And more
1. The Holy Spirit Is A Being
The Word of God tells us that the Godhead — the Trinity — is made up of three,And it’s clear that those three are three individuals — not one, not two, but three.
And thus the Holy Spirit not merely some force, power, but someone who’s real,
Someone who we can personally grieve, though hopefully not, nor from Him steal,
And by that I mean, rob Him of honour, respect and love, which we clearly do
If perceiving Him as some impersonal influence, which we shouldn’t do,
Because such is not only offensive, but can lead to self-exaltation,
Pride in that power we’ve been given, when it’s His doing, initiation.
Hence why God said, “Let us make man in our image” — that meaning: The Trinity,
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; all why we baptise in those three.
So, because the Spirit’s an individual, He can be lied to, we’re told,
Or insulted; hence why the correct facts of the matter we’re called to uphold.
You see,
We can only insult, grieve and lie to what has feelings and intelligence,
What has the ability to guide us into truth, and of that truth convince.
And thus our rejection of such grieving the Holy Spirit, who seeks to bless,
Who acts on our behalf, comforts, strengthens, inspires, and brings about progress.
Yes, these three members of the Godhead working together for our good, our best;
The love of God, the grace of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit’s communion, quest.
The latter why Christ sent the Holy Spirit on His ascension, that thereby
We be brought into fellowship with the Father and His Son, and of them buy.
And so, they can be likened to a rope made up of three stands, one and yet three,
Just as in one family there’s oft three members, yet it still one family.
Each playing their part, each having their roles, and so it is with the Holy Ghost,
The third member of the Godhead who brings about that needed change, lest we boast.
Yes, it all His doing, He choosing who receives what gift, and God’s Word tells us
That the apostles were taught by the Holy Spirit, and thus it ludicrous
To think that the apostles spoke of themselves, were victims of their culture — no,
For that insults the Spirit who even intercedes for us; and helps us know
The love of God revealed through that personal presence here on Earth below.
No, an impersonal force would hardly be a member of the trinity,
And therefore, rather than a being, would be a mere instrumentality.
We unable to go forth baptising in its name; all why He’s a being;
A force not having a mind but master — can’t think or choose — and sense agreeing.
If the Spirit was a force, Christ could’ve left it behind when He ascended,
But sending the Holy Spirit later was exactly what He intended.
And one doesn’t send a force, but exercises it, and why it’s very clear,
That the Holy Spirit is a being, and thereby, Christ’s presence very near.
Oh, what love, that when Christ returned home, He sent a comforter, someone who’s real,
And this, in order that none of us would be left alone midst any ordeal.
Someone who’d empower, help, encourage, a someone and not a something, who,
Would take Christ’s vacated place, not leaving us orphaned, and who would see us through.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 10 June 2017.
So,
turning to Scripture itself,
The Holy Spirit can be grieved:
The Holy Spirit can be lied to:
The Holy Spirit makes choices:
The Holy Spirit gives comfort; and, by the way, only came as a result of Christ departing:
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us:
This meaning, that the Holy Spirit effectively revises our flawed prayers; notes the intention of our prayers and presents them to God in an appropriate, understandable form that God can answer; moves us to pray, teaches us what to say, and even speaks through us.
The Holy Spirit testifies on behalf of Christ:
The Holy Spirit gives strength:
The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, and imparts wisdom:
The Holy Spirit inspires the prophets:
The Holy Spirit was instrumental in the birth of Jesus:
The first phase of the Holy Spirit’s work in this world is to convict the sinner.
The second phase is to convert the sinner.
The third phase is to cleanse [transform] the Christian.
The forth phase is to commission for service.
Thus the Holy Spirit is the Vicar of Christ on Earth; no human able to fulfil that role.
It's worth noting that Christ didn't do any miracles until anointed and impowered by the Holy Spirit.
And this being why I pray that the Holy Spirit will live and breathe in me.
Oh yes, Father, that He may bring about those changes I desire and need,
And so, with all my heart and soul, aware of my own inability, I plead:
More, more of the Holy Spirit! More of His power and presence so grant me!
That I may ever bring more glory to Thee, and a far greater blessing be.
Others seeing that reflection of You, that love and righteousness found in Thee,
Which only the Holy Spirit can deliver, no ability in me.
So please, Father, fill me with the Spirit, have Him change me from the inside out,
That I may soon be emptied of self, and of Your saving, changing power shout,
That I may also be faithful and true, every heavenly advancement pursue,
So that one day others may see every godly trait that resides in You.
By Lance Landall
What do we know about the Father?
The Father is the head of Christ — 1 Cor 11:3; John 14:28; 1 Cor 15:28; John 15:10
He is unchangeable — James 1:17
He has always existed and always will — Ps 90:2
He sent His Son to die on our behalf — John 3:16
He is immortal — 1 Tim 6:16
He has never been seen by mortals — 1 John 4:11,12, KJV
He is love — 1 John 4:8
He is omniscient [knows everything] — 1 John 3:20
He is omnipresent [in every place at the same time] — 2 Chron 16:9
He is omnipotent [has unlimited power] — Job 11:7
He is a God of justice — Ps 89:14; Eccl 12:14; Rom 2:13
He is merciful — Micah 7:18; Ex 34:6
He imparts grace — Titus 2:11
He has the power and authority to give life — Job 33:4; John 5:21
He is the One to whom we address our prayers (Matt 6:9; John 15:16; 16:23)
He is greater than His Son (John 14:28)
Note: Because the Father and Son have same attributes, I have concentrated more on singular aspects.
What do we know about the Son?
He does the will of His Father — John 5:30
He intercedes [pleads] before His Father on our behalf — 1 John 2:1;1 Tim 2:5,6; Heb 7:25,26; Heb 9:24
He is the head of the church — Eph 5:23; Col 1:18
He judges fallen humans — 2 Cor 5:10; Acts 17:31; John 5:27; John 5:22
He, like His Father, is unchangeable — Heb 13:8, KJV
He is Lord of the Sabbath — Mark 2:28
He is the image of His Father — Col 1:15
He can read hearts and minds — John 2:24,25
He can foretell the future — John 13:19
He created this earth — Ps 33:6,9
We can only have access to His Father through Him — John 14:6
We therefore pray in His name to the Father — John 16:23
He has coexisted with His Father from eternity — Isa 48:16; Col 1:17; John 17:5; Rev 1:8
He like his father has the power and authority to give life — John 5:21,28
He has the power and authority to destroy — 2 Thess 1:7-9; James 4:12
When on earth He left us an example to follow — 1 Peter 2:21
He died on our behalf so that we might have eternal life — Matt 20:28; 1 Thess 5:9,10; Rom 1:4; Matt 1:21
He has the right to receive worship — Phil 2:10; Dan 7:14 (Note also Rev 19:6)
He forgives — Mark 2:5
He sent the Holy Spirit — John 15:26, KJV
And more about Christ:
Christ left His heavenly kingdom and Father behind to be born a man [flesh and blood], a Jew, via virgin birth in a stable in Bethlehem, planet earth.
He was circumcised on the eighth day.
He was raised by Mary and Joseph, worked alongside Joseph as a carpenter, and until the age of thirty lived in a little mountain village called Nazareth.
He lived on earth for a total of thirty three and a half years.
He never married, had a family, owned a home, nor sought to set up an earthly kingdom.
He ministered itinerantly for three and a half years after His baptism by John the Baptist at thirty years of age but not before spending forty days in the wilderness.
He chose twelve men as His disciples.
He became the second Adam, was physically the same as us [suffered thirst, pain, tiredness], had our human nature but not our fallen nature — had no inclination [desire] to sin nor natural tendency [propensity] to sin.
He was tempted as we are, could have fallen but didn’t.
He never sinned, complained, or succumbed, and finally, He succeeded where the first Adam failed.
He was largely rejected by His own, was condemned and delivered up by Jewish ecclesiastical leaders to be crucified by the ruling Roman power.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
He was wrongly accused, suffered terribly inflicted pain, bore our cross, the weight of our sins, giving His life that we might live.
There, at the cross, He sought the well-being of His earthy mother, Mary, given that Joseph had passed away by then.
He died after six hours on the cross and was laid in a borrowed grave.
There, at the cross, type met antitype,
He gained the victory, conquered death, arose from the grave, received His Father’s approval.
His resurrection body consisted of flesh and bones also.
He ascended to Heaven forty days after He had arisen and sent the Holy Spirit who convicts, empowers, and sanctifies.
He now reigns on high acting as our advocate, mediator, High Priest, and there judges mankind.
He is our Saviour, Lord, and King, Head of the Christian Church, and is the image of His Father.
He offers all eternal life.
He forgives the repentant who choose to walk according to His will, imparts His free gift of unmerited grace, and is preparing homes in Heaven for the saved.
He has been delaying His coming in the hope that more might be saved, but shortly, He will be returning in great glory, surrounded by angels. There’ll be a shout, a trumpet sound, and flashes of lightening.
He will live amongst the saved eternally, His great sacrifice and love forever displayed on His hands.
Did Jesus Have Long Hair?
No, because Jesus was not a Nazirite.
It was Nazirites who grew their hair long, and in accordance with certain vows they took, hence Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist. In fact, the apostle Paul states that it is shameful for a man to grow his hair long (1 Cor 11:14,15); he clearly supporting God's creational intent regarding the importance of the gender distinctions.
Woe to those who say that it gave Christ an advantage, ’cause wrong indeed they stand.
Though what if He had had an advantage? Praise be! It all about grace, mercy,
Salvation not earned but gifted, and thus such immaterial, if you ask me.
But how could it be otherwise, Christ the morally unblemished lamb, sin free,
Only His body showing the results of the Fall, He tiring easily.
Yes, He both human and divine, it how it had to be, or lost we’d have been,
Christ’s perfect obedience saving the day, we thus without feathers to preen.
Oh yes, Christ still could’ve sinned, fallen, but He didn’t, having no bent that way,
He repulsed by sin, those selfish, rebellious, cruel, corrupted things done each day.
