lifesongchurch

Video 1, Preschool - Jesus Savior Of The World Video 2, Elementary - Go Tell It On The Mountain Video 3, Elementary - Oh What A Glorious Night

Our God is not a God of chance or random acts. Everything He does has a specific intent, a specific purpose. It is all part of His design for humanity. As we read from the Bible, we can see His design creating paradigms. A paradigm is a pattern, a model, a template, a specific design with purpose and intent. A paradigm is the opposite of a coincidence or random act. Paradigms show us God is in control and He created everything with a purpose and design. Paradigms are very important because they help us understand the Spirit of Prophecy and helps us to see God’s direction for our lives. God already knows what is going to happen before it happens. Many times, His Prophets (or angels) call forth His Kingdom to manifest in this earth. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. The Paradigm of the Shepherds, Lambs, King David and Bethlehem It was prophesied that Jesus would be called a “shepherd” for His people 700 years before He was born. Isa 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom. Ps 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. There were different types of shepherds in the time of Jesus. The typical shepherd that watched the sheep, the ones in the “family business” were lower on the social scale. But the shepherds who heard the angel proclaim the birth of our Savior, were from the Temple priesthood. They prepared and watched over the sheep in order to produce sacrificial lambs for the Jewish festivals. These lambs had to be perfect without spot or blemish. Luke 2:8-16 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." Some Theologians believe the “swaddling cloths” were the same cloths used to wrap the newborn lambs used in the Passover. They also speculate the possibility of these cloths coming from the Temple priest Zacharias who was married to Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist and cousin to Mary. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:1-39 It was prophesied that He would be a sacrificial lamb. Jesus was both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus equates Himself to God. As the Lamb, Jesus equates Himself to being a flesh and blood sacrifice. This addresses His sovereignty and His mortality. Isa 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! It was prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Mic 5:2,4 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me, The One to be Ruler in Israel” …4 And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD” Another prophecy indicating Jesus would be a shepherd. Consider this: Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth (100 miles from Bethlehem). The Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus decreed a census and for everyone to report to their ancestral home, so they had to journey to Bethlehem AKA the City of David because Joseph was in the blood line of King David. Remember: “All things work together for the good for those who…” Another prophecy of Jesus, 700 years before His birth: He will be born of the blood line of King David Isa 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The angel Gabriel (name means “Mighty Man of God”) confirms the prophecy of Jesus and His Kingdom on the throne of His father David, and prophesies to Mary, that she will be the mother of Jesus. 6 months earlier, Gabriel prophesied to Zacharias and Elizabeth about John the Baptist. Gabriel foretold the coming of Jesus to Daniel (Dan 9:25) and it is believed he will sound the trumpet at His return (1 Thes 4:16). Luke 1:26-33 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" Speak or “Call Forth” the Kingdom of God 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Isa 9:6,7). Bethlehem was the town where the sheep were born, raised and sold for the sacrifices in Jerusalem at the temple during the Jewish festivals. Basically, Bethlehem was the town of shepherds, so it only makes sense that the Great Shepherd would be born there. Bethlehem means “House of Bread” John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." 1 Cor 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 700 years before His birth it was prophesied Jesus would be the Good Shepherd, and the sacrificial lamb of God, from the blood line of King David, born in Bethlehem, known as the City of David also meaning “House of Bread.” Jesus said He is the “bread of life.” Bethlehem is the shepherd capital of Israel. At His birth, Jesus is placed in a food trough (being the “bread of life”). Many of the lambs raised were for the Passover festival. These all had to be first born lambs. Jesus was the first born of Mary and Joseph. The Lamb of God was sacrificed on the cross during Passover when all the other lambs were being sacrificed! The Bible is absolutely amazing! It is truly the Word of God. There are more prophecies of the Second Coming of Jesus than the first. Are you ready? Have you received Him into your heart? Is He your Lord and Savior? He is coming back.

God opens doors to accomplish His will and advance His Kingdom. September 15 th 2023 was the eve of Rosh Hashanah. That is when the Jewish new year 5784 started. Some prophetic voices believe this is “The year of the Open Door.” I believe we just walked through one of those doors. A few days ago, I wrote and posted the blog “Michigan Laws Enshrine Transgenderism” and posted the picture of “The Deity” in Port Austin, which has a female body and a male goat head. This is symbolic of transgenderism and transhumanism (go to wethecounty.org and click on “blog” to read the article). On December 7 th , I felt an urgency to reach out to the Pastors in the Thumb of Michigan encouraging them to read this blog and to sign THE PLEDGE to protect God’s children. I sent a personal text to around 20 pastors, and communicated with several others. This took over 2 hours and I wanted to stop but felt I had to get the job done that day, December 7 th . Because of the urgency I felt, I knew there had to be something special about that day. Then it dawned on me December 7 th is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor when Japan bombed America. This brought us into WWII. Then, I also realized December 7 th is the eve of Hanukkah (it begins at sundown). That was an “Ah-ha!” moment. In 167 BC the Jews had to deal with pagan “deities” just like we are dealing with the “The Deity” of Transgenderism. A Jewish priest named Mattathias led a resistance against Antiochus Epiphanes (meaning god manifest) who was forcing paganism on the Jews. One of his son’s name was Judas Maccabeus (meaning hammer). Just as the Jews were fighting for their Liberty, so are we. The Maccabean Revolt put an end to the Roman and Hellenistic Jews worshipping pagan deities especially the Greek god Zeus, who is Baal. The Temple was cleansed from the pagan defilement and in 164 BC the decision was made to rededicate the Temple. Unfortunately, there was only enough holy olive oil to light the golden lampstand (the menorah) for one day, but the dedication was to last 8 days. The decision was made to light the menorah and it miraculously burned for 8 days! God has given His delegated authority over this region called “The Thumb” to His servants; many of them are Pastors. That is why we formed “Ignite the Thumb Ministries” with Pastor Mark Seppo, Pastor Tim Martin, Pastor Bruce Clark and Pastor Mike Beeler. These are called the “Four Gate Pastors”, along with myself and Pastor Gary Rumptz. This is a small representation of all 5 counites in the Thumb. We need many more Pastors to get involved in order to have victory, bringing Babylon down. We are cleansing this region from deities, pagan worship, and the sexual indoctrination of our children; basically Marxist-Luciferian ideologies. Just like the Maccabean Revolt challenged the Hellenistic (woke) Jews to come back to true worship of Jehovah Yahweh, we are challenging other churches to stand up against the LGBTQ Marxist- Luciferian agenda and worship Jesus Christ, in spirit and in truth. Rev 2:20-23 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. We are standing up against Jezebel and proclaim “Babylon is fallen!” Rev 2:26-28 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations — 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' — as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. *The Morning Star is the greatest authority the Church has ever walked in. This is the children of God maturing into His Sons and Daughters. The great light of Jesus Christ shining in us greater than ever before! Hanukkah is known as the Jewish “Festival of Lights” and as the “Feast of Dedication” and according to Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, the “Festival of Freedom.” The Hebrew word for dedication is Chanukah (Hanukkah). John 10:22-23 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. Over 2000 years ago the Light of the World stepped into the Temple to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Once inside, Jesus said His sheep know His voice, they follow Him, and are protected by His Father God. We the sheep are God’s family, and just as Jesus is the Light of the World, we too carry that same light. We are children of light! Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Walking in the light; being transparent, open and honest. Doing good works causing others to glorify our Father in Heaven. The light of Jesus comes from His glory that is in us. His glory is increasing and so is our brightness. Light is also symbolic of the truth. Walking in the light is walking in righteousness. Matt 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” We are that lampstand filled with anointing oil, shining the glory of Jesus. Rev 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. This is a “we” thing, not a “me” thing. The original Tabernacle of Moses lampstand had seven lamps and is a paradigm of the light that is inside of us, we are the temple or tabernacle for the Spirit of God. Together we bring our light and form the lampstand. We work with the seven stars who are the seven angels. We are a family of light! Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, celebrated how the lampstand only had enough oil for a few days, but burned bright for all 8 days…after it was cleansed from all paganism (unrighteousness). Isa 58:8,9 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ This is priceless; amidst the trouble hearing God’s voice and comfort. Like Jesus said, “My sheep hear My Voice and follow Me…and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Isa 58:10-11 …Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; Isa 60:1-3 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. UNTIL THE DAY DAWNS: 2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; Jesus is the Light of the World and His desire is for His light, glory and power to “shine bright” through us. What is in our heart, determines the brightness of His light, glory and power in us. The Morning Star awaits…

For hundreds of years, Western Civilization has stood on Biblical ideologies for the ethical and moral treatment of our fellow human beings. Unfortunately, governments and those in authority have not always followed these statutes. Prov 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. The greatest adherence to Biblical ideologies started at the foundation of America with the Mayflower Compact. A better term to describe Biblical ideology is “Biblical Intelligence.” Today, the world is looking to AI, Artificial Intelligence, but those who are wise are looking to BI, or Biblical Intelligence. AI is artificial and will pass away, but BI is forever and Supreme. The Bible is called The Book of the Law because God’s Word is expressed in His laws. The word “law” is mentioned approximately 215 in BOTH the Old and New Testament. The spiritual realm is confronted through the authority of the Word of God. The Bible is called “The Book of Law” (Deut 30:10) as it is the “Supreme Law of Heaven and Earth.” God’s laws are based on His will. Jesus taught us how to pray; “Our Father in Heaven, holy be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” (Matt 6:9,10). God’s laws reflect His will. The pragmatic (physical) realm works through our civil government. Our U.S. Constitution is called the “Supreme Law of the Land,” (Article VI). The authority in our “Supreme Law of the Land” flows from God, to We the People, then to the elected officials who carry out what is spoken, written and signed into law. In Matt 22:15-22, the Pharisee’s tried to trick Jesus in order to cause trouble. They asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Ceasar. Jesus perceived their wickedness; And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way. Jesus indicated there are two governments working independently, yet together. The government of God in the spiritual/religious realm and the government of man in the physical/pragmatic realm. Little did they know, Jesus was about to inject His Word into the governments of man as a seed that would eventually manifest His Kingdom on Earth. Matt 5:17-18 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. The Word of God will never pass away because through the spoken Word, God created everything. The Word of God is superior to everything including heaven and earth. Luke 16:16-17 "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Everything in this physical realm came from the spirit realm as God “spoke” everything into existence. Particle physicists study subatomic particles and they are trying to figure out what holds energy molecules together; being total motion, they should disburse. Our bodies are made of energy molecules, so what is holding us together? Gluon is the study of over-lapping sound waves that are so tight they hold everything together. Sound waves hold everything together; the sound of God’s voice! Word: Strong’s #3056 logos (log-oss); A transmission of thought, communication, a word of explanation, an utterance, discourse, divine revelation, talk, statement, instruction, an oracle, divine promise, divine doctrine, divine declaration, Jesus is the living logos (John 1:1); the Bible is the written logos (Heb 4:12) and the Holy Spirit utters the spoken logos (1 Cor 2:13) and Jesus is called The Logos of God (Rev 19:13). Jesus is The Word John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. The Written Word Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Words of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 2:13-14 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Luke 21:31-33 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matt 24:34-35 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away (Matt, Mk and Lk). Rev 19:13-16 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Satan came to tempt Jesus after forty days of fasting in the wilderness. Jesus defeated/overcame all three temptations with the words; “It is written!” Seeds: Jesus, the Word of God, the sons of the Kingdom, the heirs of Abraham 1 Peter 1:22-25 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever." Gen 3:6-7 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. Gen 3:13-16 The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." 14 So the Lord God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." 16 To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." “When the woman saw” is seeing things through our carnal mind, putting our thoughts over God’s Word to justify what we want to do even if it contradicts the Word of God. Eve chose to see things from Satan’s perception and was deceived. When we do this, our life will go off course and we are no longer living by faith, but fear and/or selfishness.

The 5 P’s of outward focus; pray, plan, prepare,proceed, persevere The 5 D’s of inward focus; distractions,detours,delusions,disconnect,depression Mark 16:15 “ Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Go!!! Physically go. ( boots on the ground) Go through your prayer covering over the team. Go through your financial support. (2) into all the world Your home. Your community. Your state. Your country. The nations of the world. Psalms 2:8. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession. (3) Preach the gospel to every creature. Home. The Church. Place of employment. To whoever we are led by the Spirit to be a witness to. (4) Let your gifts determine your means of accomplishment. Words. Action. Relationships. (5) Closing scriptures. Math. 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16. Let your light shine before men,that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.

