Picture, if you can, an army intended to defend a powerful nation. That army just lolls around, denying that there is an enemy. They actually deny the enemy exists. This denial results in lowered defenses and lack of training. As the army sleeps, the enemy, who is very real, slowly infiltrates the troops. The enemy whispers many lies and convinces the soldiers that they don’t need to train and that the guidelines for the conduct of soldiers are old fashioned and the rules need to be slackened in order for a happier, user-friendly group of soldiers. The soldiers begin to argue with the commander’s orders, they make changes to the battle plan, and they generally side with the enemy.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to today’s ekklesia! We have our battle plan, as well as a description of the enemy’s plan, but we ignore it. Scripture is very clear as to what our King requires. Men are commissioned to lead the battle, but they are now allowing soft-hearted women to lead the troops. This is not Biblical. In order not to upset the women, men compromise the battle plan. This apostasy allows the New Age to flourish within our troops.

Every person, male or female (and there are only two choices), must prepare for their own spot in the army of God. We cannot close our eyes and live in denial. The battle is real, and the enemy troops are becoming braver. In order not to be called haters or to be seeker-friendly, God’s troops remain silent, and the enemy becomes more brazen. Brothers and sisters, we must prepare for battle. We must listen to Christ our King and be brave as we wage war against the powers of darkness.

History is clear that if an army hides, the enemy grows braver.

King Saul was a weak leader of Israel. He was double-minded and not always in his right mind. Today we might say he had a mental disorder. Whatever his mental state, he didn’t honor God. The physical enemy of that time were the Philistines. The Philistines had a “champion” to fight for them. He was a very formidable opponent named Goliath. To look at him was a frightening sight. He stood “six cubits and a span,” which is over 9 feet tall. Not only was he taller than any man in Saul’s army, but he was heavy and strong. Saul’s troops hadn’t prepared for battle. They should have known the enemy and prepared to fight him, but they were weak and scared.

Goliath had remarkable armor, which helps to understand his giant proportions. “And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was 5 thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weight 6 hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him” (1 Samuel 17:5-7).

Some scholars estimate the battle gear that Goliath wore weighed around 200 pounds. Yes, he looked unbeatable. So, in the Valley of Elah, Goliath stood before Saul’s troops while those unprepared soldiers hid in fear of the enemy.

Many pastors refuse to teach from the Old Testament. This is wrong. Many Christian soldiers could draw strength and encouragement from the Old Testament accounts of God’s people. This is one of those accounts. The enemy looked strong, Saul’s army was unprepared, but God had prepared His own champion to fight.

The champion whom God had prepared was a young man named David, the youngest son of Jesse. He was a shepherd, not a warrior, but he had prepared for battle in an unusual way. He had protected his flock from attack by a bear and a lion. We can assume that David didn’t waste his time lying in the green pastures or enjoying the still waters while his sheep grazed. He must have spent time in target practice with his slingshot, preparing for battle. When the enemy appeared, he was ready. David didn’t look like a giant killer, but he was prepared. When his youth and stature were questioned, he had an answer.

“And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: and I went out after him and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing that he hath defied the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:34-36).

Where are the shepherds today? The enemy is plucking the lambs from among the flock, and instead of fighting for the life of the flock, the shepherds today allow the enemy to take the lambs. This is done by allowing doctrines of devils to enter into their sermons, and the Gospel is watered down until it is no longer the Gospel of Christ.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Paul wrote these words to a young pastor. If the shepherds are lacking, the flock will die. Men of God, prepare for battle because it is upon us.

David won the battle with Goliath because he was prepared. David armed himself only with his shepherd’s staff, his slingshot, and five smooth stones (he only needed one) and went to face Goliath. David’s youth and stature gave Goliath a false sense that the battle would be easy.

“And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods” (1 Samuel 17:43).

False gods can never prevail against God Almighty.

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee, and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not the sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S and he will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Goliath felt prideful and self-confident. On the other hand, David knew his strength was in the Lord. The Lord won the battle that day because one young man had prepared for battle. It only took one stone perfectly aimed at the giant’s forehead to bring him down. Then David cut off his head. Victory was complete.

The same enemy that subtly whispered lies to Eve in the Garden of Eden, the same enemy who attempted to destroy the army of God, is working his evil today. He is becoming braver in his attacks and his mocking and twisting of God’s truth. There are many, many false doctrines entering our congregations today, and the shepherds don’t care.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

This sounds as if the Apostle Paul was looking at today’s Christians and their “form of godliness.” It has no substance, no battleworthiness, and is filled with false teaching. The word “perilous” is a very strong word. In Greek, it is “chalepos” and is only used twice in the New Testament. The first use of chalepos is found in Matthew and translated “fierce.”

