WELCOME TO OUR SITE- Become Ordained Online RIGHT Now!
Chaplain / Pastor Jimmie Warren
"Thank you for visiting our web site ministry . We appreciate your time and we here at Simple Salvation Church Of God care for all people who seek a better life. We hope that we can help in building your faith as we strive to put forth the truth of the Bible here in our pages.
Our articles and poems are meant to be informative and spiritual. We pray that something here opens your hearts and minds in the promise of life ever-lasting.
Please feel free to share how you feel by sending us your prayer request by e-mail or by posting your prayers for our prayer warriors to pray over. In Jesus Name we carry your name to Him that is coming soon."
Our Staff and other writer's for the web site:
Michael Leroy Webb-- Writer copastor Anton J Donier D.D. Writer Vice President copastor Marian J. Warren -- Chief Editor / WRITING STAFF:
Michael Webb -----------------------------------------------Web Designer
Jimmie Warren _________________________Web Design
Writer's for our sites
Click on each link for the writer's profile and a list of posts
You can become a legally ordained minister for Free, by SIMPLE SALVATION CHURCH OF GOD A FREE CHURCH IN CHRIST JESUS We offer to those willing to serve God and who are at least 18 years of age to be ordained for Life! (note) We do not ordain homosexual's or those living in sin!
We love the sinner but not their sins! E mail jim@simplesalvation.org the following information:
1. FULL LEGAL NAME
If you give false name your credential will be cancelled
2. FULL MAILING ADDRESS
/No P. O . Boxes
3.Why you want to be ordained ? Must Read article what it takes to be a minister of God.
4. send letter with any and all experience and any degrees
5 Year you where Bapitized
If you desire a license to hang on your wall or set on your desk
then send a donation of$30.00
Letter Of Good Standing member of our church - $10.00
Doctor Of Divinity Degree donation- $35.00
Charter Church Certificate donation - $65.00
Simple Salvation Church of God will award you an honorary Dr. of Divinity degree in recognition of your life experience. This will qualify you to use the title of "Rev. Dr." before your name,or the initials"D.D."after your name. For example:
Rev. Dr. James Doe or Rev. James Doe D.D.
To recieve your Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, please include the following items:
1. Your name as you wish it to appear on your degree.
2. A brief testimony about your personal experience as a Christian. This can be about how you were saved, or the difference Christ has made in your life.
How you led someone to Christ, and any personal experience
involving your ministry in community service .
3. Check or money order for the suggested contribution made out to
Simple Salvation Church of God.
4. Be sure and include your return address.
Mail to:
Simple Salvation
P O Box 8585 Spokane, WA.
99203-8585
You can pay with any major credit card through paypal
even if you do not have a paypal account.
Actual Size is 8 ½ by 11 inches Minister Credentials
Ordination Package # 1 -
Save with this order! both these for donation $30.00 1 Ordination Credential 1 Letter Of Good Standing
If you do not want to become ordained, but would like a credential that will empower you to help preach the gospel , We will Register you as an Evangelist. This Credential will give you the legal right to use the Title Evangelist before your name.
You may send check or money order made out to; Simple Salvation Church of God P .O. Box 8585 Spokane WA. 992203-8585
Some people do not know that you can pay with a credit card through paypal without being a pay pal member.
You can pay with Master Card,Visa,Discover, etc. credit cards.
Complete Ordination Package# 1 $30.00 Complete Ordination Package# 2 $75.00 Divinity Degree $35.00 NEW CHURCH CHARTER CERTIFICATE $65.00
If You just want to make a donation of any amount to help support this work
We want to give everyone the chance to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world..
see our articles on marriage laws of each state and the legal right to preform the duties of a minister in your state
see this article here on this site
Decision by the Federal Government:
You are an independent minister from the church and as an independent minister you can start your own church anywhere you chose,with the name you chose.
We are offering Church Charter's to start you own church with a donation of $65.00
As an independent minister or church, we at Simple Salvation Church Of God are not responsible for you or the church you start If you fail to preach anything besides The gospel of Jesus Christ , your credential's can be revoked by Simple Salvation Church Of God anytime.
