SATAN: SIX THOUSAND YEARS EXPERIENCE UNDERCOVER AGENT

BRIGHT SCHOLAR: PhDs IN ALL DISCIPLINES TRICKS: DECEIVES IF POSSIBLE THE ELECT

LEAVES NO VISIBLE CLUES—DECEPTIONEVIL SPIRIT—ANGEL OF LIGHT

FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARS REAL

AN AD IN ATLANTA’S JOURNAL

A SINGLE BLACK FEMALE SEEKING MALE COMPANIONSHIP. I AM VERY GOOD LOOKING

GIRL WHO LOVES TO PLAY. I LOVE LONG WALKS IN THE WOODS, RIDING IN YOUR

PICKUP TRUCK, HUNTING, CAMPING, FISHING TRIPS, AND COZY WINTER NIGHTS BY THE FIRE. CANDLE LIGHT DINNER WILL HAVE ME EATING

OUT OF YOUR HANDS…RUB ME THE RIGHT WAY AND WATCH ME RESPOND. I WILL BE AT

THE FRONT DOOR WHEN YOU GET HOME FROM…

WORK, WEARING ONLY WHAT NATURE GAVE ME. KISS ME AND I AM YOURS. CALL ME AT:

404-875-6420, AND ASK FOR DAISY.

15,000 MEN RESPONDED TO THE AD…WHAT WAS THE DECEPTION?

IT WAS ATLANTA’S HUMANE SOCIETY FOR AN 8 WEEKS YEARS OLD BLACK LABRADOR DOG!

BIBLE’S DEFINITION—DECEPTION?

TRANGRESSION: LAW [1 Timothy 2:14] BEGUILEMENT: Genesis 3:13 EVIL COMMUNICATION:

1 Corinthians 15:33 TRUSTING: VANITY [Job 15:31] IMPERSONATION OF CHRIST: Mark 13:6 DISTORTION OF GOD’S COMMANDS:

Romans 7:11 & 2 Corinthians 4:2 HYPOCRISY: James 1:22

DEFINITION—DECEPTION

SAYING, “I HAVE NO SIN.” 1 John 1:8 CHANGING/MIXING: ORIGINAL

Genesis 31:7 LUST & PLEASURES: Titus 3:3

SEDUCTION: Isaiah 19:13 PRIDE OF HEART: Obadiah 1:3 CUNNING CRAFTINESS: Ephesians 4:14

CUNNING CRAFTINESS—SERPENT

Genesis 3:1Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the

field which the LORD God had made.

10 Principles of Deception—Ground Zero

• LOYALTY: Genesis 3:1 [Serpent…subtle…beast]

2. SALES PITCH: Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? vs.1

• TARGET AUDIENCE: And the woman said unto the serpent…vss.1, 2

• SALES REP: Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. vs. 1

• PROPAGANDA AD: SALES/IMAGE/POPULARITY vs.5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

8. SALES & MARKETING INDUSTRY: CONSUMERPRODUCER/DISTRIBUTOR/ADVERTISEMENT/ADVERTISER/CLIENTPRODUCT/ vss. 5, 6

Advertiser/Advertisement vs.5And when the woman [consumer] saw that the tree [producer] was good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she [distributor] took of the fruit [produce] thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband [client] with her; and he did eat.

7. PRODUCT: WOW…SALES! vs.7And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

7. CREDIBILITY: SENSESSEEING/TOUCHING/TASTING/FEELING vss. 6, 7 [SAW/TOOK/GAVE/ATE]

WHO’S TO BLAME!1. THE BLAME GAME: IT’S NOT MY FAULT!

And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. vss. 11-13

10. BACKGROUND CHECK? Ezekiel 28:2, 18…and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic;

ADAM’S FIRST TEST—SELF DENIAL

CONFRONTATION, p. 13The first moral lesson given to Adam was that of self-

denial.THE STORY OF REDEMPTION, pp. 30, 31

It was decided in heaven's council for angels to visit Eden and warn Adam that he was in danger from the

foe. They told Adam and Eve that the most exalted angel, next in order to Christ, refused obedience to the law of God which He had ordained to govern heavenly beings; that this rebellion had caused war in heaven, which resulted in the rebellious being expelled…They

told them that Satan…could not harm them while they yielded obedience to God's command…But if they

disobeyed the command of God, then Satan…

LUCIFER: ASSETS & LIABILITIESEzekiel 28

THREE ASSETS: DECEPTION vss. 15-18 SEAL OF PERFECTION

FULL OF WISDOM PERFECT IN BEAUTY

THREE LIABILITIES: DAMNATION vss. 17, 18

[1 John 2:16] HEART WAS LIFTED UP

WISDOM WAS CORRUPTED DEFILEMENT [BY TRADING]

BOOK: “HE CAME TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE”

REBECCA BROWN, M.D.

CHAP. 17, p. 233

ELAINE: “DURING MY YEARS IN THE BROTHERHOOD, I WAS CAREFULLY TRAINED,

AND I, IN TURN, TRAINED OTHERS HOW TO INFILTRATE AND DESTROY THE VARIOUS

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.”

8 POINTS OF ATTACK “DESTRUCTION OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES”

ONE: PROFESSION OF FAITH… SATANIST MUST PRETEND

TWO: BUILD CREDIBILITY

THREE: DESTROY THE PRAYER BASE FOUR: THE RUMOR MILL FIVE: TEACH & CHANGE DOCTRINE(S)

PREACH: HEALTH AND WEALTH MESSAGE-LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS—DOCTRINE

SIX: BREAK UP CHURCH & HOME FAMILY UNIT PROGRAMS: PRESCHOOL/SCHOOL/TEENAGE AGE

PLAN PROGRAMS: WOMEN/MEN SEPARATION

AS OF THE SEPARATION…YOUNG PEOPLE WILL LOSE RESPECT FOR THE

PASTOR—HUSBANDS/WIVES

SEVEN: HALT ALL ACCURATE TEACHING OF SATAN

EIGHT: LAUNCH DIRECT ATTACK/ASSUALT BY WITCHCRAFT AGAINST KEY MEMBERS IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP

TRADING: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

OXFORD ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY

TO THOROUGHLY OCCUPY ONE’S SELF TO EARN IN BUSINESS TO GAIN BY TRADING TO BUSY ONE’S SELF TO DO A DEED: AFFAIR/BUSINESS FOR SELF TO TRADE MATERIAL/MONEY/HIERACHY TO COMPETE: STATUS/POWER IN A THING OR

WORK

GREAT CONTROVERSY, pp. 493-497

Leaving his place in the immediate presence of God, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. Working with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealing his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God,…He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of Heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence. He persistently defended his own course, and fully committed himself to the great controversy against his Maker. . . . He sought also to make a false issue between himself and the loyal angels.