Pastor Scout Hester encourages and brings forth Truth that will give you confidence to be who God has called you to be! Pastor Scout and his wife, Davine, Pastor LeCheneaux Christian Fellowship and Sioux Christian Fellowship, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

“Your faith will be tested.” Our faith is being tested in order to expose our weaknesses to prepare us for a darkness that is coming. Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to “sift him as wheat” right before Peter denied Christ 3 times. Luke 22:31-34 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." “Sift you as wheat” means to separate you from your closest relationships; Jesus, spouse, children, family and church family and then from all people. Satan wants us alone and separated so he can destroy us. A hardened heart locks people out causing bitterness, draining “life” out of their soul. Faith that works through love, is everything! Gal 5:5-6 The best word that describes agape love is commitment. Love Strong’s # 26, agape (ag-ah-pay); an unconditional love that gives of itself without asking anything in return. This is a love of choice and will, not by feelings, chance and emotions. It is a commitment. It is the greatest of all love. 1 Cor 13:8 “Love never fails…” therefore if our faith is working through love, it will never fail. It takes faith to walk in unconditional-sacrificial-agape-love, and our faith (to love one another) will be tested. If we trust Jesus, we will go through this testing knowing it will develop our perseverance, character, and yield great hope, ultimately blessing those around us. Maturity in Christ is the revelation our life is no longer our own, but it belongs to Jesus and He has given us the ability to live for others, just like He lived and died for us. Do we see the people around us through the loving eyes of Jesus, or the critical eyes of Satan? The answer lies in our heart. We see through the eyes of our heart. We will bring light-love or darkness-criticalness. Light builds up, darkness tears down. Eph 1:18 the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Enlightened: Strong’s #5461 Hebrew photizo (fo-tid-zo); to shed rays, i.e. to shine or transitively to brighten up, illuminate, bring give light, make to see. Prov 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Jesus commanded us to love, it is not optional; Jn 13:34-35. Love for one another is proof we are truly disciples of Jesus; Jn 13:34-35. If we love Jesus, He said we would obey His commandments; Jn 14:15. Faith without love is nothing; 1 Cor 13:3. No greater love has a man than he lay down his life for his brother; Jn 15:11-14. Faith and love working together will never fail; 1 Cor 13:8. Love will cover a multitude of sins 1 Pet 4:8-11. There is no fear in love, because perfect (mature) love casts out fear 1 Jn 4:18. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” then instructed Peter to feed and tend to His sheep and lambs. The #1 way to feed and tend Jesus’ sheep and lambs is through the local church family; Jn 21:14-22. ***The local church family is the foundation on which we stand; every other type of ministry stems from this foundation. The Church (ecclesia) is a group assembled together, committed to one another, carrying the delegated authority of God to have dominion of their God-given territory (sphere). Many Christians do not want to make a commitment (love) to a local church because they want to do their “own thing.” Sometimes this is due to pride, selfishness, and a misunderstanding of Scripture. There is a spirit of subversion breaking down the local church, weakening the Body of Christ. This spirit has caused many local churches to fail and shut down. They left their “first love” loving God and allowing that love (commitment) to flow to one another. The #1 threat to love is being offended, and Jesus said; “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” Matt 18:7. Offences will harden our heart, leading to bitterness and rejection. Eph 4:29-32 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Phil 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Gal 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. My Declaration of Unconditional-Sacrificial Love 1 Cor 13:4-8 I will suffer long; I have patience with imperfect people and cover them with God’s grace. I am Kind; I do nice things for people; hold the door, smile, let people go in front of me always performing a random act of kindness. I do not envy; I am happy for other people when they get ahead and are blessed. I am not jealous or envious, but thankful for what I have. I do not parade myself; I will be self-effacing, willing to look bad in order to lift someone up. I am not puffed up; I refuse to be arrogant or conceited, nor do I believe I have all of the answers. I do not behave rudely; I will not be offensive and mean, but always courteous and polite. I will not seek my own; I will not insist on my own rights being selfish. I will embrace the best interest of others. I will not provoke others; I refuse to be touchy, irritable or hostile, but graceful under pressure. My wrath never produces righteousness. I think no evil of others; I do not keep an account of wrongs done to me, but I erase the resentments, believing the best intent. I do not rejoice in someone’s iniquity; I have no satisfaction in the shortcomings or moral failure of others. I will not spread evil reports. I rejoice in the truth; I aggressively advertise the good. I see and embrace how God sees people through His blood. I bear all things; I defend and hold on to others. I’ve got you covered; I’ve got your back. I believes all good things; I believe the best in others and credit them with good, and not crediting myself. I hope all things; I never give up on people but affirm their future believing God’s love will change their heart, as His love has changed mine. I endures all things; I persevere and remain loyal to the end. God’s love will never fail me; His perfect love casts out all fear, so with great faith and peace, knowing His love will never fail me, and that my heart belongs to Him, I choose to allow His love to flow through me as I lay my life down for others. This is my decree: I love You Father with all of my heart, and I love people, so I will walk in Your unconditional- sacrificial love!

JOHN10: 9-10 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Times of trouble touch all of us. It is a fact of life. It doesn’t matter how well we live life or do life. There will be places and moments of pain, fear, heartache, grief, and uncertainty. Jesus tells us this Himself in John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. The idea here is that even though we might be going through troubles we can have peace. Our peace is NOT dependent on our circumstances. Our peace is dependent on our union with Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving make your requests known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush satan under your feet shortly. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen Notice that it is the God of peace who will cause satan to be annihilated and his powers broken against us. The word crush is the Greek word suntribo. It means to crush completely, to shatter, to break into pieces. It comes from the Geek root tribo, which means a rut or a worn track. This means that the way satan is crushed is through persistent activity in the spirit realm from peace. In other words, as we continually release our spiritual authority from the peace of God in us, we are wearing down and destroying the activities of satan against us. We from a place of peace declare the authority of God, and satan is crushed under our feet. He is shattered and his works are broken to pieces. It is, the God of peace who will use our feet to do the crushing. Take notice that the crushing and destroying of satanic powers is from a place of peace. The God of peace on the inside of us, working through us is how this is accomplished. Everything we do must be from this position of peace. It is the feet filled with peace that crush satan and his intents. Satan knows this. So, one of the chief goals of the enemy is to remove us from a place of peace. If he can bring calamity, trouble, crisis, and pain to us and get us out of peace, then he wins. We must be at peace to crush his head with our feet. So, how do we get to this place of peace? We go back to Philippians 4: 6&7. The word supplication is the Greek word deesis. It means a prayer of supplication. It comes from the word deomai.It means to petition to bind oneself. This idea of joining yourself to a cry until what is being cried for is done. It’s the concept of feverent prayer with a passion that won't let go! The next part to look at is thanksgiving. The Greek word is eucharista. It means a grateful language to God. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you. Giving thanks in all things speaks of having a heart of worship and adoration no matter what we are going through. No matter what the crisis is we are worshiping God through it. Even in places of uncertainty and hardship, we focus on the Lord through believing He is working for us even if we can’t see it. Thanksgiving and worship amid trials can be hard. It is, however, powerful spiritual warfare! Eucharista is also the word we get eucharist from. We take communion with thankful hearts, proclaiming the finished work of the cross. This is also powerful spiritual warfare! Lord, I come before Your courts. As I stand before You, I honor You as the Great Judge of all the earth. I thank You that all the cases against me in the spirit realm are removed by the blood of Jesus and what He has done for me. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. Shalom- Peace = Signifies a sense of well-being and harmony both within and without. Completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, tranquility, prosperity, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord, a state of calm without anxiety or stress. Mind Declarations-I thank you Lord, and I bind my mind to the mind of Christ and hold every thought captive to the Word of God and submit it to Jesus. I command mind binding spirits that torment me to leave, in Jesus’ name. I thank you Lord, that my mind has been renewed, and my thinking, behavior patterns, habits and thoughts have changed. I do not think as the world thinks, but the Spirit gives me life and imparts wisdom and knowledge. I declare I walk in the Shalom Peace that Jesus died to give me! I have a sound mind! The blood Jesus spilled wearing the crown of thorns provided healing for my mind. I receive the gift of His peace as my mind is stayed upon Him. I have the mind of Christ. I claim complete healing over torment, guilt, worry or uneasiness in my mind. In Jesus Name.

“Your faith will be tested.” Our faith is being tested in order to expose our weaknesses to prepare us for a darkness that is coming. Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to “sift him as wheat” right before Peter denied Christ 3 times. Luke 22:31-34 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." “Sift you as wheat” means to separate you from your closest relationships; Jesus, spouse, children, family and church family and then from all people. Satan wants us alone and separated so he can destroy us. A hardened heart locks people out causing bitterness, draining “life” out of their soul. Faith that works through love, is everything! Gal 5:5-6 The best word that describes agape love is commitment. Love Strong’s # 26, agape (ag-ah-pay); an unconditional love that gives of itself without asking anything in return. This is a love of choice and will, not by feelings, chance and emotions. It is a commitment. It is the greatest of all love. 1 Cor 13:8 “Love never fails…” therefore if our faith is working through love, it will never fail. Don’t Take the Bait of Satan! *** BEING OFFENDED! *** Warning! This Message Might Offend You The primary way Satan will “separate us as wheat” is through offenses. Satan wants us to “take the bait!” Prideful people are critical, and some of the easiest to offend. Another word in the Bible that is synonymous with offence is stumble. Offended Strong’s #4625 and 4624, skandalizo (skan-dal-id-zoe), A snare or stumbling block in the way which hinders right conduct or thought. The noun to which it is related referred to the bait-stick of a trap used to catch animals. It also means an enticement to error or sin. Insulted, hurt or upset. Enticement: a lure, temptation, a trap, seduction; the act or pressure of giving in to a desire especially when ill-advised, (merriam-webster). When we become offended, it hinders our thought process and can manifest in sinful conduct. It will harden our heart which can lead to bitterness. Heb 12:14-16 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Acts 8:22-23 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." Bitterness Strong’s # 4088, pikria (pik-ree’-ah); acidity (especially poison). Webster; 1. having a harsh, acrid taste 2. hard to bear; grievous. 3. causing sharp pain. 4. characterized by intense hostility or resentment. 5. experienced at great cost: a bitter lesson. Being offended with someone is like drinking poison yourself, expecting the other person to die. It sucks the life out of your soul. Offences come by any type of ill feelings toward another person, whether it is anger or being hurt by someone. These ill feelings will fester into bitterness, and can lead to anger, hatred, rejection, resentment and even murder. We blame the other person for our offenses therefore justifying the sin in our heart and we refuse to repent because it is “Their fault!” not ours. Being offended not only causes us to be distressed, but others around us as well. We are upset and we want everyone to know it! Self-pity will cause us to hold onto our offence, and actually protect it. Religious people get offended easily; Matt 15:10-12 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" Offenses cause unbelief and stops the move of God; Matt 13:53-58 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. 54 When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?" 57 So they were offended at Him. 58 But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house." 58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. We become offended when things don’t go how we think they should; Matt 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." Once we become offended, we put walls up around our heart as to not let anyone in and we stop giving out to others; Prov. 18:19. We become separated and alone believing no one will understand “my” problem. When we get offended, we don’t see clearly, so when someone tells us the truth, we don’t believe it and many times become more offended. Being offended causes us to become deceived; Matt 24:10-14 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. The world sees Jesus as an offense because they cannot get past the fact the He is the only way to God; 1 Pet. 2: 4-10. Forgiveness is the only answer for offenses; Matt 18:23-35. The Unforgiving servant (READ) We are a Spiritual Doorway Notice in Matt 18:6-9, Jesus said “woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” We have two spiritual kingdoms at hand; the kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of darkness. Both are looking for an avenue to operate in this physical world around us, and that avenue is through you and me. Satan wants us operating under and in his jurisdiction. Matt 18:7 “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” Woe Strong’s # 3759 ouai (oo-ah-ee), means grief. Webster; grief is mental suffering over affliction or loss, distress or sorrow. Bring your offence to the altar, before the cross of Jesus and lay it down. Ask God for forgiveness for being offended and forgive those who have offended you. Ask the Lord to soften your heart and for His love to flow through you again. The #1 thing that will stop the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives is unforgiveness.