Oh, how it must have pained His moral sensitivity, holy purity,
Yes, that loving heart of His, it all foreign, unheavenly territory.
But in order to help here:
When we become more loving and righteous — Christ-like — gain same sensitivity,
We too are pained more, repulsed more, but nowhere near to the same degree as He.
Oh, how Christ must have struggled so, and knowing He could’ve used His power too
(Especially when spat upon, He God!), but no, He held back and saw it through.
Yes, think of how He must have been tempted, yet sinned not, so who would dare to say
That Christ somehow had an advantage because of that pre-Fall nature — no way!
Such more than outweighed by the sheer challenge of His mission, that cross that He bore,
Both on Calvary and Earth in general, the experience cruel and raw.
You see, we’ve got so used to this Earth, and have developed a taste for what’s ill,
All why few fully surrender their all, good and evil battling with the will.
And some of us coming kicking and screaming, dragging our feet, or so it seems,
Still caught up in our selfish, earthly desires — yes, not so heavenly dreams.
And Christ having to face that resistance on Earth, even total rejection,
His own disowning Him; not a Capitol Hill but Golgotha insurrection.
Yes, we born sinners, having the post-Fall nature of Adam, but not Jesus;
Otherwise, He would’ve been just like us — a sinner — unable to save us.
We might feel the weight of our sins, but Christ felt the weight of the sins of the world;
And in His hands the key to His and our eternal loss or gain dauntingly held.
One slip and all would’ve been lost, and hence that pre-Fall nature necessity,
Though Christ still could’ve sinned, fallen, but without it, forget it, doomed we would be.
Yes, one slip (as with Adam); and some thinking Christ had an advantage, dear me,
When all we have to do is repent, accept His grace and follow willingly.
So why would any argue over that pre-Fall nature, and lest they might boast,
Thinking they could earn their salvation, when its all about Christ and the Holy Ghost.
No, can’t have a Saviour with a fallen nature, He shot to begin with, and
In need of a spotless lamb too, no better than us — so, dismissed out of hand!
The first Adam having already slipped, and thus a slip Christ couldn’t afford,
All why that post-Fall nature some deem He did have, is an insult to our Lord.
By Lance Landall
By clicking on the following link you can read a much earlier poem
on the same subject: That's An Oxymoron.
a) Adam was a pure, sinless being. a) Christ was a sinless, holy, humanity.
b) Adam was innocent. b) Christ was innocent.
c) Adam was without a taint of sin. c) Christ’s spiritual nature was free from every taint of sin.
d) Adam had no natural tendencies towards evil. d) Christ had no natural tendencies towards evil.
e) It was possible for Adam to form a righteous character. e) Christ perfected a character of perfect obedience
(Rom 5:19).
f) Adam could fall and in fact did (Rom 5:19). f) Christ could have fallen but did not.
g) Adam failed on one point — in Eden (Gen chapter 3). g) Christ succeeded on all points — in the wilderness
(Matt 4:1-11).
h) Purity was lost. h) Purity was maintained.
i) What comes to us from the first Adam because of his disobedience (Rom 5:12-21) — sin, judgment,
condemnation and death.
i) What comes to us from the second Adam [Christ] because of His obedience through the new birth by grace
through faith (Rom 5:12-21) — righteousness, justification, sanctification, eternal life.
Yes, that same God who created planet Earth, and us too, and miracles was seen to perform.
A Son whose divinity, when He walked upon the Earth, was simply clothed with humanity,
An only Son who surrendered His divine power to His Father’s will, humbly and willingly.
Therefore, such divine power Christ never used but for approved times, and indeed each miracle,
Though He did display a supernatural knowledge; could read the heart and certain things foretell.
But given His divine power, oh, how hard it must have been for Him to exercise restraint,
Given the shocking way in which He was oft treated, and yet amazingly, without complaint.
Oh yes, that baby in the manger was God the Son alright — Jesus — who came via virgin birth,
Free of sinful traits and propensities, and who never once sinned while He was here on the Earth.
One who though He became a human being like us, never ceased to be God — that is, God the Son,
And who via His sinless life, perfect obedience, and Calvary, the victory won.
Though Christ took the nature of man in its fallen state that bore the physical results of sin,
He didn’t take its sinfulness, but just its post-Fall now natural deterioration.
Hence why He was subject to those infirmities and weaknesses that so plague humanity,
Leaving one physically and emotionally drained, and even feeling very poorly.
Yes, not entirely like Adam before the Fall, not entirely like Adam after the Fall,
But able to be tempted though, and certainly He suffered, and on His Father had to call.
A living God who took our nature in every sense, but without its sinful propensities,
And who never sinned, never used His power to His advantage, nor to somehow His lot ease.
Though our Brother in our infirmities, not so in possessing like passions (that see us fall),
’Cause Christ had a sinless moral nature, uncorrupted like ours; we being sinners who must gall.
Therefore, Christ’s suffering was all the more intense, and those temptations He faced far greater too,
’Cause He recoiled from sin, had surrendered His divine power, was aware what His foes would do.
It took an unblemished Lamb like that one daily sacrificed in the earthly sanctuary,
One who throughout His life on Earth, knew that one slip would cost us that grace that grants eternity.
Oh, the weight He must’ve felt, the anguish and pain He must’ve endured, and all for you and I,
And given our sin sick state, our petty selfish rebelliousness, one can’t help wondering, “Why?”
By Lance Landall
We’re told of a resurrection day, a future day when Christ will raise the dead,
He arriving with a cry of command, the voice of an Archangel, it’s said.
And Jude talks about Michael the Archangel, which seems to add strength to the view
That Jesus is that Archangel, He who’ll give life to those who’re faithful and true.
And the dead will rise first, we’re told, then we who’re still alive, meeting in the air,
Christ the one who raises the dead, not angels, the inference seemingly clear.
Only He having the power, and thus it His command, His voice that’s longed for,
And He having the right given He died on Calvary and all our sins bore.
We’re also told that Michael and his angels fought Lucifer and his angels,
Michael and his angels winning though; and that word “his” surely ringing more bells.
“His” implying ownership, and we all knowing that the Great Controversy
Is all about that battle between Christ and Satan, now over you and me.
It would appear that Michael’s another emblematic name for Christ, and so,
Given the battle between good and evil, Christ leading the charge ’gainst His foe.
Satan our foe too; and arch meaning (Greek NT) chief, greatest, which Christ is,
And hence why as Michael the Archangel, the coming victory will be His.
Yes, Satan simply a usurper who desired what wasn’t his, and so,
Come that trumpet call of God to the dead, just who’s in charge, everyone will know.
No mere angel leading this charge, but the Archangel, the highest of the high,
Michael, Jesus Himself, His return first appearing like a dot in the sky,
He not just returning for the saved, but to end mankind’s evil, judgment nigh.
If it was just an angel who fought Satan above, and who’ll call forth the dead,
Where would that place Jesus, who, even over the Church on Earth, is its head?
No, Christ not taking some back seat, but both in Heaven and on Earth, at the helm,
He the greatest messenger of all, the One who banished Satan from His realm.
Christ has an amazing message for the world, thus He likened to an angel,
Angels being messengers, and thus the title archangel fitting Him well.
All why I lean on the side of Michael the Archangel being Christ our Lord,
Who, come His return, and at the sound of His voice, all the faithful will reward.
By Lance Landall
According to 1 Thess 4:6, the "voice of the archangel" is associated with the resurrection of the saints
at the coming of Jesus. Christ declared that the dead will come forth from their graves when they
hear the voice of the Son of Man (John 5:28). Thus Michael can only be Jesus himself.
And yes, love — all these being the very essence of the One who reigns above.
Thus love’s not more central to the nature of God than His other attributes,
Like righteousness too, and therefore, we not just picking out the one thing that suits.
We can highlight God’s love when making a point, but love doesn’t carry more weight
Than God is truth, or anything else He is, and hence the evildoer’s fate.
We not tolerating wrong in our midst either, such tolerance hardly love,
But unfaithfulness, and so, we rebuking sin, acting just like God above.
In other words, we having no part in a compromised Christianity
Simply in order to appear more loving, and thus erring doctrinally.
So out with fuzzy thinking, platitudes, slogans, a feelings based religion
That just makes being a Christian easier and less costly, and shelters sin.
By Lance Landall
For it’s God Almighty they’re seeking, and why here, I believe they’ve lost the plot.
And why I’ve reason to wonder what well they’ve been drinking from, for this I know:
Our heavenly Father should be approached with the uttermost respect, but oh…
How folk err, they even approaching Christ instead (when they’ve been told otherwise),
We only ending our prayers in Christ’s name — though here too, rudeness just as unwise —
For though Jesus is our friend, He’s still the ruler of the universe, a king,
One who despite also being our Saviour, His warned of sword of justice will bring.
Yes, He no casual, liberal, anything goes kind of mate, but Divine,
A Holy, righteous, Creator God, who in the sand, has drawn many a line.
And He a judge and lawgiver; and as far as that Law goes, where should it be?
But written on our hearts, respect and obedience springing forth naturally.
And all why there shouldn’t be any “Hey, God” coming from our lips, but rather
(And in tune with Scripture), a thoughtful, mindful, rightful, “Dear heavenly Father.”
And we ending our daily prayers with, “This we ask in accordance with Your will,
And in Jesus’ name, Amen,” thus not in some way that disappoints, doesn’t gel.
By Lance Landall
“ ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the
Father will give you whatever you ask in My name’ ” (John 15:16, NIV).
“ ‘In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything
in My name, He will give it to you’ ” (John 16:23, NASB).
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us”
(1 John 5:14, NIV).
“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ ” (James 4:15, NIV).
“ ‘Our Father in heaven… Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…’ ” (Matt 6:9,10, NIV).
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get
on pleasures” (James 4:3, NIV).
Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9, KJV).
Over the years I’ve noticed how when many Christians pray,
They address the Father’s Son which is not the correct way.
For whenever we kneel down and begin to say our prayers,
We’re to address the Father, not Jesus, Scripture declares.
We’ve direct access to the Father because of His Son,
That is, via the cross — what Jesus (on our behalf) has done.
