AN IDIOTIC CONSECRATION: THE SEQUENCE OF LAWLESSNESS REVEALED.

Believers who decidely attempt to live a consecrated life for God, in order to be "holy," can fall into a serious trap of deception when they forget about the other fundamental aspects of Christian doctrine such as love, forgiveness, grace, kindness and gentleness to name a few. I recently read an article written by a young man who is totally sincere in his desire to be set apart to God, but sincerely decieved.  Decieved? Yes.


 Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. KJV


1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.19 We love him, because he first loved us.20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. KJV

When the most important tenants of faith, such as love, are laid aside in favor of pursuing consecration and holiness, pride inevitably steps in and blinds the zealous soul. I ached when I read the article, that the young man, "a wanna be minister", wrote, because it smacked of pride and reeked of a sense of spiritual superiority over other believers, void of the most important command to the believer. Love! Biblically, we're commanded, even exhorted, to love significantly more times than we are to be consecrated or holy. True holiness is not developed out of mere doing of laws and principles. It is done because of love for God, and manifested as we endeavor to exhibit His character of holiness in our world through humility and grace.

Regrettably, believers who presumptuously set themselves into leadership ministry positions according to their rigid understanding of the foundations of consecration and holiness, generally diminish the postures of love, forgiveness and kindness. Because of this they consequently live a life based on works and legalistic do's and don'ts. They justify their actions as necessary to holiness secretly believing that everyone else is spiritually inadequate. Furthermore, if they attempt to teach or minister, their teachings will then nearly always focus on extremes of pollutions and take up the stance of avoiding anything that looks like it could be evil. Hence, any interaction with the world, the unsaved, the immature believer, and the usage of modern technology, marketing and education, becomes evil and forbidden, or the people and the practices are accused of being Babylonian in design and function. As a result they generally isolate themselves to such a degree that they become sectarian and divisive, all in the name of being consecrated to God. They forget that Daniel lived smack dab in the middle of Babylon and was used by God marvelously to bring the things of God into view of the very pagan world, similar to what we live in today. Sadly, these same people will eventually gravitate to the very thing that they think they are fighting, i.e. lawlessness and Babylon, while being blind to the path that their pride has led them down. God have mercy on their lives. Yes, Babylon is a seducer. But isn't it time we mature to the place where we can walk right into the enemy's territory and be unaffected by it? Jesus did not cut himself off from the unsaved people of his day in order to be holy. He walked with them.

Now I know there are short term seasons where we spend time seeking God and lay aside the distractions of this world. I ask my students to keep this in mind when they attend an Institute or Institute Seminar. However, in those times if separation is necessary, the people you love and interact with, saved and unsaved, deserve the courtesy of an explanation so that they won't be offended or feel unloved once you take the time to seek God. Nonetheless, when believers live to be holy without love in mind, that courtesy goes out the window and spiritual pride overtakes the deceived soul. I would not be surprised if we will see this type of self-righteous, self-justifying behavior increase in the years to come. For you see, as the mystery of lawlessness increases in the earth, and the genuine seductions of Babylon overtake the unlearned soul, believers will consequently react fearfully to the lack of boundaries and endeavor to enforce a boundary system that looks spiritual, when in fact, it will be extremely works-based and legalistically oriented.

Guard your hearts, saints. Stay balanced in doctrine and truth. Never forget that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, goodness, faith,and meekness.  Take note if these things are absent. Because,if they are, you can be guaranteed deception is close behind.  Truth is always balanced and preceded by mercy, and consecration comes out of that attitude, rather than they other way around.
 

TO ASSIST YOU AND HELP YOU RECOGNIZE THE WAY THIS DECEPTION WORKS,  I'VE PUT TOGETHER A LIST REVEALING THE  PATTERN   AND  SEQUENTIAL CYCLE OF PAIN THAT ENSUES ONCE THE REMOVAL OF  BOUNDARIES BEGINS.
For the sake of space, and the fact that there are literally hundreds of Scriptures that apply to these principles, I have elected to simply list these points with only a select set of  the verses and occasional background Hebrew and Greek definitions.
So let's begin.

          NUMBER ONE- CURSE BEGINS
Deut 27:17 "Cursed is he who moves his neighbor's boundary mark.' And all the people shall say, "Amen.'  NASU
            This is a principle that can't be ignored. The Scriptures are loaded with principles and we need to pay attention to them. Whether the boundary is a physical line that determines ownership of property, or a boundary of ownership protecting values, vision, conscience, truth, health and more, removing the boundaries, bring a curse. This cursing results in some form of evil, torment or misfortune that comes as if in response to imprecation or as retribution.

         NUMBER TWO- WORTHLESSNESS  PUMMELS  YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, ABILITY  TO  LOVE  AND  RECEIVE  LOVE  FROM  GOD AND MAN-   

2 Corinthians 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? KJV               

 This is accomplished because the spirit of anti-Christ, also identified in Scripture as the spirit Belial, whose name means worthlessness, begins to condemn all value in an individual including their talents, anointing, accomplishments and fruit.
                 As a result, that person's will  may begin to shut done and they will lose their ability to fight. When this occurs the individual will struggle with an unexplained and difficult to identify inner rage. 