DECEPTION INVOLVES THE ORIGINAL

Genesis 3:8-13 No other gods before me No bowing down God’s name in vain: Genesis 3:4 [Serpent] Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Honor Father and Mother Don’t kill Don’t commit adultery Don’t steal Don’t commit false witness: Genesis 3:3—Eat/Touch Don’t covet: Foundation—SIN

DECEPTION—GOD’S LIVING ROOM!

HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

1. DIFFUSE THE SPIRIT OF DISCONTENT

3. DISGUISE AS A ANGEL OF LIGHT: TRAFFICKING AN IDEA USING HIS SALES PITCH

4. SUBTILITY: TRADING POSITION, POWER AND LIES.

EARTHLY SANCTUARY

2. DIFFUSE THE SPIRIT OF DISCONTENT

3. DISGUISE AS A SERPENT: TRAFFICKING AN IDEA USING HIS SALES PITCH

4. SUBTILITY: TRADING POSITION, POWER AND LIES.

SATAN’S TRUTHS WISDOM

POPULARITY POWER

Luke 4:9And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Genesis 3:4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

SATAN’S LIES: REBELLION NOT RIGHTEOUSNESS

DESIRE OF AGES, p. 309

…all who break God's commandments are sustaining Satan's claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God's law.

WHO CHANGED GOD’S TRUTH INTO A LIE?

Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

LUCIFER (ANGEL) ALLEGIANCE SERPENT (CREATURE) APPETITE HEAD OF STATE (ROME) KING CHARACTER (DISCIPLE) ACCOUNTANT A CONDITION (LUKEWARM) REMNANT SIN (IDEA) SINNER

2 Corinthians 11:13, 14

CLICK ON IMAGE TO PLAY VIDEO

A COUNCIL OF STRATEGY

Satan held a counsel with his angels, as to the course they should pursue to prevent the people from having faith in Christ as the Messiah whom the Jews had so long been anxiously expecting. He was disappointed and enraged that he had prevailed nothing against Jesus by his manifold temptations. But he now thought if he could inspire in the hearts of Christ's own people, unbelief as to his being the Promised One, he might discourage the Saviour in his mission and secure the Jews as his agents to carry out his own diabolical purposes. So he went to work in his subtle manner, endeavoring to accomplish by strategy what he had failed to do by direct, personal effort.

(2SP 97, 98).

The Trojan Horse. The term describes how the ancient Greeks used a large hollow wooden horse

filled with soldiers to help destroy the fortified city of Troy. The phrase has come to refer to deception

and treachery disguised as a blessing.

CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO CLIP

http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1847

‘‘BEWARE OF GREEKS BEARING GIFTS.”

THE GREEKS ACCOMPLISHED BY COVERT ATTACK WHAT THEY COULD NOT DO BY OVERT

OR DIRECT FRONTAL ATTACK.

IN EDEN—THE SERPENT’S ATTACK WAS VISIBLE AND DIRECT.

IN LAODICEA (LAST-DAY) CHURCH—SATAN’S ATTACK IS INVISIBLE AND COVERT.

THE OLD GREEK TROJAN HORSE—CITY OF TROY

THE NEW TROJAN HORSE—CHURCH

Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 24, 25

WHAT IS IT?

SPIRITUALISM PACKAGED AND RETAILED AS SPIRITUALITY

Genesis 3:4, 5

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Those who are guided by the Word of the Lord will discern with certainty between

falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness.

(MS 43, 1907). {7BC 907.1}

OTHER TROJAN HORSES WHEELED INTO THE CHURCH

EVOLUTION—INSTITUTIONS

NEW FORMS OF WORSHIP STYLE‘ALL FALSE WORSHIP IS SPIRITUAL ADULTERY’

(MS 126, 1901).

DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

NEW FORMS OF LEADERSHIPEXAMPLE—AARON & ELI

NEW FORMS OF MINISTRIES‘THERE MUST BE A CONVERTED MINISTRY.’

LETTER 51, 1886. {LDE 189.2}

WE TRADE BIBLICAL TEACHINGS AT BATTLE CREEK FOR THOSE AT WILLOW CREEK

IT IS NOT OUR WORK TO STUDY HOW TO MEET THE WORLD’S STANDARD, BUT THE

GREAT QUESTION WITH EACH ONE SHOULD BE, HOW CAN I MEET GOD’S STANDARD?

(REVIEW AND HERALD, MAY 10, 1887).

HOW TO WEAR THE YOKEWE SHALL BE WHAT WE ARE WILLING TO BE MADE BY CHRIST IN THESE PRECIOUS HOURS OF PROBATION. WE SHALL BE THE SORT

OF VESSEL THAT WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE MOLDED INTO. WE MUST UNITE WITH GOD IN THE MOLDING AND FASHIONING

WORK, HAVING OUR WILLS SUBMITTED TO HIS DIVINE WILL (LETTER 71, 1895).

YET—ANOTHER TROJAN HORSE WHEELED INTO THE CHURCH

MUSIC—DRUMS—DANCING AND BEDLAM NOISE

The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. {NL 50.4}

SATAN’S COUNTER REVIVAL

The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work [of revival]; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world"

GREAT CONTROVERSY, p. 464

NANCY DEMOSS ARTICLE: ‘IS THIS REVIVAL?’

Not everything that is called "revival" is revival The fact that a lot of people are talking about and

promoting "revival" doesn’t necessarily mean that we are, therefore, in the midst of revival.

Large crowds, intense enthusiasm, stirred emotions, energetic activity, and "signs and wonders" are not necessarily evidence of revival.

Genuine revival will not be a bandwagon. So-called "revival" is a popular movement in the church today.

5. We must guard against "revival" becoming just another popular program or emphasis in the church.

Revival is not an end in itself. That mindset ultimately leads to self-absorption, which is a form of idolatry. Corporate revival is no substitute for personal revival.

There are no shortcuts to revival. We may be so eager to experience the fruit of revival that

we bypass God’s conditions for revival: humility, repentance, contrition, prayer, and obedience.

God is unlikely to send revival to those whose real heart motive is to build or enhance their own reputations or ministries or to reap blessing for themselves.

The fact that we agree about the need for repentance in the church does not mean that we have, in fact, repented.

There is no revival where there is not deep brokenness and contrition over the seriousness of our sin against a holy God.

Not all prayers and prayer meetings bring us closer to experiencing revival.

We have no right to expect to enjoy the fruit of revival if we are not personally willing to pay the price for it.

BIBLICAL DEFINITION—REVIVAL?

Ezekiel 37

Romans 6:4

Romans 8:2-11

Ephesians 1:17-23 & Ephesians 3:14-19

Ephesians 5:15

TWO KINDS—REVIVAL

PERSONAL (INDIVIDUAL)RESURRECTION OR REVIVING EXPERIENCE

CORPORATE (BODY OF CHRIST)REVIVAL IS THE STATE OF BEING AND WAY OF

LIFE

THE TRUE NATURE OF REVIVAL

FOUR THINGS 1. Heaven Becomes Real.

