Productivity Tech Tip # 1: Dropbox

Most of us in full time ministry have more than one computer.  In fact, we will have a computer at the office, one at home, and maybe a notebook computer, iPad, iPhone, Android or Blackberry Smartphones.  Wouldn’t it be great to have files that would sync and be accessible from all of these devices? 

I discovered Dropbox over a year ago.  I have thrown just about everything at it and it works easily and flawlessly.  It is installed on every electronic device I use (completely a cross-platform program).  The last two courses I have written I kept in Dropbox.  I have two current books on it and all my sermon notes dating all the way back to 2001!  They are always available if I am at the office, home or on the road.

Another great thing about Dropbox is that an account with 2 GIG is FREE.  I have all this information on it in Word (several thousand files) and I am only using 5% of my space.  Larger space is available for a nominal monthly fee.

If this sounds like something you would use, click on the link below to sign up for your free account.

Sign Up for Your Free Dropbox Account

Corrected Link for MP3 Message on 2011

Somehow the link did not work right on our posting.  Here is a corrected link for the message “The Sifting of 2011.”

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/mp3/weekly/2010/prophetic-word-2011.mp3 

Note: Right-Mouse Click to Download to Your Computer.

Prophetic Word for 2011

I recently shared a prophetic word that God gave to me regarding what is in store for 2011.  I have included a link to the audio message in MP3 below. It is my prayer that we all will be ready, aligned with the Kingdom, and prepared to move forward in 2011!

Download MP3 Message

 

 

Dr. Michael K. Lake

Biblical Life College & Seminary & Biblical Life Assembly

Jesus & the Prophetic Significance of the Feast of Dedication

Most believers seem to drive right by the Feast of Dedication (or Hanukkah) not realizing that it has powerful prophetic significance to the New Testament Church and Jesus directly links it to “hearing His voice” in John 10:22-30.

You will find that today most believers listen more to the voice of the Greek King Antiochus Epiphanes than they do the Word of God!  This is a real eye-opener for modern Christians!  We will become the sheep that only listen to the voice of Messiah – the Good Shepherd or are we listening to the voice of another?

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/mp3/feasts/prophetic-significance-feast-of-dedication.mp3

Profile on Author

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO and founded Biblical Life Publishing in 2010. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Is the Spirit of Nicolaitans Alive and Well in the Church Today?

by Michael K. Lake, Th.D.

I usually spend some of my free time on the weekends in the Word of God. I am finding that, as the moral light in both the world and the institutionalized church grows dim, the Word of God has become more precious in my life!

This weekend, the Holy Spirit led me to begin reading through the Book of Revelation. As I was reading, the word “Nicolaitans” jumped off the page. Although the text remained unaltered in my bible, it was as if the Holy Spirit had highlighted, underlined, and used bold letters on the word. I knew that I had to dig a little deeper to find what God wanted to show me.

Let’s take a look at what Jesus said about the Nicolaitans:

Revelation 2:6 (KJV)
⁶ But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

What is interesting is that Jesus places this commendation right in the middle of a stern rebuke for leaving their first love.

Revelation 2:1-7 (KJV)
¹ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; ² I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: ³ And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. ⁴ Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ⁶ But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ⁷ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

In fact, the letter to the Church of Ephesus is a “commend, commend, rebuke (get it right or else), and commend” narrative. Doesn’t it make you wonder about what narrative the Church of America would receive if the Book of Revelation was being written today?

Anyway, let’s focus back on the Nicolaitans. There is much debate on who they were and what they were teaching. I want to take a look at several biblical authorities and extrapolate vital information from their works that we can use today.

The first resource that I want to examine is the study notes in the New Pilgrim Student Bible. We find on page 1775 in the notes on the Book of Revelation:

2:6 Nicolaitans. We have no certain information about these people. The word “Nicolaitans” comes from two Greek words, meaning “to conquer” and “the people.” It seems to indicate that there were some church leaders even in these early days who wanted to hold office and get power over the people. They distinguished between themselves and the people as “the clergy” and “the laity.”[1]

Although I do understand where they are coming from in their study notes, I do not believe that the concepts of “clergy” and “laity” had yet found their way into the Church. Since the Church in Ephesus was commended for testing those that said they were apostles and were not, it would seem that the Ephesians were still strong in their understanding of the five-fold ministry (taught to them by the Apostle Paul in Eph. 4:11-12, as he drew from the synagogal model of leadership).

Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV)
¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

There may be something more that we can learn from their notes.

There is a doctrine that is making its rounds in many Christian circles today. Most know this teaching as “Dominion Theology” or “the Manifested Sons of God.” This theology believes that the true Church will take over the world (and all governments), bring all evil under its feet, and then hand a conquered world over to Jesus when He returns. In my opinion, one cannot honestly read the Book of Revelation and come to that conclusion.

Regardless of our eschatological views on the timing of the rapture and the return of Christ, we must see in God’s Word that only Messiah will conquer the antichrist and his ungodly army. It is the task of the Messiah alone to kosher this planet as it is referred to throughout Scripture as “the Day of the LORD,” not “the Day of the Bride.” Jesus is the One riding on a white horse and destroys the armies of the antichrist with the word of His mouth.

I do believe that the Church is called to be light and salt in the earth, which includes the political arena. It takes a special calling to be a preserving influence in an area so corrupted by the influences of Babylon and the Spirit of this World. We need to keep our politicians (especially Christian ones) in our prayers.

I believe the greatest task in the life of the believer is to take dominion over his own flesh and carnal nature. He is called of God to bring even every thought into subjection of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). We are almost continually bombarded with headlines that have ministers falling into sin that are involved in Dominion theology. It seems to me that they are losing the greater struggle from within!

Many also confuse the army in the Book of Joel as the Body of Christ. There are two separate groups in Joel 2.

Joel 2:1-11 (KJV)
¹ Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; ² A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. ³ A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. ⁴ The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. ⁵ Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. ⁶ Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. ⁷ They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: ⁸ Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. ⁹ They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. ¹⁰ The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: ¹¹ And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Although the Scriptures call this army “his army,” we need to realize that God called Nebuchadnezzar “a servant of God.”

Jeremiah 27:6-8 (KJV)
⁶ And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. ⁷ And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him. ⁸ And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

God used Nebuchadnezzar and his armies for divine purposes. God will do the same with the armies of the antichrist.

In Joel 2:1-11, I took the liberty of highlighting important segments. I believe that there is a connection to this army, the end-time army of the antichrist, Nimrod, the Nephilim of Genesis 6, and transhumanism today. There is a Hebrew word that is used to express both a subdivision of Nephilim and what Nimrod became: it is “gibbowr.” This is the same word used in the Book of Joel for this approaching army.

We need to understand that both the United States (through DARPA) and other industrialized nations are beginning a new arms race; it is for the super soldier. They look to create the “Human 2.0” that Hitler was never able to create. This goal is shared by scientists worldwide in the transhumanist movement. (Transhumanists represent “Human 2.0” as “H⁺” in their publications.) They seek to use GRIN (Genetics, Robotics, artificial Intelligence, and Nano-technology) to create the perfect super human. It will be like X-Men, Dark Angel, and the Nightmare on Elm Street all rolled into one. Concepts displayed by this army (hive mentality, superhuman strength and agility, and accelerated healing) are all goals of both DARPA and the transhumanist movement.