Hence why we end our prayers in Christ’s name, the submissive One,
For there’s an order in Heaven too, even though they are as one.
Yes, even Christ submits to His Father’s will, so why not we?
Thus, whenever we pray, we should do so respectfully.
That is, we should not bypass the Father, God Almighty,
Displaying contempt or ignorance, and acting rudely.
When Christ was on Earth, He taught His disciples how to pray,
Beginning, “Our Father...” (meaning, His Father), which we’re to say.
So why are some Christians teaching children differently,
Who when they’re older may still begin their prayers incorrectly?
Does it matter? Yes, it does, for it undermines Scripture,
And in the minds of many places a faulty picture.
We’ve a duty to uphold truth, not that which shouldn't be,
And to act in accordance with God’s will, not differently.
Each member of the Trinity has a role that they play,
And in this case, it’s to the Father that we’re told to pray.
Or we’ll muddy those waters that God wants kept crystal-clear,
Flowing from heavenly fountains that cleanse and rightly steer.
So how do we get this wrong when the Scriptures are so clear,
Praying to Jesus, when it’s the Father waiting to hear?
It’s like talking to Bob when it’s Roger one should speak to,
And sometimes that’s the problem, and why things can go askew.
By Lance Landall
"... and the head of Christ is God [the Father]" (1 Cor 11:3, ESV)
"'I [Christ] ... seek to do not My own will but the will of Him [the Father] who sent me'" (John 5:30)
"'I and the Father are one'" (John 10:30, ESV)
“After this manner therefore pray ye: [that is, after this pattern, not necessarily after these identical words – a pattern
in context but not necessarily in form] OUR FATHER [Christ’s father] which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name”
(Matt 6:9, KJV).
“Verily, verily, I [Christ] say unto you, Whatsoever ye ASK THE FATHER [Christ’s father] IN MY NAME [Christ being the mediator], HE [the Father] will give it to you [if it’s in accordance with His will]” (John 16:23, KJV).
“ ‘You did not choose Me but I chose you [the apostles]. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit [be successful in their mission], fruit will last, so that the FATHER WILL GIVE YOU whatever you ask [according to His conditions] IN MY NAME [Christ’s]’ ” (John 15:16).
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him [confidence in approaching Him], that if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL He hears us” (1 John 5:14, ESV).
“Instead, you ought to say, ‘IF IT IS THE LORD'S WILL, we will live and do this or that [we are not to presume upon God]’ ” (James 4:15, NIV). Note also 2 Cor 12:8,9.
Christians take Your name in vain, for many improperly, “Oh my God!” cry.
Could it be they’re unaware that by such they You defame,
For the third Commandment says don’t misuse Your Holy name.
Surely when we use Your name we should treat it with respect,
For according to Your Word, that is one thing You expect.
You’re a very Holy God, an almighty righteous King,
Thus, using Your name wrongly, Your displeasure soon must bring.
It seems that some forget, Lord, You’ve said You’re unchangeable,
So all that’s done regarding You, should still fit Your stated will.
And Your will is conveyed, Lord, very clearly via Scripture,
Where also is presented a very telling picture.
We’re told in Revelation Holy beings fall before You,
So surely fallen mortals even more so such should do.
If the un-fallen beings honour You in such a way,
It’s clear that we must also the same reverence display.
You’re not just a common man, You’re a King enthroned on high,
You, Lord, rule the universe, angels gather at Your cry.
The stars and every planet You command to stay in place,
And You, Lord, the breathe of life, daily grant the human race.
No wonder Heavenly beings prostrate themselves before You,
For they, Lord, are well aware of the honour that You’re due.
They live to exalt You, Lord, and irreverent would not be,
And they treat Your Holy name as reverently as they treat Thee.
Therefore, I sincerely pray You’ll help every Christian see
That taking Your name in vain very deeply offends Thee.
Please help us act like angels who zealously Thee exalt,
And who out of love for Thee, Your name would never assault.
By Lance Landall
“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name…” (Matthew 6:9, NIV).
“...Holy and awesome is His name…” (Psalms 111:9, NASB).
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone
guiltless who misuses His name” (Exodus 20:7, NIV).
Food for thought.
'Cause no photo exists providing the necessary verification.
Therefore, could all those pictures that we're seeing, be a misrepresentation,
And might it be that they portray someone else (unworthy of adoration)?
Could there not be a danger here, that such portrayals might very well convey
An image that unpleasantly reminds someone of another who's made of clay?
Yes, one who during their life time, caused them a great deal of misery and pain,
Someone who very selfishly sought not sacrifice but some personal gain.
Tell me, why is it that Christ is often pictured with that long hair that we see?
'Cause as I understand it, His hair would've been short, befitting masculinity.
Therefore, could it be that we have got this wrong, and maybe some other things too,
That have our Lord and Saviour pictured in a way that is very far from true?
And say, isn't a picture an image, because we know such mustn’t be made;
That is, an image that depicts the Godhead, 'cause such images God forbade.
Yes, any image, according to the second Commandment, God has outlawed,
'Cause such deeply offends the true creator God, the bona fide risen Lord.
And say, is there also not a danger here, that once such images are made,
That someone, somewhere, sometime, those very representations might degrade?
You see, something that is done in ignorance, and even prompted by the heart,
Can usher in serious abuses that a wrongful future path then chart.
Images are often found where Christian worship is being abused and defiled,
And history bears witness that via such, God was (and still is) very soon riled.
You see, images are nothing but substitutes that attention wrongly get,
Be such pictures perhaps — and certainly so, a crucifix or statuette.
But surely it is also unethical, as well as biblically wrong,
To incorrectly portray Jesus via features that simply do not belong.
But all this is exactly what can happen once such images are wrongly made,
And what can be expected when the Word of God is altered and disobeyed.
What are angels?
Angels are supernatural beings that God has created.
Angels act as representatives or messengers of God (Ps 103:20,21). They do His bidding (Mark 13:26,27). The word “angel” means simply a messenger, a delegate, a courier, one who is sent to bear a message and thus represent another.
Angels show great reverence and respect in the presence of God, in recognition of His majesty, holiness and power (Rev 7:11).
Angels sing praises to God (Rev 5:11,12; 19:1-8).
Christ often referred to angels (Matt 13:41; 18:10; 22:30; 25:41; Luke 15:10).
Angels are superior to humans (Heb 2:7).
Angels are not made of flesh and blood like us (Heb 1:14; Luke 24:36-39).
Angels don’t marry (Mark 12:25).
Angels have incredible strength. Their strength is way beyond that of humans (2 Peter 2:10,11; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Isa 37:36; Matt 28:2-4).
God’s Word speaks of thousands and thousands of these supernatural beings (Rev 5:11; Dan 7:10; Matt 26:53).
Angels minister to humans, aid, help (Heb 1:14; Dan 6:22; Ps 91:11; 34:7; 1 Kings 19:7; Gen 19:15).
Each human has a guardian angel (Matt 18:10).
Angels are able to appear in human form where and when required (Heb 13:2).
Angels rejoice when people are converted to Christ (Luke 15:10).
Christians are forbidden to worship angels (Rev 19:10; 22:8,9). Only God is to be worshiped (Heb 1:6).
Angels do not know the exact time Christ will return to earth (Matt 24:36).
What about wicked angels?
Satan is an evil angel, not that he always was though, for once he lived in Heaven with God, was in charge of all the other angels, and was called Lucifer.
Sadly, Satan became full of pride (Isa 14:12-14), and rebelled against God.
He along with the angels who sided with him was removed from heaven (Ezek 28:14-16; Rev 12:7-9,12).
The angels who sided with Satan are now evil angels too who work with him to cause as much trouble and suffering as they can (Eph 6:12; Rev 12:17; 1 Peter 5:8).
These evil angels try to mislead humans, distort God’s Word (1 Tim 4:1), and will attempt to deceive the world with amazing supernatural acts, signs and wonders (2 Thess 2:9-11; 2 Cor 11:14,15; Rev 13:13,14).
These angels also work through human agencies to acheive their ends, hence false teachers, false prophets, false messiahs, and those New Age gurus doing the rounds (Matt 7:22,23; 24:24; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 4:3,4; 1 John 4:1; Rev 16:13,14).
Thus Christians need to be on constant guard (Eph 6:10,11).
And Christians are strongly warned to keep right away from the territory of evil angels, the occult (Eph 5:11; Deut 18:10-12, KJV; Mal 3:5; Rev 21:8; 22:15; Gal 5:19-21; 2 Kings 23:24; Lev 19:3; 20:27; Ex 22:18, KJV; Isa 8:19,20; Acts 16:16,18; 19:18,19).
In God’s Word Satan is also referred to as the “devil” (Rev 12:12), the “dragon” (Rev 12:13), the “serpent” (Gen 3:13) and the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
Satan will soon be destroyed (Rev 20:10), along with his evil angels (2 Peter 2:4).
God knew that if He had immediately destroyed Satan when he rebelled, the remaining inhabitants of heaven would have followed Him out of fear, and not because of love for Him. God did not want His subjects to fear Him. Respect Him, yes, but not fear Him. He also wanted His subjects to have the freedom to be able to think and choose for themselves. God isn’t a dictator who wants mere robots. God knew that He would have to let the full impact of Satan's actions be shown [what they would lead to that is], and He knew that would take some time. But that way, the remaining inhabitants of heaven, and the inhabitants of other worlds He has created (Heb 1:2; 11:3), will eventually be able to see that He was right and not Satan.
More:
Satan and his evil angels [demons], who were cast out of heaven, have been busy attempting to fool (John 8:44) and ensnare (1 Peter 5:8) humanity by:
1) Cleverly packaging deceptions, e.g. supernatural occurrences, apparitions [ghosts—actually evil angels], miracles, unidentified flying objects [which become distractions], etc.
2) Distorting truth, mixing truth with error, outright lies, making what is wrong look right, making what is good look bad.
3) Making fiction and fantasy more attractive [or seem more real] to us.