Donate using Paypal (Preferred)
Send check or money order to: Chaplain Jimmie W. Warren or Simple Salvation Church Of God P O Box 8585. Spokane, WA. 99203-8585
Becoming a Minister is a Holy calling from God and requires profound
selflessness, sacrifice and love for all mankind. You must submit
yourself in total surrender to Jesus Christ and bear fruit of that
relationship with him. This will require the highest degree of honesty,
integrity, humility and unconditional love for others.
As a chosen
vessels you must be willing to stand alone in defense of the poor and
destitute sinners of this world, showing no respect for persons because
of wealth, education, religious stature, or other power.
Being a
minister is no ordinary calling, for you truly are the salt of the
earth and the light of Christ in a dark and dying world. Sincerity is a
MUST! All who know you must know your sincerity as a minister of Jesus
Christ .
Simple Salvation Church of Godwelcomes all who wish to
serve God and his son Jesus Christ.We are an open minded community of
believers who constantly renew our commitment to a deeper understanding
of God and his will for us.
In the Joy of Salvation we freely
Fellowship and worship in Christian Unity. We believe in the Freedom of
Choice, being individually responsible before God for our lives,
thoughts, and actions.
Christians hold various views based
upon their spiritual gifts, abilities to understand scriptures, past
teachings, and national origins. We therefore advocate Freedom of
Religion, seeking answers through study of the Bible, prayer, and guidance by the
Holy Spirit.
Having, great love and admiration for each other
without respect for wealth, race, gender, age or social status. We are
committed to seeking the will of God in our lives and faithfully
dedicating our life to the service of Jesus Christ that we may be
helpers in the Joy of Salvation.
OUR Goals Simple
Salvation Church of God is a non-denominational Protestant faith
association of Christians supporting each other in edification,
fellowship and worship. Our goal is to fellowship and worship in unity
of Christian faith to discharge our duties to the Body of Christ.
OUR Mission Simple
Salvation Church of God uses the Internet as our primary tool for
evangelism and Christian Fellowship, to proclaim the Gospel of
Salvation through Jesus Christ as a witness to all nations. We exist in
our ministry calling to assist others in their Christian callings
through, inspiration, teachings, and recognition by training and
ordination and are committed to spreading the gospel to all nations in
the establishment of local ministries.
Giving offerings and gifts to the church. The church does not claim Tax Exempt status even though we as a Church are exempt from taxation per the U.S. constitution. We are a free church not one of the state
Therefore any contributions given to the church are not tax-deductible.
2 Corinthians. 9:10-12 (10)
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply
and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
(11) You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which
through us produces thanksgiving to God, (12) for the administration of
this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones
but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. (13)
Through the evidence of this service, you are glorifying God for your
obedient confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your
contribution to them and to all others, (14) while in prayer on your
behalf they long for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon
you. (15) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (NAB)
Matthew 10:7-10 (7)
As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(8) Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. (9) Do
not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; (10) no sack for the
journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer
deserves his keep. (NAB)
2 Corinthians 9:7 (7) Let each man
give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or
under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.(NAB)
Matthew 6:1-4 (1)
Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be
seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in
heaven. (2) Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet
before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the
streets, that they may get glory from men. Most assuredly I tell you,
they have received their reward. (3) But when you do merciful deeds,
don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, (4) so that
your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in
secret will reward you openly. (NAB)
If you feel moved to give a gift or donation please use our PayPal
Ordination All
of humanity has been called by the Gospel unto salvation and are given
gifts of the spirit to produce good fruit. John 15:16 But God has also
called and foreordained some for to tend to the needs of the flock, and
to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world .
Our Independent Ministers are Ordained for life, however there are reasons why a independent Minister could be dismissed.
1. Lying on their Ordination request application
2. Found to be preaching doctrine and beliefs contrary to THE BIBLE Doctrines and beliefs
3. Failing to notify us of change of home address and or email address
4. Refusing to allow their name, state address, and Ordination number to be posted on our web page Ministry Roster.
5. Using a false name on your application for ordination, other then your true birth name.
6. Living in Sin like Active Adultry or Homosexuality is cause to remove you from our
ministry!
All
applicants for ordination must be 18 years of age or older, and be of
the Christian Faith,have been saved, called of God, and received
baptism Do not take upon yourself this calling if you are just playing
religion and are not serious about the sacrifices God will require of
you. This is very serious indeed, for who he has given much, much will be expected.