Genesis 6 teaches us that when you begin tampering with the DNA of mankind that you can begin releasing untold demonic powers. This army in Joel 2 is empowered by the dark forces of the antichrist and is moving against God’s people.

(For more information on transhumanism, I would recommend Dr. Tom and Nita Horn’s well researched book “Forbidden Gates: the Dawn of Techno-Dimensional Spiritual Warfare.” You can purchase this book online at www.survivormall.com.)

The second group in Joel 2 is God’s people that sound an alarm because of the approaching army. These people gather together to pray and fast. It is the second group that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit falls upon. Then Messiah comes back to deliver them out of the hands of the approaching army. My question is: “Which group are you claiming to be a part of?”

Now let’s examine what Finis Dake has to say regarding the Nicolaitans in his Annotated Study Bible:

Followers of Nicolaus, a heretic. They are thought to have been a sect of Gnostics who practiced and taught impure and immoral doctrines, such as the community of wives, that committing adultery and fornication was not sinful, and that eating meats offered to idols was lawful. This was similar to the doctrines of Balaam and Jezebel of Thyatira (Rev. 2:6,14-15,20).[2]

Dake describes this movement as one that attempts to take the Gentile portion of the Church away from the instruction given to them by the Council in Jerusalem in Acts 5:19-21.

Acts 15:19-21 (KJV)
¹⁹ Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: ²⁰ But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

I believe that the ruling of the council in Jerusalem established the observance of Leviticus 11 into the dietary habits of the Gentile Church. (I will be covering not only Acts 15, but just about every verse of Scripture dealing with God’s wisdom regarding our diet in my upcoming book “Eating God’s Way.” This book will be an eye-opening hermeneutical experience for many!) At the very least, the basic instruction for the Gentile Church was not to eat anything knowingly that was sacrificed to an idol and to abstain from sexual impurity. It is easy to see in the Body today that both our appetites for food and sex are getting out of control! This is a manifestation of the Nicolaitan Spirit influencing the Church today.

I found the final commentary that I want to reference not only enlightening, but I was a bit taken aback by where I found it. The Preacher’s Sermon and Outline Bible is a consolidation of some of the greatest spiritual minds in the Protestant movement over the last several centuries. I not only recommend this powerful series for any minister’s library, I require many of their volumes in the studies at Biblical Life College and Seminary. Here are the comments from the PSOB:

They had stood ever so strongly against the Nicolaitans. Just who the Nicolaitans were is not known. It is thought that they stressed two things:

⇒ that Christ had done away with the law of the Old Testament and had instituted the law of Christian liberty.

⇒ that the soul and spirit of man was far more important than his body.

The results of this doctrine are clearly seen. If there is no law to govern us, then we can do what we like just so we profess to believe in Christ. And if the spirit is what really matters, then I can do what I like with my body just so I take care of my spirit.

⇒ Think how many people feel that they can live like they want just so they attend and support the church. If they attend church, they feel they can live like they want during the week.

⇒ Think how many people believe they are eternally secure because they believe in Christ, have been baptized, and belong to a church. Yet, they live like they want during the week. They continue to seek the pleasures and possessions of the world, banking and hoarding and neglecting the spread of the gospel and a world of desperate needs. There is no evidence whatsoever of repentance and of a changed and holy life—no evidence of self-denial, of the sacrifice of all one is and has.

The point is this: the Ephesian church had preached and taught against the error of the Nicolaitans. They had refused to allow the error to enter the church. They were doctrinally sound; they stood staunchly for the truth of Christ and the Word of God. But they lacked the main thing: love for Christ. They had lost their love for Christ. [3] (Emphasis mine.)

The POSB is considered by most to be a Baptist publication. Yet it stresses that the Nicolaitan Spirit wants to replace God’s commandments and separate them from what is to be considered Godliness in the Body of Christ!

I can testify that this spirit is alive in Christian theology today. I have had ministers of the Gospel about spit on me for bringing up the Commandments of God. The Nicolaitan Spirit tells us that Jesus conquered and did away with God’s Law. Nothing could be further from the truth. Listen to the Apostle John (the Apostle of Love):

1 John 2:3-6 (KJV)
³ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ⁴ He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵ But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ⁶ He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 John 3:4-10 (KJV)
⁴ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. ⁵ And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. ⁶ Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. ⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. ⁸ He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. ⁹ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. ¹⁰ In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The Apostle John considers sin the violation of the Law (or God’s Commandments) and acts of righteousness as the keeping of the Commandments. I guess John did not get the memo that Jesus conquered and nailed the Law to the Cross! It was not the Torah that was nailed to the Cross; it was our long list of violations against it.

It should also be noted that the “doing away with the Law” is not only what the publishers of the PSOB would call “Nicolaitanism,” but is known historically as “Marcionism.” During the second century Marcion rejected the Old Testament and the commandments of God. He was the first to group together very carefully edited versions of Paul’s writings that seemed to be expressing an anti-Torah view. He took the position that Jesus did away with the Law and conquered it by the Cross. Around 139 A.D., Marcion went to Rome to present his teachings to the Church fathers there (along with a rather large love gift). The elders in Rome rejected his teachings and his love gift. In fact, Polycarp (a direct disciple of the Apostle John) called Marcion the “first born son of Satan.” Later on, the Catholic theologian Augustine embraced Marcion’s ideas about grace and opposing God’s Law and made it a part of his theology. This position was later adopted by theologians in the Reformation.[4] Few today question the origin of this teaching and embrace it as orthodox theology. They are also quick to rebuke any believer that would return to God’s commandments as an expression of walking in holiness.

The Word tells us:

Ephesians 5:27 (KJV)
²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Jesus is coming back for a people that have won the war within against the old sin nature and are walking in true biblical holiness. He is not coming back for some pseudo-Christian ubermen (“The Übermensch” or “Overman, Above-Human, Superman” is a concept in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche posited the Übermensch as a goal for humanity to set for itself in his 1883 book Thus Spoke Zarathustra)[5] that are ruling the world with an iron fist and saying “Come on back now Jesus, we’ve got this all under control!”

The only true way to prepare for the soon coming of the Lord is to return to biblicity. We must be living the Word from within and manifesting the resurrected King through our thoughts, words, and actions!

Copyright 2010 by Michael K. Lake, Th.D.

---

EndNotes:

[1] The New Pilgrim Bible: KJV Student Edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford, NY. © Copyright 2003.

[2] Finis J. Dake, Dake's Annotated Reference Bible, (Lawrenceville: Dake Publishing, Inc., 2007), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "Chapter 2".

[3] The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Revelation, (Chattanooga: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1991), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "B. The Message to Ephesus: The Orthodox Church, But A Church Without Love, 2:1-7".