“Your faith will be tested.” Our faith is being tested in order to expose our weaknesses to prepare us for a darkness that is coming. Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to “sift him as wheat” right before Peter denied Christ 3 times. Luke 22:31-34 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Sift you as wheat means to separate you from your closest relationships; Jesus, spouse, children, family and church family and then from all people. Satan wants us alone and separated so he can destroy us. Faith without works is dead James 2:14-17 Faith without love is nothing 1 Cor 13:1-3 Faith that works through/with love, is everything! Gal 5:5-6 The best word that describes agape love is commitment. Love Strong’s # 26, agape (ag-ah-pay); an unconditional love that gives of itself without asking anything in return. This is a love of choice and will, not by feelings, chance and emotions. It is a commitment. It is the greatest of all love. It takes faith to walk in agape-commitment-love. Faith + love (commitment) = obedience to His commandments. Obedience to His commandments = great joy, Christ-like character, peace and hope. This is a supernatural love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Rom 5:3-5 “…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love (commitment) of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love (commit) one another; as I have loved (committed) you, that you also love (commit) one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love (commitment) for one another." If we love Jesus, His law is written in our heart and we will love to seek His righteousness being obedient to His law. John 14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves (committed) Me. And he who loves (committed) Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." Manifest: Strong’s #1718 emphanidzo (em-fan-id-zoe); a combination of en “in” and phaino, “to cause to shine,” thus to appear, come into view, reveal, exhibit, make visible, present oneself to the sight of another, be conspicuous. Also, to declare, make known. John 15:11-14 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love (commit) one another as I have loved (committed) you. 13 Greater love (commitment) has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” One way Jesus commands us is through the leading of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:20-21 If someone says, "I love (committed to) God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love (committed to) his brother whom he has seen, how can he love (be committed) God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves (committed to) God must love (commit) his brother also. Our “brother” is first our Church family, and then other Christians. Gal 6:7-10 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 2 John 6 This is love (commitment), that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 1 John 3:22-23 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. ***When we are walking in love (commitment) to this church family, it glorifies God our Father and Jesus or Lord! We are to steward the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:8-11 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. The #1 commandment is to love God with all of our heart, and #2 is to love one another. That is why Satan works so hard to cause division between relationships. One of his primary weapons is “hurt feelings.” Anger, hatred, offences, rejection, criticalness, bitterness, and the like, harden our heart. Once our heart is hardened, it is very difficult to hear correctly from God and to discern proper communications with others. Instead of perceiving accurate communication with someone, we see through a “hurt heart.” This taints everything with a negative bias and we become more offended as words from other people are taken as a personal attack. Unforgiveness will greatly hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The words “I forgive you” are easily spoken, but have we truly forgiven? Matt 6:9-15 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. The essence, the true character of Jesus Christ is love that brings forgiveness. If we are not willing to forgive, do we truly have Jesus in our heart? Forgiveness is a choice, not a “feeling.”

In prayer, I heard a warning: “Your faith will be tested.” Our faith is being tested in order to expose our weaknesses to prepare us for a darkness that is coming. Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to “sift him as wheat.” This was right before the darkness, the night they would enter the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was betrayed and taken prisoner to be crucified. Luke 22:31-34 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." 33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." 34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me." “You” is plural signifying Jesus was praying for all of His disciples who were next to Peter, warning them, their faith was about to be tested (Jn 17:6-17). Jesus did not pray against Satan to stop him. He prayed for the faith of the disciples not to fail. Sifting the wheat from the wheat: breaking relationships. James 2:14-17 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 1 Cor 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Cor 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Gal 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Faith without works is dead. Faith without love is nothing. Faith that works through love, is everything! The best word that describes agape love is commitment. Love Strong’s # 26, agape (ag-ah-pay); an unconditional love that gives of itself without asking anything in return. This is a love of choice and will, not by feelings, chance and emotions. It is a commitment. It is the greatest of all love. Satan sifts us as wheat by manipulating and deceiving us into breaking our commitment to love one another, the second greatest commandment. Peter’s love for Jesus faltered as he denied knowing him 3 times. In order for Jesus to restore Peter back to Himself, Peter had to realize love is a commitment, not a feeling. John 21:14-22 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape-committed) Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo-like) You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape-committed) Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo-like) You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileo-like) Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love (phileo-like) Me?" This is a rhetorical question which implies; Peter, do you even like Me? And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo-like) You." Peter appeals to the grace and mercy of Jesus. Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.” 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." In order for Peter to lay his life down for Jesus, he had to receive agape-commitment love. 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." How we show our love/commitment for one another is how we show our love/commitment for Jesus. Peter is told by Jesus to “Feed My lambs” and “Tend My sheep.” This is a very clear directive to be committed in the local church. We are to feed and tend to the sheep of our fold, our church family. Love Strong’s #5386, phileo (fill-eh-oh); to be fond of, care for affectionately, cherish, and take pleasure in. Phileo is a feeling tied to our emotions. Most people think phileo is true love and therefore fall in and out of love. Gal 6:6-10 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 1 John 4:20-21 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. The Church, the local body, the ecclesia, the household of faith, is slowly being subverted and simulated into the world. Subverted: to undermine the power and authority of an established system. Christians are being swayed by a culture of complacency, criticalness, pride, selfishness, offenses, busyness and other factors which help justify their non-committal attitude to the local church. This is a Satan-inspired subversion of the flow of God’s delegated authority in an attempt to destroy the local church. Many supposed “good causes” has taken Christians out of the local church. Each local church has a specific call to bring forth the Kingdom of God. They are given a territorial authority specific to their call. Once a local church closes, the forces that kept back the demonic-darkness in that area, are diminished. Derrik Gilbert from Sky Watch TV just commented that the old church that he used to go to is now a Mosque. Satan “sifting us as wheat” is separating us from one another, especially the local church. There are people who are loosely tied with no or little commitment to a local church. All it will take is a little wind to blow, and they will be separated as wheat. Jesus will separate the wheat from the tares, but Satan is separating the wheat from the wheat! Satan had permission from God to “test” Job. I believe Satan has permission from Jesus to “test the faith” of Christians. I don’t believe this will cause a loss of salvation, but it could cause a lacking of their peace, blessings and many rewards. James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Introduction In the old Looney Toons cartoons, Wile E. Coyote was constantly trying to capture the speedy Road Runner in the hopes of getting a free lunch. He would employ all types of traps and weapons, from fake tunnels painted on brick walls to the always unreliable Acme bombs, in the attempt to catch the speedy bird for dinner. Unfortunately for the coyote, his schemes always backfired, causing him to be on the receiving end, bandaged and broken. It was good for a laugh. The traps the devil sets for us are no laughing matter, however. These schemes that are meant to deceive us, and the “bombs” that go off in our lives, cause real pain and real damage and leave real scars, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. If we are to be “still standing” after facing these assaults and come out of the constant battles intact, we must know how to fight, who were fighting against, and be protected in the fight. God shows us all of this in these passages from the letter to the church in Ephesus written by the Apostle Paul sometime around the year 60 A.D. This “self-defense manual in spiritual warfare” is just as relevant now as it was then. Scripture Passage: Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Know How to Fight Be strong in the Lord‘s mighty power. From the Greek word “endunamoó” (Strong’s 1743) meaning to be “empowered”, we are to get our “dynamite power” from the Lord. We are not to fight this battle, against this enemy, alone, in our own strength. As the Israelites faced Pharoah’s army, with their backs against the Red Sea, Moses told them, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14. He reminds them again later that, “The Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Exodus 20:4. We shouldn’t for a minute think that God isn’t still keeping this promise for us today. Put on the full armor of God The full, or complete set of, armor, from the Greek word “panoplia” (Strong’s 3833) is required to fight this battle. Any less, and you are leaving yourself exposed to the “wiles of the devil” (from the NKJV). Wile E. Coyote would have been well fed had the Road Runner used less than his full speed. Or consider a football team playing without pads, or not having players at key positions. They wouldn’t stand a chance! Know Who We’re Fighting Against It’s not against flesh and blood It is not people we battle against. In all of the issues and evil we are presently witnessing on a global basis, from abortion to transgenderism, from economic chaos to the breakdown of national borders, whether the fight is more corporately based or affects us individually, it is not people who are the ultimate enemy. We do not battle against a political party or an ideology. From the Greek word “kosmokratór” (Strong’s 2888), we are in a battle against Satan, who represents the “powers of this dark world.” To set our sights on anything less than the mastermind is to be distracted and, therefore, less effective. Consider these quotes from the book “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu: “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” “If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.” We must be focused on the real enemy in this fight! Be Protected in the Fight The full armor is needed when evil comes While the day of evil may refer to the end-times and the seven-year period of tribulation, a more common view is this means any day or time when a believer faces adversity or trials. Regardless of which interpretation is more correct, as we’ve learned already, when tough times come, we need the complete armor of God to be able to stand our ground, which, from the Greek word “antistenai” (Strong’s 436) means to resist, oppose, or stand against. And, after we have given absolutely everything in this fight, to still be standing. Now we’ll see what the armor God gave us for this fight looks like. The belt of Truth Just like a belt is the centerpiece of your clothing (and, frankly, keeps you from looking like a fool with your pants on the ground), holding to the Truth of God’s Word is essential for the proper perspective and keeping us centered when facing trials. We are told to be “girded about”, which comes from the Greek word “perizónnumi” (Strongs 4024), the idea being that the truth is to be securely fastened to us. Or think of the girders used to make a tall building steady and able to withstand terrible winds. And truth is not relative! The very definition of truth does not leave that as an option. Jesus says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NKJV), and when He stood before Pontius Pilate, he declared, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37 NIV) To say that truth is under attack is a gross understatement. It’s like saying “water is wet”. When truth is cast aside for convenience, when feelings trump reason and actual science, you get the cultural mess we’re in now. A word of caution as we engage in this battle, though. Don’t be so focused on exposing lies that you fail to share the Truth. Don’t get so caught up in pushing back the darkness that you forget to shine the Light. Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV) and it was said of Him in John 1:5 (NIV) “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” If you share the Truth, the lies will be exposed. If you shine the Light, the darkness will flee. The breastplate of righteousness You don’t go into battle without protecting the vital organs, especially your heart. That’s what the breastplate is for. In a spiritual sense, it’s a covering that you enjoy when you remain under the authority of Christ by walking with Him as you strive for living righteously. Jesus made this promise in John 15:9-10, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” God’s love never leaves you, but straying into the ways of world and, by default, into the jurisdiction of the devil, you leave your heart exposed and your spiritual authority compromised. We can trample the “powers of the enemy” (Luke 10:19), but only if we stay in Christ. He tells us in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Keep that breastplate on, your heart protected, and your authority intact! Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace Do you have the correct footwear for battle? Will the grip of your shoes allow you to stand your ground, or help you run where the Lord is calling? Or are they falling apart, not protecting your tootsies, and have you slipping and sliding all over the place? Has anxiety about what has or may transpire left you beat down? When you have the peace of Christ, you are ready for whatever may come. In Colossians 3:15 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul writes “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” He writes again in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is only possible because Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) leaves His peace with us. He tells us in John 14:27 (NIV), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The shield of faith This verse implies that you will face arrows. In fact, the Greek word is “belos” (Strong’s 956) which can also mean dart, javelin, or missile. You will face flaming missiles, and not the kind that blow up in your enemy’s face. What the shield of faith affords you, however, is the ability to extinguish, suppress, or thwart (“sbennumi” – Strong’s 4570) the effectiveness of these missiles. You might take a direct hit, but faith protects you from lasting (i.e., eternal) harm. See these examples from Hebrews 11, the chapter referred to as the “wall of faith”: And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. The helmet of salvation If you can’t think, you can’t fight. If you can’t fight, you can’t stand. Protect your thinking center, your brain, by knowing who you are in Christ. When you fully understand what God has done for you, through the Blood of His Son, Jesus, everything falls into its proper perspective. You can think clearly, and fight more effectively, when you carry the knowledge and the confidence that you are a redeemed child of God into battle. Take these words to heart and protect your mind! John 3:16 (NIV) - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 1 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)- God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Ephesians 2:8 - 9(NIV) - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) - But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Romans 8:1 (NIV) - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Sword of the Spirit We have been given one offensive weapon for the battles we face, and that weapon is the word of God, which the writer of Hebrews calls a “two-edged sword”. But don’t think that just because you have it in your possession that it’s going to do you any good. Your enemy, the devil, was once the highest order of Angel; he was in God’s throne room and was referred to as “Lucifer”, the angel of light. He knows the Bible. He also knows how to twist and pervert it. If you think for a minute that you can wield this sword in the midst of the constant battles of trials and temptations without really knowing it, you are sadly mistaken. Like any weapon, you have to practice with it, and your training ground is to read it deeply and often. In Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) we read that “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Meditate is taken from the Hebrew word “hagah” (Strong’s 1897), which means to moan, utter, speak, growl, or muse. It can be compared to a cow chewing its cud. Don’t just “do devotions”, as if checking off a to-do list, but spend time “chewing on” a passage from Scripture so that it becomes imprinted on your heart and mind. God even had Moses tell the Israelites, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV) Knowing the Bible intimately means that, when you really need a specific passage of Scripture for whatever occasion or circumstance may arise, you’ll have it readily available. It also means that you won’t use the word inerrantly (incorrectly). 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) admonishes us to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing [handling] the word of truth.” Pray and pray often All the armor and the best offensive weapon available will do you no good if you’re not in constant contact with your Field Commander. A primary strategy in battle is to cut off communication. If we are going to be still standing after this fight, we must be praying often and for each other. And no request is too miniscule or unimportant. Note the part about “all kinds of prayers and requests?” God wants to hear from us, and we need to talk to Him and listen for our “marching orders”. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 were told to pray continually or without ceasing. Keep those lines of communication open! And when combined with the whole armor we find this promise from James 5:16 (NIV) to be true: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. What “Still Standing” Might Look Like Ephesians 6:13 NIV - Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. We are in a war. That fact cannot be over-emphasized. Life on this Earh is a lot like trying to have a picnic in a battlefield, and we act surprised when a mortar shell lands on our blanket. We ask why bad things happen, when we probably should ask how is that good things happen. Psalm 31:19 (NIV) says about God, “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” That’s definitely one answer to that question! Are you still standing? Maybe you don’t think so, so here are a few things to think about. First, failure is not final! If you’re not a Christian and think that maybe you’ve messed up one too many times to qualify for redemption, please know that this could not be further from the truth! Keep these three passages in mind:  Romans 3:23 - All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 10:9-10 - If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. There are no qualifications for salvation outside of giving your heart to Jesus Christ. For the person who’s already a Christian and feeling like you’ve let the Lord down, consider the accounts of our “heroes of faith” as found in Scripture. If your Christian walk looks more like a Slip-n-Slide than an escalator, you’re in good company! Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Samson, David, Elijah, Jesus’ disciples, the Apostle Paul, and many, many others all had plenty of baggage, to say the least, yet God used them in powerful ways to advance His Kingdom. Many of them had moments of defeat after times of victory. Just because you’ve fallen down, doesn’t mean you have to stay there. A famous man once said, I believe it was Mr. Miyagi, “Quarterback who never throw interception never throw pass.” Just kidding. I made this up. But it’s true. Mistakes and missteps are part of living, and the Blood of Jesus covers it all! Second, keep on keeping on! The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV), “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” In other words, don’t look back, look forward. Christ is the finish line, and He’s just up ahead! Third, use your story for Christ’s glory! Your testimony on the other side of trials is one that no one else could give. Whatever the problem, be it pain or prison, remember that we’re promised in Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Are you still standing? Really, it’s all up to you to determine that. Do you feel bruised and bloodied, but are still holding firm to the Word of God? Then, my friend, you are still standing! Just proclaim it, and let the enemy know what’s what! To the one who keeps battling addiction, but is trusting that God will lead him to a clean life once and for all . . . I’m still standing! To the father who really messed up his family with a series of bad decisions, but calls on Jesus every day to bring restoration . . . I’m still standing! To the woman who fought for her marriage for years despite feeling hopeless, trusting that God would bring it back to life . . . I’m still standing. To the one who suffered unspeakable loss and just wants to know why, but is choosing to keep trusting God . . . I’m still standing! To all those who put the armor on every day, keep taking the hits, but continue to push the line forward, proclaim with a loud voice, because of Jesus Christ: I’M STILL STANDING!