Satan’s territory includes the following, which Christians have been warned to leave alone:
1) Attempting to communicate with the dead via mediums, séances, Ouija Boards, etc.
2) Attempting to tell the future via clairvoyants, psychics, astrology, tarot cards, palmistry, etc.
3) Involvement in any rituals, and practices associated with the occult, e.g. Satanic ceremonies, books, items, clothing, white magic, symbols [supposedly having magical properties], etc.
4) The use of things supposedly containing supernatural powers, e.g. crystals, amulets [used to ward off spells], etc.
5) The playing of games, the reading of books/material or watching of movies/videos that contain [entertainment wise], e.g. ghosts, wizards, sorcerers, hobgoblins, trolls, dragons, vampires, werewolves, Zombies, fairies, witches, spells, magic, gods, occult symbols, witchcraft, encompasses fairy tales, legends, etc.
6) Observing the likes of Halloween [witches holiday], St. John’s Eve [midsummer witches celebration], Yule [midwinter witch festival] — dressing up as witches, wizards, etc.
7) Practicing Satanism [the religion devoted to the worship of the devil] with all its associated rituals, Voodoo [a religion that uses magic, communes with the dead, etc], etc.
God has absolutely forbidden Christians to enter Satan’s realm in any form (Deut 18:10-12; Lev 19:3; 20:27; Mal 3:5; Ex 22:18; Isa 8:19,20; Acts 16:16,18; 19:18,19), because —
1) It is a realm that is in total opposition to God [anti-Christ], and all that He stands for.
2) It is the realm of darkness, falsehood, and evil.
3) It is dangerous [one can become possessed by demons as a result, who don’t like letting go, and whose desire is to harm and destroy humans].
4) Those who involve themselves in this realm will not receive eternal life (Rev 21:8; 22:15; Gal 5:19-21), unless they repent.
5) It is a realm that Satan will use to bring about a major End-time deception (Rev 13:13,14; 16:13,14) that will fool (2 Thess 2:9-11; Rev 19:20; 13:13,14; John 8:44) most of the inhabitants of this earth, including Christians [who will think God is behind it, that it has His blessing] (Matt 7:22,23), leading to their destruction along with Satan and his evil angels (Rev 20:10,15). The delusions that Satan will use regarding this End-time deception will be so subtle [cleverly disguised] that almost everyone will accept them as reality [true, fact, real] (Matt 24:24). These delusions will be presented in a way [whether by word or action] that will make them appear acceptable, wonderful, and spiritual [Godly]. However, Satan has been very busy preparing people for this End-time deception for some time (1 John 4:1; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Cor 11:14,15). Christians who have been allowing themselves to be entertained by things that belong to Satan’s realm, will not so easily recognize the real thing when it occurs, or won’t see it for the danger that it is, and thus will be caught out. Many, for example, will mistake Satan’s cruel deceptions for God’s miracles.
“Abomination” is the severest word used in the Bible to describe something that is offensive to God, and He uses it when talking about the territory of Satan (Deut 18:10-12, KJV). In Old Testament times God sent His prophets to strongly warn His people not to get involved in such activities (Mal 3:5). And the New Testament upholds such warnings (Rev 21:8; 22:15; Gal 5:19-21). King Josiah [the grandson of King Manasseh who angered God with his involvement in the spiritualistic (2 Chronicles 33:6, KJV)] attempted to avert the coming judgment of God by getting rid of the mediums and sorcerers, including those who consulted them (2 Kings 23:24). God does not make a distinction between “good” sorcerers and “bad” ones, or “good” wizards and “bad” ones, as is commonly conveyed via books and movies, etc [e.g. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings]. They are all part of the forbidden realm and all are an abomination in God’s eyes, and it is the Christian’s duty to expose and condemn this realm and all that is associated with it (Eph 5:11; 6:10,11,12, this one NIV; 2 Cor 6:4; 1 Tim 4:1; Col 2:8). It is willful and serious sin when we knowingly set out to gain pleasure from what God calls an “abomination.” Such action places us in a very dangerous position regarding our salvation (Heb 10:26,27; James 4:17).
Sometimes pictured with two horns and a pitchfork, and midst flames rising from some Hell.
Yes, comics and books often presenting him in some strange form, when that’s not so,
’Cause Satan was a beautiful being, the highest of the angels, and so,
Were one actually able to see him today, nobility would still show,
Albeit marred by evil eyes, a posture that now reveals a deadly foe.
Total corruption having taken its toll, but a majesticness still there,
He no weird looking creature, but evil personified, thus likely to scare.
And he having powers beyond those of ours, powers he uses wickedly,
And all in order to mislead and ensnare, hence those ghosts that appear, you see.
They simply him or those angels who rebelled with him, tricks and lies their forte,
And thus many who tinker with the occult not realising with whom they play.
I suppose one could see him as an evil James Bond, all why the Bible states
He’s able to transform himself into an angel of light, yet how he hates.
He far from loving and righteous, and the master of deception, which is why
We need to know exactly what we’re up against, and not those strange ideas buy.
Yes, his likeness no doubt more in keeping with a handsome but aged James Bond, who
Rather than chasing villains is a villain himself, plain nasty through and through.
But successful because he’s able to beguile, most not seeing him coming,
He kind of like that roguish but friendly neighbour who some clever tune’s humming.
No, no pointed ears, no horns on head, or any other imagined thing, which
Is often found in the same territory as some troll, gnome, wizard or witch.
All of such Satan’s invention, and which hides the truth about him, an angel,
Who, though pure, beautiful, gifted and privileged, pridefully chose to rebel.
And so, take a good looking person, fill them with anger and corruption, and
Such and age will show over the years, but they’ll still have good looks, lets understand.
Or at least vestiges, and so it is with Satan, all why those horns are out,
That pitchfork too, because he too was once made in the image of God, no doubt.
By Lance Landall
And where does man fit?
Man was created by God Himself, and in His image (Col 1:16; Rev 4:11; Gen 1:26,27; Gen 2:7).
Man is now a fallen being (Rom 5:12).
Man is now mortal, unlike God (Gen 3:24; 1 Tim 6:16; Job 4:17, KJV).
Man cannot attain righteousness nor secure eternity of himself (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8,9; Phil 2:13; John 15:5).
Man has been given the responsibility of taking care of this planet (Gen 1:26).
Man was commissioned to populate the Earth (Gen 1:28).
Man is not a spirit being but is comprised of flesh and bone.
Man is a little lower than the angels (Heb 2:7).
Man has been given freedom of choice and thus chooses his own destiny (Matt 7:21; Mark 16:16).
Man can’t receive immortality until Christ’s return (1 Cor 15:51-53, KJV).
The Holy Spirit can be grieved:
“And
do not grieve
the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of
redemption” (Eph 4:30, NIV).
The Holy Spirit can be lied to:
“But
Peter
said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie
to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price
of the land?’ ” (Acts 5:3, NIV).
The Holy Spirit can be insulted:of the land?’ ” (Acts 5:3, NIV).
“How
much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has
trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean
the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of
grace?”
(Heb 10:29, NASB).
(Heb 10:29, NASB).
The Holy Spirit makes choices:
“All
these
are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots
to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses”
(1 Cor 12:11, NRSV).
(1 Cor 12:11, NRSV).
The Holy Spirit gives comfort; and, by the way, only came as a result of Christ departing:
“Nevertheless
I
tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for
if I go not away, the Comforter
[the Holy
Spirit] will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:7,8, KJV). Note also John 15:26.
Spirit] will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:7,8, KJV). Note also John 15:26.
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us:
This meaning, that the Holy Spirit effectively revises our flawed prayers; notes the intention of our prayers and presents them to God in an appropriate, understandable form that God can answer; moves us to pray, teaches us what to say, and even speaks through us.
“In
the
same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know
how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes
for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches
the hearts knows what the mind
of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26,27, NASB).
of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26,27, NASB).
The Holy Spirit testifies on behalf of Christ:
“
‘When the Advocate comes [the Holy Spirit], whom I will send to
you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the
Father, he will testify
on my behalf’ ” (John 15:26).
The Holy Spirit gives strength:
“May
the
God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power
of the holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13, NIV).
The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, and imparts wisdom:
“These
things
God has revealed to us [the apostles] through
the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even
the depths of God. And we speak of these things in words not
taught by human wisdom but taught
by the Spirit,
interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual” (1 Cor 2:10,13). Note also 1 Thess 2:13.
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, " even the Spirit
of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He
dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:16,17, NKJV).
interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual” (1 Cor 2:10,13). Note also 1 Thess 2:13.
The Holy Spirit helps us:
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, " even the Spirit
of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He
dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:16,17, NKJV).
The Holy Spirit inspires the prophets:
“For
no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit
spoke from God”
(2 Peter 1:21, NASB).
(2 Peter 1:21, NASB).
The Holy Spirit was instrumental in the birth of Jesus:
“Now
the
birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had
been betrothed to Joseph, before they
came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit” (Matt 1:18, NASB).
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God’ ” (John 3:5, NASB).
came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit” (Matt 1:18, NASB).
The early believers understood the
Holy Spirit to be a being:
Christ spoke of the Holy Spirit as a distinct being:
The expressions "love of the Spirit" (Rom 15:30) and "the Holy Spirit of God" (Eph 4:30) reveal that love and holiness are part of the Holy Spirit's nature.
Scriptures referring to the triune God describe the Spirit as a person (Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14).
The Holy Spirit appears to fulfil the role of executor (Matt 1:18-20; Gen 1:2).
"For
it has seemed good
to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no
greater burden than theses requirements"
(Acts 15:28, ESV).
(Acts 15:28, ESV).
Christ spoke of the Holy Spirit as a distinct being:
"He [the Holy
Spirit] will glorify Me [Christ], for He
will take what is Mine and declare it to you" (John 16:14,
ESV).
"According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit..." (1 Peter 1:2, NASB).
The Holy Spirit sanctifies:
"According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit..." (1 Peter 1:2, NASB).
The expressions "love of the Spirit" (Rom 15:30) and "the Holy Spirit of God" (Eph 4:30) reveal that love and holiness are part of the Holy Spirit's nature.