[4] Moseley, Dr. Ron. Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church. Messianic Jewish Publishers, Baltimore, MD. © Copyright 1996. Page 40.

[5] Ubermensch. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Cbermensch

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Profile on Author

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. and founded Biblical Life Publishing.  Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Overcoming Spiritual Entropy Series–Complete

Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics.  It is also a spiritual force in the universe.  Entropy is defined as "the degradation of the matter and energy in the universe to an ultimate state of inert uniformity b : a process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder."  Learn how this force is affecting believers, large segments of the Church and how to overcome it!  You don't have to lose spiritual ground in your life anymore!

• The Perils of Spiritual Entropy

• Overcoming Spiritual Entropy - Part 1

• Overcoming the Spirit of Entropy from DVD (Video will be posted for December's Edition of the Biblical Life Victory Briefing)

• Overcoming Spiritual Entropy - Part 2

• Overcoming Spiritual Entropy - Part 3

• Overcoming Spiritual Entropy - Part 4
  

Series is Now Complete

==========================

Profile on Author

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO and the founder of Biblical Life Publishing.  Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

New Book Will Be Ready for Publication within 30 Days

Over the past week, the Holy Spirit has been releasing an anointing to write that I have never experienced before!  I began writing my new book “Eating God’s Way: God’s Instruction for Spiritual and Physical Health.”  The chapters began flowing out of me like a river.  In fact, I am already at the half way point in writing.  I will need to spend some time verifying the various references and in proofreading, but we hope to have it to the publishers before December 15.

This new book with provide a hermeneutical analysis of virtual very scripture in the Word of God dealing with dietary instruction as well as an honest look at the practices of the Early Church – especially the Gentiles.  We will also look at the wisdom of God’s Word from a naturopathic point of view.  It is amazing to find that God’s Word (the Torah) even warns us about genetically modified foods (GMO’s).

We hope to have a shipment of this new book in our offices by the end of December.  It will be available online at our web store and through Amazon.Com by then as well.

Overcoming the Spirit of Entropy Video Now Available Online

We just posted the Biblical Life Victory Briefing to the Internet. December’s teaching is on “Overcoming the Spirit of Entropy.” Here is a summary of this powerful teaching:

Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics.  It is also a spiritual force that is active in our universe.  Entropy is defined as "the degradation of the matter and energy in the universe to an ultimate state of inert uniformity, a process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder."  Learn how this force is affecting believers, large segments of the Church, and how to overcome it!  This teaching is essential to understanding the spiritual warfare we all are currently in. You don't have to lose spiritual ground in your life anymore!

All six segments are available on our YouTube channel. For your convenience, we have organized them at the Biblical Life Victory Briefing BLOG on WordPress.

http://blvictory.wordpress.com

We pray that this video teaching will bless you, empower your life, and break off all entropy from your spiritual walk and ministry!

Overcoming Spiritual Entropy–Part 2 Link Correction

Ooops!  We found an incorrect link to download “Overcoming Spiritual Entropy – Part 2.”  Here is the corrected link:

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/mp3/entropy/overcoming-spiritual-entropy-part-2.mp3

Overcoming Spiritual Entropy Series

Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics.  It is also a spiritual force that is active in our universe.  Entropy is defined as "the degradation of the matter and energy in the universe to an ultimate state of inert uniformity, a process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder."  Learn how this force is affecting believers, large segments of the Church, and how to overcome it!  This teaching is essential to understanding the spiritual warfare we are currently in. You don't have to lose spiritual ground in your life anymore!

Here are the MP3 Messages we have posted so far:

The Perils of Spiritual Entropy
Overcoming Spiritual Entropy - Part 1
Overcoming the Spirit of Entropy from DVD (Video will be posted for December's Edition of the Biblical Life Victory Briefing)
Overcoming Spiritual Entropy - Part 2

Profile on the Teacher

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO and established Biblical Life Publishing in 2009. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

A Fresh Word from Heaven

Do you feel like your life, studies, or ministry is moving through molasses? Hell has loosed the “Spirit of Entropy” against the Body of Christ over this last decade. Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics.  It is also a spiritual force in the universe.  Entropy is defined as "2a: the degradation of the matter and energy in the universe to an ultimate state of inert uniformity, b: a process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder."  Learn how this force is affecting believers, large segments of the Church, and how to overcome it!  You don't have to lose spiritual ground in your life anymore!

God has begun releasing this fresh Word in our local body. We are uploading new messages in MP3 as they are being taught by Dr. Lake. You can download them free of charge at our congregational website. So check back weekly as this series continues to grow!

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/series.htm

New Avenues of Ministry Are Opening

In a recent meeting with Dr. Tom Horn of the Raiders News Network, we were informed about a new technology that will become available in 2011. This new technology is true Internet TV that makes all programming “on-demand” will flourish next year. Unlike traditional TV, you will be able search for a show or video (like you do now on YouTube), and stream it to your TV. We are preparing to take advantage of this development and hope to have a “Biblical Life” channel available by the end of 2011 that will include courses and special seminars for the Christian community worldwide.

We are also investing in “green screen” technology that will allow us to have a more professional video presence in our productions. We are also hoping to film Yeshivas (biblical discussion groups) on various topics with professors and special guests for future video distribution. Needless to say, we are excited about all the possibilities this new technology will bring for the teaching of God’s principles for a biblical life.

Kingdom Authority and Warfare 3 Should Be Ready for Distribution by December 15.

We are currently editing the final two sessions of this new course. The notes from the last two lessons are being proofed so we can submit the book to the publishers for printing. We are also editing the final two sessions of video for DVD. We have learned so much in the production of this course for video. We pray it will be a blessing to all of our students and the IEN (International Educational Network) member schools.

If all goes well, we will have the first shipment of books in by December 15.

New Book Released

Our friend Dr. Tom Horn has released a new book titled “Forbidden Gates.”  This book is a must for any believer that wants to prepare for the spiritual war that will be released worldwide in the next few years.  Few believers are aware of the technological developments that are advancing at an unprecedented rate.  To be uninformed is to be unprepared! 

Here is the info on this book:

=======

Forbidden Gates is NOW AVAILABLE! (Plus FREE Gifts!)

You signed up to be notified when the new book “Forbidden Gates” became available...

AND WE HAVE YOUR $80.00 IN FREE GIFTS WAITING HERE: http://www.raidersnewsnetwork.com/forbiddengates-special.htm

From the #1 best selling authors of "Apollyon Rising 2012" comes the most important disclosure in your lifetime. According to secret government documentation inside the new book "Forbidden Gates," the "human enhancement revolution" will begin in earnest within the next 36 months. Unprecedented announcements will follow the 2012 US presidential election detailing plans for “large scale technological reinvention and far-reaching morphological transformation of the specie," which will begin via military adoption then "quickly move out to the rest of us not engaged in warfare." In other words, redesigning human DNA is about to move from the Hollywood big screen and government laboratories onto the battlefield and then to a neighborhood near you. And lest anyone think this statement is hyped, you will learn from the government itself of the actual secret catastrophic vision, which the JASONs (the celebrated scientists on the Pentagon's most prestigious scientific advisory panel), DARPA (the leading research projects agency of the United States Department of Defense), and other agencies of the United States government have outlined.