Matt 10:22 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. The truth about our government, especially here in Michigan is being revealed; it has been taken over by Marxists who operate through Luciferian ideologies. With the authority of the government of Jesus Christ, we will stand against lawlessness and Babylon will fall. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this (Isa 9:6,7). We are not “political” we are “governmental” as the government is on the shoulder of Jesus Christ. We are to release His authority into our government, schools and culture, manifesting His Kingdom. 1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. ***Satan’s kingdom is perpetuated through Marxism. 1 John 3:4-6 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Matt 13:40-43 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matt 24:10-14 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Luciferian Ideology: The Foundation of Marxism 1) Defy and violate the Word of God. 2) Sin does not exist. 3) There is no absolute truth and all truth is relevant. 4) If you tell a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. 5) We are gods. We will create a perfect Social Utopia as man will be made in our image. America used to be “One Nation Under God” however many have “come out” no longer wanting to be under God and traditional Biblical values but under a new morality (Enlightenment) as Liberals fight to change “deep-seated religious beliefs.” This new morality forces God out and replaces Him with Luciferian ideologies called Enlightenment. Lucifer means “Angel of Light” and “Light Bearer, Son of the Morning.” He gives “special knowledge” so people can justify sin, searing their conscience (Isa 14:12). This new morality defies and then violates the Word of God. Isa 5:20-24 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man! 24 Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Karl Marx (1818-1883) wrote the “Communist Manifesto.” He hated God and hated religion. He hated the traditional family. Marx wanted to do away with all loyalty oaths. He believed good and evil could be combined creating a third option. He believes real change can only happen through conflict and chaos, and never through dialect alone. This is why Liberals are always rebelling against the current system. They don’t want to change it, they want to “tear it down!” This is Cancel Culture. Richard Wurmbrand wrote a book documenting the Satanic influence underlying Marxism. He clearly reveals Marx was involved with Satanism. Marx claimed he “made a pact with the Devil.” Marx stated; “The idea of God is the keynote of a perverted civilization. It must be destroyed.” Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) is the father of Postmodernism which states reality is created by man and not God. Something is true if it works for you. There are no absolute truths and everything is subjective. He stated “God is dead” and hated Christians. He referred to himself as “The Anitchrist.” He advocates for “Master Morality” which means the strong rule over the weak and we don’t all play by the same rules. Nietzsche is one of the most widely read authors in colleges and universities. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Education and I remember reading about Nietzsche. Saul Alinsky (1909-1972) dedicated his book “Rules for Radicals” to Lucifer. In fact, he idolized Lucifer for his rebellion against God that got Lucifer his own kingdom (Hell). If you rebel against God’s commands, “You shall be as gods.” This is the same lie Satan told Adam and Eve. This is the radical hubris: “We can create a new world. Through our political power we can make a new race of men and women who will live in harmony and peace and according to the principles of social justice. We can be as gods.” George Soros has backed many District Attorneys and Attorney Generals in order to weaponize the law against those who oppose his Agenda 21, now called Agenda 2030. This is a plan that brings together major corporations, governments and elites to control all land, water and food in the name of “Saving the Planet” creating a world where “You will own nothing and like it.” This is also called “The Great Reset.” Create as much chaos and unrest as possible, destroy all small businesses and churches, making people succumb to their plan, surrendering their will and their God- given unalienable rights thus destroying our Constitution, replacing it with a One World Order Constitution. Create chaos; Defund the Police, do not prosecute shoplifting under $1,000 or most misdemeanor crime, no cash bail. Create as much civil unrest as possible by pitting one group of people against another such as Black Lives Matter. Intentionally create a large homeless population through illegal drugs, legal drugs, stress, destroying the family, and high housing cost. This will create another segment of people, causing more division. Michigan “Homeless Bill of Rights” has been brough forth in the house; Secure access to public spaces, The right to property and privacy, The right to vote without a permanent address. The right to file a civil lawsuit against those who violate your “rights.” All of us have compassion for the homeless, but this bill will cause more division and chaos. Open boarders for sex trafficking (80,000 unaccompanied minors disappeared), thousands of pounds of fentanyl (enough to kill everyone in America 3-times over), cartel criminals, gangs being established in the U.S., all of this costing America billions and billions of dollars. Oakland County sheriff Michael Bouchard, said transitional gangs who have crossed our boarders are conducting high-end burglaries in Oakland County, “They work together and they’re here for a specific purpose.” Pro-life protesters are facing 10 years for felony charges for standing outside an abortion clinic, while Antifa causes millions of dollars in damages, severely injuring police and civilians, people were killed, burned down court houses, caused major riots and put a city under siege for several weeks, all with minimal prosecution. All of this is designed to “deconstruct” and tear down western civilization that has been built on Biblical principles. Gen 1:27 We are made in the image of God, male and female. Marxism; choose your gender. Ps 139:13-16 God knew us before we were born and has plans for us. Marxism; kill the baby. Gen 17:4-5 Through the traditional family, God will bless the nations. Marxism; destroy the traditional family. 1 Cor 6:9-11 God determines what is sexual immorality. Marxism; there is no sexual immorality. Josh 24:15 We have a free will to choose whom to serve. Marxism; you will bow down and worship. Prov 22:6 The parents have the right to train up their children. Marxism; your children belong to the state. Mark 10:7 Marriage is between a man and a woman. Marxism; marriage is what we say it is. 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. The “Wheat from the Tares” is manifesting as we are bringing people to a choice: A Marxist Government based on Luciferian ideologies or a Constitutional Republic based on Biblical Ideologies? This will lead to a great revival.

The Accuser is attacking the Church turning Christians against Christians. This is a critical, prideful spirit causing division, tearing down people and ministries. I call it CRT; Critical Religion Theory. In the same manner, Patriots are eating Patriots. Is there any hope for freedom in Michigan and America? Our hope is in Jesus Christ, and He has given us the authority to tear down everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and destroy the works of darkness. He has given us His love to walk in unity, culminating in liberty. We declare: the Church and the Patriots will unite to Protect God’s Children, and our freedom! There are issues and concerns within the Church and the Patriotic movement that need to be dealt with, but how we deal with these issues is of the utmost importance. We tear down and destroy the works of darkness, but build up and edify what God is doing. We need discernment from the Holy Spirit to know the difference. Love will always lead with grace and mercy, in the pursuit of unity and liberty. Hatred will always lead with a critical, fault-finding spirit causing division and bondage. Once grace and mercy are rejected, God’s justice and judgment will follow. Today is the eve of Yom Kippur, as this Jewish holiday starts tonight at sundown. This is called the Day of Atonement, a time when the Jewish people repent for their sins, getting right with God. This season of repentance sets the tone for the coming year. It is one of the holiest days of the Jewish feasts. Today our message will challenge everyone to “get our heart right” with God, especially dealing with our critical spirit. Satan is known as the Accuser, the one who accuses us of the things he is guilty of. Accusations are one of Satan’s most powerful weapons used to vilify, divide and intimidate anyone who stands for truth, love and righteousness. Satan: Strong’s #7854 satan (sah-tahn); An opponent, adversary, enemy; one who resists, obstructs and hinders whatever is good. The accurate description is “hateful enemy.” Satan is the Hater in opposition to God who is love. Satan also means “Accuser” and slanderer. Before Satan rebelled against God, his name was Lucifer. Strategies of war: destroy your greatest threat. What is the greatest threat to Satan? Christians who walk in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit manifesting God’s Kingdom. Satan comes not but to steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10). #1) Destroy/Steal the Revelation of the “gifts of the Spirit” 1 Cor 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom… word of knowledge…faith…gifts of healings…working of miracles…prophecy…discerning of spirits…different kinds of tongues…interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. #2) Destroy/Steal the Revelation the gifts of Jesus the “Five-Fold Ministry.” Eph 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, #3) Destroy/Steal the Revelation of the Kingdom of God. The #1 subject Jesus taught was the Kingdom of God. When Jesus started His ministry the first recorded words were; “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” (Mtt 4:17) and Jesus said we will know the end of this age has come when the “gospel of the Kingdom” is preached in all the world (Mtt 24:14). Satan’s narratives: “The gifts have ceased, the Church no longer functions in the five-fold ministry gifts and if you teach about our authority to bring forth the Kingdom of God, you are a dominionist!” Rev 12:10-12 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Have we become “the accuser of our brethren?” Gal 5:13-15 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! The Four Pillars of We The County: Authority-Leadership-Unity-Liberty. “All authority comes from God. It is His delegated authority that empowers leaders to serve others in a spirit of love, walking in unity, culminating in liberty.” Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 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. Walking in “the flesh” is the jurisdiction of Satan. Selfish ambitions: Strong’s #2052 eritheia (er-ith-eye-ah); a person only concerned with their own welfare, a person susceptible to being bribed, an ambitious, self-willed, person seeking opportunities for promotion. From there it became electioneering, a partisan factious spirit that would resort to any method for winning followers. Matt 12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Jesus Forbids Sectarianism Mark 9:38-41 Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." 39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. Sectarianism: favor to a certain sect. A form of prejudice by believing one group inferior or superior to another. Most often sectarianism comes through pride and will cause offense and division. 1 Cor 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Rom 14:1-4 The Law of Liberty…4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. Rom 12:9-21 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil…21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. James 3:8-11 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Luke 6:27 "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you...32 But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” 1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Have we become the “accuser of the brethren, do we have a critical spirit, have we dealt with the pride in our heart?”

