul become successful?

* Commit to God’s Word; Commit to God’s Will; Commit to God’s Way. Ready yourselves to make a commitment …

* When we:

1. Commit to God’s Word …

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

* … It will transform our life.

A commitment to God’s word, will transform your life.

2. Commit to God’s Will …

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

* … It will direct our steps

A commitment to God’s will, will direct your steps.

3. Commit to God’s Way …

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

* … It will guide our thoughts.

A commitment to God’s way, will guide your thoughts.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

The Integrity Of God's Word

The Integrity Of God’s Word

Gtcotr/ws092105

Tonight I want to let the scriptures speak for themselves. So, lets walk through the word together and survey the subject: The Integrity of God’s Word.

Key Scripture: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent; hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? (KJV)

I. Hebrews 6:18 So God has given us both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to His promise with confidence. (NLT)

A. Not only is it impossible for God to lie, it is also impossible for us to please Him if we don’t believe this … trust in the truth of God.

B. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)

II. Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the word that is gone out of my lips. (NKJV)

A. Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not. Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (NKJV)

B. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV)

C. Not only does the Lord keep His word but He also expects those close to Him to keep theirs:

D. Psalms 15 (KJV)

1. Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?

2. He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.

4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. (Psalms 15:4b)

5. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. (KJV)

III. John 1

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2. The same was in the beginning with God.

A. There are 3 that agree in heaven

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (KJV)

B. Psalms 138:2b For Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name. (KJV)

1. If at the name of Jesus every knee bows, Philippians 2:10, and the Word is exalted and magnified above all His name … then …

2. Then every knee will bow to the Word of God, even, I believe, when spoken by the children of God in faith.

It’s like, if all the promises of God are in Christ Jesus, yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20)

… and Jesus is in you (Colossians 1:27)

… then, all of the promises of God are in you, in the Christ in you that is, yes and Amen.

Perhaps this is what is meant by the scripture which says, Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Our faith becomes effective by acknowledging every good thing which is in us in Christ. (Philemon 1:6)

IV. The Word of God Has Purpose

Isaiah 55

10 For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,

11 So shall my word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

A. This is the reason we must

1. Read the Word

2. Study the Word

3. Memorize the Word

4. Meditate the Word

5. Share the Word

B. The Word of God is True, Living and Powerful

1. Hebrews 4:12 The Word is quick and powerful …

2. John 17:17 … Thy word is truth

3. Acts 20:32 The word is able to build us up and give us an inheritance

4. Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet …

5. Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart …

V. David’s Take On The Word

A. Psalms 19

7 The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than the honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