          NUMBER THREE. THE  "ANOINTING" OR WHAT THE BIBLE REVEALS AS THE GRACE GIFTS AND ABILITIES BEGIN TO SHUT DOWN.  
             People who struggle with this aspect of the sequence find it difficult to function and become crippled in their confidence in God and their own gifting.  Because of this, their vision and purpose begins to die, and they feel like they're floundering.                                        
                      Isa 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. 13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: 14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. KJV
                       Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. KJV


          NUMBER FOUR. THE PERSON'S INHERITANCE IS STOLEN, AND THE PROMISES MADE TO THEM, OR BELONGING TO THEM FROM GOD, ARE FORGOTTEN.
            People, or ministries experiencing this find they can't possess their inheritance and forfiet it to the world. What's more, they can't even remember what God has promised to them and they have lost the ability to praise in their Spirit. On top of all of this, they feel an anger, in the area of their emotions, that seems to be perpetually present. Because of their loss, they may also sense a feeling of defilement.

          NUMBER FIVE- POVERTY OVER TAKES THEM IN ALL AREAS.
          Poverty affects a variety of areas of the human existence. It is not just financial. It may be manifested by lack of all types, such as lack in faith, peace, and love etc. In the economic realm, because of this, the structure needed for wise financial management is not set into place, and the finances of the person affected by the cycle lives in in a constant condition of crisis. It may even go back and forth between wealth and poverty and wealth and poverty.

        NUMBER SIX. A LACK OF DISCIPLINE DEVELOPS RESULTING IN THE PERSON HATING HIM OR HER SELF.
                   Prov 15:32  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. KJV
                   Prov 15:32 He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding. AMP

         Their despair creates an “I don’t care” attitude, and individual or people cease to learn and receive instructive discipline, eventually hating themselves. Consequently, widespread chaos erupts. Furthermore, confusion reigns so one knows what’s going on or what to do.

          NUMBER SEVEN. DESPERATION FOR  CHANGE RESULTS. THE PEOPLE, IN ORDER TO GET SOME SEMBLANCE OF BOUNDARIES IN PLACE, WILL ATTEMPT  TO   ESTABLISH RULES  IN  POSITIONS RATHER THAN LIVING ACCORDING TO GRACE  AND  CONSEQUENTLY, LEGALISM   MOVES IN.

            In an attempt to restore the protections and purpose for their lives, the victims fearfully react and set up strict structures of law thinking this will change the affects of lawlessness. In actuality, their actions only cause more frustration in the end and results in internal  anger. They have forgotten the basic principles of faith, love and grace, so they become driven by the catastrophe or dilemma of their situations. And if they believe that holiness can be achieved by these things, then their very efforts to be holy, or have boundaries, eventually produces an attitude of self-righteousness and pride.

          NUMBER EIGHT. AT THIS POINT IN THE SEQUENCE, LEADERS MOVE INTO POSITIONS OF CONTROL, FORGETTING LOVE, AND LOSE THE SERVANTS HEART.

              Individuals, and even those who are leaders, become so desperate for change, desiring to correct all the supposed errors and problems, that in their desire to accomplish something, while also ridding themselves of the worthlessness, will begin to forcibly demand respect and control of those they interact with. They become intolerant of anyone who disagrees with them and demand tolerance from everyone they involve themselves with. Their agenda is very self-serving.

       NUMBER NINE. THERE IS A TOTAL LOSS OF INTIMACY WITH GOD AND MAN.

            The person entrapped by this pattern cannot genuinely feel, or know God, because by the time the cycle has gone this far, so many walls of protection and defence from offenses have been built, that there is no genuine intimacy.   This lack of intimacy also begins to invade all aspects of human sexuality resulting in every possible perverted form of intimacy.    
             People who have gotten to this stage of things also lose the ability to communicate in healthy manners. Marriages crumble, friendships fall apart and relationships become warped by unhealthy ideologies concerning what is intimate.

         NUMBER TEN. THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCUMBED TO THIS LEVEL OF THE PATTERN GENERALLY FALL PREY TO THE SEDUCTION TO IDOLS, THE KNOWLEDGE OF IDOLS, THE SEDUCTION OF THINGS AND PERSONS. 

Deut 12:3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.KJV

Ex 23:13 And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. KJV

Ps 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. KJV

Hos 2:17For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. KJV

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. KJVThis occurs because the persons debased by the lies are consequently unable to discern error and they are blind to their own condition. They therefore fall into an idolatry of man, things or idols and become dependent on experience and feelings of success without relationship in Christ.

