Take a look around. What do you see? Everywhere you look you’ll see people who flaunt sin. Lifestyles that should cause shame are paraded in front of us in stores, sports events, and in parks. We even invite the perversion into our homes via television.

T-shirts carry pornographic messages and bumper stickers are vulgar. Children see these things and get the message that it’s ok to use foul language or brag about sexual encounters. I, for one, am offended.

Why is it that the lost people openly glorify vulgarity without shame, but Christians seem to be ashamed of Jesus? We sit quietly by as laws are passed that glorify sin and we don’t want to cause trouble by confronting schools for teaching our children to accept ungodly morals. Are we afraid of reproach?

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14).

Christians have dropped the ball. Not only have we dropped the ball but we’ve thrown it down like a hot potato. Are we more interested in placating those who follow Satan instead of winning these lost souls to Christ? As Christians, we need to know what God expects then live by His rules and eschew sin. We must stop living as if we are ashamed of Christ.

Sin is sin. It hasn’t changed and God hasn’t softened His opinion of it. It’s somewhat understandable that people who haven’t accepted Christ for salvation would keep right on sinning. They should be ashamed but they have no moral guidelines. On the other hand, Christians do have moral guidelines and should know what God wants.

We need to follow Him instead of the world. While we live on this side of heaven we’ll continue to sin, but when we accept Christ for salvation we repent. Right? Did anyone explain to you what that means? Well, it doesn’t mean that we suddenly know every sin we have ever committed and go through the list one by one saying, “Forgive me for this sin and that sin.”

What it does mean is you change your mind about sin? You understand that you’re a sinner  saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It also means that you need to study the Bible for guidance. Any action or lifestyle that is not God ordained is sin. Period. Because of sin nobody can stand before the Most Holy God by their own righteousness. Only the righteousness of Jesus takes sin away and makes a person worthy to stand before God.

Jesus was beaten unmercifully and hung on the cross to face death for your sins and mine. He hung there naked, with His beard plucked out and a crown of thorns forced upon His head. He took all of our sins upon Himself that day. He suffered this torture out of pure love for all of mankind. Without His sacrifice we would still be dead in our sins, so don’t be ashamed of Him.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Are you ashamed of Christ? The heathens aren’t ashamed of following satanic ways, but quite often it’s difficult to tell the Christians from the heathens. Many Christians like the fact that they are forgiven of sin, but they just don’t want to give it up. That has to change.

People like to say, “Don’t judge me” but one day everyone will be judged by God. If you haven’t earnestly accepted Christ for salvation then your judgment will be painful and eternal. If you do claim to be a Christian, then stop being ashamed of Him. You’ll face Him one day. The judgment Christians face won’t be one of condemnation, but one that judges what was done for Him.

Everything that wasn’t done for Christ will be burned up like wood, hay, and stubble. That’s when the shame of how you lived in this life will become apparent. Get rid of the t-shirts that carry sinful messages, clean up your language, quit going to movies that glorify sin, and scrape those disgusting stickers off your bumper. That make your “more saved” but it will show that your aren’t ashamed of Jesus.

Stop and think for a moment about standing before the Creator of the universe awaiting His judgment of your works. Will you stand there wearing a t-shirt that glorifies sin? Will you have the punch line of a dirty joke written upon your heart instead of Scripture?

Even if you don’t have that t-shirt on, He knows you have it. Jesus knows the thoughts of your heart. He can see the friends you spend time with instead of spending time with Him. Christians are forgiven and our sins were washed away by His shed blood, but that isn’t a license to continue in sin.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2).

How indeed? Are you ashamed of Him? If not then don’t be ashamed to live for Him. Begin by recognizing the sin in your life and asking Him to help you to turn from it. Only through God’s grace can we obtain salvation and we all need to serve Him better out of gratitude for what He did for us.

Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will bring salvation. Many Christians, though, seem to be ashamed of Him. Instead of honoring Him, many Christians join the unsaved in their activities. Is it easy to live a Christian life in a culture that glorifies sin and mocks our Lord? No, but that’s no excuse for identifying with sinners. We can learn many lessons from the New Testament, but we can also learn from the Old Testament.

God loves us, but He always judges sin. Noah lived among heathens, but he wasn’t ashamed to live according to God’s ways. Because he obeyed God and built the Ark, he and his family were saved through the judgment. Do you know the story of Lot? He lived in Sodom, a city that was crawling with homosexuals and sin. God judged their sin, but Lot was saved from that judgment because he didn’t join in their sin.

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (2 Peter 2:6-9).

Oh yes, God’s judgment is coming again. Praise God, Christians will be raptured prior to Daniel’s 70th week, just as Lot was removed from Sodom prior to God’s judgment. Lot made a bad decision by living in such a morally corrupt city, but he was vexed by the “…filthy conversation of the wicked…” (conversation means their way of life).