Revival is a taste of heaven. 2. Jesus Becomes Real.

Jesus also becomes very real subjectively and objectively. 3. The Holy Spirit Becomes Real. A truly revived person lives a life in the Spirit.

Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19Galatians 5:22, 25; 1 Corinthians 12

Ephesians 4; Romans 12; Psalms 85:4-6; 72:6

THE TRUENATURE OF REVIVAL

4. Soul winning Becomes Real. Psalms 51:7-13 & Zechariah 8:23

PROTESTANTS ROLE—TROJAN HORSE? LYLE E. SCHALLER’S

PRESCRIPTION FOR A HEALTHY CHURCH To win the youth, …the church needs to "shift from the printed and spoken word to visual communication, including drama, music, visual images, motion and humor." This list matches the strategies used by educators to change the beliefs and values of children in public schools. It works just as well for "Christian" leaders who see themselves as change agents. For when drama and visual images replace diligent study of God's written Word, it is easy to alter His message and conform it to the demands of a world that seeks positive affirmations rather than the whole truth.

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/globalchurch.htm#1

STORY OF REDEMPTION, p. 322

Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and resurrection; but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part, they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in Christ. …Some of the Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no compromise. Others reasoned that if they should yield or modify some features of their faith, and unite with those who had accepted a part of Christianity, it might be the means of their full conversion.

Satan tempted the first Adam in Eden, and Adam reasoned with the

enemy, thus giving him the advantage.

(Letter 159, 1903).

CLICK TO SEE VIDEO CLIP ONLINE

http://vimeo.com/14483688

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL—YET HARD ON THE

REPUTATION

TROJAN VIRUS—COMPUTERS?

In computing, a Trojan horse, or trojan for short, is a term used to describe malware—i.e., malicious software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. A computing Trojan horse appears, to the user, to perform a desirable function but, in fact, facilitates unauthorized access to the user's computer system. Satan has downloaded and installed his deceptive version of computer Trojan horse in the Christian church’s operating system. This deadly Trojan horse has the potential of wiping out authentic Christian spirituality and replacing it with spiritualism.

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

The word “spirituality” is a concept taught using a number of expressions to describe the entire salvation process—past, present and future.

2 Corinthians 1:9, 10

SPIRITUALITY: WALK—JOURNEY OF SALVATION

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

WALKING IN NEWNESS OF LIFE—Romans 6:4 WALKING BY FAITH—2 Corinthians 5:7

WALKING IN HIM [CHRIST] Colossians 2:6WALKING IN THE SPIRIT—Galatians 5:16

WALKING IN THE LIGHT—1 John 1:7WALKING IN TRUTH—2 John 4

WALKING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT Ephesians 5:8

MORE NEW TESTAMENT EXPRESSIONS

RIGHTEOUSNESS 1 Timothy 6:11 BEING TRANSFORMED Romans 12:2

PERFECTING HOLINESS 2 Corinthians 7:1 GROWING UP IN CHRIST Ephesians 4:15

PRESSING ON Philippians 3:12-15 BEING BUILT UP IN CHRIST Colossians 2:7

COMPLETENESS IN GOD Colossians 4:12

MORE BIBLE EXPRESSIONS—WALK

FIGHT OF FAITH 1 Timothy 5: 11; 6:12

HEIRS OF THE DIVINE NATURE 2 Peter 1:4

GROWING IN GRACE 2 Peter 3:18

ENOCH WALKED WITH: AND HE WAS NOT; FOR GOD TOOK HIM Genesis 5:24

HOLINESS: NO PRESS OR BAD PRESS

CHRISTIAN BOOKS SOLD IN BOOKSTORES

HAVING GOD IN YOUR MARRIAGE RAISING CHILDREN HOW TO PRAY TITHING AND BIBLICAL WEALTH HOW TO BE HAPPY HOW TO GROW YOUR CHURCH

BUT HAVE YOU COME ACROSS A BOOK WRITTEN ON ‘HOW TO BE HOLY?’

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF HOLINESS

GOD DEMANDS HOLINESSPLEASE READ THESE TEXTS FOR YOURSELF

Hebrews 12:141 Peter 1:15, 16—Matthew 5:48

2 Corinthians 7:1—Ephesians 5:26Philippians 2:13-15—Titus 2:11-14

Revelation 22:11

SOME MISGIVINGS ABOUT HOLINESS

Jude 24, 25

UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL HOLINESS

Leviticus 19:2—Isaiah 6:3Revelation 4:8—Exodus 19:6Leviticus 20:24—1 Peter 2:9

Colossians 3:12

BECOMING & REMAINING HOLY

Holiness is . . . an entire surrender to the will of God; it is living by every word that proceeds from

the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in

darkness as well as in light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with

unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love" (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 155).

HOLINESS—THREE PHASES

JUSTIFICATION: Romans 5:1, 16 & 1 John 5:11-13

SANCTIFICATION: Hebrews 12:10—Ephesians 1:4—1 Peter 1:2

GLORIFICATION: 2 Corinthians 1:10—Romans 8

Revelation 21:1-5

ANALOGIES OF HOLINESSHOLINESS IS A SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION. ITS CURRICULUMS ARE DESIGNED BY GOD TO: REBUILD-RESHAPE-RIVET-AND REFINE OUR CHARACTERS INTO CONFORMITY WITH HIS WILL.

THIS SCHOOL NEEDS GOOD TEACHERS-TEXTBOOKS-HIGH STANDARDS-GOALS-COMPANIONS-HELPERS-AND ROLE

MODELS.

OUR TEACHERS—HOLY TRINITY (Mark 1:10-12; Matthew 28:19) OUR TEXTBOOK—HOLY SCRIPTURES (2 Timothy 3:15) OUR STANDARD—HOLY LAW (Romans 7:12) OUR GOAL—HOLY SERVICE (Romans 12:1, 2; Luke 1:74-75) OUR PROFESSIONS-OCCUPATIONS-TALENTS—ALL FOR

HOLY SERVICE. OUR HELPERS AND COMPANIONS—HOLY ANGELS

(Revelation 14:10) OUR ONE ROLE MODEL—JESUS CHRIST (THE HOLY ONE)

(Acts 3:14; 4:30; Mark 1:24; 1 Peter 2:21-23).

HOLINESS AND THE CRUCIBLE

SORROWS DISAPPOINTMENTS

DESPAIR FEARS

TRIBULATIONS

Hebrews 12:5-11 & Romans 8:28-29

HOLINESS—IN MOTION: SPIRITUALITY AND ETHICS

SPIRITUALITYSPIRITUALITY IS LEARNING HOW TO OBEY…

PRAYER-MEDITATION ON GOD’S WORD-FASTING-HEAVENLY MUSIC-WORSHIP-DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF SCRIPTURES-SIMPLICITY OF LIFE.

SPIRITUALITY ADDRESSES THE ‘HOW?’