            Let me further state that without exception, people who have laid aside the practice of love, and the fruit of the Spirit, will eventually become thoroughly enamoured with understanding the ways of satan's kingdom and his demonic forces in the earth, laying aside the importance of knowing God and caring about people. For this reason, they will say that they are wanting to fight Babylon, when in reality they have unwittingly been seduced by it's power structure and operation. They will seek to know all the deep dark things of satan in the name of warfare and not even realize that they have lost their first love for God. Babylon seduces people through the gathering of information to understand it, and then as that information saturates their things, they become infatuated eventually falling into unwitting spiritual fornication. Once this happens, it is almost impossible to change their course of thinking and spiritual emphasis.

    NUMBER ELEVEN. THERE MAY BE PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PATTERN.

                Because a great majority of the pattern of the mystery of lawlessness originates with the ancient Assyrian power structures and systems, a spiritual ungodly yoke is imposed upon the neck and a burden of performance falls upon the shoulders. This may, and often manifests, in physical problems of the neck and shoulders of a person. Radiating pain and pressure may occur in the upper spinal column until this thing is broken.

                 If a believer is standing in the gap for someone else who has no boundaries, that intercessor may experience similar physical maladies as the one without boundaries.

            NUMBER TWELVE. FINALLY, ONCE THE BOUNDARIES FOR TRUTH, DOCTRINE, LOVE AND MORE ARE GONE, AN EVIL PRINCIPALITY NAMED NEBO MOVES IN TO TAKE THE TERRITORY

                Lastly, I don't like to mention this because of needing to name what will come but Nebo, a Babylonian god will overtake the souls.  Nebo was the Babylonian god of fire and was worshipped with fire. He counterfeits the fires of God on all levels. Nebo’s name also is rooted out of the same word translated as prophet or prophecy. When he moves into a territory, after Babylon has successively captured the heart of a person and killed the genuine prophetic and apostolic ministries, as well as destroying the person’s personal ability to receive revelation from God, Nebo begins to release false prophets and prophecy. Since discernment is disabled, these false prophets and false prophecies are difficult to discern. Nebo is also named for the Greek god Mercury. This is extremely important when attempting to establish righteous spiritual boundaries. 

Nebuchadnezzar was named after this god and his name mean’s Nebo protects the boundary.  When desiring to reestablish boundaries of any corporate ministry nature, Nebo and/or Nebuchadnezzar must be dealt with based on the truths of God's word and character including the fruits of the Spirit. However, one needs to realize that there will be a battle to regain the lost territories. He will attempt to maintain his ground and can only be driven out by God!

 We are called to be ambassadors for our God. We cannot, however, be that if we are unbalanced and ignorant in our approach to living our faith. The sequence of the removal of boundaries, or the establishment of lawlessness is consistent throughout the scriptures, but it can be stopped at any stage of the cycle. The point is: if we want to follow Jesus, then we need to do so according to the balance of His word and character. I believe as Lawlessness advances in our world and the Babylonian system endeavors to seduce every human being in any culture, we must be constantly reminded that holy consecrated living is not determined by legalistic endeavors that promote self-righteous pride and exclusivity. Love is the fulfillment of all the Law, or put loosely, the fulfillment of all the boundaries of God. Beware of anyone who requires rigid lifestyles of supposed consecration and who ignore the most important commands of all. Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no higher goal to attain to.

Romans 13:10  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. KJV

Rom 13:10 Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law. AMP

FORGET THE FRENZY! HE SPEAKS THROUGH PEACE

GOD IS REVEALED IN TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT SPEAKS TRUTH THROUGH PEACE


She shut her eyes so tightly, it looked like she was in incredible pain. The expression on her face revealed mounting tension, and any passerby, close to where she sat alone, could hear her mumbling, almost chanting. "I gotta hear God! I gotta hear God! I gotta hear God speak to me!" Over and over she repeated the phrase, as if she unwittingly believed that if she worked herself into a religious frenzy, she'd break through to her desired goal: hearing God. After a long time of nothing, she opened her eyes and leaned back into the overstuffed chair, despair written across her countenance. What was she to do? There had been no booming voice or inward stirring. She saw no vision and there were no angels. There wasn't even a scripture or biblical concept she could say was a "word" from the Lord. She felt despondent and neglected. Had God ignored her? Was she spiritually dull and deaf? She didn't know. All she knew was that she needed truth from Heaven immediately. She was facing a crisis of potentially catastrophic proportions. What was she to do?


 In the back of her mind, a little prodding thought edged it's way forward. Reluctant to consider it, she calmed herself and then wondered. Could God have a different way to speak to her His truth than what she'd experienced in the past? It had never been this difficult or complicated before. Furthermore, was there some ancient, simpler way that she'd ignored, or dismissed, as not being spiritual enough? Her open Bible laid across her lap and she glanced down as one single word leaped off the page from it's text. "Peace! Peace?" It seemed too simple, too spiritually generic. But the quiet inward witness within her spirit seemed to embrace the word. She meditated. Could God use "peace" to speak to her situation? And if so, how was she to access it?


This young woman's wrestling match is common to many believers who sincerely struggle to hear God's truth, and like her, feel they've failed to acquire it.


