by Terry Laughlin | Apr 29, 2016 | God's Provision
God’s Power Over Satan
There is a powerful truth spoken by Jesus Christ that should intrigue everyone who is willing to be taught of the Lord. He makes a statement to the seventy-two that should give all of us the same joy, “…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20b) Prior to this truth is another truth, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18) Spiros Zodhiates gives us an excellent understanding of “lightning” (ἀστραπή astrapḗ) and it’s usage in this passage of Scripture, “The physical phenomenon of lightning, [as a sign] for the swift completeness of Satan’s overthrow.” “The point of the comparison is the suddenness and power of the Divine working.” (Kittel, G., Bromiley, G. W., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964–). Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 1, p. 505). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.)
It is imperative that you understand, Jesus the Son of God is always revealing truths about Kingdom Authority over everything, including heaven, hell and earth. No doubt Jesus is remembering the power of God in dealing with Satan at the time of his fall. (Isaiah 14:12) Symbolically, through lightning, He is expressing the swift power of God in the authority given to the seventy-two as they saw demons submit to them in the Name of Jesus Christ. (Luke 10:17) The Lord in this teaching is also seeing into the future, the many contest with and victories over evil. (Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Ed.). (1909). St. Luke (Vol. 1, pp. 272–273). London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.) Satan’s counterfeit kingdom will face many set backs as the results of the ministries of Jesus’ disciples. (Hughes, R. B., & Laney, J. C. (2001). Tyndale concise Bible commentary (p. 450). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.) The all knowing Christ is thinking of the time when Satan and all who follow him will march over the earth, surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city [Jerusalem].” (Barclay, W. (Ed.). (1976). The Revelation of John (Vol. 2, p. 194). Philadelphia: The Westminster John Knox Press.) The Bible says, “Fire [comes] down from heaven and [consumes] them.” (Revelations 20:7-10) This attack on God’s people brings fourth an immediate judgment. (Walvoord, J. F. (1985). Revelation. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 981). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books) Just as all of nature has no resistance to the swift forceful power of lightning, Satan cannot in any way stand against the powerful forces of God.
It is like, only like the scene in the movie Thor, were Odin comes from Asgard to Jotunheim with a bolt of lightning to confront Laufey. Odin’s entrance catches the attention of everyone. Laufey is king of the Frost Giants, symbolic to all that is evil. During their confrontation Odin tries diplomacy, which is rejected by Laufey. With just a spoken word and a gesture of the hand, Laufey is thrown from the presence of Odin. In a flash Odin and all under his protection are taken back to Asgard.
The whole of Scripture teaches that Satan, the prince of this world (John 16:11) can not over power the eternal purpose of God.
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 29, 2016 | Christian Living Truth's
Christians and Non-Christians Must Give an Accounting
Oswald Champers in My Utmost for His Highest wrote “The deadliest pharisaism to-day is not hypocrisy, but unconscious unreality.” Jesus spoke a truth that awakens the human soul to a reality that is going to be experienced by all of mankind, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34b-37)
The Message (Bible) translates what Jesus taught, “Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back and haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.” (Matthew 12:34b-37)
This truth is taught by Jesus during his teaching to the Pharisees. (Matthew 12:1-14; 12:22-37) Here in this teaching Jesus tells His listeners to come clean, examine their own hearts by what they speak to see if they are letting the Holy Spirit season their speech with God’s grace.
Careless (idle, literally thoughtless words) are spontaneous expressions which reveal what is in a person’s heart. It has been well written, “Let a man examine his words, that he may discover the state of his heart. And let him remember that God will not only judge the words he speaks under careful deliberation, but also by the words he speaks when the conventional restraints are gone and the real feelings of his heart are spoke forth.” (Barclay, W. (Ed.). (1976). The Gospel of Matthew (Vol. 2, pp. 46–47). Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster John Knox Press)
People may say in anger words that hurt others. After their discourse they may say, “I never meant it.” That does not free them from the responsibility of what they have spoken. What they have spoken, has wounded a heart. Thus, they will give an accounting. A person may say things in an relaxed moment that brings question to the character of others, cause people to lose heart, entice people to rebel against truth and positive leadership. For saying such words, there will be an accounting. The fact is, the words that we speak are a reflection of what is really in our hearts, revealing who we really are.
