End Times Witnessing: Narrow Gate Plumbline -The Spirit says, listen! No more ‘CRAFT’ (MAGIC OR PUPPET)!

The watchman woke from a nightmare today, which he had not encountered for a long long time. Prior to that he was up at 3-5am interceding for his church. Then he asked the Lord to tell him what he needed to write for his blog. He went to bed and slept for about 2 hours. He had a dream.

In the dream he was with a group of people at a seminar after which they were caught without air ticket to fly home. So they decided to fly to another destination from where they could catch another flght for home. He was in his room (located in a hospital/medical center. Next to his room was a clinic with people waiting to see the doctors) packing and then he realized he had to give instruction to the one arranging the travel. So he climbed the stairs and went a floor up to speak to that person. He left his room door wide open and his money and travel documents on the table! He knew he should not be doing this but he did it. While talking to the travel person his spirit reminded him of the verse “the thief came to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10). So he raced down the stairs, and alas, his room was not there anymore. The place became another waiting hall for other clinics! He was so frustrated that he shouted and woke.

He knew the meaning of this dream. It was about open door to the enemy by being disobedient to the words of God. The enemy conveniently came in to steal, kill and destroy. He repented immediately. Then he was reminded of a warning word “Craft” (pointing to travelling magic shows performed by a senior pastor of a mega church from Asia). He received the warning verse from 2 Cor.4:2.

During a recent seminar he quietly asked the Lord about the correct way of teaching his own Bible class (whether he should use some of his management training skills and technics, like ‘mind mapping’). On that occasion, the Lord answered him through flashing through his mind the warning word ‘CRAFT’ followed by the above same Bible verse (2 Cor.4:2) and also the Spirit-led speaker suddenly blurted out one statement, “Do not teach unless you have revelations!” (The speaker was at that time talking about totally different subject and referred to 2 Cor.4:3-4 on the subject of how ‘the god of this world had blinded the unbelievers’ minds’)

2 Cor.4:2 (Amplified Bible) “ 2 We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience.”

HERE is the WARNING: to WHOEVER who preaches/teaches the word of God using crafts, tricks and cunning instead of stating the truth openly, clearly and candidly. This warning also applies to churches which use magic or puppet shows to teach Sunday School children. The frightening part is that you are opening your church door to the enemy to come in to steal, kill and destroy! The word of God must be preached the way Paul and other Apostles had preached, openly, clearly, and candidly.

Paul declared, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation to everyone who believes..” (Rom.1:16)

By going to the world (which is under the devil) to learn and use the world’s way you have submitted to the evil spirits behind the ‘crafts’ or ‘idols’.

God’s word is more than sufficient to convict and save. By not turning to the mighty power of God’s Spirit-filled Word, you are committing the sin of unbelief.

(The watchman shudders here.)


Here are some Bible verses evidencing how God views at ‘craftiness’.

Ephesians 4:13-15 (New King James Version) 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Job 5:12-14 (Amplified Bible) 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise or anything of [lasting] worth. 13He catches the [so-called] wise in their own trickiness, and the counsel of the schemers is brought to a quick end. 14In the daytime they meet in darkness, and at noon they grope as in the night.

Genesis 3:1 NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?

Luke 13:32 And He (Jesus) said to them, Go and tell that fox (Herod) [sly and crafty, skulking and cowardly], Behold, I drive out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish (complete) My course.

1 Thessalonians 2:2-4 (New Living Translation) 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. 4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

Revelation 18:22 (On the New City of God) The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.


________________A word for watchman prophet:

How not to be a false prophet?

Jeremiah 23: 22 If they had stood before me and listened to me,

they would have spoken my words,

and they would have turned my people

from their evil ways and deeds.

End Times Witnessing: signs and times revealed to watchman (2) -message to Mark (reblog and revised)

The watchman had received confirmations (including visions, dreams and words) about the signs of the times after writing this blog. Indeed, the Big and ravaging destructive earthquakes, floods, Tsunami, and Twisters came after this blog which was based on visions seen in August 2010. Economic development in some of the richest nations confirmed this as well.

Today he is led to reblog the following blog and urge his dearly beloved ones to read. All who are dearly beloved of God must read!