Scriptures referring to the triune God describe the Spirit as a person (Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14).
The Holy Spirit appears to fulfil the role of executor (Matt 1:18-20; Gen 1:2).
And note this:
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God’ ” (John 3:5, NASB).
The first phase of the Holy Spirit’s work in this world is to convict the sinner.
The second phase is to convert the sinner.
The third phase is to cleanse [transform] the Christian.
The forth phase is to commission for service.
Thus the Holy Spirit is the Vicar of Christ on Earth; no human able to fulfil that role.
It's worth noting that Christ didn't do any miracles until anointed and impowered by the Holy Spirit.
2. No Ability In me
Dear loving and righteous Father in Heaven, I so want to be more like Thee,And this being why I pray that the Holy Spirit will live and breathe in me.
Oh yes, Father, that He may bring about those changes I desire and need,
And so, with all my heart and soul, aware of my own inability, I plead:
More, more of the Holy Spirit! More of His power and presence so grant me!
That I may ever bring more glory to Thee, and a far greater blessing be.
Others seeing that reflection of You, that love and righteousness found in Thee,
Which only the Holy Spirit can deliver, no ability in me.
So please, Father, fill me with the Spirit, have Him change me from the inside out,
That I may soon be emptied of self, and of Your saving, changing power shout,
That I may also be faithful and true, every heavenly advancement pursue,
So that one day others may see every godly trait that resides in You.
By Lance Landall
What do we know about the Father?
The Father is the head of Christ — 1 Cor 11:3; John 14:28; 1 Cor 15:28; John 15:10
He is unchangeable — James 1:17
He has always existed and always will — Ps 90:2
He sent His Son to die on our behalf — John 3:16
He is immortal — 1 Tim 6:16
He has never been seen by mortals — 1 John 4:11,12, KJV
He is love — 1 John 4:8
He is omniscient [knows everything] — 1 John 3:20
He is omnipresent [in every place at the same time] — 2 Chron 16:9
He is omnipotent [has unlimited power] — Job 11:7
He is a God of justice — Ps 89:14; Eccl 12:14; Rom 2:13
He is merciful — Micah 7:18; Ex 34:6
He imparts grace — Titus 2:11
He has the power and authority to give life — Job 33:4; John 5:21
He is the One to whom we address our prayers (Matt 6:9; John 15:16; 16:23)
He is greater than His Son (John 14:28)
Note: Because the Father and Son have same attributes, I have concentrated more on singular aspects.
What do we know about the Son?
He does the will of His Father — John 5:30
He intercedes [pleads] before His Father on our behalf — 1 John 2:1;1 Tim 2:5,6; Heb 7:25,26; Heb 9:24
He is the head of the church — Eph 5:23; Col 1:18
He judges fallen humans — 2 Cor 5:10; Acts 17:31; John 5:27; John 5:22
He, like His Father, is unchangeable — Heb 13:8, KJV
He is Lord of the Sabbath — Mark 2:28
He is the image of His Father — Col 1:15
He can read hearts and minds — John 2:24,25
He can foretell the future — John 13:19
He created this earth — Ps 33:6,9
We can only have access to His Father through Him — John 14:6
We therefore pray in His name to the Father — John 16:23
He has coexisted with His Father from eternity — Isa 48:16; Col 1:17; John 17:5; Rev 1:8
He like his father has the power and authority to give life — John 5:21,28
He has the power and authority to destroy — 2 Thess 1:7-9; James 4:12
When on earth He left us an example to follow — 1 Peter 2:21
He died on our behalf so that we might have eternal life — Matt 20:28; 1 Thess 5:9,10; Rom 1:4; Matt 1:21
He has the right to receive worship — Phil 2:10; Dan 7:14 (Note also Rev 19:6)
He forgives — Mark 2:5
He sent the Holy Spirit — John 15:26, KJV
Mutual service.
Division of labour.
Unity.
Division of labour.
Unity.
3. The Godhead
The Godhead — known as the Trinity — is made up of three,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who rule universally.
They’re three separate beings who are righteous and Holy,
They’re the Godhead who’ve always ruled -- and will, eternally.
Think of a rope with three strands: Though one rope, it’s made up of three,
It’s the same with the Godhead, hence they’re called the Trinity.
Three beings with different functions, ruling as one, above,
Working together for you and I because of their great love.
A father, mother and child are called one family,
Yes, they number three, but they operate as one, you see.
They function differently, yet work together as one,
For where there’s a multiple, that’s the way things are best done.
Let’s digress: Some falsely think the Holy Spirit’s a force,
When the Spirit’s a being — this fact, the Scriptures endorse.
Yes, the proof’s in the Bible, take a look and you will see
That a being, not a force, is working unceasingly.
Via Scripture, we’re told the Holy Spirit can be lied to.
Now, you can’t lie to a force — this, commonsense knows is true.
We’re told the Holy Spirit can be insulted, even grieved,
Hence, the Spirit’s not a force, if Scripture’s to be believed.
We’re told the Spirit chooses the spiritual gifts we get,
Interprets our prayers, comforts us when with troubles we’re beset.
That the Spirit brings about change, empowers us too,
Enabling the repentant so the Father’s will they’ll do.
The Spirit convicts of truth, acts on Christ’s behalf, ours too,
The Spirit inspires prophets, imparts God’s love, blessings too.
Though the Spirit may act like a force, the Spirit’s a being;
Of this I’ve no doubt, for in Scripture, such I’m clearly seeing.
By Lance Landall
“ ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ ” (Matt 28:19).
The Godhead is what we call God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, when we are referring to all three.
They are three separate beings, who all work together in harmony (Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:13; Gen 3:22; 1:26; Isa 48:16, KJV last text only).
They have always existed and will never cease to exist (1 Tim 6:16; Ps 90:2; Rev 1:8; Col 1:17; John 17:5; Gen 1:2).
In a sense, they are all one and the same, and are in fact viewed as being one.
Though equal, each member of the Godhead has a different function [role] or functions [even in Heaven there is some kind of order].
However, each member of the Godhead has the same character traits — love, mercy, justice, patience, truthfulness, forgiveness, righteousness, etc, (Micah 7:18; Luke 6:36; 1 John 4:8,11,12,16,20,21; 5:20; Deut 32:4; Mark 2:5; Ezra 9:15; 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 3:5; Ex 34:6; Rev 15:4; Ps 5:7).
In the Bible the Father and Son are often referred to as one and the same. Hence the difficulty in making certain separations.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who rule universally.
They’re three separate beings who are righteous and Holy,
They’re the Godhead who’ve always ruled -- and will, eternally.
Think of a rope with three strands: Though one rope, it’s made up of three,
It’s the same with the Godhead, hence they’re called the Trinity.
Three beings with different functions, ruling as one, above,
Working together for you and I because of their great love.
A father, mother and child are called one family,
Yes, they number three, but they operate as one, you see.
They function differently, yet work together as one,
For where there’s a multiple, that’s the way things are best done.
Let’s digress: Some falsely think the Holy Spirit’s a force,
When the Spirit’s a being — this fact, the Scriptures endorse.
Yes, the proof’s in the Bible, take a look and you will see
That a being, not a force, is working unceasingly.
Via Scripture, we’re told the Holy Spirit can be lied to.
Now, you can’t lie to a force — this, commonsense knows is true.
We’re told the Holy Spirit can be insulted, even grieved,
Hence, the Spirit’s not a force, if Scripture’s to be believed.
We’re told the Spirit chooses the spiritual gifts we get,
Interprets our prayers, comforts us when with troubles we’re beset.
That the Spirit brings about change, empowers us too,
Enabling the repentant so the Father’s will they’ll do.
The Spirit convicts of truth, acts on Christ’s behalf, ours too,
The Spirit inspires prophets, imparts God’s love, blessings too.
Though the Spirit may act like a force, the Spirit’s a being;
Of this I’ve no doubt, for in Scripture, such I’m clearly seeing.
By Lance Landall
“ ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ ” (Matt 28:19).
And hence the Godhead, more commonly
known as the Trinity:
"That they may be one, as we are one" (John 17:11, NIV).The Godhead is what we call God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, when we are referring to all three.
They are three separate beings, who all work together in harmony (Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:13; Gen 3:22; 1:26; Isa 48:16, KJV last text only).
They have always existed and will never cease to exist (1 Tim 6:16; Ps 90:2; Rev 1:8; Col 1:17; John 17:5; Gen 1:2).
In a sense, they are all one and the same, and are in fact viewed as being one.
Though equal, each member of the Godhead has a different function [role] or functions [even in Heaven there is some kind of order].
However, each member of the Godhead has the same character traits — love, mercy, justice, patience, truthfulness, forgiveness, righteousness, etc, (Micah 7:18; Luke 6:36; 1 John 4:8,11,12,16,20,21; 5:20; Deut 32:4; Mark 2:5; Ezra 9:15; 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 3:5; Ex 34:6; Rev 15:4; Ps 5:7).
In the Bible the Father and Son are often referred to as one and the same. Hence the difficulty in making certain separations.
And more about Christ:
Christ left His heavenly kingdom and Father behind to be born a man [flesh and blood], a Jew, via virgin birth in a stable in Bethlehem, planet earth.
He was circumcised on the eighth day.
He was raised by Mary and Joseph, worked alongside Joseph as a carpenter, and until the age of thirty lived in a little mountain village called Nazareth.
He lived on earth for a total of thirty three and a half years.
He never married, had a family, owned a home, nor sought to set up an earthly kingdom.
He ministered itinerantly for three and a half years after His baptism by John the Baptist at thirty years of age but not before spending forty days in the wilderness.
He chose twelve men as His disciples.
He became the second Adam, was physically the same as us [suffered thirst, pain, tiredness], had our human nature but not our fallen nature — had no inclination [desire] to sin nor natural tendency [propensity] to sin.
He was tempted as we are, could have fallen but didn’t.
He never sinned, complained, or succumbed, and finally, He succeeded where the first Adam failed.