Today is as wicked as Noah’s day and Lot’s. Heathens aren’t ashamed of all the sinful things they embrace, but why do Christians join the sin? Christians salvation is not based upon how we live but upon our faith in Jesus Christ, but we need to be ashamed of our sin and strive to  live more Godly lives. The unsaved people around us need to hear the gospel. That’s how salvation happens.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Chances are you live in an area that is filled with people who desperately need to hear the Gospel. Whether you live in England, France, South Africa, or the United States of America you live on a mission field. Speak up. When schools teach un-Christian subjects to the children, let your school teachers and administrators know that you are ashamed of them. Don’t be ashamed to talk about Jesus and tell everyone what He did for you.

We all have a testimony. You can’t be taken seriously if you have the same appearance, embrace the same lifestyles, and talk in the same manner as the lost people around you. Don’t be “holier than thou” but do strive to live as God’s Word teaches. Remember, God is love. Show His love to others by allowing Him to live through you.

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye live in them” (Colossians 3:5-7).

In other words, before we were sanctified by accepting Christ’s sacrifice for salvation we walked in sin. After accepting His free gift of salvation we begin the process of justification, which is  the ongoing process of getting rid of the sin in our life. The process will continue until we are glorified, that is until we die or are raptured.

While living here on earth we need to be ashamed of the sin in our life and stop walking in it.  We need to draw nearer to Christ. It would make a big difference if Christians took their faith seriously. Sin isn’t amusing, nor is it winked at by God. Peter tells us to get serious about our faith and turn away from former ways.

“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:14-16).

The word “conversation” means your way of living and “holy” means to be set apart from the ways of the world. When we accept Christ our life should be evidence of our faith. If someone judged you for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to prove your faith? Are you holy as our Savior is holy? It’s His righteousness, not our own, that saves us, but if you aren’t ashamed of Him it will be reflected in the way you live.

Temptations will always come our way, but the closer we walk with Christ the easier it is to resist temptation. The lost and unsaved aren’t ashamed to flaunt the sins of carnal lust and promote satanic lifestyles. If you’re a Christian don’t be ashamed of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Live your life so all can see that you aren’t ashamed of Him.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

We all know how important it is to be aware of what’s going on around you. When walking through the woods you need to be aware of poison ivy, rattlesnakes, and skunks. When driving you need to be aware of your speed, the traffic around you, and which lane you need to be in. When you’re in a battle you need to be aware of the enemy and the weapons he uses against you. You also need to be aware of your own weapons and how to use them to fight the battle. We are in a battle every day, but do you know who the enemy is?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Peter tells us in plain language that the devil is our enemy and that we need to stay vigilant and resist him. The battle is spiritual and so are the weapons. Faith in Jesus Christ is a powerful weapon in the battle. Many people say that to learn about Satan is to give him power. I disagree. If you don’t know the enemy you give him the edge in battle.

He masquerades as an angel of light, but he is pure evil. His lies can make wrong seem right, but it never is right to live in opposition to God. If you are blind to the wiles of Satan you stand a real chance of getting pulled into his lies. How do you combat such an enemy? Study God’s Word.

If God didn’t want us to have knowledge of this evil enemy He wouldn’t have told us so much about him. We tend to think Satan is everywhere and personally causes our sufferings. Satan cannot be everywhere; only God is omnipresent. Satan needs help to work his evil hatred against mankind.

“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 6:12).

The “principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness” are demons. Demons are real and like Satan, are evil. In order to fight the spiritual wickedness in high places, you need to come to grips with the fact that it is real.

Demon possession is as real today as it was when Jesus confronted them. People don’t like to admit it, but it’s becoming more common. Today it may be labeled with some big Latin name, but when a person gets naked, murders, and then eats their victim, that’s demonic. When that person has superhuman strength and growls like an animal, that’s demonic.

Ouija boards are becoming popular again and they are invitations to demons. Mind-altering drugs also make it easy for demons to take possession of a person. Many doctors prescribe drugs for everything. Can’t sleep? Take a drug. Down in the dumps? Take a drug. Overweight? Take a drug. You get the idea.

Drugs are acceptable to society, yet God’s Word says “No” and equates drugs to witchcraft. Even Christians can be harassed by demons if they open themselves to ungodly practices. Paul warned against the works of the flesh, such as adultery, fornication, etc. and in that list he included “idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies” (Galatians 5:20).

The word “witchcraft” is translated from the Greek word “pharmakeia” which is using or administering drugs, poisoning, sorcery, and magical arts. Drugs are weapons of Satan. If you’re taking prescription drugs, I’m not telling you to stop taking them, just be cautious. If you’re taking “recreational” drugs, stop.