B. Psalms 119:89 For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Discipleship And The Church

Discipleship & The Church
Continuing Our Growth In God
Gtcotr/ss091805
Key Scripture: Matthew 16:18 … Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
When I speak of the Church, I am not just talking about any assembly, but rather I am referring to
The Christian Church - The called out, called together family, body and bride of Jesus the Messiah, with great power, great presence and great purpose.
Jesus has a vision - To build His Overcoming Church
He has a plan - To reproduce Himself through Discipleship
He is succeeding in our generation and around the world
And we now face our opportunity to participate.
When Jesus spoke about His vision to build this awesome group of people, He was speaking to His disciples and the church, at that time, it was just a dream, it only existed in the heart and mind of Jesus and His Father. It was Their vision for mankind.
In fact: In the King James Bible, we can follow the birth and the progression of Jesus’ vision by examining the number of times both disciple and church is mentioned in the scriptures:
4 Gospels (M,M,L&J) Church 2 Disciples 226
Acts Church 22 Disciples 29
Epistles - Revelation Church 90 Disciples 0
Discipleship built the Church as Disciples became the Church. All this in less than 70 years. From Jerusalem to Judea Samaria and on to the uttermost parts of the world. It worked then and will work now!
Discipleship is basic training for the Christian. Deeper than Sunday School or weekly worship services, discipleship is designed to produce deep spiritual growth which will affect every area of a person’s life.
Initially it is the intense and dedicated time we set aside on purpose, normally to come under the teaching and guiding hand of a more seasoned servant of God so that our souls may be prepared for use in the Kingdom call.
If we want bible results we must follow bible pattern.
The biblical pattern of discipleship is what we would call modern day mentoring. Each person first learning from someone, then teaching another what they have learned.
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witness, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (NKJV)
Learning can be accomplished without a teacher but it is often the most costly, most time consuming and holds the greatest margin for error.
Timothy was so fortunate to be given a faithful and God-fearing mother and grandmother who laid the foundation of faith in his life. Then he was joined in heart and ministry to the Apostle Paul for further discipleship and on the job training opportunities. He did this for years before he became pastor of the church in Ephesus.
While others such as Hymenaeus, Philetus and Alexander, who had the same opportunities as Timothy, refused to stay under the guiding hand of their God given teacher and came into great doctrinal error and eventually ministerial and physical ruin.
It is the way in every other experience of life, whether flipping eggs at waffle house or walking on the moon, selling automobiles at a local dealership, being an operator in one of the chemical plants, acting as a crew member of a commercial airliner or running a switch board for a corporation or local hotel - there is a way the boss likes it done and every new person who joins the team must be taught, trained and tested to function as a productive member of the team.
In fact, The Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:18ff demands that we: (This is Jesus speaking here to His disciples)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV)
There is a school of hard knocks but very few people every get a useable degree from that school.
A man who isolates himself seeks his own destruction. Proverbs 18:1
A calling is just that, a call to come and be prepared for greater use.
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (NKJV)
Many are willing to be used by God but are unwilling to be prepared for use by submitting their lives to a time of discipleship.
Perhaps these are some of those the bible speaks of in:
2 Timothy 3:7 Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NKJV)
What a shame it would be to spend our whole life climbing a ladder only to realize at the end that it was leaning against the wrong building.
Perhaps the most disappointing four words one could hear at the conclusion of their earthly journey are: “What Could Have Been!”
In order to be productive and content in these approaching days, we must connect with a greater presence, a greater power and a greater purpose than this life and its temporary successes can supply.
I believe that God is increasing our opportunities to serve Him.
God is asking us, our church and churches all over America and around the world, to revisit His divine plan - Discipleship!
To grow up and become mature sons and daughters, children of the Most High God.
Jesus said, as recorded in:
John 8:31&32 … If you continue in My word, then you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
The bible reveals two schools of thought on how a person may be discipled … both are valid.
#1. The structured classroom setting where a given amount of information is covered, questions are asked and answers shared. This exposes the individual to the greatest amount of information over the shortest period of time, but does not always allow ‘hands-on’ training.
#2. The ‘living life together’ model. Where life experiences provide the subject for discussion and the disciple learns from being with his teacher and hearing biblical principles taught from a practical standpoint in respect to the situation at hand at that specific moment.
Jesus used both models.
#1. He sat on the hillsides of Galilee and taught lessons to the multitudes. In fact, Matthew 5, 6, & 7 was just one afternoon in class for those who attended. Then He began Chapter 8 giving His disciples object lessons on the practical application of the Gospel.
#2. Further, Jesus chose 12 to be with Him and to send them out to preach. (Mark 3:14) It was while walking through life together that Jesus would take the challenges of each moment as an opportunity to teach His disciples the greater and deeper principles of God. From the cursing of the fig tree to feeding the multitudes, from fear of storms, to excitement about having power over devils, from Zacchaeus to Jairus, Jesus took each event and challenged His disciples to go deeper in spiritual thought and practice.
We see that Jesus had respect for both the systematic education model and the living life together discipleship model.
This coming year will provide our church with the long awaited opportunity to launch a great new discipleship program. It will include both systematic bible education and life growth practicalities. It is my hope that all of you who wish will take advantage of this life challenging and life changing opportunity.
Discipleship will build the Church and Disciples will become the Church. Our future and the strength of the Kingdom is at stake.
Be praying about getting involved in this adventure of a lifetime. This discipleship program will not only help you to discover your purpose and pursue your destiny, but it will also equip you to stand on the solid rock of God’s word, will and way as you continue to face daily challenges; making a living, making a life and making a difference.
Years ago, in the middle of raising a family, I gave a season of my life to this same adventure and it changed me. It gave me a foundation, walls and structure for my life, my family, my ministry and my calling.
Today I still approach life from the perspectives gained through being discipled. I am what discipleship made me and I continue growing up into Christ on a daily basis.
Each day, in many ways, God is speaking to us. In light of this:
I like to know that I have grown each day, each week - that I am better! That I did not miss what God was wanting me to learn. So, Brenda and I both keep a record of what God says to us. This is something we learned during our discipleship season of life.
So, in closing let me share with you three things I have learned this week.
I have records of what God has said to me going back to 1978 and I remember things He spoke to me all the way back to 1967.
#1. It is good for the soul to invest in something it cannot control.
The church is likened to a body with many parts. Being just one part of a many membered body gives me perspective and humility.
Something bigger than myself, more important than me, something that will outlast me.
It’s the element of faith and trust …
In God, in His plan and in my fellow man
It would be a shame and waste to grow all of this spiritual fruit and never get a chance to use it.
#2. It may take drastic measures to produce drastic change
There are few times when we may achieve painless recovery, but most of the time we are like the prodigal son only humbling ourselves and changing when we are forced to.
#3. Not everyone who agrees with you is your friend.
Proverbs 27:6 tells us that faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful
Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you …
Truth is not determined by a show of hands.
Eternal rewards are not handed out as a result of a popularity contest.
Discipleship grounds us and grows us up.
It will cost increased time and effort. There is no other way - no painless recovery.
It has long been said that,
“Salvation is free, however, discipleship will cost you everything.”
Begin to make plans now and get involved in a discipleship program early in 2006 at Church On The Rock.
It will change your life!

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Angels

The story of Reubel

To listen to the archived message log onto Online Church at www.cotr.com. You will hear the story of Reubel which details a modern day encounter with an angel sent from God.