This is just the tip of the iceberg...

The clock is ticking...

Will you be ready!?

LEARN WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW AND RECEIVE $80.00 IN FREE GIFTS HERE: http://www.raidersnewsnetwork.com/forbiddengates-special.htm

Dynamics of Spiritual Gateways–Session 05

The Body of Messiah has been disenfranchised from its Hebraic Heritage and has been thoroughly Hellenized by Western civilization.  We do not understand the power of spiritual gateways, how they can be used for the Kingdom, and how the enemy can use them against us.  This new series by Dr. Lake will teach you what the early church knew about these gates and how it allowed them to flow in power.

Session 05

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry’s "Who’s Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling’s "Who’s Who Executive Edition," and the "Who’s Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Dynamics of Spiritual Gateways MP3 Posts

The Body of Messiah has been disenfranchised from its Hebraic Heritage and has been thoroughly Hellenized by Western civilization.  We do not understand the power of spiritual gateways, how they can be used for the Kingdom, and how the enemy can use them against us.  This new series by Dr. Lake will teach you what the early church knew about these gates and how it allowed them to flow in power.

So far, we have the first four sessions of this new series posted in MP3 for free download:

• Session 1 – What Happened in the Garden?
• Session 2 – Gateway of the Mind
• Session 3 – Gateways to the Mind
• Session 4 – Spiritual Gateways & the Commandments of God

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry’s "Who’s Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling’s "Who’s Who Executive Edition," and the "Who’s Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Can You Christianize Halloween?

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Preface

It is a little shocking in this day and age that we must remind believers not to practice pagan customs. Unfortunately, the enemy of our souls has learned that if you wrap it in fun, Christians will flock after it.

Pastor Bob Hill is a gifted man of God that has dedicated his life to teaching truth from God’s Word and to call all men to walk according to that truth by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Hill is also a BLCS student currently in the Master of Divinity Program.

Please read his words with an open heart and share the truth that he presents with other believers.

Dr. Michael K. Lake

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by Pastor Bob Hill

A MICRO VERSION

There are many versions of the Halloween story. Most historical and folklore accounts parallel this overview. This will be a condensed overview of this pagan and occult holiday. I have compiled and condensed a lot of information from previous research and put it into a short micro overview.

Halloween has never been a Christian holiday. As we look at its history, we find that its roots go deep into heathenism, paganism, Satanism and the occult. Its modern expression is just a different variation of the ancient practices of Samhain by the Druid priests and today’s practitioners.

HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

October thirty one is the most important day in the satanic year. It marks the Celtic New Year. It was the end of the growing season. It became a festival of death. On this day, the god of the Celtics was to have called up the spirits of the wicked dead who had died during the past year. At the same time, other evil spirits arose and went about the countryside harassing the people. On October thirty one, the Celtics expected to be harassed by ghosts, evil spirits and demons; and it was no fun and games to them. They would light bonfires to guide the spirits to their own town and to ward off evil spirits.

DRUIDS

The Celtics had priests called druids. On October thirty one, the druids went from house to house demanding certain foods, and all those who refused were cursed. The people were tormented by means of magic. As they went, the druids carried large turnips which they had hollowed out and on which they had carved demon faces as charms. Each one was believed to contain the demon spirit that personally led or guided that priest: “his little god.”

DIVINATION

Those who practiced fortune telling and divination found that this was the night that they had the most success. They called upon Satan to bless their efforts. One form of divination was to put apples in a tub and bob for them. The first one who successfully came up an apple was to have good luck throughout the year. They would then peel the apples and throw the peeling over their shoulders and then quickly look around. They expected to see a vision or an apparition of the one they were to marry.

SACRIFICES

Sacrifices were made to the gods, especially the god of death - Samhain (pronounced Sah wee). Sacrifices all the way from vegetable to human were offered. This went on and on, and, in some parts of the world, still goes on today.

8th CENTURY ATTEMPT AT CHRISTIANIZATION

In the 8th century, the Pope, in an effort to get the people to quit the festival of Sam hain, invented All Saints Day (Nov. 1). This was an attempt to get the people to turn away from the horrible observance of Sam hain. All Saints Day was intended to honor the martyrs of the Roman persecutions. It did not work! It never works to try and Christianize a pagan or occult practice. Mixing the cups of devils and the Lord never works!

THE MIDDLE AGES

In the Middle Ages, there was a great revival of satanic practices, witchcraft and magic – just like our modern times. During this time the belief developed that witches traveled on broomsticks to the black Sabbaths to worship Satan on October thirty first. They were guided by spirits in the form of black cats. The Druids worshiped cats believing them to be reincarnated evil people.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT

This festival of death has survived all the efforts of the church to stamp it out. Because it is still one of the most successful western holidays and celebrated in schools, work places and at home parties. Because of this many believers and churches have given into this cultural pressure. In order to clean it up, churches and misguided leaders have tried to Christianize these evil practices, they don’t call it All Saints Day, instead terms like Harvest Festivals, Barn Festivals, Alleluia Parties, Evangelistic haunted houses or bible character nights are used. Despite the clear contrast between Halloween and Christianized celebrations Christians continue to defend their complicity by asserting their "liberty" in Christ from the bondages of "legalism," declaring it is only innocent fun! God never gave us liberty to engage ourselves in any pagan, occult or evil practice not in the Old or New Testaments!

"Learn not the way of the heathen . . . for the customs of the people are vain," (Jeremiah 10:2-3).

“What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor,” 2 Cor 6:15-17 AMP

All Saints Day became All Hallows Day. Hallow means holy or sacred. October thirty one is not a holy or sacred biblical day; it is an occult holiday. All Hallows Day came to be called in the western world all hallows evening and then all hallows- een. Een is an abbreviation for evening. Finally, the word was reduced to the way we have it today, Halloween. That's where the name came from, and even if it is called all hallows evening, it has nothing to do with Christian faith, and it never did and it never will.

MODERN HALLOWEEN

Now let's look at the present day celebration of Halloween. Isn't the whole theme one of darkness, death, fear, threats, destruction and evil? There are witches, broomsticks, bats, owls, ghosts, skeletons, death, and monsters. We dress up children as demons, witches, ghouls, monsters and werewolves and send them out into the street in the darkness to reenact the Druids' practice of demanding food from people under threat of tricks or curses if they didn't comply. Instead of a turnip, modern practices use a pumpkin and carve demon faces in it and decorate the home with it. During Halloween there will be apple bobbing, divination, fortune telling, haunted houses, candles lit and spirits called up. There will be séances and Ouija boards in the name of fun and excitement.

There are police reports and records every year of poisoned candy, sacrifices of dogs, cats, rats, chickens, goats and even reports missing humans! You might say, "Well, we don't take it seriously." But the pagans, occultists, demons and Satan do!