“And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way” (Matthew 8:28).

These days in which we live are exceedingly chalepos… perilous and fierce. There is a demonic evil pervading the world. The battle is real, and it is demonic. The enemy is invading, and Christians are asleep or hiding in the hills. We listen to seeker-friendly sermons filled with politically correct, seeker-friendly words that don’t prepare the soldiers for battle. That battle isn’t coming; it’s here. Christianity isn’t for the faint-hearted.

The war was won at the Cross, but Satan isn’t giving up. We each have a place in the final battle. Satan is in his death throes and wants to destroy as many souls as he can. The only way we can lose our part in the battle is to not prepare. Study Scripture. Most pastors don’t teach line upon line through Scripture. It seems as if it’s more important to get through the allotted hour rather than arm the soldiers for battle. That shouldn’t stop you from your own study.

Prophecy is extremely important in being armed for battle. The Rapture will happen very, very soon, but do you know how to use this as a witnessing tool? Prophetic signs are happening quickly. The world leaders, and some false teachers within the church, are pushing for a one-world order. It’s happening, but we aren’t prepared for battle.

God has given us His word… both Old and New Testaments. The Apostle Paul talked a lot about spiritual warfare, but many pastors today erroneously think we shouldn’t talk about evil spirits and demons. The only way to be prepared for battle is to be aware of the enemy’s strategy. Jesus seemed to think demons were real, and I trust Him to know. Christians have God’s armor, not your own armor, but God’s armor.

“Finally, my brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

The armor is there for you, but if you don’t know what it is, then you need to study Scripture. The things we wrestle against, or should wrestle against, are spirit beings who serve Satan. If you aren’t armed with God’s armor, you will hide in the hills like Saul’s soldiers and lose the battle.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

This passage of Scripture follows after Paul’s warning of the destruction of the family. Men are to love their wives as Christ loves His church, not mentally or physically abusing her (Ephesians 5:25). Women are to submit to their own husbands as if submitting to Christ (Ephesians 5:22). Fathers aren’t to provoke their children (Ephesians 6:4), and children are to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1). Servants (employees) are to be obedient (Ephesians 6:5), and masters (employers) are to treat servants kindly (Ephesians 6:9).

Satan is attacking God’s order of life, and the demons are getting more open in their attacks. God’s armor will protect against the attacks of Satan. It won’t stop the attack from happening, but you will be protected.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:13-18).

Learn to use God’s armor now, before the battle. Begin by accepting Christ for salvation, not with lip service but with your whole heart.

Prepare for battle now. Don’t wait until you see the enemy pointing his weapons at you. The war is all around you right now. If you don’t see the enemy, then maybe you are on the wrong side of the battle.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

We live in a topsy-turvy world. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. Many Christians try very hard to follow Scripture but are fed by false teachers who don’t teach God’s truth. Thus, the false teacher is followed instead of God’s word. In trying to be good, non-judgmental Christians, God’s truth is compromised. We are often deceived by things that sound Biblical but aren’t.

Many believe that under no circumstance are we to judge. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7:1-2).

The judging named here is a condemning type of judgment. For instance, if you say, “That person is a snob,” you’ve judged that person and shown no mercy. Also, by judging that way, you’ve just proven yourself a snob. We aren’t to judge, but we are to discern. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

What is a righteous judgment? Only God is the righteous judge, so we follow His directives. Scripture is our guide. When you see a brother or sister participating in a sin, it’s good to point out the sin. Perhaps fellow Christians didn’t realize they were sinning. Really? How can you not know you’re sinning? For the answer to that, let’s look back to King David.

He committed a great sin that was punishable by death but didn’t see his actions as sin. He had a sexual encounter with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his most faithful soldiers. Bathsheba became pregnant, and David decided to bring her husband home so it would look as if the child was his. Uriah wouldn’t cooperate, so David sent him back to the frontline of battle and stationed where he was certain to be killed. How could David have thought any of this was not sin?

David had a prophet named Nathan, who bravely came to David with a story about two men and a sheep. One man was rich and had everything he could possibly want, but the other was poor and had only one little lamb. This lamb was the family pet. One day the rich man had a visitor, and instead of taking a sheep from his own flock for dinner, he took the poor man’s lamb. “And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity” (2 Samuel 12:5-6).

It was easy for David to see the fault and judge a judgment of condemnation against the rich man. “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; and I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah: and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things” (2 Samuel 12:7-8).

David was blind to his sin, but when Nathan saw the sin and brought it to his attention, David was heartbroken. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13).

David wasn’t perfect, but he was repentant. None of us are perfect. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24).