As difficult times and crisis increase in the earth, more and more people will need to know how to hear from God's truth concerning their situations. Spiritual formulas won't work. And, normal answers won't suffice. Therefore, one of the most common ways God speaks, and that doesn't necessarily give details for actions or answers, is found in the way the Spirit gives peace when solutions aren't enough and issues are too complicated for a single way out. You need to learn how God's peace is an expression of truth when words and answers won't fix the situation alone.


Peace is an amazing subject of study primarily because the three main Hebrew and Greek words, translated as peace in the Bible, reveal a much larger concept than the "feeling and conditions" that's often attributed to peace. The Hebrew words Shalom, a derivative of Shalam, and the Greek word, Eirene, paint an enormous and extensive spiritual vista in defining peace. In fact, comparatively, the biblical concepts and definitions for God's great salvation is nearly the same as the words  the Scriptures translate as peace. One is directly related the other. I've listed, for the sake of helping you see how big peace is, the various definitions or translations for these Hebrew and Greek words for peace as derived from various Hebrew and Greek Lexicons and Concordances.

 Shalowm  or shalom means and describes peace as-

1. To be Safe- OR figuratively, well and happy

2. Abstractly it means welfare

3. It refers to completeness and soundness in all areas of life and especially in body.

4. It means welfare

5. It means safety

6. It is health and prosperity 

7. It refers to quiet, tranquility, contentment

8. It is directly related to friendship and healthy relationships, especially covenant relationships with man and God

9. It mean to have a cessation of war, strife and quarrels 

Shalam, which is the primitive root for Shalom means

1. To be safe in mind, body or estate

2. It infers to make something completed, to be finished, to be ended, or bring something to it's conclusion so that it is whole and sound. It carries with it the idea of wholeness, or a restored sense of goodness.

3. It also has the sense of friendliness

4. Shalam is a covenant word and means that you are in a covenant of peace, or in the condition of being or living at (in) peace

5. Shalam involves that you will try to make peace with God and people.

6. To be in peace means that you are uninjured.

7. Shalam also means to make something safe.

8. There is also the idea of peace being a reward, a compensation for wrongs once done and a reciprocation for past deeds.

The most commonly used Greek word for peace, Eirene is defined and described as-

1. A state of national tranquility, when the rage and havoc of war has ended. 

2. Peace is also once again a state of harmony and agreement between individuals

3. This word for peace is very similar to the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning security, safety, prosperity, felicity

4. Obviously, peace is also directly associated with the peace that the Messiah's grants.

5. Peace is also a concept unique to genuine Christianity that involves the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. of the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.

As you can see peace involves a lot more than just a feeling of not being stressed. But in connection with how the Spirit of God communicates it to us, we need to understand that peace is not just a condition. It is directly linked to the character and nature of God. So in essence it involves His very presence manifested to bring about the things it is defined as.

Judg 6:23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. 24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. KJV

 

God is Jehovah Shalom. The Lord God of Peace. Although only named this specifically in Judges 6:24, the designation is consistent through the Bible. Our God is a God of Peace. Furthermore, Gideon honored God as the God of Peace at a time when the nation could have been judged for their backsliding, and in respect to the Lord having seen the angel of the Lord. Gideon realized that this peaceful assurance affirmed that he would win the battle against Midian and set Israel free from their oppressions. Ironically, Midian's name means strife and contention. Therefore to war against them to obtain peace, strife had to be dealt with. It makes sense then that sometimes in order to gain peace, one must first fight against strife.

Paul's statements in his letter to the Romans confirms that God's peace often requires conflict. He is both a God of peace and a God of war.

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.KJV

Deuteronomy 1:30 The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;KJV

Deuteronomy 3:22 Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. KJV

2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. KJV

Nehemiah 4:20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.KJV 

Many a believer struggles with understanding that God is so multifaceted. But consider this. God is capable of being everything we need at any time we need Him to to accomplish His will. So often when peace is needed, He must first demonstrate His heart as a warrior. He can be both and not contradict Himself because He knows what the end goal is.

The question is: How does the Spirit communicate His truth of peace to us? What does the Spirit do? Is there anything we should do? Should we be aware of possible problems? How should we deal with this?

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, KJV
We've already discovered that God is the God of Peace. He is the one who brings about your wholeness, prosperity, safety, security, health, welfare, tranquility, quiet, contentment and friendship. He does so because of His covenantal commitment to you. The Christian has a spiritual advantage in that the New Birth opens up an unrestricted door for spiritual peace because of what Jesus did and accomplished in the shedding of His blood on the cross. As you grow in the knowledge of Him and all that He is about, you set yourself up for an increase of peace.

The peace, however, you need to endure difficult situations and uncertainties is not obtained by being casual in your faith. Furthermore, when the Spirit of God communicates the truths of peace there will be without a doubt a supernatural immersion of tranquility, contentment and satisfaction, in the sense, of feelings, if you can recieve it as such. In fact, when Jesus talked to his disciples about the promise of the Father, or the coming outpouring of the Holy Spirit, He connected peace, with the promised Comforter. This is why, when that peace of the Spirit manifests, fear flees, even if the circumstances have changed immediately. Furthermore, the fruit of the Spirit is peace!