I once did my radio broadcast via cell phone from one of the high places overlooking Portland the day before Halloween. This place is a known occult ceremony site. On one of the large in ground cement water tank covers I was broadcasting from was a huge pentagram marked out on the cover. It was left over from a satanic ceremony that had taken place the previous night. At one of the pentagram points I saw this scratched into the dried moss on the cover; “God help me!” It was from someone who was seriously frightened. Believe it or not this is a serious occult day and evil is practiced on it. It is not taking back what the devil stolid. This celebration was, is and never will be a God redeemable celebration. It is sometime to be rejected and forsaken. My radio broadcast on that high place via cell phone was to gather a large group of believers via the radio to pray for divine intervention and interruption of these practices.

HAVE YOU BEEN TRICKED?

You can call a duck…… a horse, cow or a cat, but it is still a duck……. You can call Halloween a "fall festival, harvest festival, barn party, alleluia party," but you are still observing a pagan and occult holiday known as Halloween. Christianizing it by dressing up as bible characters doesn’t change that it is Halloween, the highest satanic holy day of the year. When the Church, which is purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ builds houses of horror in its fellowship halls so that the little lambs who have been entrusted to its care can be terrified and opened up to invading spirits of fear, torment and confusion in the name of winning souls into the Kingdom of God or presenting a Christian alternative to Halloween or hosting costume barn parties for it teens and adults will not change the roots, origin and reality of this festival. Paul faced the same challenges with early believers who thought they could mix Jesus with pagan, occult and devilish cultural celebrations.

The Apostle Paul tells a spiritual but carnal Corinthian church you cannot participate in diabolical practices.

“No, I am suggesting that what the pagans sacrifice they offer [in effect] to demons (to evil spiritual powers) and not to God [at all]. I do not want you to fellowship and be partners with diabolical spirits [by eating at their feasts]. You cannot drink the Lord's cup and the demons' cup. You cannot partake of the Lord's table and the demons' table.” 1 Cor 10:20-21, Deut 32:17 AMP

I personally believe it is time for some major deliverance for churches. Why, because there is no biblical justification for Christianizing Halloween or All Saints Day. I suggest that you don't participate in this occult holiday no matter what some religious leaders say about “taking back what the devil stolid.” This celebration was never inspired by God so how can it be taken back. If you really want to have a fall or harvest celebration I strongly suggest that you celebrate the biblical harvest celebrations known as the Fall Feasts of The Lord, which are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

No matter what you think of Halloween, the fact is, it is the highest satanic holy day. HALLOWEEN IS ANTI-BIBLICAL, ANTI-CHRIST AND IT CANNOT BE CHRISTIANIZED!

Those that have ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Pastor Bob Hill

Renewed Hope Ministries | 1810 Kauffman Avenue Vancouver, WA. 98660

Office: 360-258-8703 | Renewedhope@pacifier.com | www.rhm-net.org

Scriptural References:

Hosea 4:6; Ezekiel 44:23; Deuteronomy 32:17, 18:9-14; 7:25-26; James 1:27; II Corinthians 6:14; I Corinthians 10:19-23; I Thessalonians 5:21-23; Philippians 4:8.

Audio Problems with This Month’s Video

Week after week, month after month, videotaping went smoothly.  Then it was as if someone had flipped some mysterious switch and our audio had a strange interference.  This interference made the session on “Fasting Forward” impossible to listen to. 

We could blame it on the devil not wanting this powerful message to get out, but the true is that is was all the fault of the U.S. Congress.  No, really.  The wireless system that we were using to connect to our camera can no longer be used.  Part of the process of going digital with TV was so that local first responders could use those bandwidths for emergency radios.  We found out the hard way that this includes many of the wireless mic systems that churches use. 

We have taken steps to overcome this problem and we are taping a new series titled “The Prophetic, the New Heart, & Fulfilling Your Destiny.”  We hope to complete this new series within the next few weeks and will have a sample posted soon.

Spiritual Gateways–Part 2

We have posted part 2 of the series on the Dynamics of Spiritual Gateways.  Learn how the enemy can gain access to our lives.

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/mp3/gates/DWG-Lesson-02.mp3

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Dynamics of Spiritual Gateways–Part 1

The Body of Messiah has been disenfranchised from its Hebraic Heritage and has been thoroughly Hellenized by Western civilization.  We do not understand the power of spiritual gateways, how they can be used for the Kingdom, and how the enemy can use them against us.  This new series by Dr. Lake will teach you what the early church knew about these gates and how it allowed them to flow in power.

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/mp3/gates/DWG-Lesson-01.mp3

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Is More Than the Bible Needed for Bible College and Seminary?

2 Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)

"[13] Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments."

This past week, I had an interesting conversation with a young man that was investigating the possibilities of completing his undergraduate degree through Biblical Life. As we discussed the programs, he asked if we used more than the Bible in our studies. When I replied "of course," he began to chastise me as if I had committed some sin for using materials beside the Word of God in our degree programs.

The attitude of this young man surprised me. When I first surrendered to ministry as a young Baptist boy, my training (even before attending Bible College) was that a minister's library was essential and, over the years, would become a trusted resource in ministering to the people of God. Great ministers of the past were known for two things: their prayer lives and their diligence in study. All of them had substantial personal libraries. I still remember standing in awe of one great pastor’s office in St. Louis. All four walls of his spacious office were shelves filled with books from floor to ceiling. When he opened his mouth behind the pulpit, the wealth of his knowledge of the Word would fill the hearts and minds of his listeners.

What Made the Apostle Paul so Qualified to Minister to the Gentiles?

The Apostle Paul was a graduate of the School of Hillel. In fact, the wise Gameliel (found in the Book of Acts and highly respected by the Sanhedrin) was Paul's teacher. Under Gameliel's instruction, Rabbi Saul (Paul's Hebrew name) was thoroughly trained in the Torah, the writings, and the prophets. With a solid foundation in the Torah, he was then trained in understanding Greek/Roman mythology and philosophy. He was well versed in showing the superiority of God's Word over the pagan concepts of these gentile cultures. Without the extensive training he received under Gameliel's watchful eye, he would have been ill equipped to be the Apostle to the Gentiles.

We should note in 2 Timothy that Paul asked young Timothy to bring his books to him. Most commentators believe that the parchments refer to his scrolls of the Torah, writings, and prophets. As far as the other books, we can only speculate as to what they were. We do know that by his differentiating the books from the parchments, they were not Scriptures.

It was also at the feet of Gameliel that Paul learned the art of writing epistles. It was the leadership style of Gameliel, as a leading member of the Sanhedrin, that Paul used as he was presented with problems throughout the Jewish community and, subsequently, addressed them with biblically based solutions through the writing of epistles. This may be the reason that we have so many writings by the Apostle Paul. His school years trained him to address issues in the communities of faith through the written response.

Foundations for the Hermeneutical Process:

Hermeneutics is the science of biblical interpretation. There are many levels to examine in the proper application of this science.