He was largely rejected by His own, was condemned and delivered up by Jewish ecclesiastical leaders to be crucified by the ruling Roman power.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
He was wrongly accused, suffered terribly inflicted pain, bore our cross, the weight of our sins, giving His life that we might live.
There, at the cross, He sought the well-being of His earthy mother, Mary, given that Joseph had passed away by then.
He died after six hours on the cross and was laid in a borrowed grave.
There, at the cross, type met antitype,
He gained the victory, conquered death, arose from the grave, received His Father’s approval.
His resurrection body consisted of flesh and bones also.
He ascended to Heaven forty days after He had arisen and sent the Holy Spirit who convicts, empowers, and sanctifies.
He now reigns on high acting as our advocate, mediator, High Priest, and there judges mankind.
He is our Saviour, Lord, and King, Head of the Christian Church, and is the image of His Father.
He offers all eternal life.
He forgives the repentant who choose to walk according to His will, imparts His free gift of unmerited grace, and is preparing homes in Heaven for the saved.
He has been delaying His coming in the hope that more might be saved, but shortly, He will be returning in great glory, surrounded by angels. There’ll be a shout, a trumpet sound, and flashes of lightening.
He will live amongst the saved eternally, His great sacrifice and love forever displayed on His hands.
Did Jesus Have Long Hair?
No, because Jesus was not a Nazirite.
It was Nazirites who grew their hair long, and in accordance with certain vows they took, hence Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist. In fact, the apostle Paul states that it is shameful for a man to grow his hair long (1 Cor 11:14,15); he clearly supporting God's creational intent regarding the importance of the gender distinctions.
Regarding Christ's humanity.
4. One Slip
It’s clear, VERY CLEAR, that Christ was born with the pre-Fall nature of Adam, andWoe to those who say that it gave Christ an advantage, ’cause wrong indeed they stand.
Though what if He had had an advantage? Praise be! It all about grace, mercy,
Salvation not earned but gifted, and thus such immaterial, if you ask me.
But how could it be otherwise, Christ the morally unblemished lamb, sin free,
Only His body showing the results of the Fall, He tiring easily.
Yes, He both human and divine, it how it had to be, or lost we’d have been,
Christ’s perfect obedience saving the day, we thus without feathers to preen.
Oh yes, Christ still could’ve sinned, fallen, but He didn’t, having no bent that way,
He repulsed by sin, those selfish, rebellious, cruel, corrupted things done each day.
Oh, how it must have pained His moral sensitivity, holy purity,
Yes, that loving heart of His, it all foreign, unheavenly territory.
But in order to help here:
When we become more loving and righteous — Christ-like — gain same sensitivity,
We too are pained more, repulsed more, but nowhere near to the same degree as He.
Oh, how Christ must have struggled so, and knowing He could’ve used His power too
(Especially when spat upon, He God!), but no, He held back and saw it through.
Yes, think of how He must have been tempted, yet sinned not, so who would dare to say
That Christ somehow had an advantage because of that pre-Fall nature — no way!
Such more than outweighed by the sheer challenge of His mission, that cross that He bore,
Both on Calvary and Earth in general, the experience cruel and raw.
You see, we’ve got so used to this Earth, and have developed a taste for what’s ill,
All why few fully surrender their all, good and evil battling with the will.
And some of us coming kicking and screaming, dragging our feet, or so it seems,
Still caught up in our selfish, earthly desires — yes, not so heavenly dreams.
And Christ having to face that resistance on Earth, even total rejection,
His own disowning Him; not a Capitol Hill but Golgotha insurrection.
Yes, we born sinners, having the post-Fall nature of Adam, but not Jesus;
Otherwise, He would’ve been just like us — a sinner — unable to save us.
We might feel the weight of our sins, but Christ felt the weight of the sins of the world;
And in His hands the key to His and our eternal loss or gain dauntingly held.
One slip and all would’ve been lost, and hence that pre-Fall nature necessity,
Though Christ still could’ve sinned, fallen, but without it, forget it, doomed we would be.
Yes, one slip (as with Adam); and some thinking Christ had an advantage, dear me,
When all we have to do is repent, accept His grace and follow willingly.
So why would any argue over that pre-Fall nature, and lest they might boast,
Thinking they could earn their salvation, when its all about Christ and the Holy Ghost.
No, can’t have a Saviour with a fallen nature, He shot to begin with, and
In need of a spotless lamb too, no better than us — so, dismissed out of hand!
The first Adam having already slipped, and thus a slip Christ couldn’t afford,
All why that post-Fall nature some deem He did have, is an insult to our Lord.
By Lance Landall
By clicking on the following link you can read a much earlier poem
on the same subject: That's An Oxymoron.
a) Adam was a pure, sinless being. a) Christ was a sinless, holy, humanity.
b) Adam was innocent. b) Christ was innocent.
c) Adam was without a taint of sin. c) Christ’s spiritual nature was free from every taint of sin.
d) Adam had no natural tendencies towards evil. d) Christ had no natural tendencies towards evil.
e) It was possible for Adam to form a righteous character. e) Christ perfected a character of perfect obedience
(Rom 5:19).
f) Adam could fall and in fact did (Rom 5:19). f) Christ could have fallen but did not.
g) Adam failed on one point — in Eden (Gen chapter 3). g) Christ succeeded on all points — in the wilderness
(Matt 4:1-11).
h) Purity was lost. h) Purity was maintained.
i) What comes to us from the first Adam because of his disobedience (Rom 5:12-21) — sin, judgment,
condemnation and death.
i) What comes to us from the second Adam [Christ] because of His obedience through the new birth by grace
through faith (Rom 5:12-21) — righteousness, justification, sanctification, eternal life.
Regarding Christ's humanity.
5. The Nature Of Christ
Some think that Christ was just a man. Oh, how wrong! For He was God the Son who came in human form,Yes, that same God who created planet Earth, and us too, and miracles was seen to perform.
A Son whose divinity, when He walked upon the Earth, was simply clothed with humanity,
An only Son who surrendered His divine power to His Father’s will, humbly and willingly.
Therefore, such divine power Christ never used but for approved times, and indeed each miracle,
Though He did display a supernatural knowledge; could read the heart and certain things foretell.
But given His divine power, oh, how hard it must have been for Him to exercise restraint,
Given the shocking way in which He was oft treated, and yet amazingly, without complaint.
Oh yes, that baby in the manger was God the Son alright — Jesus — who came via virgin birth,
Free of sinful traits and propensities, and who never once sinned while He was here on the Earth.
One who though He became a human being like us, never ceased to be God — that is, God the Son,
And who via His sinless life, perfect obedience, and Calvary, the victory won.
Though Christ took the nature of man in its fallen state that bore the physical results of sin,
He didn’t take its sinfulness, but just its post-Fall now natural deterioration.
Hence why He was subject to those infirmities and weaknesses that so plague humanity,
Leaving one physically and emotionally drained, and even feeling very poorly.
Yes, not entirely like Adam before the Fall, not entirely like Adam after the Fall,
But able to be tempted though, and certainly He suffered, and on His Father had to call.
A living God who took our nature in every sense, but without its sinful propensities,
And who never sinned, never used His power to His advantage, nor to somehow His lot ease.
Though our Brother in our infirmities, not so in possessing like passions (that see us fall),
’Cause Christ had a sinless moral nature, uncorrupted like ours; we being sinners who must gall.
Therefore, Christ’s suffering was all the more intense, and those temptations He faced far greater too,
’Cause He recoiled from sin, had surrendered His divine power, was aware what His foes would do.
It took an unblemished Lamb like that one daily sacrificed in the earthly sanctuary,
One who throughout His life on Earth, knew that one slip would cost us that grace that grants eternity.
Oh, the weight He must’ve felt, the anguish and pain He must’ve endured, and all for you and I,
And given our sin sick state, our petty selfish rebelliousness, one can’t help wondering, “Why?”
By Lance Landall
6. Is Jesus Michael The Archangel?
We’re told of a resurrection day, a future day when Christ will raise the dead,He arriving with a cry of command, the voice of an Archangel, it’s said.
And Jude talks about Michael the Archangel, which seems to add strength to the view
That Jesus is that Archangel, He who’ll give life to those who’re faithful and true.
And the dead will rise first, we’re told, then we who’re still alive, meeting in the air,
Christ the one who raises the dead, not angels, the inference seemingly clear.
Only He having the power, and thus it His command, His voice that’s longed for,
And He having the right given He died on Calvary and all our sins bore.
We’re also told that Michael and his angels fought Lucifer and his angels,
Michael and his angels winning though; and that word “his” surely ringing more bells.
“His” implying ownership, and we all knowing that the Great Controversy
Is all about that battle between Christ and Satan, now over you and me.
It would appear that Michael’s another emblematic name for Christ, and so,
Given the battle between good and evil, Christ leading the charge ’gainst His foe.
Satan our foe too; and arch meaning (Greek NT) chief, greatest, which Christ is,
And hence why as Michael the Archangel, the coming victory will be His.
Yes, Satan simply a usurper who desired what wasn’t his, and so,
Come that trumpet call of God to the dead, just who’s in charge, everyone will know.
No mere angel leading this charge, but the Archangel, the highest of the high,
Michael, Jesus Himself, His return first appearing like a dot in the sky,
He not just returning for the saved, but to end mankind’s evil, judgment nigh.
If it was just an angel who fought Satan above, and who’ll call forth the dead,
Where would that place Jesus, who, even over the Church on Earth, is its head?
No, Christ not taking some back seat, but both in Heaven and on Earth, at the helm,
He the greatest messenger of all, the One who banished Satan from His realm.
Christ has an amazing message for the world, thus He likened to an angel,
Angels being messengers, and thus the title archangel fitting Him well.
All why I lean on the side of Michael the Archangel being Christ our Lord,
Who, come His return, and at the sound of His voice, all the faithful will reward.
By Lance Landall
According to 1 Thess 4:6, the "voice of the archangel" is associated with the resurrection of the saints
at the coming of Jesus. Christ declared that the dead will come forth from their graves when they
hear the voice of the Son of Man (John 5:28). Thus Michael can only be Jesus himself.