AND LET.....

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.KJV

Col 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Without biblical exception, when God gives us a gift, we always have to take possession of it, or make it ours! It is a principle consistent throughout the Bible. What is given is not automatically yours until you cooperate with God to make it your own. Therefore, the two words; and let, are very important.

Paul wrote in Colossians 3:15  that we must let the peace of God rule in our hearts! This implies that we can choose not to do so, which is a sad situation indeed. Moreover, the literal translation of his statement to the Colossian believers indicates something marvelous about God's peace. Peace acts like an umpire, or a person who officiates a game, its beginning and ending, enforcing it's rules and making judgment calls on what's done, while also handling the disciplinary actions needed if something goes wrong. In fact, when you let God's peace rule and the Spirit of God communicates peace to you, that peace, produces a sense of deep harmony, because it restricts anything illegal operating in your heart so that the questions you have are settled, and a sense of finality to your need is overuled by the peaceful state you've chosen to allow.
Many believers keep waiting on God to give them something that legally already belongs to them and they just need to cooperate with Him. Let the peace rule in your heart! The question is how do you do that?

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:KJV

Isaiah the prophet explains that peace is actuated by something very simple. You need to learn to "stay" or fix your mind on the Lord! This is a discipline not easily learned overnight because fixing your mind, and thoughts on the Lord requires firm decision and the recognition of what thoughts should be resisted. Paul addressed this with helpful clarity in Colossians 3:1-3. The Amplified transliteration of these verses says it well.   

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.KJV

Col 3:1  IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [Ps 110:1.]2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.AMP

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.KJV

This is what Paul called being spiritually minded. Look and read what Romans 8:5-6 says! To be carnally minded is death. But to be spiritually minded is life and PEACE!  We need to grow in our knowledge of who God is, what He's accomplished for us and what belongs to us because of the New Birth, always leaning toward the leading of the Spirit in everything. Peace is found in this type of living!

Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. KJV

Phil 4:6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ( definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. AMP

Philippians 4:6-9 explains how to accomplish this in much more detail. Paul challenged the Philippian believers not to worry or be anxious about anything. Now I realise that this sounds like a tall order. But I don't believe he would have told them to do so if it wasn't possible. We just have become so ruled by our circumstances, feelings and problems that we haven't developed in these areas. He then instructed them in how to accomplish that.

 First of all, no matter what the need or situation, you must learn to pray specifically for, and about your needs, accompanying your requests with thanksgiving for the answers before you see them. These practices alone would relieve many troubled believers and open the doors for peace. Secondly, Paul exhorted them to think about the things that would facilitate a positive mental attitude and a spiritual approach to every aspect of life. He said to think only about the things that are true, and worthy of reverence and honorable or seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise. He told them to think on or weight and take account of these things.  The results would be an abiding presence of God's peace that would make way for the help you needed.

Don't make excuses for the carnal mind that reasons away the truths of what's already been accomplished in the New Birth, and says that to focus on those truths as lying to yourself. Honestly we live a greater lie when we don't think in a spiritually minded manner because we are then denying what Jesus did for us and where we are seated with Him above and not beneath our contests. Tell yourself the truth of who you really are according to God's perspective.

1 Cor 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.KJV

Jer 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. 14 They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah. 16 Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk (therein). 17 And I set watchmen over you, (saying), Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken.ASV

Ezek 13:8-16

8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Because you have uttered delusions and seen lies, therefore behold, I am against you, says the Lord GOD. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who see delusive visions and who give lying divinations; they shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel; and you shall know that I am the Lord GOD. 10 Because, yea, because they have misled my people, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace; and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets daub it with whitewash; 11 say to those who daub it with whitewash that it shall fall! There will be a deluge of rain, great hailstones will fall, and a stormy wind break out; 12 and when the wall falls, will it not be said to you, 'Where is the daubing with which you daubed it?' 13 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: I will make a stormy wind break out in my wrath; and there shall be a deluge of rain in my anger, and great hailstones in wrath to destroy it. 14 And I will break down the wall that you have daubed with whitewash, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be laid bare; when it falls, you shall perish in the midst of it; and you shall know that I am the LORD. 15 Thus will I spend my wrath upon the wall, and upon those who have daubed it with whitewash; and I will say to you, The wall is no more, nor those who daubed it, 16 the prophets of Israel who prophesied concerning Jerusalem and saw visions of peace for her, when there was no peace, says the Lord GOD.

Having said all this I am well aware that there are dangers. People desperate for answers, and often in denial of their circumstances, will sometimes say that they have peace concerning their situations without recognizing that their feeling is just an emotional bandaid that has no stability in God.  False peace originates outside of the truth of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and engages because of mental assent to what God says. Positive thinking and hopeful announcements promising peace without the accompanying characteristics of prayer, intercession, praise, grace, faith, love and holiness, produce temporary but false encouragement.