1. The first step is to look at the context of the sentence, then examine it within the chapter, and then the entire book. Finally look at the concept throughout the Scriptures. It is like dropping a pebble in a pond - all the ripples must be examined. Scripture always interprets Scripture.

2. The next step is to look at the historical and cultural settings of the Scriptures that you are examining. The New Testament has an abundance of Hebraic colloquialisms that are full of meaning. Many ministers completely misinterpret things that Jesus and the Apostles said because they do not understand what was culturally behind what was being said. Such understanding comes from additional books outside of the Word of God.

3. Understanding the basics of Hebrew and Greek is essential for any serious minister. Even if this understanding only comes from knowing your way around Strong's Concordance, a good Bible dictionary, and lexicons such as Thayer’s for Greek and Brown, Drivers, Biggs for the Hebrew. Digging a little deeper into the original meanings will cause the Word to explode with deeper understanding that can be life-changing. All of these are books beyond just using the Bible.

4. What has God shared with the saints before us? It is right here that some will chide in "See, I do not want manmade doctrines." First, not everything written is manmade doctrines. Many of the saints of old had devotional lives that would put most of today’s ministers to shame. Second, many of their books were what they preached. Like Spurgeon, all those volumes are their sermons written down to inspire those that followed. God even instructed the Prophet Habakkuk to write down what was given to him.

Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
² Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.

If you do not want to expose yourself to the sermons of these men, then what makes you think others should be exposed to yours? They just need to read the Bible, right?

Finally, after the conversation, I looked up his previous school. Their claim to fame was using only the Word of God. Following this model, they were hard pressed to come up with the curriculum to fulfill the proper requirements for degree programs. They were offering Associate Degrees by completing only 36 semester credit hours and the Bachelor Degree for completing 64! In fact, their Associate, Bachelor, and Master programs combined fall a good number of credits short of a true Bachelor Degree (120). Taking such a strong stance on studying the Word only, and then utilizing such poor standards academically, can bring reproach to the name of Christ. As believers, a commitment to excellence should exist in biblical interpretation, academic standards, and lifestyle.

Let us all have excellence of life, ministry, and education through due diligence in our examination of the greatest book on earth - the Written Word of God!

2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP)

[15] Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

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© Copyright 2010 by Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E. All Rights Reserved.

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Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. In 2009, Dr. Lake also established Biblical Life Publishing to make the same materials that thousands have enjoyed at BLCS available to everyone. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

Sitting in the Pew and waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting.

Sitting in the Pew and waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting.

by Rev. John Fryters, Ph.D., ICADC

President of CHAKAM School of the Bible

Professor of Biblical Counseling, Biblical Life College & Seminary

Over the last 6 months CHAKAM School of the Bible, in collaboration with Bakke Graduate University and the Mustard Seed Foundation in Seattle, has been developing a new course curriculum on “The Theology of Work” or better known in today’s circles as “Market Place Ministry”.

And I have astounded about the revelatory knowledge that comes with searching the Scriptures, as the Bereans did, on a consistent, systematic basis. It almost feels that the Holy Spirit is rewarding us for being in His Word a lot. Not only did He give us revelation about the topic researched but also revelatory nuggets just for today.

In our research we literally found countless definitions of the concept of work, but the one that is one of the most appealing was Dr. John Stott’s definition. He suggests that work is “the expenditure of energy (manual or mental or both) in the service of others, which brings fulfillment to the worker, benefit to the community and glory to God” (1)

Ever come across a Scripture which sounds strange and even questionable?

I Corinthians 11:1 (NCV)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Who does Paul think he is? How arrogant can you be? Ask me to try to follow Christ and (maybe) I will, but follow man, I have to think about it twice… And which minister would even dare to ask the same what Paul is asking: Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ?

But Paul seems to understand what God wants him to do as he keeps on repeating that same message.

I Corinthians 4:15-16 (NCV)

For though you may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Through the Good News I became your father in Christ Jesus, so I beg you, please follow my example.

So, here Paul clarifies that you are not just following a man, but you are following a “spiritual father”. While this might be a topic for another sermon later, he continues to repeat “follow my example”. He not only told the Corinthian Church, but also the Churches in Philippi and Thessalonica.

II Thessalonians 3:9 (NCV)

We had the right to ask you to help us, but we worked to take care of ourselves so we would be an example for you to follow.

Philippians 3:17 (NCV)

Brothers and sisters, all of you should try to follow my example and to copy those who live the way we showed you.

I Thessalonians 1:6 (NCV)

And you became like us and like the Lord…

The word “follow” used in this context is the Greek word “mimetes” where our words “mime”, “to mimic” and “to imitate” are derived from. So, we are to imitate our spiritual leaders (fathers) as they are imitating Christ.

The writer of Hebrews adds an additional element.

Hebrews 6:12 (KJV)

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The writer of Hebrews warns the Church in Thessalonica not to be lazy but to indeed follow its leaders.

While all of these Scriptures tell us to imitate our spiritual leaders as they in turn imitate Christ, none of them tell us that our spiritual leaders are perfect, infallible or imitate Christ correctly. Paul was a man, the apostles were men, and we, ministers, are men. The only thing the Holy Spirit tells us, through Paul, is that we are to imitate Christ so that in turn those who we are ultimately spiritually responsible for can imitate us.

No matter what, the statement made by Paul in I Corinthians still remains a tall order!!!

In the context of the “Theology of Work”, it becomes quite clear what Paul means when he said to the church in Thessalonica “not to be lazy”.

An in-depth study of the Scriptures reveals that:

1. The term “God” and “work” are almost synonymous

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Commentator Finis Dake tells us that God, through His Word, mentions the concept of “work” some 416 times. Scriptures related to work are mentioned 116 times. The word “works” appears 235 times.

God, in the Scriptures, made it clear that we are to work (Genesis 3:19; Proverbs 10:16) and that we are to work with Him (II Corinthians 6:1).

Our lesson learned: we have no choice. If we are to imitate God, we have to work and work with Him.

2. God’s projects usually begin and end, but his other work continues

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While God instituted “rest periods” such as at the end of the week (Exodus 20:8-10; 31:15; 34:21; 35:2; Hebrews 4:11), and at the end of special occasions such as the important Biblical Feasts (Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:3-36), since God is eternal, His work actually never ends.

So, since we are eternal, our work (manual and mental or both according to Dr. John Stott) never ends. So much for a set retirement age of 60 or 65!!!

Our lesson learned: our work during the week and on special occasions has to end some times (means “keep your Sabbath”). However, as it relates to end of a lifetime, our work never ends – we continue to work until the Lord calls us home and, I believe, beyond that.

3. God’s work is “perfect”

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In Deuteronomy 32:4 and Hebrew 13:21 it shows us that God’s work is “perfect”.

Our lesson learned: when we correctly imitate God, we need to strive for perfection (nothing less) – no matter who we work for.

4. God’s work was “good” and “very good”

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The term “good” is used in Genesis 1:10 and Genesis 1:21 – “and God saw that it was good”.

The term “very good” is used in Genesis 1:31 – “and God saw that it was very good”.