SPIRITUALITY IS DESCRIPTIVE.IT TELLS US HOW HUMANS SHOULD LIVE A MORALLY RIGHT LIFE IN A SINFUL WORLD. EXAMPLE: THE TREE ANALOGY

SPIRITUALITY IS SINKING YOUR ROOTS DEEP INTO THE SOIL

ETHICSETHICS IS ASKING WHAT MUST I DO…TO OBEY..

ETHICS ADDRESSES THE ‘WHAT?’ OF HOLINESS

ETHICS IS PRESCRIPTIVE. IT TELLS US WHAT HUMAN DECISIONS AND ACTIONS TAKEN, ARE JUDGED AS MORALLY RIGHT OR MORALLY WRONG.

EXAMPLE: THE TREE ANALOGYETHICS IS GROWING TALL ABOVE THE TOP SOIL.

ADDITIONAL BIBLE TEXTS

Galatians 5:22 & Philippians 2:1-11

Matthew 5:1-10 & Matthew 25:31-46

BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

Satan has installed his deceptive version of computer Trojan horse in the Christian church’s operating system. This deadly Trojan horse has the potential of wiping out authentic Christian spirituality and replace it with spiritualism.When the Bible says “Be ye holy,” it simply means we must be Christlike. Being holy is our forgotten identity as Christians. It is also the preparation we need to meet our loving Lord. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14 ; Titus 2:11–14Jude 24; 1 John 3:2

THE NEW TROJAN HORSE AND THE EMERGING CHURCH

POSTMODERNISM

THE POSTMODERNISM AND THE EMERGING CHURCH

GENERAL UNAWARENESS OF

A NEW SEISMIC SHIFT CHURCH MEMBERS MAY NOT EVEN BE AWARE THAT THE DOCTRINAL BELIEFS AND LIFESTYLE IS IN TROUBLE, LET ALONE REALIZE THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO CRACKS IN OUR BIBLICAL FOUNDATION…

NEW WORSHIP STYLE NEW APPROACH

MUSIC NEW APPROACHES TO

CHURCH GROWTH NEW KINDS OF

LEADERSHIP

THE FOUNDATION—NOT THE COSMETICS…

MATTERS

Psalms 11:3 & Matthew 7:27

THE EMERGING CHURCH IS ENAMORED WITH COSMETICS

EXAMINE THE FOUNDATION… THE THEOLOGICAL CURTAINS THE CARPETS-FURNITURES-PAINTINGS THE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGETS

BUT HAVE WE EXAMINED THE FOUNDATIONAL STRUCTURE THAT THE LEADERS, SPIN-DOCTORS AND MINISTERS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY CHIPPING

AWAY?

DO THOSE CRACKS WITHIN THE FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS MATTER?

WHAT IS POSTMODERNISM?

IT’S A WAY OF THINKING—Romans 12:1, 2

“THERE ARE NO MORAL ABSOLUTES”

5. “There Is No Right or Wrong”“Morality is relative”

2. “THERE ARE NO ABSOLUTES”“There Is No Absolute Truth”

“Truth is relative”

POSTMODERNISM FINALLY REACHES ITS VERDICT—ETHICS/MORALITY &

TEACHINGS/DOCTRINES

ETHICS/MORALITY PILLAR

TRUTH/TEACHINGS DOCTRINES PILLAR

HUMAN APOTHEOSIS VERSUS MORAL ABSOLUTES

POSTMODERNISM SAYS…

POSTMODERNISM AND THE EMERGING CHURCH

AN IMMORAL LIFESTYLE OF PROMISCUITY—TROJAN

IN URBAN DICTIONARY, A TROJAN HORSE REFERS TO A DEVIOUS SEXUAL ACT WHEREBY THE MALE POKES A SMALL HOLE IN THE TIP OF THE CONDOM BEFORE INTERCOURSE. WOMEN WHO SOMETIMES BELIEVE THEIR BOYFRIENDS ARE UNFAITHFUL DO THAT TOO. AND SO, PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY ARE HAVING SAFE-SEX WITH THEIR CONDOMS, ARE NOT SAFE AT ALL. THEY ARE EXPOSED TO STD’S..

IN BOTH MORALITY & TRUTHPOSTMODERNISM—TWO PILLARS

1.‘THERE ARE NO

MORAL ABSOLUTES’

2.‘THERE ARE NO

TRUTH ABSOLUTES’

UNDERSTANDING POSTMODERNISM: Ephesians 4:17-25

POSTMODERN ERA AND ITS DISTINCTION

POSTMODERNISM AS AN ADJECTIVE REFERS TO A PERIOD OF TIME IN HISTORY…

POSTMODERNISM AS A NOUN REFERS TO A DISTINCT IDEOLOGY OR WORLDVIEW OR MINDSET.

MODERN ERA AFFIRMS HIS (GOD) EXISTENCE, BUT ARGUES THAT THERE WAS NO REAL NEED FOR GOD TO BE INVOLVED IN CREATION. AND WITH THAT MODERN ERA GIVE RISE TO A MINDSET THAT QUESTIONED ANY TEACHING OR PRACTICES BASED ON A BELIEF IN GOD OR THE SUPERNATURAL. SO ANYTHING THAT CANNOT BE PROVED OR EXPLAINED ON THE BASIS OF NATURAL CAUSES CANNOT BE TRUE.

HENCE IF THE MODERN ERA IS OVER, THEN WE ARE ALL POSTMODERN.

ROBERT STRUBLE, JR.

Treatise on Twelve Lights

"The postmodernist worldview dismisses all forms of absolutism from eras past, especially Judeo-Christian faith and morals; yet the postmodernists idolize absolutely their new secular trinity of tolerance–diversity–choice."

GENE EDWART VEITH, JR.

In his book Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture (1994), Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor of English at Concordia University-Wisconsin

‘The intellect is replaced by the will. Reason is replaced by emotion. Morality is replaced by relativism. Reality itself becomes a social construct.’

MORAL RELATIVISM IN POSTMODERN CULTURE

Colossians 2:8

EXAMPLES

“Don’t judge me” “Don’t be judgmental”

Preach “Tolerance”“ God loves us as we are”

POSTMODERNISM IS BELIEVING IN MUTUALLY INCONSISTENT IDEAS

--You can be a Christian and not believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

--You can believe in Christ and Buddha at the same time.

--You can be a Protestant and not believe that the Bible is the inspired and trustworthy rule of faith.

--You can be an Adventist and not believe in a literal, visible, and audible second coming.

--You can be a Seventh-day Adventist and not believe that God created the world in six literal days and rested on the seventh…

POSTMODERNISM AND HERMENEUTICS

THE HERMENEUTICS OF SUSPICION No historical text (e.g. Bible) can be absolutely true. We must approach the text, not to find out what it

objectively means, but to unmask what it is hiding. We call this “the hermeneutics of suspicion.”

The hermeneutics of suspicion sees every text as a political creation, usually designed to function as a propaganda for the status quo.