We
will ordain all Protestant Christian applicants without respect to
race, gender, nationality, or past and forgiven sins. This does not
mean we will ordain practicing homosexual or Felon applicants without
them first forsaking their sins and coming to the place of humble
repentance before Christ. This ministry is a ministry of love, who
loves the sinners, but will not love the sin.
Legal Issues Every
nation, state, or locality has varying laws regarding certain degrees
of the ministry. It is the full responsibility of every ordained
minister to know and follow the laws in their region. It would be
totally impossible for us to know the laws of every region in the
world, or to monitor the actions of very ordained minister. The legal
responsibility of every ordained minister lays solely upon themselves
who shall hold the Simple Salvation Church of God harmless as a result
their operation, actions, practices, beliefs, and calling.
Association Persons
ordained by Simple Salvation Church of God are independent ministers,
and in no way represent the this church, or does the church represent
the newly ordained ministers. We exist as independent entities
practicing freedom of religion in our own perspective callings from the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian Ceremonies Countries
outside the United States may have varying laws regarding the
Officiating of certain Ceremonies and rites. However in the USA
Ministers are only required to present credentials or other paperwork
if they are going to officiate a marriage ceremony. But to be a
minister and Officiate any other ceremony does not require registration
as far as we are aware. However it is your professional responsibility
to know the restrictions governing you region of the world.
Is Online Ordination Legitimate?
The
Constitution of the United States guarantees our right to Freedom of
Religion.Yes, online/E mail Ordination is every bit as much legit as any
Christian ordination. Simple Salvation Church of God does ordain anyone
online and by mail. Both Male and Female may apply!
Ordination applications are taken online
or by mail and a special prayer service is held for the applicant in
his or her absence, at this time we lay hands upon the applicants
Official documents and pray for God's blessings upon each applicant.
After the blessing service the applicants name and address is entered
into our Official Church records as an Ordained Minister.
Simple Salvation Church of God is a membership laboring in Love for all humanity of the World. We
are a Protestant non-denominational Christ-centered ministry, that
promotes unity in faith and fellowship in the joy of Salvation.
Some
of our members are just plain ordinary people without any ministerial
training having nothing more than a calling from the Lord and the
courage to act in faith in response to their callings. Much like the
Disciples of Jesus we come from all walks of life but ,are called by
the Holy Spirit to serve God as He see's fit, not as some church or
organization picks us!
Many
scoffers doubted the legitimacy of Jesus Christ, and his misfit group
of followers, which today has grown to a worldwide body of believers
known as Christianity.
The disciples for the most part were poor
uneducated men and women totally unworthy of being chosen by the Lord
to spread Christianity worldwide.The Pharisees and Sadducees
blinded by their Religious educated self-righteousness passed judgment
on Christ and his followers as foolishness.
All members of the this church are
members of respected Protestant mainstream Christianity. All may belong
to any other church while associated with us,as we are all children of One God and His son Jesus Christ!
After you have been ordained you may if you desire and want to order a printed credentials click on this link http://www.simplesalvation.org
1. Simple Salvation Church of God is not legally responsible for all the actions of ministers they Ordain.
2.
Persons ordained by Simple Salvation Church of God are independent
ministers and have the same rightsas any other minister of faithfrom any church.
3.Simple Salvation Church of God is exempt from taxation as outlined by the United States of America constitution.
4 Simple Salvation Church of God ordains men and women.
5.Does not ordain Active Homosexuals or any who have not repented of their sinful life! . If
you appreciate this Ministries efforts of enabling believers through
our FREE Ordination, please make a donation of any amount. Thank you.
Hello Friends this is Chaplain Jimmie Warren I am sending this message out to see if any of you would like to post any of your writing on our web site http://www.simplesalvation.org Our site has grown over just the last three months from 24-25 people a day to 79-83 people a day thats over 80 differant souls looking for God's truth. I was blessed with this wonderful web site ministry which God has made known to a lot of people over the last six years. This year we want to reach as many people as we can and I believe with differant points of views more people will be coming to our site to grow into the Lord Jesus. Wouldn't you want to share in this growing ministry? I pray that you do. Please come and visit our site and make it your site also or at least link us to your site so other's may enjoy the words from the Bible and the spirited people that are trying to reach out a hand to help them come to the Lord without the pressure of a four walled church. I really believe the Lord has opened a door for the World Tomorrow and His soon coming kingdom by the internet spreading the Gospel where we all can't go. So please pray about it come to the site ,look it over, and join us as we strive to reach the world for a better tomorrow Amen
Our mission here at Simple Salvation Church of God is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and to help all people grow spiritually (Matthew 28:19-20).