__________________Originally Posted 2010 September
The revelation and answer from the Lord continues. The watchman woke another morning to receive more specific answers to his prayers. He was led to read Jeremiah’s Lamentations on the previous evening thinking that he was reading for Israel. However, this was clarified this morning. He was still sleeping but the Spirit was already in conversation with his spirit. They were discussing the signs of end times. Then he was told that Lamentations was … Read More

http://kzlam36.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/end-times-witnessing-signs-and-times-revealed-to-watchman-2/

End Times Witnessing: How another religious leader and teacher missed entrance to heaven

He was a learned and experienced teacher of Moses’ Law. He was a religious and well respected prestigious member of the Jewish council. But he humbled himself and came to Jesus one night and talked to Jesus. He wanted the power of God that Jesus has which he did not have. He had been teaching for many years but he had no power to perform any miraculous signs to prove his teachings are from God.

Here is the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus on that crucial encounter.

Nicodemus: “Rabbi (teacher),” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

He believes in the signs and miracles and agrees that they are evidence that God is working with Jesus. He is attracted to the supernatural physical evidence of power from God. He thinks that Jesus can teach him how to have such power.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus goes straight to the point. The miraculous signs are for a specific purpose. They mean that the kingdom of God is here and now in front of Nicodemus’ eyes. But Jesus knows that Nicodemus cannot see the spiritual realm. He cannot see God (Jesus) who is in front of him!

Nicodemus: 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Indeed, Nicodemus is puzzled. From his human knowledge he tries to imagine himself an old man trying to go through his mother’s womb and that is impossible! When Jesus talks about the spiritual position he just cannot comprehend. He has seen miraculous signs but he does not see the spiritual reality (the God) behind the signs. But he is a committed teacher so he further asks what Jesus has meant.

Then Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

Jesus respects this seeker of supernatural knowledge, so he points out that spiritual truth is not comprehensible to the physical mind. He also tells him that a human has to become spiritual to enter the kingdom of God. Unless the human mind is regenerated, he cannot become spiritual.

Nicodemus: 9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

Poor Nicodemus just cannot comprehend. He is more confused. He is still thinking in the physical human natural realm.

10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.


Jesus knows that Nicodemus’ problem is his unbelief. The miraculous signs that Jesus has performed are for the benefits of the human eyes and minds (earthly things) to show that God (Jesus the Messiah) is here and now. But Nicodemus cannot even believe or understand such simple matters. So how can Jesus tell him further about the glorious heavenly things above? Jesus knows Nicodemus is just fascinated by signs and wonders and the power He displays! Nicodemus is not interested in knowing the true God. But Jesus has come to show the world the true God!

The natural human mind cannot comprehend spiritual matters but all he needs to do is to believe in Jesus. Once he believes and accepts that Jesus has come from heaven and is God Himself, he can become born again by the Holy Spirit. He will then be able to see and enter the kingdom of God. Once he is in the kingdom he can understand what Jesus says about the heavenly things. Jesus not only has the power to perform miracles, he can give life, eternal life! When a person believes that Jesus is God, he will receive eternal life. *

However, as long as Nicodemus remains in the unbelieving physical mode, he cannot see heaven and he cannot enter heaven (i.e. the presence of God)!

*Eternal life is to “know God, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.” (John 17:3)

---------------------------Bible Verses
John 3:1-15

1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see theKingdom ofGod.”


4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.[b] 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.[c] 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man[e] has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.[f]

1.John 3:3 Or born from above; also in 3:7.

2.John 3:5 Or and spirit. The Greek word for Spirit can also be translated wind; see 3:8.

3.John 3:6 Greek what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

4.John 3:7 The Greek word for you is plural; also in 3:12.

5.John 3:13 Some manuscripts add who lives in heaven. “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.

6.John 3:15 Or everyone who believes will have eternal life in him.

Watchman’s Adventure: how does a watchman encounter God?

The watchman attended a meeting for three days during which he witnessed the presence of the Lord. On the three days of the meeting he was totally engrossed in worshipping God. When the heavenly worship choruses, from Revelations 4:8b and 11, Revelations 5:9, 10, 12, 13b were sung, his spirit soared and he could not help but worship with the heavenly company of angels. Indeed, every time he attended worship by true worshippers (in spirit and in truth), his spirit knew and joined in the worship with awe and reverence. The presence of God is real. He is awed. At the end of the session, he made a very important decision in obedience to the Lord.


When giving testimony after the session, a man testified that he saw angels and gold dusts flowing with the speaker when she spoke on the altar and walked about while preaching God’s words. The watchman took heed even though he did not see them.

He returned to his own church (Prayer House) the next morning. Another participant shared her conviction and decision as a result of the intercessors’ meeting. The watchman translated and shared his own testimony briefly. In the afternoon he conducted a teaching session on Acts 8 (as led by the Spirit). At the end of the session, a participant told him that she saw gold dust on his right temple. Later, another person who was not in his class but attended the morning worship, told him she saw gold dust on his head in the morning when he was testifying for the Lord Jesus.