Examples: Bible vs. Gnostic gospels The “Missing Bible texts” and Da Vinci Code Don’t believe any text. Instead, “interrogate the text” to

uncover its hidden political or sexual agenda. For example, we must not humbly accept, but rather interrogate the Bible and Ellen G. White’s writings.

POSTMODERNISM AND DECONSTRUCTIONISM

REVISION IN HISTORY Since there is no objective truth, history is not a

record of objective facts. According to postmodernists, the so-called facts of history are rather “a series of metaphors.”

Because there is no objective truth, history must be re-written according to the needs of a

particular group: Eurocentric history, Afro-centric history, feminist history, gay-lesbian history, etc.

Even in our own church, Adventist history is being revised not on the basis of truth, but rather on the basis of ideological agenda.

POSTMODERNISM AND EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS

PURSUIT OF TRUTH

Since all truth claims are suspect, we must “deconstruct” whatever purports to be truth. Universities are supposed to be devoted to cultivating truth. Now, since truth no longer exists, what is the purpose of the intellectual pursuit of knowledge? We must re-define the whole enterprise of scholarship.In the past we went to universities to pursue truth. In today’s postmodern world, it is not “what is true” but “what works.”

POSTMODERNISM AND RELIGION

Religion or Desire? --There is either God or no God. --Jesus was either the incarnate Son of God, or He

was just another human being, or a good man. --Miracles happened or they didn’t. --There’s such a place as Heaven or Hell, or there

isn’t. --Saturday is or is not the seventh-day Sabbath.

Religion is seen as a preference or a choice. “I really like that church.” “I really like the Bible

passage that says, “God is love.” “I don’t like the idea of Hell.”

POSTMODERNISM AND MORALITY

MORALITY OR DESIRE? What I want and what I choose is not only true (for

me) but right (for me). And because different people want and desire different things means that truth and morality are relative.

“I have a right to my desires.” “No one has the right” to criticize my desires and my choices.

Postmodernists want no criticism. They want not only the license but approval.

POSTMODERNISM AND TOLERANCE

Joshua 7:16-25

Sin: Tolerance is the cardinal virtue. The greatest sin in postmodernism is a lack of tolerance.

Modernism sought to rid the world of religion. Postmodernism spawns many new ones. People pick and choose various aspects of the different faiths according to what they “like.” Deuteronomy 12:30-32.

POSTMODERNISM AND SPIRITUALITY—John 4:23, 24

SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT TRUTH Modernists did not believe the Bible is true.

Postmodernists have cast out the category of truth altogether. In doing so, they have opened up a Pandora’s box of New age religions…and moral chaos.

Postmodernism believes that there is no objective truth, that the moral values are relative,…But the religions and theologies they promote are very different from both Biblical orthodoxy and modernism.

POSTMODERNISM AND ITS CHALLENGES TO ADVENTISM --Innovative Conference --Invited to our schools—platform --Articles and websites promoting emerging

church ideasTheir view of Doctrines

--Doctrines are not important Non-dogmatic approach

--On every doctrine, they ask: Is it a salvation issue?

--Ridicule former zeal and devotion—CHANGE --Make fun of Adventist history

POSTMODERNISM AND ITS CHALLENGES TO ADVENTISM

Their view of Lifestyle --Lifestyle issues are expendable

Their view of Mission --Mission is a dialogue, a conversation—not

proclamation --Instead of a fortress mentality, we permeate and

transform lives. --Evangelism is non-measurable --Focus is on the unchurched --The Kingdom of God is bigger than any denomination

and religion (hence we need not emphasize on the “remnant” teaching of the church).

CAN A SOCIETY EXIST FOR LONG WITHOUT MORALITY AND TRUTH?

Romans 1:18-32Romans 1:18-32 Sir Arnold Joseph Toynbee—British historian

(April 14, 1889 – October 22, 1975) argues…

‘When this consensus is lost, new objects of worship will rush in to fill the spiritual vacuum. when a society loses its transcendent faith, it turns to three alternatives, which he frankly terms ‘idolatries’.

1. Nationalism: John 19:1-15 2. Ecumenicalism: Isaiah 8:12 & Obadiah 1:7 3. Technicalism: Luke 5: 17 & 7:30

POSTMODERNISM AND NATIONALISM—Acts 4:19 & Daniel 3:8-18

1. Nationalism—“Deified Parochial Community”It idolizes itself and all outsiders are enemies.

Examples: Fascism of Mussolini National Socialism or Hitler

And in a postmodern society…Examples:

Abortion rights Feminist rights Gay rights

POSTMODERNISM AND ECUMENICALISM

2. Ecumenicalism—“Deified Ecumenical Empire”When…a religious community idolizes “unity” while still

accommodating great diversity. For example:

When Rome lost its localized ancestral religion and turned into a vast empire, it instituted emperor worship. The divinized Roman empire was “ecumenical,” that is worldwide Rome tolerated people of all religions, provided they worshipped Caesar as God. Christians who couldn’t do this were put to death.

John 16:2; 19:15 Talks of “global unity” Revelation 13:16 Global economy The “ecumenical movement”

BIBLICAL GROUNDS—SEPARATION

Jesus opposed and condemned the religious leaders of His chosen people for blocking the way to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 23:13).

Paul did not unite with the Judaizers who loved Jesus but wanted to add only one requirement to the Gospel of grace (Galatians 1:6-9).

Jude refused to unify with those who crept into the church unaware to pervert the grace of God (Jude 4).

John did not seek to establish unity with those "who went out from us because they were never really of us" (1 John 2:19).

Peter never joined hands with the false teachers who had forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam (2 Peter 2:15).

The writer to the Hebrews did not seek unity with those who ignored such a great salvation (Hebrews 2:3).

POSTMODERNISM AND TECHNICALISM

3. Technicalism—“Idolization of the Invicible Technician.”A deification of technicians: The divine attributes of omniscience and omnipotence are ascribed to technology and those who master it. In this scenario, the technicians who invent technology will form a new priesthood with knowledge inaccessible to the laity.

Examples--Technical experts become the new priests: “Priest-experts—Psychiatrists—Psychologists—

Sociologists and Statisticians These gods speak of: Efficiency, Precision, Objectivity… These priests of Technopoly call SIN a “social deviance” They call evil “psychopathology”

Neil Postman, Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology (New York: Vintage Books, 1993), p. 58.

IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED, WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO? PSALMS 11:3

Romans 10:3—Romans 1:21-23

Titus 1:16

Luke 6:47-49—2 Corinthians 4:4

ANOTHER TROJAN HORSE?

In business, a trojan horse is an advertising offer made by a company that is designed to draw potential customers by offering them cash or

something of value for acceptance, but following acceptance, the buyer is forced to spend a much larger amount of money, either by being signed

into a lengthy contract, from which exit is difficult, or by having money automatically drawn in some other method. The harmful

consequences faced by the customer may include spending far above market rate, large amount of

debt, or identity theft.