As Spirit-led believers, the church is exhorted, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
The Spirit of God leads the churches (people's) into all truth
(John 16:13).
Accordingly, this Statement of Beliefs is not a closed creed.
We are an Independent non denominational Church of God. Simple Salvation Ministries Preaches Jesus Christ and by NO OTHER MEANS are you or can you be saved. Acts 4:12
Simple Salvation Church of God is an integral part of the Churches of God with a definite Christian orientation. We will always strive
to uphold and promote the two basic tenets " Love God with all your
heart and mind" and "Love your brother as you love yourself "
These are the Golden rules! Especially to serve as a Spiritual home for
those Christians who seek an ever more intimate communion with
Christ,and within the household of the faith, unfettered by
denominational bias and doctrines.
As A Spiritual
church we want the commitment to all truth and deeper understanding and
to respond to God's guidance in His beliefs and practices. We
constantly seek new Truth and expect change as long as it is Biblical.
We ask all believers in all churches,to prove all thing's and to hold
onto that which is right. God's church is not in any one building or any one organized religion.
We believe Godis in all spirit filled churches no matter what the name is on their doors !
As a Christian Faith We believe: . In one holy, loving, all-powerful, and gracious Creator God who exists in three beings: ONE Father God Almighty, Jesus the Only Begotten Son, and The Holy Spirit. (Not ALL equal as some teach , but three beings in the God Family with the Father as surpreme) . That Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary, fully God and fully human, is both Lord and Savior. .That
Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross for human sin, that he was
raised bodily after three full day's and three night's, and that he
ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. . That Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead and to reign over all things. . In
the Holy Spirit, who brings sinners to repentance, who gives eternal
life to believers, and who lives in them to conform them to the image
of Jesus Christ. . That the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, fully authoritative for all matters of faith and practice. .That
Christians should gather in regular fellowship and live lives of faith
that make evident the good news that humans enter the kingdom of God by
putting their trust in Jesus Christ. . In the spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. That salvation comes not by works, but by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. . Through Jesus Christs' Blood only and by NO other means can you be saved. . In the resurrection of the dead and the life in the kingdom of God that is to come. . God the Father will rule all mankind here on earth in His coming Kingdom. . Then there will be only One God and One faith and One way to live Eternally.
THE GOD Family God,by
the testimony of Scripture, is one divine Being in co-essential, yet
distinct being, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the one true
God,eternal, immutable, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is
Creator of heaven and earth, Sustainer of the universe, and Source of
human salvation. Though transcendent, God is directly and personally
involved with human beings. God is love and infinite goodness. 1 John 4:8 ; Ephesians 4:6; Matthew 28:19; John 16:27;
1 John 5:20; Titus 2:11; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 : 2 Corinthians 13:14
God the Father is
the first Person of the God head, of whom the Son Jesus Christ is
eternally begotten and from whom the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds
through the Son. The Father, who's Son made all things seen and unseen , sent the Son for our salvation and gave the Holy
Spirit for our regeneration and adoption as children of God. John 3:16; John 1:1; Romans 15:6; Romans 8;14-17;
Colossians 1:15-16 ; Acts 17:28
Jesus Christ, the Son is
the only begotten Son of God. He is of the same substance as the
Father. Before time began, He existed with the Father, shared the
Father's glory, and by whom ALL creation was made.( Gen. 1:26) "Let US create Man in OUR image and OURlikeness".