God is the authority on spiritual warfare, and if you aren’t using the weapons He gave you then shame on you. What are those weapons? You’ll find them in God’s Word. Paul wrote to many congregations encouraging them to stand against the pagan culture around them. Pay attention because we are also living in the midst of pagans who would have us ignore God and buy into satanic lies.

“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.” (Ephesians 6:13-14)

By having your loins girt and wearing a breastplate you protect vulnerable body parts. God’s truth will enable you to see the lies of Satan and fight against them, and it isn’t your own righteousness that protects you, but the righteousness that only comes from Jesus.

“…and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

You don’t want to enter a battle wearing flip flops. The gospel is a weapon that the enemy hates… he was defeated at the cross. Have your feet properly shod with the gospel and always have it with you

“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.” (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Faith. This is the shield that will protect you against the nagging thoughts of “Am I really saved?” Or “It won’t hurt to just try marijuana.” Satan doesn’t always use big things like disease or famine to cause you to question God, but uses the fiery darts of doubt. Wear the helmet of salvation so those fiery darts don’t penetrate your thoughts, and fight with God’s Word. The sword of the Spirit will never fail.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18)

Did you know prayer is a weapon against Satan? It is, but too many Christians only use it when they find themselves in trouble because they’ve neglected all of their armor. Our enemy knows his weapons and how to use them, and you need to become skilled with the weapons of God in order to stay strong in the battle. If you don’t study God’s Word and sharpen your weapons, then, quite frankly—you’ve chosen defeat.

In times past men would sit on the wall surrounding a city and watch. If the enemy approached, the watchman would recognize the enemy and sound an alarm calling everyone to battle. Where are those watchmen today? Playing video games? Watching enemy-honoring movies? We need to stop living in a false sense of peace and sound the alarm that the enemy has surrounded us.

Thank God Almighty that there are a few watchmen still sounding the alarm, but I’m always surprised at how many Christians mock them. Paul warned that during the last days there would be perilous times.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1)

We are living in the last days and need more watchmen trained to know the enemy and sound the alarm calling Christian soldiers to battle. We need Christian warriors who have their weapons ready for battle. In these last days in which we live we see ungodly attitudes increasing, even within our congregations.

“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 3:2-5)

None of these traits should be found in a Christian. By denying His power you surrender to the enemy allowing the other traits in the list become commonplace. We are in a spiritual battle and the Holy Spirit will fight for us. We need watchmen who haven’t been blinded by Satan’s lies and we need Christians who aren’t afraid to fight the battle.

We are in the last days and evil is growing more powerful, but there’s no doubt that Satan will lose. Brethren, know the enemy and don’t surrender to him. Don’t deny the power of God, but allow the Holy Spirit to fight through you.

No matter where you live, chances are that satanic forces are infiltrating your neighborhood. The fools who participate in satanic rituals are becoming bolder and Christians are running from the fight. It isn’t unusual for a public black mass to take place or for occult leaders to demand that public meetings be opened with a demonic prayer.

If Christians protest these abominations we are called haters and are accused of political incorrectness. Instead of standing firm for Jesus we quietly slink away. We pretend that Jesus wouldn’t have stood against evil. Jesus recognized the battle and knew that He needed to send warriors into the fight.

“Then he called his twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:1-2).

Those twelve men must have been amazed at what was accomplish through the power and authority given to them by Jesus. Today people think that only those twelve received the power and when they died, so did the power of God. To believe this you have to buy into Satan’s lies. Jesus also sent out seventy who returned with joy over the things they did in Jesus’ name. Jesus told :

“Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

The serpents and scorpions represent demons. Jesus gave power to the twelve disciples then to the seventy to be victorious in battle against them. That same power is available to us. Don’t deny your authority in Jesus Christ. Demons haven’t gone away and neither has the power of Jesus Christ working through you.

After Jesus conquered death He was very busy. He appeared to the women at the tomb and then to two disciples walking to Emmaus.

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.” (Mark 16:14)

Jesus knows what you do and if you deny Him. Unbelief weakens a person’s fitness for battle. After confronting their disbelief He gave them their marching orders to spread the gospel.

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17-18)

These gifts did not stop with those first disciples. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, the power to cast out devils, speak in tongues, take up serpents, and all the gifts of the Spirit are still available. The qualifying remark is you must believe. He hasn’t left us defenseless, but disbelief is a weapon of the enemy.

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” (Mark 16:20)

After He ascended, Jesus still worked with them. He still works with us.

Are you ready for battle? Know the enemy. More than that, know the power that you have through Jesus Christ to fight in the battle. Don’t deny His power.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com