For example, the false prophets of the Old Testament, lacked prayer and spiritual revelation. Consequently they prophesied "Peace, Peace" when in fact, peace would not happen. Their type of "spiritual revelation", if you could call it that, only created confusion and disappointment. The peace that God gives, however, produces an inward genuine tranquility and trust that is developed according to a responsible, diligent, daily, managed relationship.

God is a God of peace. This means He wants to communicate His peace to you by the Spirit. There are also times when He may sovereignly immerse you in His peace such as when you have no strength to pray things through. This happens especially when death or serious illness occurs in families. Nonetheless, why wait till then? Let His peace rule in your heart now. There is no need to delay. Why not posture yourself to enjoy His tranquility and contentment? Its really worth the discipline!

In order to stay your mind on the Lord, as stated by Isaiah, and according to the New Birth, you must choose to set your affections, or minds, as translated in the Amplified version, upon the things which are above. This does not mean you deny your circumstances. But it requires that you accept the legal posture acquired through the New Birth that you are seated above your circumstances and you have consequently chosen to focus on and believe that your old life and the works of darkness aimed against you are not yours any longer. Peace needs this type of personal discipline to operate. If you are more focused on the things of this world, the fallen nature, the works of the flesh and your feelings, you probably won't experience the peace the Holy Spirit desires to communicate to you. Don't sabotage yourself. Get ahold of your thoughts and feelings and make them submit to the truths of what God has done for you.  

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.KJV

John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.KJV

LIKE A VOICE OUT OF NO WHERE!

1 Sam 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. KJV

One of my favorite Bible accounts tells the story of the young boy Samuel who eventually became one of the most revered prophets of the Old Testament. One night, according to the report, while lying on his bed, not far from where Eli, the high priest of Israel slept, Samuel heard a voice repeatedly calling out his name. Samuel supposed it was Eli calling and ran to his side to find out why he’d been called. Puzzled, Eli told the boy that he had not beckoned him, and told him to return to sleep. This happened again twice, probably to both their dismay, because Samuel was not familiar with the voice of the Lord, or how God spoke. Finally, Samuel ran to Eli’s side, a third time, and the aged Eli discerned that God must be calling the boy. Wisely and carefully, Eli instructed Samuel to return once again to his bed, but this time he told him to wait for the Lord to speak once more, and then when he did to respond, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears!”

I’ve often wondered how Eli felt when this happened. Did he ache to hear God for himself? Was he worried about what God would say? Was he jealous? Whatever he thought, he listened to what Samuel said in a respectful manner that made Samuel accountable to be true to every word the Lord spoke, without compromise. What an amazing, powerful lesson.

As we’ve looked into the numerous manners that God brings forth Kingdom Truths, we’ve seen that the Scriptures reveal that there is a wide variety of ways the Holy Spirit of Truth communicates truth to the believer. We therefore need to take a look at the biblical fact that God sometimes, though not frequently, speaks in an audible voice.

I have never been one to encourage people to “try” to hear the audible voice of the Lord. In fact, people who chase voices and pursue constant “so-called spiritual experiences”, often leads to serious error and deception. On the other hand, believers need to be instructed and aware that God may on occasion speak audibly. It is not the norm, but it is not something that can be ignored, either.  Furthermore, I am extremely cautious when believers tell me that they hear the audible voice of the Lord frequently. I just don’t see this type of thing being consistent with the record of occurrence in the Bible and I become concerned about people who say this is normal in their lives. Honestly, they could be mentally ill and or have a chemical imbalance in their brains. Therefore, when we say God speaks audibly, we need to use extreme discernment and biblical standards to instruct people lest we make seeing and hearing our basis for truth and diminish the other ways God may bring truth into our lives.

Ex 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.KJV

Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.KJV

Acts 9:10 Now there was in Damascus a disciple named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he answered, Here am I, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying [there].12 And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias enter and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard many people tell about this man, especially how much evil and what great suffering he has brought on Your saints at Jerusalem;14 Now he is here and has authority from the high priests to put in chains all who call upon Your name.15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel; 16 For I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure and suffer for My name's sake. AMP

Isa 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. KJV

There are numerous incidences when the Spirit of God spoke audibly to individuals in the Bible. Moses, and the Hebrew Children in the wilderness, probably top the list, because you see, God spoke frequently at Mount Sinai, and during their journeys through the wilderness. One also could furthermore determine that all of the Old Testament prophets heard the Lord speak to them. For example, Elijah heard Him speak in the still small voice. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel stand out in that Old Testament select group as well. Then, there are also the New Testament examples such as when God spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus. But one thing must be noted. In the great majority of times when God spoke audibly to these people, there was also an accompanying vision. Nearly all of them experienced some sort of visual manifestation when God spoke.  Think about it. Moses saw a burning bush and heard God speak. Isaiah saw the heavenly throne room and heard God's voice. Jeremiah and Ezekiel both saw visions and heard Him clearly. Paul saw the bright light from heaven and heard the Lord speak. The list goes on and on and it is an irrefutable reality that God does speak audibly. This however leaves us with loads of unanswered questions, some of which can be resolved, but others cannot, at least in this lifetime.