The bible reveals very little specific information about angels however their encounters with mankind are numerous. It is through these encounters we catch glimpses of their person and role.

In our current bible study series we have looked at Who God Is, Who Jesus Is, Who the Holy Spirit Is and Who the Devil is, all in attempts to better understand the players in this game of life we are living. Ultimately the question will be: Who Are You? Before we get to that question there is one more group of players we want to look at.

Angels

Gtcotr/ss082805

Angels come in different categories:

Holy Angels & Fallen Angels

Angels of Darkness and Angels of Light

Today our main text will be coming from the book of Daniel

While you turn there let me read our key scripture and follow with some commentary.

Key Scripture: Hebrews 13:2 Dont forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (NLT)

The word Angel from the Old Testament Hebrew and the New Testament Greek and Aramaic simply means Messenger.

We know angels to be “created beings”, a distinct order of creation different from mankind, yet complimentary as each creation fits into the overall picture and plan of God in this universe He has established for His own purpose.

This means that angels are not merely the spirits of already passed on saints. In other words, when a child of God dies, they do not become one of God’s angels anymore than a lost person becomes one of the devil’s demons.

However, since the word angel is defined as Messenger: It could be stretched to say that both Moses and Elijah were messengers, angels of God, when they were sent to appear to Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. However the concept of messenger here would describe a function and not a being.

As well, Paul’s thorn in the flesh mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7, is referred to as “a messenger (angel) of satan”.

In one form or another angels are mentioned almost 400 times in the bible. It’s from these incidental accounts that we get our information.

There were angels, cherubim in creation, rank and order, who were sent by God to stand at the entrance of the Garden of Eden after mankind’s fall into sin. Having their flaming swords at the ready they were set there to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24

From this we see angels as submissive to the commands of God.

Psalms 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

(KJV)

It was the Angel of The Lord who spoke to Abraham on the Mountain of Moriah, whereon is present day Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and Mount Calvary.

Genesis 22

11 ¶ But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am."

12 And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (NKJV)

Later he spoke again and delivered the covenant to Abraham:

Genesis 22

15 ¶ Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven,

16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son

17 "blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

18 "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." (NKJV)

It was an angel that helped the children of Israel conquer their enemies. Exodus 33:2

It was an angel who woke Peter up, loosed his chains, opened the gate and got him out of jail unnoticed by the guards. Acts 10:3

It was an angel that was sent to a Roman Centurion in the city of Caesarea to give him direction. Acts 12:7

Even after Jesus had been tempted by the devil for 40 days and nights and had defeated all temptation, God sent angels to minister to Him. Matthew 4:11

Psalms says that angels are flames of fire. Psalms 104:4

Angels are sent forth to minister to those who are heirs of salvation.

There are certain orders or ranks of angels and there is indication that saints will one day judge the angels. 1 Corinthians 6:3

Angels don’t die. Luke 20:36 Even the fallen ones who are held in chains, reserved unto the day of judgment. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6

We know there are armies of angels that men cannot see except their eyes be opened into the spirit realm.

2 Kings 6

15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"

16 So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (NKJV)

We read of Cherubim and Seraphim, principalities and rulers, messengers and ministering spirits. Angels of light and angels of darkness, each with certain accessible powers and authority.

One of the more interesting accounts of angels occurs in the book of Daniel. It is where Daniel had been praying and fasting, seeking understanding from the Lord.

An angel is dispatched from heaven to carry God’s message to Daniel. Perhaps it was Gabriel once again who had earlier spoken with Daniel.

Daniel 10 (NIV)

12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."

20 So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come;

21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No-one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

This passage, along with Zechariah chapters 1-6, gives us an understanding that there is ongoing strategic warfare in the heavens waged by angels on behalf of God’s plan for mankind as it is written in the Book of Truth.

This is their duty in the heavens, while here on earth our job is to also carry on a spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness surrounding us.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

Ephesians 6 (NKJV)

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For 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.

The Apostle John admonished us not to accept every voice or spiritual phenomenon as coming from God.

1 John 4 (NKJV)

1 ¶ Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

We understand that in the last days there will come an increase of demonic, devilish, evil spirited influences and activities.

Spirits will be sent forth to deceive the nations and world leaders.

Our Key Scripture today tells us to be careful when entertaining strangers, who knows, we might be entertaining angels unaware.

This could be taken not only as an encouragement to treat strangers with kindness, but coupled with some other scriptures, could mean to literally be careful - it might also be a messenger from the dark side.

2 Corinthians 11

14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light.

15 So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers. (NLT)

The great company of angels which accompany God’s presence and serve the Lord Jesus Christ are so powerful, so numerous, so wise and so willing.

I was once told by an elderly pastor who had devoted much of his time to the study of angels that drawing upon the number of angels spoken of in the bible, each born again believer on planet earth has more than a dozen angels just to himself providing the number were divided equally to each one.

I don’t know about that but one thing I do know is that:

Hebrews 1:14 Angels are ministering spirits sent forth to take care of those who will inherit salvation.

And also that …

Angels are on assignment to help you!