Friday September 15 at sundown, started Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “Head of the Year.” It is also known as Yom Teruah which means Day of Trumpets. Friday the 15 th is the start of the Jewish new year 5784 according to the Jewish civil calendar. The Jewish religious calendar starts in the Jewish month of Nisan which falls in March-April depending on lunar cycles of the moon. Rosh Hashanah always falls on the seventh new moon of the Jewish year. There are 12 new moons each year. The #1 spiritual meaning of the number 12 is God’s government. The world mostly functions through the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar based on our Sun, in which we are in the year 2023 indicating it has been approximately 2023 years since the birth of Jesus Christ. The Jews believe 5,784 years ago the earth was created. Rosh Hashanah is followed by a 10-day period called “The Days of Repentance” leading to Yom Kippur aka the Day of Atonement. On the Day of Atonement, the Jewish Rabbis believed God wrote a person’s name either in the Book of Life or the Book of Death. Several days after Yom Kippur on Friday 29 th starts Tabernacles aka Sukkot which lasts 7 more days, with the 8 th day having special meaning. 8 years ago, on Sept 13, 2015 LSC 14 th Year Anniversary was the eve of the Jewish festival Rosh Hashana. By faith, God gave us a prophetic “Trumpet Voice” from Isa 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.” The number 8 is symbolic of “the new day” or more specifically, the “dawning of a new day.” Isa Chapter 58 is a promise from God: Morning Star Authority Isa 58:8-12 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. 13 "If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, 14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, (the Patriarchal blessing) The mouth of the Lord has spoken." The Prophecy of John the Baptist Luke 1:67-80 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 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, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace." 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. Dayspring: literally “Dawn of the Messiah.” Greek Strong’s # 395 anatole (an-at-ol-ay) a rising of light, dawn, the east. Gideon had to go to war, but had peace in his heart. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6-7) Judg 6:22-24 Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the Lord. So Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord God! For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face." 23 Then the Lord said to him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die." 24 So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. Right after this, Gideon teared down the altars of Baal and Asherah, the Spirit of the Lord “clothed Himself” with Gideon, and he went to battle against the Midianites. The Lord-is-Peace; literally Yahweh Shalom, meaning wholeness, security, well-being, prosperity, peace and friendship What Jesus said about John the Baptist: Matt 11:7-15 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.' 11 "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Mal 4:1-6 "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up, (note: the wheat and the tares)" Says the Lord of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. 3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the Lord of hosts. 4 "Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." Rev 2:18-21 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Rev 2:26-29 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power (authority) over the nations — 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' — as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' Foot Notes SFLB: The morning star; Jesus Himself, heralding the dawn of a new day, is our ultimate reward. 2 Peter 1:19-21 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Our Trumpet Voice heralds the coming of the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. The #1 prophetic anointing on Life Song Church is to “Call Forth” or “Herald” the Kingdom of God. This is the complete manifestation of the government (empire) being on the shoulder of Jesus Christ. THE PLEDGE is a key element in fulfilling the forementioned prophesies. I hope and pray your will receive a revelation of how powerful THE PLEDGE is and step into this battle! Please go to wethecouty.org/pledge and sign THE PLEDGE (God’s Jurisdiction) and encourage others to do the same. The Kingdom of Heaven is coming down to earth and it might get loud! The trumpets will blow, people and angels will shout a great teruah shout heralding our coming KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! Praise Him!

Happy 22nd year Anniversary Life Song Church! We have been blessed by God as we walk in love, grace, forgiveness and the power of His might as the Kingdom of God manifests in our hearts, and in the world around us. We are living epistles walking out the Prophecy of Jesus Christ. God always confirms the prophetic direction that He give us. This builds our faith and trust leading to greater obedience. The Children of Israel would write songs, build memorials, celebrate festivals and tell stories to remember what God has done. The term “in remembrance” means an expectation to release the same power that flowed in the original event. We call these remembrances The Chronicles of Life Song Church. These Chronicles form a “road map” of where we have been and where we are going. Our Chronicles are an important part of God’s Jurisdiction. Connecting the Prophecies Sept 13, 2015 LSC 14 th Year Anniversary was the eve of the Jewish festival Rosh Hashana which is known as “Festival of Trumpets.” By faith, God gave us a prophetic “Trumpet Voice” from Isa 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.” This is a prophetic anointing to “Call Forth the Kingdom of God.” Starting 2-21-2016 we were instructed by the Holy Spirit to open every Sunday Service with; 1) prophetic proclamation/prayer, 2) a teruah (great shout) and 3) the blowing of trumpets and shofars. This continued for 34 weeks until the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. During this time frame, the Nation Day of Prayer fell on May 5 th . Each year the NDP choses a theme verse. The theme verse was Isa 58:1!!! The Trumpet Voice! Jonathan Cahn was one of the key speakers and opened up the National Day of Prayer with a proclamation/prayer from Scripture and a shofar blast! Isa Chapter 58 is a promise from God: Isa 58:12Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. November 2019 LSC releases the book “The Final Battle: America is Divided and the End-of-Age Final Battle has Begun.” This book was released before the Covid Plandemic. December 29, 2019 Sunday message was prophetic, stating what we saw coming for the year 2020 and beyond: “America’s civil authority and religious authority will come together as One…The foundation of America and our Constitution is faith in Jesus Christ (Christianity). The foundation has been breached, but God’s Two Witnesses have interceded for Christians in America. The Two Witnesses have stood in the gap and God will raise up the foundations repairing the breach…a nation that again holds fast to the “original intent” of the Constitution, acknowledging America is a Christian nation, a true Republic, and being such, it gives the individual right to choose whom to worship. The spiritual “Tabernacle of David” will be restored as God’s people will worship Him in spirit and in truth with unashamed- expressive worship, as God fills His tabernacles with His presence and glory. Those who oppose the Word of God will scream louder than before and the division in America will increase. The lies of the enemy will deceive many and result in great civil unrest and chaos. Supernatural signs and wonders will soon be taking place in the heavens and on earth. Those who have a desire to see the Truth will see it.” Jan 2020: Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s Prophetic Question About America and the 9/11 Terrorist Attack on America: “9/11 was a warning from God to America to repent, but instead, the moral decay has increased. America is in a paradigm reflecting what happened in Israel back in 605 B.C. when the Kingdom of Judah was breached by Babylon. It was a limited invasion and a warning from God, but the nation did not turn back to God. 19 years later in 586 B.C., the full judgment of God came and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. 19 years from September 11, 2001 will be in 2020. He asks, “Will we see judgment, revival – or both?” He warns that no matter what happens in 2020, “A nation that abandons the God of its foundation is heading toward calamity.” NOTE: The Feast of Tabernacles, Trumpets Atonement. February 22, 2020: From the book (The Final Battle) we launch “Not Ashamed Praise Rallies” which now has 20 ministers involved in the Thumb, called “Ignite the Thumb Ministries.” Pastor Mark Seppo is key to this. September 13, 2020: The 19 th Year Anniversary of Life Song Church was also the 19th-year anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attack. “On 9/11 after hearing about the terrorist attacks, I was lying face down on the carpet by the altar crying out to God to forgive our nation as several of us prayed to God. I remember believing in my heart “This is why Lights of Hope Ministry was created; God has a plan.” I had no idea that it would take 19-years to clearly see the plan.” On our 19 th - year anniversary, we launched “We The County,” a platform for Small Businesses, Patriots and the Churches to come together as One Voice, standing up for our God-given Unalienable Rights, and the Original Intent of the Constitution. This is stepping into the fulfillment of the government (civil authority) and the church (religious authority) working together. September 2020: 400 is symbolic of the rise and fall of nations. 400 years ago (from September 2020) in 1620 the Mayflower landed and America was dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ. On the 400-year anniversary of the Mayflower landing in America, on 9-26-2020, Jonathan Cahn called for Christians to “Return” to God. Thousands of Christians humbled themselves, fasted and prayed, as the Bride of Christ petitioning the King of Kings, Jesus Yeshua Hamashiach at the nation’s capital in Washington DC and at the State Capital buildings all around America. I believe Jesus extended His golden scepter which is the rod of iron to rule the nations in Rev 2:26-29 and Jesus the Bright and Morning Star gave his Bride the Morning Star Authority to rule the nations. The MSA is given to us to bring down Babylon! October 25, 2020: Sunday message; “The Queen Esther Decree” Est 9:1-3 On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps (rulers over provinces), the governors, and all those doing the king's work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. Mordecai “sat in the king’s gate.” “All those doing the king’s work” are God’s ministers! They fulfill the ordinance of God, His justice through law and order. The officials, satraps, and governors are all people in the government, as the ones who uphold law and order. Today God’s ministers, the Patriots are protecting our Constitution. They embrace justice like those in (Rom 13:1-7) The Queen Esther Decree: “The Small Business, Patriots and the Church will stand up as One Voice so loud it will shake the Deep State. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this. The government is upon His shoulder!” This is a prophetic decree as carried out by the We the County Declaration of Our Constitutional Rights that was written down and then spoken (sent out) on October 17, 2020 at New Life Christian Church in Attica MI as several churches came together standing up as One Voice in agreement with the decree. We have a God-given Right to protect ourselves from harm. November 2020 the Presidential Election was a coup d’etat and the Babylonian-Deep State seized control of the American government. Rember; 19 years ago (from Nov 2020), on 9/11 was the partial breach by the Babylonian-Deep State, the same paradigm that happened to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem 19 years later came the total siege. In America, God passed a partial judgment, bringing only the government under the control of the Babylonian-Deep State, but the people still have a limited freedom to fight back, thus they will fulfill the Queen Esther Decree! Today September 10, 2023 on our 22 nd -Year Anniversary, we officially launch The Bronze Wall Alliance: Pastors United Protecting God’s Children. Theme Verse: Jer 1:17-2:1 "Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them. 18 For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land — Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you", says the Lord, "to deliver you." Jer 1:4-10 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."… 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me:" Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.

I. Introduction A. We are living in a messed-up world! And that’s an understatement! Evil and Marxism seem to be everywhere, in every aspect of our life, and sad to say, dictating how life will be in America. I just have one thing to say about that...”But GOD!” B. I thought I was going to speak about “stewardship” and I was well into that message when I saw God taking it in another direction. I was not inspired about what I thought I was going to preach, but the more I studied what God was showing me, the more inspired I got! I’ll be honest, I had forgotten how exciting it is to prepare a message! C. The Apostle Paul used “stewardship” as a way to describe who we are and how we are to approach the Gospel and The Kingdom of God! 1. So let’s dig in... II. What Is A Steward? A. The manager of another person's property, finances, or household affairs. B. As far as Christians are concerned, stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God's work through the church. God has appointed all Christians to be His stewards on earth. Stewardship is not an option, as Paul points out about his own call. Being a steward is a necessary part of believing the gospel, even if it involves sacrificing personal rewards (1 Cor 9:17). (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) III. Stewards of the Mysteries of God A. 1 Cor 4:1-2 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. NKJV 1. stewards: oikonomos (oy-kon-om'-os); a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (of the Gospel): 2. mysteries: musterion (moos-tay'-ree-on); from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): 3. faithful: pistos (pis-tos'); from NT:3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006, 2010) B. Steward, Leader Traits. 1. A common Bible figure of leadership is the “steward”. (OT example, Joseph) --- Let’s back up a little so that we keep this in context. --- IV. Avoid Worldly Wisdom A. 1 Cor 3:18-20 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness”(Job 5:13); 20 and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."(Ps. 94:11) NKJV 1. Paul quoted Job 5:13 & Ps. 94:11 to shame the Corinthians, stating God knows the ways of the wise but their ways are futile. a. Lesson 1 – Do not trust in the wisdom of this world. 2. How often do we walk in anxiety, or even fear, because of what we see and hear on the news or on our social apps on our phones? a. Lesson 2 – Guard what we watch and listen to. Be in charge of what you feed your soul (mind, emotions, and will). STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD Page 2 V. The Mystery Revealed A. Eph 3:1-7 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles — 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. NKJV 1. Gentiles and Jews alike are to accept each other as partners in God’s covenant of salvation. This mystery was especially foreign to the OT Jewish mindset, not being understood by Gentile or Jew until Jesus came. 2. Paul is equipping the church at Ephesus for spiritual warfare a. First, the believer’s position – you have to know who you are before you can fight for what you believe. You are chosen, blameless, adopted, accepted, forgiven, predestined, and sealed (by the Holy Spirit). These are all part of the mystery of God. 3. Know that... a. In Him, you are adopted as a child of God! b. In Him, you are fully accepted. c. In Him, you will find a love that is higher and deeper than you could ever imagine. VI. Purpose of the Mystery A. Eph 3:8-13 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. NKJV 1. This eternal purpose is God’s intent to display the church (you and I) before all evil powers as His instrument (steward) to accomplish throughout the world what He has already accomplished through the death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ. VII. Appreciation of the Mystery B. Eph 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. NKJV STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD Page 3 1. Paul’s prayer here is for the Holy Spirit’s power to fill every believer, which is what needs to happen for the eternal purpose listed in vs. 8-13 to be realized. 2. What do we do? a. Seek, hunger, and thirst to know and understand the greatness of Jesus’ love for you! b. Pray that the Holy Spirt will enable you to comprehend the incomparable love of Christ. c. Pray that though the Holy Spirit, you will be completely filled with the fullness of God. d. Do this all for the glory of God! VIII. Conclusion: We Walk In Unity A. Eph 4:1-3 POWER OF UNITY – Vs. 2 walk in lowliness, gentleness, and longsuffering, bearing one another in love. (love, humility, and forgiveness) Unity was so much a part of the early church, Paul assumed the presence of such. Vs. 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace (“peace” something that binds or restrains) Merrium-Webster est. 1828 B. Eph 4: 4-6 1. One body 2. One Spirit 3. One hope 4. One Lord 5. One faith 6. One baptism 7. One God and Father of all.