7. God's Every Bit Truth As Much As Love
God’s not made up of His attributes, but is goodness, mercy, justice, power,And yes, love — all these being the very essence of the One who reigns above.
Thus love’s not more central to the nature of God than His other attributes,
Like righteousness too, and therefore, we not just picking out the one thing that suits.
We can highlight God’s love when making a point, but love doesn’t carry more weight
Than God is truth, or anything else He is, and hence the evildoer’s fate.
We not tolerating wrong in our midst either, such tolerance hardly love,
But unfaithfulness, and so, we rebuking sin, acting just like God above.
In other words, we having no part in a compromised Christianity
Simply in order to appear more loving, and thus erring doctrinally.
So out with fuzzy thinking, platitudes, slogans, a feelings based religion
That just makes being a Christian easier and less costly, and shelters sin.
By Lance Landall
8. What!
And they begin their prayer with a “Hey, God,” and I thus thinking to myself, “What?!”For it’s God Almighty they’re seeking, and why here, I believe they’ve lost the plot.
And why I’ve reason to wonder what well they’ve been drinking from, for this I know:
Our heavenly Father should be approached with the uttermost respect, but oh…
How folk err, they even approaching Christ instead (when they’ve been told otherwise),
We only ending our prayers in Christ’s name — though here too, rudeness just as unwise —
For though Jesus is our friend, He’s still the ruler of the universe, a king,
One who despite also being our Saviour, His warned of sword of justice will bring.
Yes, He no casual, liberal, anything goes kind of mate, but Divine,
A Holy, righteous, Creator God, who in the sand, has drawn many a line.
And He a judge and lawgiver; and as far as that Law goes, where should it be?
But written on our hearts, respect and obedience springing forth naturally.
And all why there shouldn’t be any “Hey, God” coming from our lips, but rather
(And in tune with Scripture), a thoughtful, mindful, rightful, “Dear heavenly Father.”
And we ending our daily prayers with, “This we ask in accordance with Your will,
And in Jesus’ name, Amen,” thus not in some way that disappoints, doesn’t gel.
By Lance Landall
“ ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the
Father will give you whatever you ask in My name’ ” (John 15:16, NIV).
“ ‘In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything
in My name, He will give it to you’ ” (John 16:23, NASB).
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us”
(1 John 5:14, NIV).
“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ ” (James 4:15, NIV).
“ ‘Our Father in heaven… Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…’ ” (Matt 6:9,10, NIV).
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get
on pleasures” (James 4:3, NIV).
9. It Does Matter
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9, KJV).
Over the years I’ve noticed how when many Christians pray,
They address the Father’s Son which is not the correct way.
For whenever we kneel down and begin to say our prayers,
We’re to address the Father, not Jesus, Scripture declares.
We’ve direct access to the Father because of His Son,
That is, via the cross — what Jesus (on our behalf) has done.
Hence why we end our prayers in Christ’s name, the submissive One,
For there’s an order in Heaven too, even though they are as one.
Yes, even Christ submits to His Father’s will, so why not we?
Thus, whenever we pray, we should do so respectfully.
That is, we should not bypass the Father, God Almighty,
Displaying contempt or ignorance, and acting rudely.
When Christ was on Earth, He taught His disciples how to pray,
Beginning, “Our Father...” (meaning, His Father), which we’re to say.
So why are some Christians teaching children differently,
Who when they’re older may still begin their prayers incorrectly?
Does it matter? Yes, it does, for it undermines Scripture,
And in the minds of many places a faulty picture.
We’ve a duty to uphold truth, not that which shouldn't be,
And to act in accordance with God’s will, not differently.
Each member of the Trinity has a role that they play,
And in this case, it’s to the Father that we’re told to pray.
Or we’ll muddy those waters that God wants kept crystal-clear,
Flowing from heavenly fountains that cleanse and rightly steer.
So how do we get this wrong when the Scriptures are so clear,
Praying to Jesus, when it’s the Father waiting to hear?
It’s like talking to Bob when it’s Roger one should speak to,
And sometimes that’s the problem, and why things can go askew.
By Lance Landall
"... and the head of Christ is God [the Father]" (1 Cor 11:3, ESV)
"'I [Christ] ... seek to do not My own will but the will of Him [the Father] who sent me'" (John 5:30)
"'I and the Father are one'" (John 10:30, ESV)
Poetically, as in poems, one may coverse as if with Christ, but when it comes to actually praying, we should address the Father.
“After this manner therefore pray ye: [that is, after this pattern, not necessarily after these identical words – a pattern
in context but not necessarily in form] OUR FATHER [Christ’s father] which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name”
(Matt 6:9, KJV).
“Verily, verily, I [Christ] say unto you, Whatsoever ye ASK THE FATHER [Christ’s father] IN MY NAME [Christ being the mediator], HE [the Father] will give it to you [if it’s in accordance with His will]” (John 16:23, KJV).
“ ‘You did not choose Me but I chose you [the apostles]. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit [be successful in their mission], fruit will last, so that the FATHER WILL GIVE YOU whatever you ask [according to His conditions] IN MY NAME [Christ’s]’ ” (John 15:16).
Because we’re to pray, “If it’s your will, Lord,” we’ve no right to command or demand a person be healed in God’s name.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him [confidence in approaching Him], that if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL He hears us” (1 John 5:14, ESV).
“Instead, you ought to say, ‘IF IT IS THE LORD'S WILL, we will live and do this or that [we are not to presume upon God]’ ” (James 4:15, NIV). Note also 2 Cor 12:8,9.
We therefore begin our prayers in this manner: “Dear heavenly Father,” and end our prayers with: “In Jesus name we pray [or ask], Amen.”
10. Your Name
Dear Father up in Heaven, could You please inform me whyChristians take Your name in vain, for many improperly, “Oh my God!” cry.
Could it be they’re unaware that by such they You defame,
For the third Commandment says don’t misuse Your Holy name.
Surely when we use Your name we should treat it with respect,
For according to Your Word, that is one thing You expect.
You’re a very Holy God, an almighty righteous King,
Thus, using Your name wrongly, Your displeasure soon must bring.
It seems that some forget, Lord, You’ve said You’re unchangeable,
So all that’s done regarding You, should still fit Your stated will.
And Your will is conveyed, Lord, very clearly via Scripture,
Where also is presented a very telling picture.
We’re told in Revelation Holy beings fall before You,
So surely fallen mortals even more so such should do.
If the un-fallen beings honour You in such a way,
It’s clear that we must also the same reverence display.
You’re not just a common man, You’re a King enthroned on high,
You, Lord, rule the universe, angels gather at Your cry.
The stars and every planet You command to stay in place,
And You, Lord, the breathe of life, daily grant the human race.
No wonder Heavenly beings prostrate themselves before You,
For they, Lord, are well aware of the honour that You’re due.
They live to exalt You, Lord, and irreverent would not be,
And they treat Your Holy name as reverently as they treat Thee.
Therefore, I sincerely pray You’ll help every Christian see
That taking Your name in vain very deeply offends Thee.
Please help us act like angels who zealously Thee exalt,
And who out of love for Thee, Your name would never assault.
By Lance Landall
“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name…” (Matthew 6:9, NIV).
“...Holy and awesome is His name…” (Psalms 111:9, NASB).
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone
guiltless who misuses His name” (Exodus 20:7, NIV).
Food for thought.
11. Isn't A Picture An Image?
There are so many pictures of Jesus, and yet, they’re all mere speculation,'Cause no photo exists providing the necessary verification.
Therefore, could all those pictures that we're seeing, be a misrepresentation,
And might it be that they portray someone else (unworthy of adoration)?
Could there not be a danger here, that such portrayals might very well convey
An image that unpleasantly reminds someone of another who's made of clay?
Yes, one who during their life time, caused them a great deal of misery and pain,
Someone who very selfishly sought not sacrifice but some personal gain.
Tell me, why is it that Christ is often pictured with that long hair that we see?
'Cause as I understand it, His hair would've been short, befitting masculinity.
Therefore, could it be that we have got this wrong, and maybe some other things too,
That have our Lord and Saviour pictured in a way that is very far from true?
And say, isn't a picture an image, because we know such mustn’t be made;
That is, an image that depicts the Godhead, 'cause such images God forbade.
Yes, any image, according to the second Commandment, God has outlawed,
'Cause such deeply offends the true creator God, the bona fide risen Lord.
And say, is there also not a danger here, that once such images are made,
That someone, somewhere, sometime, those very representations might degrade?
You see, something that is done in ignorance, and even prompted by the heart,
Can usher in serious abuses that a wrongful future path then chart.
Images are often found where Christian worship is being abused and defiled,
And history bears witness that via such, God was (and still is) very soon riled.
You see, images are nothing but substitutes that attention wrongly get,
Be such pictures perhaps — and certainly so, a crucifix or statuette.
But surely it is also unethical, as well as biblically wrong,
To incorrectly portray Jesus via features that simply do not belong.
But all this is exactly what can happen once such images are wrongly made,
And what can be expected when the Word of God is altered and disobeyed.
By Lance Landall
What are angels?
Angels are supernatural beings that God has created.
Angels act as representatives or messengers of God (Ps 103:20,21). They do His bidding (Mark 13:26,27). The word “angel” means simply a messenger, a delegate, a courier, one who is sent to bear a message and thus represent another.
Angels show great reverence and respect in the presence of God, in recognition of His majesty, holiness and power (Rev 7:11).
Angels sing praises to God (Rev 5:11,12; 19:1-8).
Christ often referred to angels (Matt 13:41; 18:10; 22:30; 25:41; Luke 15:10).
Angels are superior to humans (Heb 2:7).
Angels are not made of flesh and blood like us (Heb 1:14; Luke 24:36-39).
Angels don’t marry (Mark 12:25).
Angels have incredible strength. Their strength is way beyond that of humans (2 Peter 2:10,11; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Isa 37:36; Matt 28:2-4).
God’s Word speaks of thousands and thousands of these supernatural beings (Rev 5:11; Dan 7:10; Matt 26:53).