TROJAN HORSE BAIT-N-SWITCH VICTIMS—BARGAIN HUNTERS

BAIT-N-SWITCH VICTIM: ESAU—BARGAIN—POTTAGE

STORY

Jacob’s Deception

Genesis 25:24-34 Genesis 27:1-12-22-30-35, 36

TROJAN HORSE MARKETING DISTRIBUTORS

Banks

Internet and cell phone service providers

Record and book clubs

Auto-manufacturers and car dealerships

Gas stations

Today’s new spiritualities promise Christians a real bargain in their spiritual experience. Tragically, however, they switch the offer, causing victims a

tremendous cost.

“The enemy is buying souls today very cheap. ‘Ye have sold yourselves for nought,’ is the language of the scripture. One is selling his soul for the world’s applause, another money; one to gratify base passions, another for worldly amusement. Such bargains are made daily. Satan is bidding for the purchase of Christ’s blood and buying them cheap, notwithstanding the infinite price which has been paid to ransom them.”

Testimonies for the church, vol. 5, p. 133.3

WANT A RELIGIOUS BARGAIN?MONOTHEISM & PANTHEISM

“The great sin of mankind is not to know the divinity that lies unexpressed within every individual. . . . This basic principle – the Divinity of Man–is the dynamism of Christianity that can save the world and lead mankind to a new level of ‘peace on earth, good will toward men.”

Eric Butterworth, Discover the Power Within You: A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within (New York: HaperCollins, 1968), p. 233.

MEDITATION: WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? IT’S BIBLICAL!

RELIGIONS: EAST MEETS WEST—UNITY ( 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 & Psalms 1:1, 2)

“ We should not hesitate to take the fruit of the age-old wisdom of the East and “capture” it for Christ. Indeed, those of us who are in ministry should make the necessary effort to acquaint ourselves with as many of these Eastern techniques as possible.Many Christians who take their prayer life seriously have been greatly helped by Yoga, Zen, TM [Transcendental Meditation] and similar practices, especially where they have been initiated by reliable teachers [Luke 5:17 ] and have a solidly developed Christian faith to fin inner form and meaning to the resulting experiences.”

M. Basil Pennington, Thomas Keating, Thomas El Clarke, Finding Grace at the Center (Petersham, MA: St. Bede’s Publ., 1978), pp. 5-6.

ROMAN CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL TECHNICIANS

NEW SPIRITUALITY GURU—1 John 4:1-6Thomas Merton (1915-1968), a twentieth-century Roman Catholic who had so immersed himself in Buddhism that he claimed he saw no contradiction between Christianity and Buddhism. He writes:

Asia, Zen, Islam, etc. all these come together in my life. It would be madness for me to attempt to create a monastic life for myself by excluding all these. I would be less a monk.

Rob Baker and Gray Henry, Editors, Merton and Sufism (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 199), p. 41.

MAINLINE PROTESTANTS

TECHNICIANS Episcopalians, United Methodists, Presbyterians,

Lutherans, United Church of Christ, etc.

1. Mathew Fox—a writer and Episcopalian priest, is often spoken of as being the proponent of New Age mysticism within Christianity. He writes: “Divinity is found in all creatures. . . . The Cosmic Christ is the “I am” in every creature.”

Romans 1:21-23Matthew Fox, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1980), pp. 65

MAINLINE PROTESTANT TECHNICIAN—RICHARD FOSTER

CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINEHe writes in his Celebration of Discipline [1978 edition]: “[W]e should all without shame enroll as apprentices in the school of contemplative prayer.”In ‘Celebration of Discipline’ Foster cites approvingly of 20th C Roman Catholic mystic Thomas Merton’s Contemplative Prayer. Foster considers Merton’s Contemplative Prayer, “A must book,” and says of Merton, “Thomas Merton has perhaps done more than any other twentieth-century figure to make the life of prayer widely known and understood.” In earlier editions (1990, 1991, 1993), p. 61, he added that his (Merton’s) books are filled with “priceless wisdom for all Christians who long to go deeper in the spiritual life.”Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row, 1978 edition), p. 13.

“THE EVANGELICALISM’S MYSTICAL SPARKPLUG.”

RICHARD FOSTER‘When I first began writing in the field in the late 70s and early 80s the term “Spiritual Formation” was hardly known, except for highly specialized references in relation to the Catholic orders. Today it is a rare person who has not heard the term. Seminary courses in Spiritual Formation proliferate like baby rabbits. Huge numbers are seeking to become certified as Spiritual Directors to answer the cry of multiplied thousands for spiritual direction.’

Richard Foster, “Spiritual Formation: A Pastoral Letter” January 18, 2004

http://www.theooze.com/articles/article.cfm?id=744).

RICK WARREN’S ENDORSEMENT OF ‘CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER’

HOW TO PREPARE FOR PRAYER TIME: “Take deep breaths, concentrating on relaxing your body. Establish a slow, rhythmic pattern. Breathe in God’s peace, and

breathe out your stresses, distractions, and fears. Breathe in God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion, and breathe out your sins, failures, and frustrations. Make every effort to “stop the

flow of talking going on with you—to slow it down until it comes to a halt.”

Tricia Rhodes, The Soul at Rest: A Journey into Contemplative Prayer (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1996).

Rick Warren endorsed this work in his weekly e-newsletter to pastors (September 3, 2003), when he wrote: “This book is a

quiet-time companion for those who hunger for a greater intimacy with God. It offers fresh insight into little understood

aspects of prayer and introduces a step-by-step journey of learning contemplative prayer.”

Tricia Rhodes, The Soul at Rest: A Journey into Contemplative Prayer, p. 28.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP RENEWAL STYLES…

THE EMERGING CHURCH WALLOWS IN THE WORSHIP RENEWAL OR ‘EPIC CULTURE.’

“multi-sensory spirituality,” “experiential spirituality,” “congregational spirituality” or “sensual

spirituality.” EPIC culture Acronym: E-xperientialP-articipatoryI-mage-Driven C-ulture

GREAT CONTROVERSY, p. 558

“The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism [and its forms of mystical spirituality]; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power [Contemplative Spirituality]; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience. . . .“While it [spiritualism] formerly denounced Christ and the Bible [modernism], it now professes to accept both [postmodernims]. But the Bible is interpreted in a manner that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its solemn and vital truths are made of no effect. . . . Christ is as verily denied as before; but Satan has so blinded the eyes of the people that the deception is not discerned.”

TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, vol. 8, p. 291

“Already there are coming in among our people spiritualistic teachings that will undermine the faith of those who give heed to them. The theory that God is an essence pervading all nature is one of Satan's most subtle devices. ”

The warnings of Laocöön and Cassandra to the leaders and citizens of Troy are applicable to our own times: “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” “Beware of the new spirituality movements. They are Trojan horses.

SOUNDS & SIGNS—WARNINGS?