Scripture reveals patterns; patterns of how, when, why, what and to whom God speaks. These patterns need to be acknowledged because if and when God speaks to you audibly, you can then begin to discern what is going on.

WHEN GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY?

GOD SPEAKS WHEN DRASTIC CHANGE IS NEEDED

The first and most obvious example of when God spoke audibly was in the work of creation in Genesis! Now, obviously, human ears did not hear Him, but to ignore this example would be catastrophic because it reminds us that one of the primary functions of the Holy Spirit is to bring transformation and change. Therefore, we can be assured that if and when the Spirit speaks audibly to us, there will be often radical transformation.  Light will explode into reality out of darkness. So, I believe we can be safe to say that God speaks audibly when drastic change is needed!

Obviously, there are too many instances to go into, when God spoke audibly, so I will try to point out the most significant characteristics for the sake of time and space to write. So to condense this, please read the primary reasons God speaks audibly and the pertinent Bible references as follows.

GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY WHEN YOU ARE IN TRANSITION AND NEED TO MOVE FORWARD INTO A NEW AREA OF LIFE- Exodus 3:1-14; Isa. 6:1-10

GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY WHEN HE CALLS SOMEONE INTO CERTAIN CALLINGS OF MINISTRY, ESPECIALLY THE APOSTOLIC OR PROPHETIC MINISTRIES- Jeremiah 1; Exodus 3; Isaiah 6; Acts 9:1-8

GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY WHEN YOU ARE TOTALLY AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE AND WHEN YOU HAVE LOST ALL HOPE- 1 Kings 19:1-12

GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY WHEN HE NEEDS TO MOVE YOU FROM THE WRONG DIRECTION YOU ARE GOING ONTO THE PATH THAT HE WANTS YOU TO GO- Acts 9:3-8

GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY WHEN YOU HAVE BECOME TOO COMFORTABLY IN YOUR LIFE AND HAVE FORGOTTEN YOUR CALLING- Exodus 3:1-14

GOD SPEAKS AUDIBLY WHEN HE CONFRONTS SIN – Numbers 12:1-15

GOD SPEAKS WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT! IN THE TIMING OF THE ORDINARY- Ex. 3:1-14

 You can't force God to speak, nor can you predict when He will do so! Moses was out tending his sheep, doing his ordinary thing, and then he saw the burning bush. Paul was riding on the road to Damascus and suddenly God met him when he didn't expect it. Don't be guilty of religious gymnastics that often try to manipulate God to do what you want. He's not fooled by our feeble efforts. Leave it up to Him. If He wants to speak to you audibly, He will. Let Him be God!

I realise that it is very possible that as the times progress toward the return of the Lord, more and more people will experience visions and hearing God speak in an audible manner. Peter's sermon in Acts 2 reveals that a large percentage of miracles and signs in the end will be visual!The sad thing is that because of a lack of solid doctrinal teaching on some of the most basic of doctrines, and the dearth for wise interpretation of Scripture, I fear many people will fall prey to deception from seducing spirits that would counterfeit God’s voice and speaking. We must always go back to the basics of our faith when faced with difficult times. Even so, we cannot dismiss the fact, that God has spoken audibly in the past and will do so again when the times and circumstances require it. Therefore, since visions and visible evidences often accompanied the voice of the Lord, we’ll take a look at those in future blogs so we can keep the balance of teaching according to His word.

ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL PING-PONG! EXPOSING LAWLESSNESS

In the past few months I have received numerous requests from my friends, and people who like my page, asking for teaching about the Mystery of Lawlessness. I've therefore assembled a list describing the characteristic of lawless living as follows. This does not include all the biblical references, historical or sociological research that could be cited. But I believe it will be helpful to those of ...you who have asked. Enjoy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE LAWLESS- GENERALLY SPEAKING

1. Self-willed- Those influenced by lawlessness disregard all authorities, laws, policies, definitions for right, wrong, sin, and despise authority figures. They endeavor to cut down and diminish the authority of leaders on all levels.

2. Those influenced by lawlessness make themselves equal to their leaders without having paid the price for these honors: ignoring titles, positions, degrees, proven experience, and age etc.

3. Those influenced by lawlessness ignore and have no understanding of honor or respect of God or man

4. They are very carnally driven, living in the moment without thought to consequence or actions. Lawlessness is a mystery that enables human beings to do whatever is right in their own sight Sexual immorality of all sorts is therefore acceptable in their sight because it feeds the temporary lusts they live in.