The term “good” was used after creating most of creation, and the term “very good” was used after creating Adam and Eve.

Our lesson learned: when we work we need to imitate God in His work and make sure that it is at least “good”. And when we work with other people (humans) we make sure that it is at least “very good”. God, in fact, tells us that we are to become followers (imitate) of what is good.

I Peter 3:13 (KJV)

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of what which is good?

The Lord also gives us a hint that following what is good needs to be combined with what is perfect.

Hebrews 13:21 (KJV)

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

And finally:

5. Not only do we have to work, but we have to do “greater works” than God

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John 14:12 (NCV)

I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these,because I am going to the Father.

Weekly church service after weekly church service, believers are sitting in the pew and are waiting…. and waiting….. and waiting….., and waiting…..

They are not told that they should mimic, should imitate, should follow their spiritual leader who is following (imitating) Christ. Those spiritual leaders are (should be) working hard. After all, that’s what the Lord showed us in His Word this week.

We, as spiritual leaders, should understand “The Theology of Work”. It is true that one is not saved by works, but by faith and through the grace of God. However, we need to tell our followers that once saved, we need to start working and what Paul tells us in I Corinthians, it has to start with us. Otherwise, those in the pew will be waiting…. waiting…. waiting….. and waiting.

© Copyright 2010 by John J.A. Fryters, Ph.D., ICADC. All rights reserved.

Sermon Endnote

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(1) John Stott, Issues Facing Christians Today, p162

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Rev. Dr. Fryters is the President and CEO of CHAKAM School of the Bible Inc. (www.worldoutreach.ca), an innovative Bible College in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, with campuses in Canada, Peru and Uganda. Currently, CHAKAM is also planning to open an additional campus in The Sudan.

He is on the International Faculty of Biblical Life College & Seminary. (www.biblical-life.com)

Currently, he also serves on the Board of Regents of the Timothy Program International, the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Association of Career Colleges, and the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Understanding How to Overcome the Kingdom of Darkness

Understanding How to Overcome the Kingdom of Darkness

by Michael K. Lake, Th.D.

I have always been amazed at the depth of the God’s Word. The more I grow, the more I discover wonderful truths in the Word I have never seen before. In this article, I want to share some things the Holy Spirit has been sharing with me about the battle we are currently in.

The Kingdom of Darkness is made up of many types of angels and demonic forces. The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of them in the Book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

It is clear from the writings of Paul that there is a rank and file or levels of authority and power in the Kingdom of Darkness. I want to first center in on "principalities." The Greek word translated "principalities" is arche . Arche means "1) beginning, origin; 2) the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader; 3) that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause; 4) the extremity of a thing; 4a) of the corners of a sail; 5) the first place, principality, rule, magistracy; 5a) of angels and demons." [1] Hence, we can deduce the arche are the first ones and the most power that God created.

There are many references to this supreme level of angelic beings throughout the Word of God, if you know what you are looking for. In Scripture, they are first referred to as b'nai ha elohim or "the sons of God." Dr. Michael S. Heiser is a noted biblical scholar and expert is ancient biblical languages. Dr. Heiser has done extensive research into what has become known as "The Divine Council." [2] Here are some interesting things about the Divine Council that you should know:

The Sons of God rejoiced and sang at creation.

Job 38:7 (NKJV)
⁷ When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Note: Science has recently discovered that stars sing and each one has a unique song. The longitudinal vibrations of each star can be converted to music. [3] The very stars reflect the reality of what the sons of God did at creation. It also shows us that creation continues to worship the Creator in song!

They appear before God to give account of their activities.

Job 1:6 (NKJV)
⁶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.

Job 2:1 (NKJV)
¹ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

One third of the Council fell with Lucifer.

Revelation 12:4 (NKJV)
⁴ His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

Revelation 12:7-8 (NKJV)
⁷ And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, ⁸ but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

Note: Many commentators, to include Finis Dake, believe these verses are parenthetical in the Book of Revelation. Parenthetical means it is a "flashback" in time to reveal a truth. Whether it is parenthetical or in the exact sequence of events during the Tribulation period, God is casting out Lucifer and the Council members that aligned themselves with Lucifer.

At the Tower of Babel, God divided the tribes of mankind to the seventy council members (possibly the ones that fell).

Deuteronomy 32:8 (RSV)

When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of men, he fixed the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.

Note: The RSV provides an alternative rendering of this passage. The KJV states "the children of Israel." This variant is based on the 3rd-Century BCE translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, the Septuagint, as well as Hebrew manuscripts of Deuteronomy found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran.[4]

Man began worshipping these fallen council members instead of God.

Deuteronomy 4:19 (ASV)
¹⁹ and lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the host of heaven, thou be drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Jehovah thy God hath allotted unto all the peoples under the whole heaven.

Note: The heavenly hosts or the hosts of heaven refer to members of this angelic council.[5] Instead of guiding the direction of the 70 tribes of the gentiles, they began to receive worship from them.

Some of these Council members took women as their wives and produced giants that resulted in the Flood of Noah.

Genesis 6:1-4 (NKJV)
¹ Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, ² that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. ³ And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." ⁴ There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

We can see many places in Scripture where fallen members of the Divine Council were over Gentile nations. One of the most obvious is found in the Book of Daniel:

Daniel 10:13 (NKJV)
¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

It is important to understand that every Gentile nation has a Council member of darkness over them. It was understood in the ancient world that there were seventy that matched the original tribes at the Tower of Babel. Esoteric groups that embraced the hermetic principle from Greece later changed the number to seventy-two (possibly because it was more mathematically perfect). [6] This understanding of these more seventy-two Council members was incorporated by the developers of the Kabbalah, and later on by Freemasonry. In Freemasonry, this can be seen in two very public places:

The Apotheosis of George Washington in the eye of the rotunda at our nation's capital. Apotheosis comes from the Greek apotheoun "to deify", in Latin deificatio, and later in Italian gióvino, "to be made divine"), refers to the exaltation of a subject to divine level. The term has meanings in theology, where it refers to a belief, and in art, where it refers to a genre. In theology, the term apotheosis refers to the idea that an individual has been raised to godlike stature. In art, the term refers to the treatment of any subject (a figure, group, locale, motif, convention or melody) in a particularly grand or exalted manner.[7] Freemasonry believes that our first president became a "god" at death. You can view pictures of this painting at: http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/rotunda/apotheosis/apotheosis_1.cfm. Washington is seated among a pagan pantheon of gods and is surrounded by 72 stars (represented the fallen angels that are over the gentile nations).

The unfinished pyramid on the back of the seal of the United State (and our one dollar bill). There are 72 bricks on the pyramid, each believed to be essential for the coming “New World Order.”

These fallen Council members, and most likely, all the subdivisions of angelic hosts that were subordinate to them fell with Lucifer. They are all a part of the Kingdom of Darkness.