I want to talk about Jonah, his story and how it relates to us. As I did research about Jonah, some people believe it to be a fairy tale, some thought it to be satire, but I believe it to be true. I will back this up later. Now Jonah lived sometime from 9 century BC to 8 century BC (year 800 to year 700 BC) Let’s start with the beginning of his story. Starting in verse 1 we find the word of the Lord coming to Jonah, verse 2 is the command from God. Instead of listening to God Jonah decides to flee, Now is this the beginning of Jonah’s story, but he is also mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 and these events took place sometime from 793 -753 BC during the lifetime of King Jereboam II. This left me with some questions. Did the events in 2 Kings 14:25 come before the Book of Jonah or after? How many other times did the Lord use Jonah? Only these two events are recorded. One day when I have died and gone to Heaven I will get the answer. Jonah knew why the sea was raging, he knew it was because of him. He took pity on the sailors knowing full well his actions alone caused the Lord to create a mighty storm, I believe Jonah would have survived if the ship had come apart (God had a purpose for him to fulfill) but would the sailors have? Jonah 2 starts with Jonah crying out to God I read a comment on Jonah being in the belly of the fish for 3 full days until he finally decided he should start praying for God’s help and forgiveness. Also to declare his willingness to complete his purpose. Jonah 3 starts with God speaking again to Jonah and giving him the command to go and preach his message. Now when I first researched Jonah, I thought he was judging the city on just their sins, but as I found reading, it’s because the people of Nineveh are Assyrians. Jonah has a deep hatred for these people, they are idolatrous, proud and ruthless nation bent on world conquest and had been a threat to Israel for a long time. I also read a comment in the intro to the book of Jonah in my bible, that Jonah’s view of God was too restrictive. He believed God’s compassion was only extended to the elect of Israel. He is trying to limit God. Just a couple of thoughts as I was reading Jonah, he was 3 days in the fish, it’s a 3 day walk across the city, the city will be overthrown in 40 days. God uses numbers a lot, I will come back to these numbers. Jonah 4 finds our prophet angry and upset with God. Jonah knew that if the people repented, God who is merciful and just, would forgive them. Now if he didn’t tell them, how were they to know they needed to repent? God could have just forgiven them, but God chose to use a man to send his message. Jonah gave his message one day into the city, people fasted and started to turn from their evil ways. Jonah was very angry with God, he was angry that he had to leave his home to deliver God’s message, I also believe he was angry because the people were going to be forgiven. I believe Jonah must have had a relationship with God prior to him sending him to Nineveh, the way he speaks to God is like a rebellious teenager yelling at their parents. From reading Jonah and other commentary on the book of Jonah, it’s unclear to me if he left the city after he gave God’s message the first day or waited longer. He saw the people repent and went out of the city. He sat to watch and wait to see if after the 40 days have passed, the city remains or if God destroys it. We see God forgave and also taught Jonah a lesson in the process. The story of Jonah is a forerunner to Jesus. Some people believe it’s just a story, that it didn’t happen. This is why I say it’s true, even Jesus himself mentions Jonah in two of the gospels When the people repented God forgave them, God loved us so much he sent Jesus to die for us, to reunite us with him. Once again and forever showing his grace, mercy and love for his children. Now how does the story of Jonah relate to you. Has God asked you to do something you found uncomfortable? Did you try to run and hide from him? If you compare Nineveh to what the world currently looks like, we are far worse off. There are plenty of people prophesying and giving the word of the Lord, but how many people are listening? Matthew 28:18-20 This is the great commission that Jesus gave us, believe me when I say I fall short every day. I know I will never be perfect in this world, these are some questions I am asking myself and maybe you are also asking. Do I look at people like Jonah did? Am I doing what the Lord is asking of me? I bring this up for self reflection not condemnation. I am going to wrap up with the numbers in the book of Jonah. Numbers 3 and 40

Jurisdiction: To declare the law and administer justice. God is the God of Law and Order (righteousness). Ps 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. Gen 17:1-8 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Covenant: Strong’s #1285 Hebrew berit (beh-reet); A covenant, compact, pledge, treaty, agreement. This is one of the most theologically important words in the Bible, appearing more than 250 times in the OT. A berit may be made between individuals, between a king and his people, or by God with His people. Here God’s irrevocable pledge is that He will be God to Abraham and his descendants forever. All other Bible promises are based on this one (Word Wealth Spirit Filled Life Bible). Covenants, compacts, pledges, oaths, decrees and vows all work together for the Glory of God. The First Person God Made a Covenant with Was Noah Gen 6:18-20 But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark — you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. God made a covenant with Noah, Abraham, David and Israel. The New Covenant was Made with the Nation Israel Matt 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Covenant: Strong’s #1242 Greek diatheke (dee-ath-ay-kay); A will, testament, pact, contract, an agreed upon plan to which both parties subscribe. While the word may signify and agreement between two parties, with each accepting mutual obligations, most often it is a declaration of one person’s will. In the Bible, God initiated the whole action, set the conditions and defined as a decree a declaration of purposes. God covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Israel, (Word Wealth Spirit Filled Life Bible). God is seeking covenant nations to be under His banner, but their own flag. 2 Cor 3:4-6 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, (brings judgment) but the Spirit gives life. When Jesus said “do not swear at all” did He mean we never take an oath? Matt 5:33-37 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. An oath has to do with invoking the divine nature of God, that is pure truth, for God cannot lie. Every word He speaks is truth. As Christians filled with the HOLY Spirit, we should always speak the truth and we do not need to take an oath to verify we are telling the truth, but it is acceptable under certain conditions because God made several oaths, and Jesus replied to the oath of the High Priest when they asked Him “Under oath of the Living God” if He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. The priests in the Old Testament took oaths and Jesus became High Priest through an oath from God (Heb 7:20-28). If Jesus forbids all oaths, then why was His priesthood established with an oath? Jesus was concerned because the Pharisees had developed an elaborate “oath” system that actually made it possible to lie. Another concern is that oaths became trivialized, being used in everyday conversation and in the process debasing the Lord’s name. When people gave their oath under these conditions, they often misspoke, or manipulated the truth putting them under judgment primarily from the people around them as they could not perform perfectly their words. An oath has a sense of legality. In a court of law, when someone puts their hand on the Bible and swears to tell the truth, they are putting themselves under judgment of perjury and may be held liable for their words. The intent of this is honorable, but unfortunately, many people still lie. Heb 6:16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. A pledge is like a vow, a commitment, an agreed upon plan like marriage vows. A pledge is not used to verify you are telling the truth. A pledge can be made by a person, two people, or many, but does not invoke the holiness of God as to being “truth”, but can be made under the auspice of God’s presence with an honest intent. America is the only nation on earth that was founded “For the Glory of God and the Advancement of the Christian Faith,” (Mayflower Compact a.k.a. America’s Birth Certificate). Our Founding Fathers made a covenant pledge to God that America would be for His glory and the advancement of the Christian faith. At the end of the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers (Patriot Patriarch) made a pledge to one another: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published inThe Youth's Companionon September 8, 1892. In its original form it read: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." It commemorated the 400 th year anniversary of Columbus coming to the New World and was to be spoken on Columbus Day in the schools. The National Education Association supported the Pledge because of its socialist overtones. In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added. At this time, it read: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The Communist did not like the “United States of America” being added because they want a centralized government with all power, not the states, and certainly not the people. In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Today it reads: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." “Under God” was challenged several times as being unconstitutional violating the Establishment Clause, but the Supreme Court ruled it did not violate the clause. At first the Pledge was to sway children into a socialist mindset, and it was backed by the NEA. Now since the Marxists cannot remove “Under God” they have fought to remove the Pledge. Sources: ushistory.org/documents//pledge.htm and constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-latest-controversy-about-under- god-in-the-pledge-of-allegiance. Socialist-Communist-Marxist-Luciferianism-Satanist all hate God and defy His Word. God’s plan has always been for national sovereignty, not the world becoming One World. A flag is a banner that represents the nation. People lift up the banner, showing support for their nation. All 50 states have their own flag (banner) but all 50 states stand under the flag of the United States. In the same way, all 12 tribes of Israel had their own banner, but they all stood under one banner called Jehovah-Nissi which means “The Lord is My Victory.” Ex 17:15-16 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; 16 for he said, "Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." Amalek is called “the first of the nations.” Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. I cannot over-emphasize the spiritual importance of “THE PLEDGE: I Will Protect God’s Children.” How America treats her children will determine her future. Just like our Founding Fathers pledged to one another, so should we.

Jurisdiction is the best word to describe how we function in the Kingdom of God. This is what I am seeing prophetically for 2023: “Justice will bring forth Liberty, the Supreme Law of the Land will stand and Jurisdiction will be established, making the crooked places straight.” Jurisdiction: To declare the law and administer justice. God is the God of Law and Order (righteousness). He is called Jehovah Tsidkenu (szid-ken-oo) meaning “The Lord Is Our Righteousness” Jer 23:6 20 times in Scripture, the Bible is called “The Book of The Law”. In the New Testament, the word “law” is mentioned 212 times. The law of Christ Gal 6:2 The law of the Lord Lk 2:23 The law of God Rm 7:22, 8:7 The law of the Spirit Rm 8:2 The law of liberty Jm 1:25 and 2:12 The law of righteousness Rm 9:3 The law of faith Rm 3:27 The law of Moses Lk 2:22 The law of sin and death Rm 8:2 The Royal law Jm 2:8. John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments.” -Jesus Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” America is the only nation on earth that was founded “For the Glory of God and the Advancement of the Christian Faith,” (Mayflower Compact a.k.a. America’s Birth Certificate). Article VI, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States: “…This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.” Our freedom did not come from the U.S. Constitution. It came through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and then for America, the Declaration of Independence and those willing to fight for it. Our Founding Fathers (Patriarch-Patriots) declared God’s authority four times; 1) God is the Creator, 2) He gave us our unalienable Rights, 3) He is the Supreme Judge of the world, and 4) He is our divine Providence. Bible: The Supreme Law of Heaven and Earth. God’s Priests (spiritual authority) operate in the spiritual realm. U.S. Constitution: The Supreme Law of the Land. God’s Kings (civic-civil authority) operate in the physical realm. Spirit of Prophecy: Brings the spiritual and physical realm together by faith releasing God’s Righteousness on Earth, creating His Jurisdiction. Lawlessness: The jurisdiction of Satan/Lucifer and his Marxist-Babylonian minions. A world system in rebellion against God, His Word and His Saints. True Liberty is granted to us by God through His unalienable Rights. In order to secure and maintain these Rights, God has given us His delegated authority to form a government that is reflective of His moral code and ethical treatment of our fellow human beings. To acknowledge all of our unalienable Rights come from God, is to acknowledge our Rights flow from a spiritual realm into a physical realm being written down becoming the supreme Law of the Land. Therefore, any law that contradicts the moral code of God’s laws, are unconstitutional and considered lawlessness. James Wilson was the second most active member of the Constitutional Convention. He was one of the first Supreme Court Justices. James wrote: “Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is divine.” Authority: exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah); Greek #1849 authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. Exousia is the right to use God’s power (dunamis; #1411, power-might-force) to establish jurisdiction. James Madison, 4 th President of the U.S. wrote: “We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments.” Governor Morris penned the Constitution. His was the final signature. He was the most active member on the Constitution Convention speaking on the floor 173 times. He authored two works on the Constitution in which he wrote, “Religion is the only solid basis of good morals therefore education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man toward God.” “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” –Patrick Henry “Religion is deemed in other countries incompatible with good government and yet proved by our experience to be its best support.” –Thomas Jefferson All 50 states Preamble for their Constitutions give reference to God. A Preamble is an opening statement that sets the foundation for the rest of what is written. Our government is on the shoulder of Jesus Christ (Isa 9:6,7). Our unalienable Rights given to us from God (Jehovah Yahweh), are not limited to our Bill of Rights but are inherent in the creation of mankind, but to understand this and in order to make it practical and applicable, it had to be written down in civic/civil law; thus the U.S. Constitution. This concept came from God in the spiritual-religious realm into the physical civic-law realm, thus making the Constitution the tudor or schoolmaster to bring people to the Bible and into the faith. The Original Intent of our U.S. Constitution is based on Biblical ideologies, therefore leading those who desire to do the right thing (righteousness), to the Bible and faith in Christ. The Original Intent of the U.S. Constitution 1. God created all things. 2. God gave us our unalienable rights. 3. God is our Supreme Judge. 4. God is our Divine Providence. 5. All laws are based on Biblical principles. 6. Any and all laws that violate God’s laws are unconstitutional and should be null and void. 7. The greatest authority to govern is at the local level. 8. The United States Constitution and State Constitutions are to limit the government, not the people. 9. All laws are transparent, simplistic, and forthright. 10. Congress shall make NO LAWS prohibiting our God-given rights of religion, speech, the press, right to assemble, and our right to bear arms. Gal 3:23-24 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Tutor: Strong’s # 3807 paidagogos (pahee-dag-o-gos'); a boy-leader, i.e. a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; a tutor, instructor, schoolmaster Kept: Strong’s # 5432 phroureo (froo-reh-oh); a military term picturing a sentry standing guard as protection against the enemy. America will return to the Original Intent of the Constitution (the supreme Law of the Land) that will bring people to the Bible (Supreme Law of Heaven and Earth) and ultimately, faith in Jesus Christ. The battle at hand: we must stand up and protect God’s children! Please sign THE PLEDGE and help us spread the word by handing out brochures, emailing/testing people to go to wethecounty.org/pledge; this is spiritual warfare!