Angels minister to humans, aid, help (Heb 1:14; Dan 6:22; Ps 91:11; 34:7; 1 Kings 19:7; Gen 19:15).
Each human has a guardian angel (Matt 18:10).
Angels are able to appear in human form where and when required (Heb 13:2).
Angels rejoice when people are converted to Christ (Luke 15:10).
Christians are forbidden to worship angels (Rev 19:10; 22:8,9). Only God is to be worshiped (Heb 1:6).
Angels do not know the exact time Christ will return to earth (Matt 24:36).
What about wicked angels?
Satan is an evil angel, not that he always was though, for once he lived in Heaven with God, was in charge of all the other angels, and was called Lucifer.
Sadly, Satan became full of pride (Isa 14:12-14), and rebelled against God.
He along with the angels who sided with him was removed from heaven (Ezek 28:14-16; Rev 12:7-9,12).
The angels who sided with Satan are now evil angels too who work with him to cause as much trouble and suffering as they can (Eph 6:12; Rev 12:17; 1 Peter 5:8).
These evil angels try to mislead humans, distort God’s Word (1 Tim 4:1), and will attempt to deceive the world with amazing supernatural acts, signs and wonders (2 Thess 2:9-11; 2 Cor 11:14,15; Rev 13:13,14).
These angels also work through human agencies to acheive their ends, hence false teachers, false prophets, false messiahs, and those New Age gurus doing the rounds (Matt 7:22,23; 24:24; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 4:3,4; 1 John 4:1; Rev 16:13,14).
Thus Christians need to be on constant guard (Eph 6:10,11).
And Christians are strongly warned to keep right away from the territory of evil angels, the occult (Eph 5:11; Deut 18:10-12, KJV; Mal 3:5; Rev 21:8; 22:15; Gal 5:19-21; 2 Kings 23:24; Lev 19:3; 20:27; Ex 22:18, KJV; Isa 8:19,20; Acts 16:16,18; 19:18,19).
In God’s Word Satan is also referred to as the “devil” (Rev 12:12), the “dragon” (Rev 12:13), the “serpent” (Gen 3:13) and the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
Satan will soon be destroyed (Rev 20:10), along with his evil angels (2 Peter 2:4).
God knew that if He had immediately destroyed Satan when he rebelled, the remaining inhabitants of heaven would have followed Him out of fear, and not because of love for Him. God did not want His subjects to fear Him. Respect Him, yes, but not fear Him. He also wanted His subjects to have the freedom to be able to think and choose for themselves. God isn’t a dictator who wants mere robots. God knew that He would have to let the full impact of Satan's actions be shown [what they would lead to that is], and He knew that would take some time. But that way, the remaining inhabitants of heaven, and the inhabitants of other worlds He has created (Heb 1:2; 11:3), will eventually be able to see that He was right and not Satan.
More:
Satan and his evil angels [demons], who were cast out of heaven, have been busy attempting to fool (John 8:44) and ensnare (1 Peter 5:8) humanity by:
1) Cleverly packaging deceptions, e.g. supernatural occurrences, apparitions [ghosts—actually evil angels], miracles, unidentified flying objects [which become distractions], etc.
2) Distorting truth, mixing truth with error, outright lies, making what is wrong look right, making what is good look bad.
3) Making fiction and fantasy more attractive [or seem more real] to us.
Satan’s territory includes the following, which Christians have been warned to leave alone:
1) Attempting to communicate with the dead via mediums, séances, Ouija Boards, etc.
2) Attempting to tell the future via clairvoyants, psychics, astrology, tarot cards, palmistry, etc.
3) Involvement in any rituals, and practices associated with the occult, e.g. Satanic ceremonies, books, items, clothing, white magic, symbols [supposedly having magical properties], etc.
4) The use of things supposedly containing supernatural powers, e.g. crystals, amulets [used to ward off spells], etc.
5) The playing of games, the reading of books/material or watching of movies/videos that contain [entertainment wise], e.g. ghosts, wizards, sorcerers, hobgoblins, trolls, dragons, vampires, werewolves, Zombies, fairies, witches, spells, magic, gods, occult symbols, witchcraft, encompasses fairy tales, legends, etc.
6) Observing the likes of Halloween [witches holiday], St. John’s Eve [midsummer witches celebration], Yule [midwinter witch festival] — dressing up as witches, wizards, etc.
7) Practicing Satanism [the religion devoted to the worship of the devil] with all its associated rituals, Voodoo [a religion that uses magic, communes with the dead, etc], etc.
God has absolutely forbidden Christians to enter Satan’s realm in any form (Deut 18:10-12; Lev 19:3; 20:27; Mal 3:5; Ex 22:18; Isa 8:19,20; Acts 16:16,18; 19:18,19), because —
1) It is a realm that is in total opposition to God [anti-Christ], and all that He stands for.
2) It is the realm of darkness, falsehood, and evil.
3) It is dangerous [one can become possessed by demons as a result, who don’t like letting go, and whose desire is to harm and destroy humans].
4) Those who involve themselves in this realm will not receive eternal life (Rev 21:8; 22:15; Gal 5:19-21), unless they repent.
5) It is a realm that Satan will use to bring about a major End-time deception (Rev 13:13,14; 16:13,14) that will fool (2 Thess 2:9-11; Rev 19:20; 13:13,14; John 8:44) most of the inhabitants of this earth, including Christians [who will think God is behind it, that it has His blessing] (Matt 7:22,23), leading to their destruction along with Satan and his evil angels (Rev 20:10,15). The delusions that Satan will use regarding this End-time deception will be so subtle [cleverly disguised] that almost everyone will accept them as reality [true, fact, real] (Matt 24:24). These delusions will be presented in a way [whether by word or action] that will make them appear acceptable, wonderful, and spiritual [Godly]. However, Satan has been very busy preparing people for this End-time deception for some time (1 John 4:1; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Cor 11:14,15). Christians who have been allowing themselves to be entertained by things that belong to Satan’s realm, will not so easily recognize the real thing when it occurs, or won’t see it for the danger that it is, and thus will be caught out. Many, for example, will mistake Satan’s cruel deceptions for God’s miracles.
“Abomination” is the severest word used in the Bible to describe something that is offensive to God, and He uses it when talking about the territory of Satan (Deut 18:10-12, KJV). In Old Testament times God sent His prophets to strongly warn His people not to get involved in such activities (Mal 3:5). And the New Testament upholds such warnings (Rev 21:8; 22:15; Gal 5:19-21). King Josiah [the grandson of King Manasseh who angered God with his involvement in the spiritualistic (2 Chronicles 33:6, KJV)] attempted to avert the coming judgment of God by getting rid of the mediums and sorcerers, including those who consulted them (2 Kings 23:24). God does not make a distinction between “good” sorcerers and “bad” ones, or “good” wizards and “bad” ones, as is commonly conveyed via books and movies, etc [e.g. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings]. They are all part of the forbidden realm and all are an abomination in God’s eyes, and it is the Christian’s duty to expose and condemn this realm and all that is associated with it (Eph 5:11; 6:10,11,12, this one NIV; 2 Cor 6:4; 1 Tim 4:1; Col 2:8). It is willful and serious sin when we knowingly set out to gain pleasure from what God calls an “abomination.” Such action places us in a very dangerous position regarding our salvation (Heb 10:26,27; James 4:17).
12. Satan's Evil But Hardly Weird Looking
Just as some have some strange ideas about God, so too regarding the devil,Sometimes pictured with two horns and a pitchfork, and midst flames rising from some Hell.
Yes, comics and books often presenting him in some strange form, when that’s not so,
’Cause Satan was a beautiful being, the highest of the angels, and so,
Were one actually able to see him today, nobility would still show,
Albeit marred by evil eyes, a posture that now reveals a deadly foe.
Total corruption having taken its toll, but a majesticness still there,
He no weird looking creature, but evil personified, thus likely to scare.
And he having powers beyond those of ours, powers he uses wickedly,
And all in order to mislead and ensnare, hence those ghosts that appear, you see.
They simply him or those angels who rebelled with him, tricks and lies their forte,
And thus many who tinker with the occult not realising with whom they play.
I suppose one could see him as an evil James Bond, all why the Bible states
He’s able to transform himself into an angel of light, yet how he hates.
He far from loving and righteous, and the master of deception, which is why
We need to know exactly what we’re up against, and not those strange ideas buy.
Yes, his likeness no doubt more in keeping with a handsome but aged James Bond, who
Rather than chasing villains is a villain himself, plain nasty through and through.
But successful because he’s able to beguile, most not seeing him coming,
He kind of like that roguish but friendly neighbour who some clever tune’s humming.
No, no pointed ears, no horns on head, or any other imagined thing, which
Is often found in the same territory as some troll, gnome, wizard or witch.
All of such Satan’s invention, and which hides the truth about him, an angel,
Who, though pure, beautiful, gifted and privileged, pridefully chose to rebel.
And so, take a good looking person, fill them with anger and corruption, and
Such and age will show over the years, but they’ll still have good looks, lets understand.
Or at least vestiges, and so it is with Satan, all why those horns are out,
That pitchfork too, because he too was once made in the image of God, no doubt.
By Lance Landall
And where does man fit?
Man was created by God Himself, and in His image (Col 1:16; Rev 4:11; Gen 1:26,27; Gen 2:7).
Man is now a fallen being (Rom 5:12).
Man is now mortal, unlike God (Gen 3:24; 1 Tim 6:16; Job 4:17, KJV).
Man cannot attain righteousness nor secure eternity of himself (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8,9; Phil 2:13; John 15:5).
Man has been given the responsibility of taking care of this planet (Gen 1:26).
Man was commissioned to populate the Earth (Gen 1:28).
Man is not a spirit being but is comprised of flesh and bone.
Man is a little lower than the angels (Heb 2:7).
Man has been given freedom of choice and thus chooses his own destiny (Matt 7:21; Mark 16:16).
Man can’t receive immortality until Christ’s return (1 Cor 15:51-53, KJV).