What does your speech reveal to others? Are you a person who is positive in your speech or a person who is known to speak negatively. Does your speech reflect a language that is Holy Spirit controlled, or influenced by the sinful nature, a world view or by the lies of the devil. The truth we all must heed to: At the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) or at the White Throne Judgment (Revelations 20:11-15), everyone will give an accounting for every word spoken.
We should all seek the Lordship of Jesus Christ, so we can set an example in speech. (1 Timothy 4:12) Whoever loves life and desires to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and lips from deceitful speech.” (1 Peter 3:10)DaVinci and Christ
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 29, 2016 | Christian Living Truth's
The Apostle Paul gives instructions to Timothy that applies to all Christians who desire to take on the important charge, “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2). “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) First, Christians are to study in such a way that would bring them approval to God. Second, they are to be such a quality laborer for the Lord, when their teaching of Scripture are examined, they need not be ashamed. Third, Christians are to be accurate in their delivery of the message of truth so as not to pervert or even distort the Word of God. (The New American Commentary – Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 214–215). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers)
The word “approved” (δόκιμος dókimos) means to be such a workman in the teaching of the Word of God, you would receive a commendation from the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:18) It is to do your work for God in a way that is honorable. “Correctly handle” (ὀρθοτομέω orthotoméō) is to skillfully interpret, correctly teach and give accurate instructions of the Word of God. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament; Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 414; Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament); Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc; A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament). Christians who are called to preach are diligent, literally exerting themselves in the hard work of study and are not afraid to have their work examined by others who God is using.
In 1994 the Billy Graham Evangelistic team oversaw the North America Conference for Itinerant Evangelist (NACIE 94). The team held every Bible teacher to the standard the Apostle Paul held Timothy to in 2 Timothy 2:15. Every teacher at NACIE 94 had to present themselves as students approved by God. Every teacher had to present in writing every Biblical truth they were going to teach. Before they could teach at NACIE 94, Bible teachers had to show they were workman who skillfully interpret and accurately instruct the Word of God. Every message to be preached was examined by proven men and women whom God was using to teach His Word all over the world. After five years of prayerful preparation, thousands of Itinerant Evangelist attended a conference that was Holy Spirit anointed. To this day those who attended this conference remember what they learned from the Bible teachers. Because of the team’s insistence, every teacher be held to the Biblical test of 2 Timothy 2:15. Students who could not attend NACIE 94 or were not be able to participate in every class can glean truths from every teacher, because every Biblical teaching was placed in a book, Equipping for Evangelism. Students attending NACIE 94 were given outlines of every teaching in each class so they can takes notes, writing down revelations the Lord gave them as they prayerfully participated in this Christ centered event.
Every Holy Spirit illuminated Christian wanting to enjoy God’s best in their service to Him in obeying their charge, “Preach the Word” will humbly present themselves to those whom they desire to teach as one who is approved by God to correctly handle the Word of God.
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 29, 2016 | Hero of All Times
Hero’s Keep You Safe
When you hear the word hero what comes to your mind. Perhaps it is a favorite movie star, a sports star, or an admired influence in your life. There are actual people who can be your hero or you may have a fantasy hero like Superman, Spider-Man or Thor.
I would propose to you, that there is a common denominator between all heroes. They appear safe, undefeatable, and eternal. They achieve our dreams, meet our expectations and build our faith. These attractions capture our attention, set our focus in life, and encourage us to never give up.
Heroes are a real influence in the lives of everyone in one way or another. If you listen to a person long enough, you can tell who his or her heroes are.