The gold dust signifies the presence of the Lord.

The sign was an important confirmation to the watchman. He has not expected such a visual sign this time but he takes heed the message. He believes he needs to share this testimony and encourage many other watchmen like him. The following are some of what he believes processes leading to such a manifestation of the presence of the Lord in an ordinary watchman’s life. (Please note that this is just one watchman’s personal experience. You may have your own different ones!)

summary of the watchman’s faith in action processes

1.Praying and asking the Lord to fill him with His glorious presence.

2.Worshipping and praying with a group of similar worshippers full of zeal for the Lord’s glorious presence, worshipping in spirit and in truth as commanded by the Lord.

3.Take heed the Spirit’s reminder and obey the Lord’s command to cast off the weight that hinders his race in faith (Heb.12:1b “Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily ensnare us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”)

4.Take heed the Spirit’s guidance, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb.12:2a)

5.Believe the crucial verse: Heb.11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

6.Practices faith in action based on the Bible: seek the Lord, ask and knock, spend more and more time in the presence of the Lord, continue to listen to the Holy Spirit and repent as and when convicted, carry out Biblical prophetic acts as led by the Spirit. Pray and sing in the Spirit (Col.3:16) in every possible time (in quality and quantity).

7.Attend meetings with other like precious faith people to seek and worship the Lord and listen to His messages from other senior godly watchmen. Be mentored by godly seniors who fear the Lord.

8.8. Pray and ask for the manifestations of the spiritual gifts of discernment, word of knowledge and word of wisdom.

9.Feed (in quality and quantity) on the word of God, read the Bible, believe and obey the word of God. Be cleansed and sanctified!

10.Be faithful (devoted) to the Lord.

After the above encounter, the watchman perceives in his spirit indeed the significant upward changes in his spiritual discernment. His prayers have been transformed as he could feel a deep sense of peace and rest in his soul. Reading the word of God opens heaven for him! He has never felt so close to the Lord before. Each day he wakes to see another glorious day with the Lord. Now he knows what it means to worship in spirit and in truth and how real it is! Indeed the test of one’s relationship with the Lord is this worship reality. 1 Cor.6:17 “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”

God sees the heart. Take heed to guard our hearts, watchmen!

John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Take heed the word ‘NOW’!

The following are the watchman’s favorite choruses. His whole being sings as he sings them. For those who do not know how to sing these, sing as the Holy Spirit leads you and give you music!)

Heavenly Choruses from the Book of Revelations

Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

“ Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!”


Revelation 4:11 “ You are worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory and honor and power;

For You created all things,

And by Your will they exist and were created.”


Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“ You are worthy to take the scroll,

And to open its seals;

For You were slain,

And have redeemed us to God by Your blood

Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,


Revelation 5:10 And have made us[a] kings[b] and priests to our God;

And we[c] shall reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:12 saying with a loud voice:

“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

To receive power and riches and wisdom,

And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”


Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“ Blessing and honor and glory and power

Be to Him who sits on the throne,

And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

End Times Witnessing: Watchman saw crown, crown, crown, crown!

After midnight, as he was doing the Jericho march, the watchman saw one crown, then another, then a third one, and finally the fourth one! He was awed. The first one came with a message in his spirit: “I AM THE KING!” As he marched on, he saw the second crown. When he saw the third one, he lifted up his hands and the Jesus Banner and worshipped in his spirit. He thought he would not see anymore, but by the 6th round he saw the last crown!

Indeed, He is the King of kings, Lord of lords! Crown Him with many crowns!!!!
He is the Great Redeemer.

Word to all who seek the Great Redeemer after death: you cannot have the Redeemer to guide you at the funeral unless you already have Jesus as your Saviour and Lord before you leave this earth. Once you breathe your last breath on earth it will be too late…

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS (hymn)
Lyrics: Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894, and Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903
Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893
Listen to Crown Him with Many Crowns: http://www.surfinthespirit.com/music/audio/crownhim.mid
Lyrics:

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne,

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless King

through all eternity.


Crown him the Lord of life,

who triumphed o’er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife

for those he came to save.

His glories now we sing,

who died, and rose on high,

who died, eternal life to bring,

and lives that death may die.


Crown him the Lord of peace,

whose power a scepter sways

from pole to pole, that wars may cease,

and all be prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end,

and round his pierced feet

fair flowers of paradise extend B their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown him the Lord of love;

behold his hands and side,

those wounds, yet visible above,

in beauty glorified.

All hail, Redeemer, hail!

For thou hast died for me;

thy praise and glory shall not fail

throughout eternity.