TROJAN HORSE ANALOGIES

1. In Greek Mythology—Trojan refers to the large hollow wooden figure of a horse, which was filled with Greek soldiers who helped to destroy the fortified city of Troy. The phrase refers to any deceptive practice. Message: Beware! Not everything that claims to be revival is true revival.2. In Computing—A bug introduced into a system to enable a hacker to perform undesirable operations to one’s files. Message: Beware! Spirituality without Ethics leads to antinominianism and mystical, New Age spirituality.3. In Urban Dictionary & Realm of Morality—You think your (Trojan) condoms are safe, but they really are not. Message: Beware of the worldview that says there are no moral absolutes, nor absolutes. 4. In Business—Trojan offers tricks potential customers into a contractual obligation, but later on forcing the customer to pay a much higher price. It is “bait & switch” advertising. Message: “Customer, beware of the new approaches to prayer. all lead to mysticism and spiritualism.

TROJAN HORSE ANALOGY

5. In Warfare—a Trojan horse is a clandestine subversive group working within to advance the goals of the enemy without. “Trojan horse” in warfare language can be defined as a fifth column, a secret group of people who are willing to cooperate with an aggressor against their own country. Any clandestine group or faction of subversive agents who attempt to undermine a nation's solidarity. “Trojan horse” in warfare is, therefore, any group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders. In the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged, we must not only look out for the enemy out there, but also for the enemy within—the Trojan horse or “fifth column” of deception within God’s city.

TROJAN HORSE Matthew 6:24 & 1 John 2:18, 19

TROJAN HORSE: FIFTH COLUMN

CULTURAL DICTIONARY—DEFINITION People willing to cooperate with an aggressor against their own country. The term originated in a remark by Francisco Franco, the Spanish dictator, that he was marching on Madrid with four columns of troops, and that there was a ‘fifth column’ of sympathizers within the city ready to help.

WATCH FRANCISCO FRANCOVIDEO CLIPS

HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?v=HX_faiNTVU

OR

HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?v=9cwZc8E1n5c&NR=1&feature=fvwp

EVEN IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH

WE HAVE MORE TO FEAR FROM WITHIN THAN FROM WITHOUT.

LAST DAY EVENTS, p. 156

TROJAN HORSE: THE ENEMY WITHIN SECRETLY WORKING FOR THE ENEMY

WITHOUT: Matthew 7:15; 10:16; John 10:12, 13

THE ENEMY’ S NEW WEAPONS OF WARFARE

Total surrender to the living Christ and an abiding faith in Him.

A devotional life of persevering prayer.

Meditation on God’s Word.

A wholehearted response of worship and witnessing.

A loving obedience to all of God’s commandments.

A faithful adherence to the teachings of Scripture.

SHOULD THE CHURCH ENGAGE IN WARFARE PRAYER?

Bible Texts taken out-of-context:

Daniel 10:13: Daniel’s warfare prayer.

Zechariah 3:1-2: Warfare prayer in Zechariah.

Jude 9: Warfare prayer at burial ground of Moses.

SHOULD THE CHURCH INITIATE PRE-EMPTIVE WAR AGAINST SATAN’S

STRONGHOLDS?

Ephesians 6:12

1. Christ has already defeated Satan. Ephesians 1:20-21 & Ephesians 2:1-6 All power: Dunamis—Energeia—Kratos—Isxus Colossians 2:15; 1:13; Ephesians 3:8-11; 1 Peter 5:8 Revelation 12

SHOULD THE CHURCH INITIATE PRE-EMPTIVE WAR AGAINST SATAN

STRONGHOLDS? 2. Christians are to stand firm in the face of Satan’s

counter attack. Our role is not offensive, but defensive. Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14

The military metaphor of standing firm or standing fast portrays soldiers, threatened by the enemy, and engaged in close combat. Under fierce assault, the commander does not order them to launch an offensive, but to hold their ground. “It involves standing firm, holding one’s position, resisting, not surrendering to the opposition but prevailing against it”

(Andrew Lincoln, Ephesians, Word Bible Commentary, p. 442).

BIBLICAL WARFARE—POSTURE NOT POSITION

PAULS’S WRITINGS—EXHORTATION

1Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Philippians 1:27-28; 4:1 Colossians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14 James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8, 9

This is what the Bible teaches about spiritual warfare.

STAND AND FIGHT: BE A WARRIOR NOT A WHIMP!

The Weapons of Our Warfare: Ephesians 6:10-17 The “weapons of warfare are not carnal”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5COMBAT GEARS—SPIRITUAL

o The belt of truthfulnesso The breastplate of righteousnesso The shoes of the Gospel of peaceo The shield faitho The helmet of salvationo The sword of the Spirit

THE PRAYER OF WARFARE

3. The Prayer of Warfare: Ephesians 6:18-20Prayer is not an addition to the spiritual warfare. Rather, it is

the atmosphere in which all the fighting should take place. Ephesians 6:14-17

Variety of prayer—“All prayer and supplication”—general and specific requests…not some set formula.

Frequency of prayer—“praying always”—is not some 30-day “prayer of Jabez” formulas or techniques.

Power of prayer—“in the Spirit.” Prayer must be consistent with the mind and will of God.

Manner of prayer—“and watching thereunto”—vigilance. “Watch and pray” Matthew 26:40, 41

Persistence in prayer—“with all perseverance”—steadfast, unshakable.

Specificity in prayer—“and supplication”—specific needs of concern should be mentioned in our prayers.

Objects of prayer—“for all saints and for me”—but on behalf of members of the body of Christ.

SITE OR LOCATION OF WARFARE

4. The Site of Warfare: The new approach to prayer territorializes not only the demons, but also the power of God.

“Prayer walks” (in neighborhoods) “Praise marches” (in cities) “Prayer journeys” (for certain regions) “Prayer expeditions” (to nations)

Ephesians 1:17-19; 3:14-19; 6:18-20“Not once does Paul pray against Artemis, the alleged territorial spirit of Ephesus.”Lowe, Territorial Spirits and World Evangelisation,

p. 65.

CHRIST’ INSTRUCTION TO THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA

When the risen Christ gave specific instructions to the lethargic and inactive church of Laodicea (a symbol of God’s end-time church), Christ did not ask its pastors, scholars, and members to attend some spiritual warfare seminar to learn how to overcome their lukewarm condition. When He wanted to see a revival in the church, He didn’t ask a few “prayer warriors” or “prayer coordinators” to be the “generals of intercession.” And when He wanted His church to be successful in its missions to unentered territories, He didn’t encourage some “prayer offensives” that require “prayer walks” around some neighborhoods to “command” or “rebuke” the demons believed to be in control of those neighborhood or houses. It is a “Trojan horse.” The way to revive our churches is not to import such questionable forms of prayer from other churches.

PRIDE: THE HARDEST OF SIN TO DIAGNOSE

AND THE TOUGHEST OF SIN TO CURE Christ is simply pleading with the Laodicean church to “repent,” urging them to buy from Him spiritual

resources that are free, not costly. Revelation 3:18, 19.