2 Peter 2:9 Now if [all these things are true, then be sure] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom, 10 And particularly those who walk after the flesh and indulge in the lust of polluting passion and scorn and despise authority. Presumptuous [and] daring [self-willed and self-loving creatures]! They scoff at and revile dignitaries (glorious ones) without trembling,11 Whereas [even] angels, though superior in might and power, do not bring a defaming charge against them before the Lord. AMP

2 Peter 2:18 For uttering loud boasts of folly, they beguile and lure with lustful desires of the flesh those who are barely escaping from them who are wrongdoers.19 They promise them liberty, when they themselves are the slaves of depravity and defilement--for by whatever anyone is made inferior or worse or is overcome, to that [person or thing] he is enslaved 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through [the full, personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again become entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition is worse [for them] than the first. AMP

5. Those influenced by lawlessness have warped views of the foundational biblical doctrines, if they even know them at all. In their view, doctrine is disdained, especially the following-

          a. The Doctrine of the Repentance from Dead Works- They don’t understand what repentance of Dead works means, therefore, they have no understanding of grace or their view of grace is skewed.

       b. The Doctrine of Holy Spirit- They believe spontaneity is the same thing as spirituality, so they live in their feelings and whatever their whim says to do is done, while calling it the leading of the Spirit.They believe such expression is true liberty.

       c. They don’t understand grace, righteousness, and holiness, so they swing from one extreme of lawlessness to legalism and not realize what it is demonstrating.

       d. Wisdom is lacking because they have no boundaries in their thinking, therefore, they are not consequential in their thinking, words or actions. They are naive and simple, often being duped by seductive situations or people.

       e. They do not have a definition or grasp of what truth is, so consequently, they're unstable in various areas of their lives, emotions, relationships, work etc. Truth to them is relative hence there are no absolutes. They believe anything can be true.

Matt 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men's bones and everything impure. 28 Just so, you also outwardly seem to people to be just and upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness and iniquity. [Ps 5:9.] AMP

      

      f. Extreme religiosity is directly linked with lawlessness because it lives a double standard. Those influenced by lawlessness think that by practicing religious law, replaces lawlessness, when in fact their religion is only a reaction to the absence of boundaries.

6. Because they have unknowingly submitted themselves to the spirit that drives lawlessness, they demand others be tolerant of them without being tolerant of others. Furthermore, their definition for tolerance is one sided and with an agenda bordering on totalitarianism.

Isa 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. 13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: 14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. KJV

7. Lawless individuals, like the demonic spiritual system behind it, demand that others acquiesce to their every demand. They will attempt to break the will of those who oppose them. They are like the "Borg" of the sci fi show Star Trek in that they say “resistance is futile”.

8. Lawless individuals are very opinionated even though they don’t know what they're talking about and haven’t studied it. Their opinions are generally very narrow and biased or they swing to the other side totally open-minded without thought to consequence because they don’t want anyone offended.

9. They do not recognize or acknowledge another person’s boundaries of conscience, identity or vision so they continually over run other people without being aware of it.

10. Lawless individuals and groups endeavor to rule through fear, terror and control.

11. The spirit behind lawlessness seeks to cut off all aspects of communication. It will even affect sound, sound systems,
electronics and any mode of communication.

12. Those influenced by lawlessness try to isolate the ones they want to conquer.

13. Those influenced by lawlessness attempt to cut off all natural, and associated spiritual elements- water/ Spirit, food/ The bread of the Word, Help from outside.

14. Lawless individuals and groups embrace Experience before Biblical reality.

15. AS THE MYSTERY OF LAWLESSNESS UNVEILS IT’S FINAL CLUES, WE WILL SEE A GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE-
       a. Demand to be recognized for all forms of good works
       b. Demand to be vindicated for past wrongs done to them
       c. Take matters of vengeance into their own hands with a rash of self-justifying statements and actions that will follow. This self defensive behavior will manifest attitudes of superiority and spiritual pride.

16. Like the Assyrians of Isaiah 10, and its tyrannical king, Sennacherib, lawless people are-
     a. Haughty and arrogant
     b. Boastful
     c. Possess a false estimation of self
     d. Extremely cruel
     e. Greedy for power
     f. Want more, more and bigger! Numbers and wealth incite them.

Isa 10:24 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. 25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.26 And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. KJV

17. THE YOKE OF ASSYRIA, THE HISTORIC AND BIBLICAL ENFORCER OF LAWLESSNESS DESCRIBED IN ISAIAH 10:1-27 COMES INTO PLACE AS FOLLOWS
      a. Those influenced by lawlessness enforce a yoke or oppression through shame and reproach
      b. Those influenced by lawlessness remove the ancient boundaries of truth so there are no absolutes and values any longer in existence The Assyrian principle literally aims at destroying the conscience
      c. In the corporate setting these Lawless principles cause the spiritual, moral, ethical and civil fabric to unravel
     d. Those influenced by lawlessness steal the spiritual, financial, natural Inheritance
       e. The dreams, vision and aspirations are stripped away by those influenced by lawlessness.
      f. The Assyrian principle causes people to be enslaved to another person’s purpose and vision
      g. The Assyrian principle crushes anyone who opposes it, breaking the will,creating an atmosphere for passivity and removing the warrior’s heart
     h. Those influenced by lawlessness seek to remove and mock leadership
     i. Those influenced by lawlessness restrict the personal identity and expression of those being attacked.
      j. Imposes fear tactics

LASTLY DON’T FORGET-Those influenced by lawlessness ping-pong back and forth between legalism and lawlessness.