BIBLE VERSES ON REDEEMER KING
1.Job 19:1

[ Job Trusts in His Redeemer ] Then Job answered and said:

Job 19:1-3 (in Context) Job 19 (Whole Chapter)

2.Job 19:25

For I know that my Redeemer lives,And He shall stand at last on the earth;

Job 19:24-26 (in Context) Job 19 (Whole Chapter)

3.Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartBe acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:13-14 (in Context) Psalm 19 (Whole Chapter)

4.Psalm 78:35

Then they remembered that God was their rock,And the Most High God their Redeemer.

Psalm 78:34-36 (in Context) Psalm 78 (Whole Chapter)

5.Proverbs 23:11

For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.

Proverbs 23:10-12 (in Context) Proverbs 23 (Whole Chapter)

6.Isaiah 41:14

“ Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you,” says the LORD And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 41:13-15 (in Context) Isaiah 41 (Whole Chapter)

7.Isaiah 43:1

[ The Redeemer of Israel ] But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Isaiah 43:1-3 (in Context) Isaiah 43 (Whole Chapter)

8.Isaiah 43:14

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “ For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives— The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships.

Isaiah 43:13-15 (in Context) Isaiah 43 (Whole Chapter)

9.Isaiah 44:6

[ There Is No Other God ] “ Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘ I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:5-7 (in Context) Isaiah 44 (Whole Chapter)

10.Isaiah 44:24

[ Judah Will Be Restored ] Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “ I am the LORD, who makes all things,Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;

Isaiah 44:23-25 (in Context) Isaiah 44 (Whole Chapter)

11.Isaiah 47:4

As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 47:3-5 (in Context) Isaiah 47 (Whole Chapter)

12.Isaiah 48:17

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “ I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:16-18 (in Context) Isaiah 48 (Whole Chapter)

13.Isaiah 49:7

Thus says the LORD, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, To Him whom man despises, To Him whom the nation abhors, To the Servant of rulers: “ Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the LORD who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel; And He has chosen You.”

Isaiah 49:6-8 (in Context) Isaiah 49 (Whole Chapter)

14.Isaiah 49:26

I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the LORD, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Isaiah 49:25-26 (in Context) Isaiah 49 (Whole Chapter)

15.Isaiah 54:5

For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.

Isaiah 54:4-6 (in Context) Isaiah 54 (Whole Chapter)

16.Isaiah 54:8

With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” Says the LORD, your Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:7-9 (in Context) Isaiah 54 (Whole Chapter)

17.Isaiah 59:16

[ The Redeemer of Zion ] Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him That there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him.

Isaiah 59:15-17 (in Context) Isaiah 59 (Whole Chapter)

18.Isaiah 59:20

“ The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” Says the LORD.

Isaiah 59:19-21 (in Context) Isaiah 59 (Whole Chapter)

19.Isaiah 60:16

You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:15-17 (in Context) Isaiah 60 (Whole Chapter)

20.Isaiah 63:16

Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.

Isaiah 63:15-17 (in Context) Isaiah 63 (Whole Chapter)

21.Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer is strong; The LORD of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead their case, That He may give rest to the land, And disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:33-35 (in Context) Jeremiah 50 (Whole Chapter)

22.Luke 2:36

[ Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer ] Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

Luke 2:35-37 (in Context) Luke 2 (Whole Chapter)

Three Battle grounds: the mind, the church and the heavenly places

The watchman had to wait for someone outside a Christian Bookshop one evening. As usual he waited in the car as he knew from experience and in the spirit that he could not find any suitable book there. However this time the Spirit prompted him to go in. He was led straight to a bookshelf which most Christian readers would not notice. There he bent down and found three Spirit-led must-read books. Alas, all were in another language.

He bought them anyway. When he finished reading the first book, he knew this is the book for his end times class to read this season. So he ordered the original which arrived a week later. He read the book and is now led to share with his blog readers. This is an essential text for all at this end time!


The Three Battlegrounds - An indepth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare: the mind, the church and the heavenly places (by Francis Frangipane, 1989)

Here are some excerpts and quotations from the first three chapters of the book.

“This is a book about spiritual warfare.” “After spending much time with struggling pastors, I have seen a common trend in most: They failed to discern the assault of the evil. They stood unprotected against an ancient, treacherous foe.” “Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold. Do not presume it cannot happen to you. Our enemy has been deceiving mankind for thousands of years. Our experience, on the other hand, spans but a brief moment. It is wisdom to recognize that we do not know all there is concerning warfare.”

Part One: The Battleground of the Mind

“Indeed, the uncrucified thought life is the beachhead of satanic assault in our lives. To defeat the devil, we must be renewed in the spirit of our minds!”