With the calling of Abraham, God began to extrapolate a people from these pagan tribes for Himself. Abraham was originally a citizen of Babylon (the cradle of all paganism) and was called him into covenant with God Himself. The moment that Abraham answered the call, he moved from the authority of darkness over Babylon to the authority of Almighty God. From Abraham sprang a people that belonged to God and were to only stay under His authority. This is one of the reasons Almighty God continually warned them not to entangle themselves with pagan practices.

From the loins of Father Abraham came One born from the House of Judah that was the Word made flesh - Jesus of Nazareth. Through the completed work of the Cross, Jesus was able to gather people of every tribe and kindred into His Kingdom and deliver them from the authority of these fallen angels.

Colossians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
¹³ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Each Kingdom Mirrors Its Lord

 

Everything in the Kingdom of God lines itself up with God, for it is His domain. This same alignment occurs in the Kingdom of Darkness. In that kingdom, everything lines up with Lucifer.

Over the years, I have heard it taught that when Lucifer fell that his name was changed to Satan. Although this is partly true, I believe it also reflects a misunderstanding of the use of descriptive names in the Word of God. Almighty God is called "the LORD of Hosts." This was not a name change, rather it is a title describing who He is. Satan (or haSatan in the Hebrew) means "Adversary." Lucifer and his Kingdom of Darkness have taken an adversarial role against both God (thus His Kingdom) and all mankind. Not understanding this truth can cause several problems in the life of a believer:

1. Not realizing that any agent of the Kingdom of Darkness can fulfill the role as a Satan causes us to think that Lucifer is more powerful than he really is. Lucifer is not omnipresent. He is restricted to one location in space-time. Any of the levels of authority that Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 can be a Satan or Adversary in our lives.

2. The very nature of the Kingdom of Darkness is adversarial. “Adversary” mean "one that contends with, opposes, or resists." [8] Any time the Kingdom of God begins to move or we begin to move with God, the Kingdom of Darkness immediately raises up to "content, oppose, and resist" both us and God.

Somehow in our contemporary theology, we have forgotten the adversarial role of the Kingdom of Darkness. We are being taught by some that if we are in the perfect will of God and moving in obedience (and faith) that everything will flow smoothly and it will be "roses and sunshine." The biblical account is that the Kingdom of Darkness only rises up as an adversary when God begins to move and mankind becomes obedient. This is why the Apostle Paul continues in teaching about these forces with the admonition:

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)
¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (NKJV)
¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

We need to understand and plan for the enemy to take up an adversarial role anytime we are obedient to God. This can range from answering the call to prepare for ministry at BLCS to starting a new work for God (and about everything else in between). When we plan for resistance and take a stand of faithful and diligent obedience, Heaven will begin to take an adversarial role against the working of the enemy! But you have got to stand and be faithful to activate the counter-pressure! The counter-pressure begins to flow when you realize who Jesus is and who He is in you. Jesus promised us:

Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)
¹⁸ And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

The Church is built upon the rock of revelation of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us. This revelational truth is so powerful that even Lucifer's Council of Darkness cannot prevail against it!

Our preparedness for a fight because of obedience turns life's situation into God's Spiritual Gym. We enter into "resistance training" that develops maturity and spiritual muscle in our lives. The Apostle James said it this way:

James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The testing of our faith (i.e. obedience) produces patience. I believe patience is the ability to hold fast and continue in obedience until God reveals the next step. Patience doesn’t quit, rather it pushes on in faithful obedience to victory. The result of God's Spiritual Gym is that you can become "perfect and complete." The word "perfect" is teleios in the Greek. Teleios means "1) brought to its end, finished; 2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness; 3) perfect; 4) that which is perfect; 4a) consummate human integrity and virtue; 4b) of men; 4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature." [9] The word "complete" (or "entire" in the KJV) is holokleros, which means " 1) complete in all its parts, in no part wanting or unsound, complete, entire, whole; 1a) of a body without blemish or defect, whether of a priest or of a victim; 1b) free from sin, faultless; 1c) complete in all respects, consummate." [10]

These two powerful Greek words paint a wonderful picture of a mature believer that has grown in spiritual resistance training. God has called all of us to attain this level of spiritual maturity, and has placed all of the resources necessary to get us there.

Every time I go to a gym to exercise, I expect resistance from the weights. By preparing myself and expecting the resistance will help me in overcoming it. In fact, in the gym, the goal is to be able to handle greater resistance as you develop your strength. I believe the same is true for us in our spiritual battles.

The Kingdom of Darkness will always oppose what God is trying to do in you and through you. When you prepare yourself in the Lord, and understand the nature of Kingdoms, you begin to learn to hold your ground and press forward. We are promised overcoming strength in Scripture. The world Overcomer is living on the inside of us. Jesus has already beaten all the Kingdom of Darkness when He was raised victorious over death, hell, and the grave. We need to develop a lifestyle of expecting resistance from the enemy, and then holding fast to who Jesus is for His victory to flow through us. The Lord will then use every situation to mature us for His glory. Remember, Peter was able to walk on the water as long as he was looking at Jesus!

1 John 4:4 (NKJV)
⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

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© Copyright 2010 by Michael K. Lake, Th.D. All Rights Reserved.

Michael K. Lake, Th.D., D.R.E.

Chancellor and Founder

Dr. Lake is the chancellor and founder of Biblical Life College & Seminary and serves as an educational consultant for various Christian organizations around the world. He also serves as the Pastor of Biblical Life Assembly in Marshfield, MO. Dr. Lake is listed in the US Registry's "Who's Who Among Outstanding Americans," Sterling's "Who's Who Executive Edition," and the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" for his accomplishments in ministry.

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This Week's Featured Resource for Believers

Dr. Lake recently ministered a message on the "Healing of the Bride" at Biblical Life Assembly. You can download this free message in MP3 format using the URL below:

http://www.biblicallifeassembly.org/library/mp3/maturation/maturation_part_3.mp3

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Article Endnotes

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[1] Strong's Enhanced Lexicon. BibleWorks for Windows 7.0. BibleWorks, LLC, Norfolk, VA. Copyright © 2006.

[2] Dr. Heisler has posted some introductory articles that can be downloaded free of charge on the Divine Council at his website: http://www.thedivinecouncil.com .

[3] Article: The Sun Sings: Musical Sounds from the Atmosphere Revealed. Scientific Computing - http://www.scientificcomputing.com/News-DS-The-Sun-Sings-062210.aspx

[4] Huie, Byrian. Article: The Heavenly Divine Council. Copyright 2010. http://www.herealittletherealittle.net/index.cfm?page_name=Divine-Council

[5] Marshall, I. Howard. New Bible Dictionary 3rd Edition. IVP Academic, Downers Grove, IL Copyright 1996.

[6] Goodgame, Peter. Article: The Divine Council and the Kabbalah. Red Moon Rising Publishing. http://www.redmoonrising.com/agenda.htm.

[7] Definition from Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apotheosis

[8] Definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adversary

[9] Strong's Enhanced Lexicon. BibleWorks for Windows 7.0. BibleWorks, LLC, Norfolk, VA. Copyright © 2006.

[10] Ibid.