‘The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up.’ Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 141.

RECAP TROJAN HORSE STORYAfter fighting the soldiers of ancient Troy for 10 years, the Greeks became very weary from battle. They felt that a frontal attack will not do the job. They needed another approach which was more subtle. Only two Trojans, Laocoon and Cassandra, spoke out against the horse. They warned the leaders of Troy about the horse, saying, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” But the citizens ignored the warning.The Trojans celebrated what they thought was their victory, and wheeled the wooden horse inside the walled city as a gesture of triumph over the Greeks. That night, after most of Troy was asleep

or in a drunken stupor, Sinon the spy let the Greek warriors out from the horse, and they slaughtered the Trojans. Thus, through a covert deception, the Greeks accomplished what they could not do by an overt or direct assault.

The story, even as a parable, applies appropriately to our times—“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.”

The warning by Laocoon and Cassandra (“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts”) gives us another meaning of the “Trojan Horse” expression.

It is a warning against a seemingly innocuous but treacherous gift from an enemy. It refers to a risky or costly endeavor, that initially looks good and wonderful.

DOES GOD HAVE AN UNDILUTED LAST-DAY WARNING MESSAGE FOR HIS

CHURCH AND THE WORLD?

Proclamation of Truth Our Work.—In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light-bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import,--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. {Ev 119.3}

BECAUSE EVEN ARM AND HAMMER PRODUCTS—STANDARD MESSAGE OF

PURITY ON ITS LABELS

IS GOD’S MESSAGE GENERIC, REAL, OR A FAKE MESSAGE?

MIND-CHARACTER-PERSONALITY “…when Betterton, a celebrated actor, was dining with Dr. Sheldon, [then] archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop said to him, "Pray, Mr. Betterton, tell me why it is that you actors affect your audiences so powerfully by speaking of things imaginary." "My lord," replied Betterton, "with due submission to Your Grace, permit me to say that the reason is plain: it all lies in the power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of things imaginary as if they were real; and you in the pulpit speak of things real as if they were imaginary.”

{2MCP 582.2}

Proclamation of Truth Our Work

In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light-bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import,--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. {Ev 119.3}

God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation represents the people who accept the light of God's messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. The Distinctive Mission of Seventh-day Adventists. …He has committed to us sacred and eternal truth, which is to be given to others in faithful warnings, reproofs, and encouragement.--5T 381 (1885). {LDE 45.1} He has made them His representatives and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world.

--7T 138 (1902). {LDE 45.2}

TRUTHS FROM THE TROJAN HORSE STORY

Courage Rewarded with Death. Laocoon was put to death for his efforts to warn Troy. This lone priest lost his life for giving an unpopular warning.

Original Walls Removed. Another fascinating feature of the Trojan epic is that in order to take the horse within the walls, the Trojans had to remove the lintel over the Scean Gate because the horse was too large to otherwise fit. According to versions of the Trojan story, it had been prophesied that if ever the Scean lintel was taken down, Troy would fall. In some cases, we are actually tearing down our own distinctive teachings in order to accommodate the new questionable teachings and practices.

Laocoon's role, of course, is not found in the original tale, but was added later by Arctinus in The Sack of Ilium and is included in other post-Aeneid versions of the story.) What seems clear is that this lone priest lost his life for giving an unpopular warning.

TRUTHS FROM THE TROJAN HORSE STORY

4. Untouchable Sacred Horse. The Trojans considered the horse a sacred animal, which prevented them from breaking it open and discovering Odysseus and his companions. Satan has used such a tactic against the Seventh-day Adventist Church. By using such sacred themes as:

Love and Grace False teachings and Tolerance Untouchables--Ideas or opinions are pushed by PhDs,

DMins, MDs, SDA church leaders, etc. No view is sacrosanct. All must be tested by the Word of

God. READ Acts 17:11, 12; Isaiah 8:20

GREAT CONTROVERSY, p. 595

The multitude do not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love. But God will have a people upon earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one or all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in its support. Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in place of God.

PETER’S PENTECOSTAL BIBLICAL VIEWPOINT—REVIVAL?

It focused on Scripture: Acts 2:14-36, 38-40Passages: Joel 2:28-32; Psalms 16:8-11Psalms 110:1

Exposition/Explanation of those Old Testament passages, and direct appeal (vvs. 38-40).

In other words, the sermon that brought about a revival and 3,000 baptisms on the day of Pentecost, …it was a Bible-based message.

PETER’S PENTECOSTAL BIBLICAL VIEWPOINT—REVIVAL?

It focused on “present truth”The apostle explained to the people the prophetic significance of events taking place in their day. But Peter correctly understood that what had happened (Acts 2:14-18) was a fulfilment of Bible prophecy. Peter quoted from Joel 2:28-29—to show that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was prophesied by Joel the prophet.

Other prophets prophesy the Holy Spirit outpouring: Isaiah 32:15; 44:3; Ezekiel 39:28, 29; Hosea 6:3 John the Baptist in Luke 3:16; Mark 1:8 Jesus Himself Luke 24:44-49

PETER’S PENTECOSTAL BIBLICAL VIEWPOINT—REVIVAL?

3.. It focused on Jesus: The people saw Jesus Christ in His true light. In Acts 2:22-33, Peter quoted Psalms 16:8-11 to show that Jesus of Nazareth, the Carpenter from Galilee who was crucified on passover Friday, was actually Israel’s promised Messiah. Unlike king David’s body which was buried and which saw decay, the body of Jesus Christ, the true “Son of David,” did not to see decay.

Later in Acts 2:34-35, Peter also quoted Psalms 110:1 to show that Jesus was not just the “Son of David,” but was greater than David. He was the “Lord of David,” who had been exalted in heaven, sitting on the His throne at the Father’s right hand.

‘LET US HERE THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER…’

1. Jesus is now our Prince and Savior: Acts 5:30-31 2. Jesus is now our Heavenly High Priest: Hebrews 8:1-2; 7:25 3. Jesus is now interceding for us; He will not condemn, but will save

all who call upon Him. Romans 8:34; 9:24 4. Jesus is in control over all things–human and governmental affairs,

angels, principalities, demons, etc. Hebrews 1:3, 13;Ephesians 1: 20-23; 1 Peter 3:22

5. Jesus can help us live victorious lives, as we set our eyes on things above. Colossians 3:1-2

6. Jesus will help us endure to the end: Hebrews 12:1-3 7. Jesus will give us courage, even in the face of death; we can cherish

a forgiving spirit towards those who are hurting us. Acts 7:55-60 8. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us, comfort us, and

equip us in all things. Acts 2:33 9. Because Jesus is on the throne, seated at the right hand of the

Father, and because Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit, we should not be moved. Acts 2:25.

10. We shall be overcomers, even as Jesus also overcame and is seated on the throne. Revelation 3:21.

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