The New Testament tells us that Jesus is the hero of all time. He is the hero Who keeps you safe. Colossians tells us about the Supremacy of the Son of God. “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17)
One great attraction of a hero – he’s got to be able to keep you safe. Have you ever heard of Bonnie Tyler? She sang the song, “Holding Out For A Hero.” In her song are these lyrics, “Where have all the good men gone, where are all the gods, where are the street wise Hercules to fight the rising odds? Isn’t there a white knight upon a white steed? I need a hero, he gotta to be sure; he gotta be larger than life; He gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero.”
Jesus is that hero, for in the book of revelation, He is the one who returns riding upon a “white horse, His name is call Faithful and True… His name is the Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13) Jesus is the Word that became flesh. (John 1:14) Colossians says, “In Him all things hold together.” “Hold Together” (sunistēmi [συνιστημι)]) means that Jesus is the cohesion in the universe. He is the controlling and unifying force of all nature. Jesus has the power over all things and maintains continuous stability and productiveness of all things. He orders all things to the will of God His father. If there is anyone who can keep you safe in this world and in eternity it is Jesus Christ who can hold it all together. Hebrews 1:3 says, The Son is the radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word.” I love the heart of the psalmist who wrote, The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 18:2)
I remember seeing a painting with Psalm 18:2 written on it, along with the word peace. The panting showed a mountain cliff being hammered by a powerful storm. The painting showed the lightning flashing, the wind blowing and trees falling. I thought, “How is that a painting of peace?” Looking again, I saw an small cave going deep into the cliff; in that cave was a bird setting on a nest, just comfortably sitting peacefully, sheltered from the wind, rain and lightning.
In this life there will be storms of trials and temptations that can lead you to despair, looking for a real hero. Be like many, thrust in Jesus Christ, the real Hero!
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 29, 2016 | Hero of All Times
Hero’s Are Undefeatable
When you hear the word hero what comes to your mind. Perhaps it is a favorite movie star, a sports star, or an admired influence in your life. There are actual people who can be your hero or you may have a fantasy hero like Superman, Spider-Man or Thor.
I would propose to you, that there is a common denominator between all heroes. They appear safe, undefeatable, and eternal. They achieve our dreams, meet our expectations and build our faith. These attractions capture our attention, set our focus in life, and encourage us to never give up.
Heroes are a real influence in the lives of everyone in one way or another. The New Testament tells us that Jesus is the hero of all time. He is the hero that is undefeatable. Romans 4:25 says this about Jesus, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
The fantasy character Thor, from the Marvel Comics “is the strongest of the Asgardians. Thor possesses a very high resistance to physical injury that approaches invulnerability. Thor possesses keen senses that allow him to track objects traveling faster than light and he hears cries from the other side of the planet. Thor has the ability to travel through time. His stamina allowed him to battle the entire Frost Giant army for nine months without any rest. Thor has the ability to regenerate wounded portions of his body. Thor has superhuman speed, agility and reflexes. Thor can summon the elements of the storm (lightning, rain, wind, snow).” (Wikipedia) Thor is a popular fantasy hero because he can meet our expectations of a hero.
Jesus is the hero who realistically meets our needs and expectations. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever. The Bible says that His disciples were amazed that even the winds and waves obey Him. (Mark 4:41) The Bible teaches that Jesus has power over demons. (Mark 5:1-20) He healed the sick and raised the dead. (Mark 5:21-43) Good Friday is that time of the year when we remember the Hero of heroes, who gave up His life on the cross for us. (John 19:30) Easter is that time when we celebrated our hero’s victory over sin and death. (John 20:1-10) That’s why we can sing with joy and assurance, “Up from the grave He arose.”
Because the hero of heroes, Jesus Christ was faithful to His call – we Christians have His promise of victory over sin and death, “But thanks to God! He gives victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) Psalm 2:7 says, “He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die…” (John 11:25)
Jesus Christ is undefeatable, those who trust him, in eternity will get victory over death, have a resurrected body, can choose to overcome life’s trials and temptations here on this earth. Someday, Christians will live on the new heaven and new earth. Trust in the Christ and give your entire life over to Him!
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