Christians have something King David didn’t have. Grace. David was deeply repentant, and from this great sin came Psalm 51, where David poured out his heart to God. David cried out to God for mercy. He didn’t make excuses for his sin but asked for mercy. “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest and be clear when thou judgest” (Psalm 51:3-4).

David knew he wasn’t above the Law, and like any other person, he was subject to the penalty for his sin. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

David truly repented and turned away from his sin. As Christians, we can have this same blessing from God. He will forgive, but we have to repent. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Thank You, Jesus, for forgiving a sinner like me.

When the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus for condemnation, He turned the tables on them. “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7). Of course, the Pharisees knew they had sin and couldn’t condemn her. Jesus forgave her.

When we choose one verse and build doctrine around it, we make a big mistake. The entirety of Scripture must be studied. Most pastors don’t teach verse by verse through Scripture, so they can pick and choose easy topics and teach easy-listening sermons. This is very wrong. The pastor of the last church I attended had many degrees in theology but little knowledge of Scripture. He leaned toward New Age teaching and admired the purpose-driven lies. I couldn’t listen to his teaching, so I chose to leave. If Scripture isn’t the authority, then there are big problems within the congregation.

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:9-10).

If you’re being taught by a man who won’t preach God’s word from Scripture, then you’re probably being taught a different Gospel than the one found in Scripture.

The congregation in Corinth was very far from following God’s truth. Paul had a lot to say to them. Was he being judgmental? He was judging by a righteous judgment. “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2 Corinthians 11:4). It’s easy to be deceived if you’re still drinking milk instead of eating the meat of Scripture.

Corinth was a congregation that would fit well into today’s topsy-turvy world. They were proud of accepting sin into their midst. They took pride in being open-minded and non-judgmental, and pride is something God doesn’t accept. “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1).

God is very clear that this is a very serious sin. “And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death: their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:11). Perhaps the congregation in Corinth didn’t know Levitical Law, but common decency should be clear that this behavior is unacceptable. The city of Corinth was pagan, and paganism was very ungodly in their practices.

Christians must stand against sin even though we live in a time when sin has been legalized, and we are called haters if we oppose it. The Corinthians not only accepted this heinous sin, but they were proud of their wokeness. “And ye are puffed up and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:2). Pride is a terrible thing when it is the pride of sin.

Paul was very judgmental but judged with a righteous judgment, “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:5-6). Leaven symbolizes sin. If a little sin enters a congregation, it will grow until the entire congregation is affected. Paul advised them to remove the sinner from the congregation until he repented.

Paul didn’t stop with that one sin. “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters: for then must ye needs go out of the world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10).

We are to be in the world but not participate in the sin of the world. We would have to live in total isolation, not sharing the Gospel, if we didn’t rub elbows with sinners on occasion. Paul explains that we aren’t to socialize with fellow Christians who embrace sin. “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:11-13).

God will judge those who have rejected Him, but sin cannot be tolerated within a congregation. I’m sickened when I see transsexual and other perversion being embraced by Christians. They are not to be a part of a congregation. We are to judge, not condemn, sinners, and we are to share God’s love and mercy with them.

Jesus warns us not to follow the well-worn, broad way that leads to destruction but to follow the narrow way. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus is that narrow gate.

The New Agers would have us believe that there are many paths that lead to eternal life, but they are wrong. They push yoga, and spirituality, and many false teachings. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” (Matthew 7:15-16).

The way to not be deceived by these false prophets is to know God’s truth only found in Scripture. If someone tries to convince you to read The Shack, or The Purpose-Driven Church, or use The Message as your Bible, don’t fall victim to these false prophets.

New Age is full of error. They would have us believe that God is in all things. The Holy Spirit indwells born-again Christians, but He doesn’t live in rocks, trees, or unbelievers. Name it and claim it? False prophets push this lie. We live in a topsy-turvy world where God’s truth is perverted and a “new” truth, which is Satan’s lies, is being pushed on us. Brothers and sisters, stand firm on Christ, the solid Rock. Don’t be deceived. Judge with a righteous judgment and share the pure Gospel as found in Scripture. There is only one way to salvation, and that is a true faith in Jesus Christ. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). There is no other path. Jesus is the narrow gate that leads to life eternal.

Paul had good advice when he wrote letters to the men he left in charge of the various congregations he planted. Pastors today should heed this advice. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils: speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

If you are being deceived by false teachers, then find a Christian group that stands on God’s word. In this topsy-turvy world, it may be hard to find solid Bible teaching. Perhaps God is calling you to start a home Bible study. Don’t allow fear to stop you from serving God. In this topsy-turvy world, we need Christian men to take their place as leaders in Christian fellowships and in their homes.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.