Chapter 1: Satan’s Domain: The Realm of Darkness

“Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be.”

“Jesus warned: “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:35)” “Satan has a legal access, given to him by God, to dwell in darkness. The devil can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that still exists in a Christian’s heart.”

“If we will be effective in spiritual warfare, we must be discerning of our own hearts; we must walk humbly with our God. Our first course of action must be “submit to God.” Then, as we “resist the devil…he will flee.” (James 4:7)

“There is a recurring precept throughout this book. It is vital that you know, understand, and apply this principle for your future success in warfare. That principle is this: Victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart.”

Chapter 2: The Stronghold of The Godly: Humility

“Satan fears virtue. He is terrified of humility. His hair stands up when Christians kneel down (before God), for humility is the surrender of the soul to God. The devil trembles before the meek…there stands the Lord, and Satan is terrified of Jesus Christ.”

Chapter Three: Pulling Down Strongholds

“What men call “salvation” is simply the first stage of God’s plan for our lives, which is to conform us in character and power to the image of Jesus Christ.“

“Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of our old ways of thinking so that the actual presence of Jesus Christ can be manifested through us.”

“A demonic stronghold is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual’s life.” (2 Cor.10:3-5)

” Christians can be oppressed by demons, which can occupy unregenerate thought-systems, especially if those thoughts are defended by self-deception or false doctrines.” “Your rebellion toward God provides a place fo the devil in your life.” “A number of Christians are tormented by various fears. They needed more than prayer; they needed deliverance.”

“Any area of our heart or mind not surrendered to Jesus Christ is an area vulnerable to Satanic attack.”

“Repentance precedes deliverance. The pulling down of strongholds begins with repentance.”

“When Jesus sent out His disciples, “They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.” (Mark 6:12-13) “Note the sequence of recovery…”

“If you are truly walking with Jesus, many areas of your thinking processes will be exposed. Yet, there will be power from God to enable you to repent and receive His virtue into your life.”

______________

You can buy this book and read or listen to. here are some of the links for purchase on the internet.

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Battlegrounds-Depth-Spiritual-Heavenly/dp/1886296383

http://www.elijahshopper.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DL_EB-FF004

http://stores2.faithhighway.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=API&Product_Code=FF2-001&Category_Code=Books

End Times Witnessing: PEACE – the third piece of armor

Jesus said “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ” (John 10:10)

What does the thief (Satan) try to steal, kill and destroy? The watchman heard today that it is “Peace”! The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul to the believers, “The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Romans 16:20) It is therefore obvious why the enemy does not want you to have peace!

How do you lose your peace? It is not difficult to detect. Losses in physical material possessions, in marriage and relationship, in matters that you think give you security and pride etc. The key word that causes you to lose your peace is “losses”.

"Satan's arsenal consists of such things as fear, worry, doubt and self-pity. Every one of these weapons robs us of peace and leaves us troubled inside. Do you want to discern where the enemy is coming against you? In the network of your relationships, wherever you do not have peace, you have war. Conversely, wherever you have peace, you have victory." ("The Three Battlegrounds, Francis Frangipane)

How not to lose your peace?


You need to be spiritually minded to have true peace

Romans 8:5-7 (NKJV) 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Peace is the third piece of the whole armor of God

Romans 10:15
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Ephesians 6:15
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;


Jesus is the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Only Jesus gives supernatural peace to those who believe in and follow Him

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

(take note: only in Jesus you can have peace. If you are in the world you will have tribulation! Are you in Christ?)


Peace comes with Salvation (Jesus)!

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “ Your God reigns!”

Luke 2:14 “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Acts 10:36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

Romans 5:1
[ Faith Triumphs in Trouble ] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Having Peace means you are living with other saints in the Kingdom of God!

Romans 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:11
[ Greetings and Benediction ] Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Galatians 6:16
[ Blessing and a Plea ] And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Philippians 4:7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Having Peace means the power of the Holy Spirit is upon you!

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The God of Peace (Jesus) has Power and Authority over Satan

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Confusion in churches of the saints is from Satan1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but ofpeace, as in all the churches of the saints.

God of Peace Himself sanctifies you

1 Thessalonians 5:23 [ Blessing and Admonition ] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:20 [ Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell ] Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Peace multiplied in the knowledge of God (by the Spirit and Blood)

2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

1 Peter 1:2
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Peace and righteousness are together

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 7:2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”

James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Be in Christ! Then you will not lose your peace!
Don't forget John 10:10 - the enemy will always try to come to steal peace. Focus on Jesus!