Review: Friday May 26 th , 2023 was the Jewish festival of Shavuot, aka Pentecost and during my prayer time I heard in my heart “Bring Down Babylon” and I knew this was a mandate from God. I started to tear up and I said, “I’m not worthy!” and in a soft loving voice I heard “Yes you are Gideon!” This mandate is primarily for the Thumb of Michigan which is our region of authority. We, Life Song Church have the spirit of Gideon, the Spirit of the Lord, upon us! Note: “The Significance of 400 years” I explained how God moves to adjust nations, many times at the end of a 400-year cycle. This cycle isn’t always exactly 400 years, but it can. September 1620, the Mayflower arrives in America, dedicating the county to our Lord Jesus Christ. 400 years later on 9-26-2020, Jonathan Cahn called for Christians to “Return” to God. Thousands of Christians humbled themselves, fasted and prayed, as the Bride of Christ petitioning the King of Kings, Jesus Yeshua Hamashiach at the nation’s capital in Washington DC and at the State Capital buildings all around America. Note: The Mayflower Compact is one paragraph in length. It mentions God 4 times, including this statement as to why they came to America; “For the Glory of God and the Advancement of the Christian Faith.” First directive: Tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the wooden image that is beside it (6:25). So Gideon did this at night because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city. Wooden Image: this was a cult object representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah (Ishtar). “The Deity” in Port Austin; Rams head (male) female body, normalizing paganism a branch of Satanism. Personal Application: Before we can bring down Babylon we have to deal with the sin (especially sexual immorality) in our own hearts. Judgment starts at the house of the Lord (1 Pet 4:17). Judg 6:33-35 Then all the Midianites and Amalekites, the people of the East, gathered together; and they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who also gathered behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali; and they came up to meet them. Gideon tares down the altar of Baal and Asherah, then the armies of the Midianites and Amalekites encamp by them, and then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. F/N SFLB “The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon: in Hebrew this literally means “The Spirit of the Lord clothed Himself with Gideon.” Gideon blows his trumpet and 32,000 men from Israel assemble. Gideon needed more faith, more reassurance so he puts forth a fleece. The Fleece of Wool: 1) The fleece wet only from the morning dew. 2) The ground wet, but the fleece dry. The “fleece” for Life Song Church: obedience to God, followed by His confirmation. We The County is a ministry of Life Song Church. At the beginning of 2023, we were directed to expose child abuse and protect God’s children. It is not a coincidence that at the same time we are launching THE PLEDGE exposing child abuse, the movie “The Sound of Freedom” came out. That is our fleece! Starting with 32,000 men, whoever is fearful let him depart at once and 22,000 left, then 10,000 were left. Bring them to the water and let them drink and whoever laps like a dog will stay and send the others home; 300 valiant men. Judg 7:5-7 …7 Then the Lord said to Gideon, "By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place." The Lord told Gideon to take his servant Purah and sneak down the Midianite’s camp and listen to what they are saying. (Judg 7:13-15) They feared Gideon and said God delivered Midian and the whole camp into Gideon’s hand. Gideon divided the men into 3 groups of 100, gave them a sword, a torch covered with a clay pot and a trumpet. They were instructed to blow the trumpet, break the pitchers, then shout “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” The groups positioned themselves on the mountain range overlooking the valley. Once they shouted it brought great fear and confusion into the camp of the Midianites and they started to destroy one another. Then all of the other men of Israel gathered together to fight against the Midianites and destroyed them. Judg 7:23-25 And the men of Israel gathered together from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and pursued the Midianites. 24 Then Gideon sent messengers throughout all the mountains of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites, and seize from them the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan. Judg 8:4-5 When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit. Judg 8:10-12 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East; for one hundred and twenty thousand men who drew the sword had fallen. Gideon continued until he routed the whole army. Ignite the Thumb Praise Rallies: These all started with a trumpet blast, a shout, singing and praising, then we strike the ground with the Sword of the Lord! Our first Not Ashamed Praise Rally we had nearly 300 people. We have been in spiritual warfare for 3 ½ years. All of this to “Bring Down Babylon!” The enemy is on the run, don’t grow weary! From Our Book The Final Battle Came Our Not Ashamed Praise Rallies “We lift the banner, blow the trumpet, and assemble God’s holy army for battle! In righteousness, exposing the darkness, pulling down strongholds, striking with the Word of God, embracing a spirit of boldness, as we join with God’s heavenly hosts and His mighty ones! We proclaim: Babylon is taken! Bel is shamed! Marduk is broken, her images are broken in pieces! Her idols are humiliated! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessings!” The movie The Sound of Freedom has lit a fire that will not be quenched until God’s children are protected and all of the perps are brought to justice. This will “Bring Down Babylon!” 1) Neutralize the power of child abuse, blood shedding, child sacrifice. 2) Expose people in high places destroying the leadership-network. 3) Greatly hinder their finances. 4) Babylon falls! Rev 2:18-21 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Rev 2:24-28 "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations — 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' — as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. Power over the nations: regional authority. Our region is the Thumb of Michigan. June 25, 2023 the name of our Sunday message; “I Pledge to Protect God’s Children.” A covenant is a pledge, it is a promise and it has great spiritual significance. Our Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence pledged to one another their Lives, Fortunes and sacred Honor to secure freedom for their children and America while acknowledging their “Firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.” See brochure; THE PLEDGE: I WILL PROTECT GOD’S CHILDREN. Online at wethecounty.org/pledge If you feel led, please help us spread THE PLEDGE through social media, emails and phone contacts.

Friday May 26 th , 2023 was the Jewish festival of Shavuot, aka Pentecost when God shook the mountain and gave the Jewish nation the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai. It was during my morning prayer time that I received a mandate from God. This does not happen very often, but when it does, I know it is a very important assignment. This is what I heard in my heart: “Bring Down Babylon!” Then I wrote down “Shavuot…and the mountain shook!” I knew the seriousness of the mandate. I started to tear up and I said, “I’m not worthy!” and in a soft loving voice I heard “Yes you are Gideon!” This mandate is primarily for the Thumb of Michigan which is our region of authority. Judges 6, 7 and 8 tell the story of Gideon (born 1252 BC) Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, so He delivered them into the hands of the Midianites who formed a coalition with the Amalekites. Judg 6:11-16 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!" 13 Gideon said to Him, "O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites." 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." 16 And the Lord said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Gideon makes an offering of boiled meat and unleavened bread, which the Angel of the Lord told him to put on a rock, and a fire shot out of the rock and consumed the offering. Now Gideon perceived he was the Angel of the Lord, who said to him “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it “The-Lord-Is-Peace.” This literally means “Yahweh Shalom” meaning wholeness, security, well-being, prosperity, peace and friendship. First directive: Tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the wooden image that is beside it (6:25). So Gideon did this at night because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city. The next day, the men of the city wanted to kill Gideon for doing this. Judg 6:31-32 But Joash said to all who stood against him, "Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been torn down!" 32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, "Let Baal plead against him, because he has torn down his altar." Wow! Bold, in-your-face statement. Plead, Strong’s #7378 riyb (reeb); to toss, grapple, to wrangle, to defend, adversary, chide, rebuke, strive, debate and also means; contest (personal or legal). Wooden Image: this was a cult object representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The Significance of 400 Years God brought Jacob and his 12 sons into Egypt for 400 years to form the nation Israel. Gideon tears down the altar of Baal and destroys the image of Asherah leading to the deliverance of Israel from the Midianites. 400 years later Elijah calls down the fire of God on Mount Carmel dealing with the prophets of Asherah and Baal, turning Israel back to God. 400 years later Queen Esther’s Decree saves the Jews from destruction by Haman. September 1620, the Mayflower arrives in America, dedicating the county to our Lord Jesus Christ. 400 years later on 9-26-2020, Jonathan Cahn called for Christians to “Return” to God. Thousands of Christians humbled themselves, fasted and prayed, as the Bride of Christ petitioning the King of Kings, Jesus Yeshua Hamashiach at the nation’s capital in Washington DC and at the State Capital buildings all around America. I believe Jesus extended His golden scepter which is the rod of iron to rule the nations in Rev 2:26-29 and Jesus the Bright and Morning Star gave his Bride the Morning Star Authority to rule the nations. In that same month, September 2020, We The County was launched to shake the Deep State and bring down Babylon. Asherah-Ishtar-Jezebel Jezebel is said to be the embodiment of all the goddesses. During her life, Jezebel supported and cared for 400 prophets of Asherah the Canaanite goddess (1 Kings 18:19). Other names are used by different cultures, but many believe are the same goddess; Ashtoreth means a star (Phoenicians), Astarte (Greeks and Romans), Ishtar (Assyrians), and are generally identified with Venus or Aphrodite. Understanding The Gates Ishtar was the main goddess of Babylon and she was the goddess of love, beauty, sex, desire, fertility, war, combat and political power. Her symbols are the lion and the 8 pointed star. The 8 pointed star is often used in Hollywood movies as a “star-gate” symbol. This star also represents chaos. Ishtar is also known as the “Queen of Heaven.” The Ishtar Gate Exists Today! Ancient cities had fortified gates for protection. Babylon had 8 gates. The main gate was the gate of the highest honor. Babylon’s main gate was the Gate of Ishtar (also called the Hanging Gardens Gate) and was considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. In 1930 AD the Ishtar gate was excavated and partially reconstructed at the Pergamom Museum in Berlin Germany. A smaller version was built in Iraq by Saddam Hussein but it was never finished due to the war. There are several museums that have received portions of the Ishtar Gate. “The Deity” set up in Port Austin at Bird Creek Farms Restaurant. “A super being connected to nature.” "This open us up to talking about modern true deities that are around us every day," Murawski said (restaurant owner). Paganism which is linked Satanism embraces “deities” the gods and goddesses of the occult who stand in opposition to Jesus Christ. Gen 22:17-18 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. “Bring Down Babylon!” Rev 11:15 Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed (Theme verse on our Vision Wall) 15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" Rev 14:6 And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Rev 18:21-22 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. Rev chpt 19, Heaven Exults over Babylon falling and Jesus returns as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORD defeating the Beast and his armies. America is one of the #1 nations of the world in child sex trafficking and pornography, and we have forced this on other nations. Mark 9:42 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble (literally to fall into sin), it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” This was quoted by Jim Caviezel playing the role of Tim Ballard in the movie The Sound of Freedom. It was not in the script, but Caviezel asked to put it in. Jim Caviezel was unaware this was one of Tim Ballard’s theme Scriptures. After Gideon tears down the altar of Baal and destroys the image of Asherah, 32,000 soldiers from Israel gather behind Gideon to fight the Midianites. God brings this down to 300 to show everyone, He will win this battle, and it will be through the obedience of Gideon. Gideon divided the men into 3 groups of 100, gave them a sword, torch covered with a clay pot and a trumpet. They were instructed to blow the trumpet, break the pitchers, then shout “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” This brought great fear and confusion into the camp of the Midianites and they started to destroy one another. Then all of the other men of Israel gathered together to fight against the Midianites and destroyed them. Ignite the Thumb Praise Rallies: Start with a trumpet blast, a shout, singing and praising, then we strike the ground with the Sword of the Lord! Our first Not Ashamed Praise Rally we had nearly 300 people. Now thousands will be joining!

The movie The Sound of Freedom has lit a fire that will not be quenched until God’s children are protected and all of the perps are brought to justice. Please don’t be distracted by who Tim Ballard is or isn’t and who funded this effort, but stay focused on the original intent: the awareness of child sex trafficking and the need to stand up and protect God’s children. People are being brought to a decision, especially the Church. Where do you stand? The separation of the wheat from the tares continues as the woke agenda pushes child abuse and the sexual indoctrination of children. The most basic tenant of sexual indoctrination is “To normalize sex with children removing the age of consent.” The sexual indoctrination of our children leads to child sex trafficking. Change the term “Pedophile” to “Minor Attracted Person” as to not offend the Pedophiles and improve their image. “TheBill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates millionsannually to a nongovernmental organization (NGO) which claims that children are born sexual and should learn about "commercial sex work" under 10 years of age. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) – aseparate entity from the U.S. nonprofit– wields significant influence on global sex education. The NGO comprises 120 independent organizations in over 146 countries and has received – including its European network – over $80M from Gates. Other significant donors included the World Health Organization.” (foxnews.com) This “global sex education” is sexual indoctrination base in Marxist-Luciferian ideology. Jesus Warns of Offenses Mark 9:42 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble (literally to fall into sin), it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” This was quoted by Jim Caviezel playing the role of Tim Ballard in the movie The Sound of Freedom. It was not in the script, but Caviezel asked to put it in. Jim Caviezel was unaware this was one of Tim Ballard’s theme Scriptures. Jesus continues His discord by saying if your hand, foot, or eye causes you to sin, it is better to remove it than to be cast into Hell where “Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” This is repeated three times! This is right after Jesus warns about the millstone. A Child-like Heart is the Greatest in His Kingdom Matt 18:1-5 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” In the parable of the separation of the sheep from the goats Jesus said; “I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me and all these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life,” (Matt 25:45). The power of innocent-holy love through touch and hugs manifests the love of our Father in the here and now. The ability to give and receive such love is based in humility, trust and the understanding of our Father’s love. This love seeks to give and not to take. Propper touch releases security and a sense of wellbeing. Once children have been abused, they shy away from any touch because their innocence is gone and they close their heart to God’s love. Matt 19:13-15 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. Mark 10:13-16 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Jesus Came to Burn Up the Chaff Matt 3:10-12 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. 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. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares Matt 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."'" Many of the sex offenders in the child sex trafficking rings will be arrested in “bundles” and face the heat of justice, but the wheat (children of God) will be brought into protection. This will lead to some top officials and very prominent people being arrested. Babylon is falling! Matt 13:40-43 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! The Culmination of the 4 Gates Scripture: Isa 45:8 "Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, And let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it.” 1 Kings 18:21-22 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:37-39 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again." 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!" And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!" So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there. Mal 4:1-6 "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the Lord of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. 3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the Lord of hosts. 4 "Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." “I will send you Elijah…before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” God’s blessings flow through the Patriarch! The Fathers! Fathers stand up and protect God’s children! Patriarch also means Patriot, so stand up and protect America and bring down Babylon! Call down the fire of God!

WATER BAPTISM IS THE SYMBOLIC EXPRESSION AND A POWERFUL PROCLAMATION OF WHAT HAS TAKEN PLACE TO US IN THE SPIRIT. WHEN YOU ARE BAPTIZED IN WATER, YOU ARE MAKING A PROCLAMATION TO THE VISABLE AND INVISABLE WORLDS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SPIRITUALLY IDENTIFIED WITH JESUS CHRIST IN HIS DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, AND SEATING. Matt 2:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and you are coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Since Jesus submitted to baptism to fulfill all righteousness and considered baptism a requirement even for Himself to please God, why would we not submit to the Father’s will regarding baptism following Jesus’s example? Matt 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Acts 2:38-41 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus for forgiveness of your sins. A you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message where baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and woman. Acts 8:35-40 Then Phillip began with the very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of me being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water and Phillip baptized him. Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his eyesight, and he got up and was baptized. Acts 10:48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them a few days. Acts 16:33 And he took then that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and his household. Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, and be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name. Romans 6:1-11 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may abound? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We are therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should be no longer slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death has no mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to sin once and for all; but the life He lives He lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink from one Spirit. Gal 3:26-27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Col 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and all in all. 1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, in order that He could bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, who were formerly disobedient, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, while an ark was being constructed, in which a few, that is eight souls were rescued through the water. And also corresponding to this, baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, with angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to Him. To understand this verse, we need to look at the two words appeal and conscience. The word “appeal” (eperotema) in verse 21 is best understood as a pledge here, a meaning that it has elsewhere. Likewise the word “conscience” (suneidesis) does not refer to the inner voice of right or wrong in this text. Rather, the word refers to the disposition of one’s loyalties. Baptism, then, is not what produces salvation. It “saves” in that it reflects a heart decision: a pledge of loyalty to the risen Savior. In effect, baptism in New Testament theology is a loyalty oath, a public avowal of who is on the Lords side in the cosmic war between good and evil. BAPTISM IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE!!!

• Introduction o Identity theft affects millions of people worldwide every year. ▪ So far in 2023 the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has received 1.4 million complaints of identity theft. • Median impact per victim is $500. • Total losses $10.2 billion • Georgia is the worst state. ▪ It is a relatively new form of crime, coinciding with the advancement of technology. • The more people use on-line accounts, the more exposed they are. ▪ With the crime comes the need for protection, which costs the average family $150 - $350 annually. o The devil has been waging his own campaign of identity theft against mankind since the dawn of creation. • Gen. 3:1-4 -Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” ▪ He twisted God’s Word so that Adam and Eve would question the identity God had established for them. • “You will be like God.” ▪ Satan has not stopped hijacking the truth since then, and the methods he employs to steal our identities have only gotten more sophisticated (and no less perverse) with time. He does this by attacking our identity: • In the womb. • In our uniqueness in creation. 2 • In our faith through false doctrines. • Through guilt and condemnation. ▪ Just like with on-line identity theft, we need protection! • The only way we can buffer further attacks and reclaim what he’s already stolen is to know who we are in Christ, and we do that by applying Scripture to each attack. • Identity theft no. 1: The enemy attacks our identity in the womb. o The lie: “Pre-born babies are irrelevant.” ▪ More than 63 million babies have been killed in the womb since 1973 and 30,000 happen every year in MI alone (source: RTL of MI). ▪ Satan tries to convince us that the baby is not valuable. • “It’s just a clump of cells.” • “It’s just an obstacle to overcome.” • “My body, my choice.” ▪ This is obviously our most vulnerable point of existence, and he hates that we are image-bearers of God. o The Truth: You are made in the image of God and are His special creation from the time of conception! ▪ Gen. 1:26 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. ▪ Psalm 139:13, 15-16 - 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. • God made you through the process of conception and birth, and has a destiny planned out for you. ▪ How important is the unborn to God? So important that He chose this method for His Son, our Savior, to come into earthly existence. And now we celebrate Christmas because of it! • Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. • Yes, God likes babies! 3 • Identity theft no. 2: The enemy attacks our uniqueness in creation. o The lies: “You are not in the right body” and “you are no better, and actually worse, than the animals.” ▪ Our culture is a confused mess, worshipping self and creation. • Romans 1:21-25 -Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man— and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ▪ The LGBTQI+ ideology has crept into every aspect of society in the enemy’s attempt to normalize it. • Movies, commercials, corporate marketing ▪ Transgenderism has reached a religious fervor. • “Gender dysphoria” - the feeling that you are the gender opposite what your body is - is no longer something to be treated, but an “idol” to be embraced and celebrated. • Children and teachers are encouraged to lie to parents about transitioning to the opposite sex. o Punishment for failure to adhere to the tenants of this “faith”. (Firings, suspensions, etc.) • Girls’ safe spaces being eliminated in the name of “equality.” o Sports teams, shelters, prisons • Terminology created and/or erased (i.e., “cis-gender”, “birthing- person”) • Forget science, it’s all about feelings. • Laws passed to make “gender identity” a protected class. ▪ Species confusion (anthropomorphism) is even a thing. • Coming to a school near you: “Furries”. • Animal rights’ activism places animals at a greater importance than humans. o PETA – “A rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.” • Humans bash humans as the problem plaguing this planet! o Climate change craziness, deforestation, etc. 4 o The truth: You are who God created you to be, and you are unique in all creation! ▪ Psalm 139:14 - I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. • You are “wonderfully made” and as work of God, you are “marvelous”. • There’s only one of you, and you are “spot on” in the body God put you in! ▪ Genesis 1:26-28 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” • Male and Female – two genders only for the purpose of filling the earth. • Mankind has dominion over the rest of creation – from the Hebrew word “radah,” it means to have dominance over, not equal to. o Genesis 2:18-20 - 18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. • We must always be good stewards of God’s creation, but animals are not equal to us, and we are most definitely not inferior to them! • Identity theft no. 3: The enemy attacks us in our faith through false doctrines. o The lie: “You are a close-minded bigot for believing Jesus is the only way.” ▪ Christians are considered “hateful” for holding to the Truth of the Gospel. 5 • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. • 1 Corinthians 2:14 - But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ▪ Satan loves to twist and distort Scripture and, again, has been doing it from the beginning. • Genesis 3:1,5 - “Has God indeed said”, and “you will be like God.” ▪ Works-based, or watered-down Christianity, is far more appealing to the world. • Various “Christian” cults emphasize works and de-emphasize Jesus. (Mormonism, Jehovah Witness, 7th Day Adventism, etc.) • “Love Wins” by Rob Bell – Everyone is saved (so, why was the cross necessary?) • Ecumenism – the belief that there should be cooperation among ALL religions (think: One-World Religion). o The truth: You are a lover of God and His Truth and you love people too much to let them believe a lie! ▪ 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. ▪ Acts 4:12 - Nor is there salvation in any other [than Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ▪ Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. ▪ John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ▪ Just because you don’t agree with someone doesn’t mean you don’t care about them. • You know that truth is exclusive and that what you believe has eternal consequences. You don’t want someone lost for eternity, but to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. • Identity theft no. 4 – The enemy attacks us through guilt and condemnation. o The lie: “You are guilty because of __________ .” 6 ▪ “Cancel culture” dictates that if you disagree with the “societal norms”, you are guilty and worthy of whatever derogatory name is thrown at you. • 2 Timothy 3:1-4 - But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. • Slandering (labeling or name-calling) is a common attack in this present culture. o Misogynist, homophobe, transphobe, hater, etc. • Saying or posting the “wrong thing” gets you black-listed. • Boycotts and protests against anyone that disagrees is the new normal. ▪ Racism or class warfare has become acceptable again. • Guilty for being white or for not being ashamed because you are. ▪ The enemy’s favorite ploy is to guilt-shame. • 1 Peter 5:8 - Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. o “Walks about” – Strongs 4043 peripatéō (per-ee-pat-eh’-o) to walk around in a complete circuit (to be so occupied) to get to you. o He sets the trap, then starts blaming and shaming. • He will label you to weigh you down with guilt. o Addict, over-weight, stupid, failure, lost cause, etc. o The Truth: You are a redeemed child of God! ▪ Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ▪ John 10:29 - My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ▪ Romans 8:38-39 - For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. • Once you belong to Jesus, nothing will take you from Him! 7 ▪ 1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. • You are chosen! • You are royalty! • You are Holy! • You are special! • Conclusion – Reclaim your true identity in Christ! o Satan wants you to identify as defeated, which is what he is, but we have the victory in Jesus Christ. ▪ If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, call out to Him today! • Romans 10:9-10 – If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ▪ When Jesus has paid for your sins, victory is yours! • 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 - The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. o Identity is a big deal to superheroes. ▪ Batman and Superman have the secret identities of Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent but know who they are and can use their skills and power at any time. ▪ Thor didn’t know who he was when he first came to Earth (comic book version). • He was turned into lame Donald Blake to learn humility and had no recollection of his real identity. • Once he learned his lesson, he tapped his cane and became Thor again. ▪ Too many Christians are “Donald Blake” and don’t realize (or won’t use) the power and authority they have inside through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. o The most important thing you can do when the enemy tries to steal your identity is to remember who you are! ▪ When persecution comes, and it will, remember who you are! ▪ When failure comes, and it will, remember who you are! 8 ▪ When the pressure gets to be just too much, and it will, remember who you are! ▪ You are a child of God!