Voluntarily relinquishing the rights of His deity, He
was conceived of the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary and was born in
Bethlehem. In full humanity, Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father's
will, died by crucifixion, was buried,and rose again after three FULL
days and three nights in the tomb. He then ascended into heaven, and
sits at the right hand of God as Savior and Redeemer of all who trust
in Him. Jesus is Lord and the King of Kings! John1:18;
1:1-3; 3:16; 17:5; Matthew 1:21; 12:40; Luke 1:26-35; 24:51;Philippians
2:5-11; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 2:36; Acts 4:12
The Holy Spirit is
the third being of the Godhead. He is the Comforter promised by Jesus
Christ, given by the Father to all believers. The Holy Spirit lives in
us, unites us with the Father and the Son, and transforms us into the
image of Christ through repentance, sanctification, and continual
renewal. The Holy Spirit is the Source of inspiration and prophecy
throughout the Scriptures, and the Source of unity and communion in the
church. He provides spiritual gifts for the work of the gospel, and is
the Christian's constant Guide into all truth. John 14:16, John 15:26; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; John 16:13; Acts 20:28; 2 Peter1:21; 2 Corinthians13:14; 1 Corinthians 12:13 ; Acts 2:17-19,38 ; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Titus 3:5
The Kingdom of God in
the broadest sense is God's supreme sovereignty. God's reign is now
manifest in the church and in the life of each believer who is
submissive to his will. The kingdom of God will be fully manifest over
the whole world after the return of Jesus Christ when all things will
become subject to him. Daniel 2:44; Psalms 2:6-9; Luke 17: 20-21; Revelation 11:15; 21:3 Revelation 22-27; Revelation 22:1-5 ; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28
Our Response to God Upon
learning of God's plan, a person either accepts Jesus Christ as Savior
and Lord or continues in condemnation. Accepting Jesus Christ means
believing the truth of the gospel, confessing and repenting of
sin,trusting the Savior, and becoming a disciple of the Lord. One who
so believes has been justified before God, converted in mind, and
reborn in spirit. He then walks the way of obedience, which includes
public confession of Jesus Christ, water baptism, restitution, and
following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. John 3:16-18; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 16:31; 2:38; 1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:6 Romans 10:9, 10; Matthew 5:23, 24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 2:6.
Humanity God
created humanity male and female in the image and likeness of God. God
blessed them, telling them to multiply and fill the earth. In
Genesis,humanity is the crown of creation; Adam is the first human. In
love,the Lord gave humans power as stewards to subdue the earth and
rule its creatures. Typified by Adam who sinned, humanity lives in
rebellion against its Creator, thus spreading sin and death in the
world. Despite human sinfulness, humanity continues in and is defined
by God's image.Thus all humans, collectively and individually, deserve
love,honor,and respect. The eternally perfect image of God is the
Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the last Adam. God creates
through Jesus Christ(The WORD) the new humanity over which sin and
death have no power. In Christ, humanity will bear perfectly the image
of God. Psalm 8:3-8; Genesis 1: 26-28; Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ; 1 John 3:2 ; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:47-49; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:12-21
The Holy Scriptures (Bible)is
the inspired Word of God, the faithful witness to the gospel, and the
true and accurate record of God's revelation to humanity. As such,the
Holy Scriptures are infallible and are foundational to the church in
all matters of doctrine and godly living. 2 Timothy 3:25-17; John 17:17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
The Church The spiritual church, the Body of Christ, consists of all who have faith in Jesus Christ and in whom the Holy Spirit abides. The
church is commissioned to preach the gospel, to teach all that Christ
commanded, to baptize, and to feed (teach) the flock. In fulfilling its
mission,the church is directed by the Holy Scriptures, led by the Holy
Spirit,and looks continually to Jesus Christ, as its living Head. Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18; Romans 8:9;
Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:13
The Christian
is any person who trusts and believes in Jesus Christ. One who strives
to live as Jesus lived, thus being like Christ. A Christian experiences
a new birth through the Holy Spirit and is placed by adoption into
a right relationship with God and fellow humans by God's grace.The
Christian's life is characterized by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:1; Romans 8:9, 14-15; Romans 10: 9-13; John 1:12-13 Mark:8:34; John 3:5-7; Galatians 2:20 ; John 13:35; John 3:16-17
Christian Behavior is
characterized by trust in and loving allegiance to our Savior, who
loved us and gave himself for us. Trust in Jesus Christ is expressed by
belief in the gospel and by faith and works of love.Through the Holy
Spirit, Christ transforms the hearts of believers, producing in them
love, joy, peace, faithfulness, meekness, kindness,
goodness,gentleness, self-control, righteousness, and truth. Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 3:23-24; 1 John 4:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:15
The Angelic Realm The
holy angels serve God as messengers and agents, are appointed to attend
to those who will obtain salvation, and will accompany Christ at his
return. Angels are created ministering spirits, endowed with free
will.The disobedient angels are called demons, evil spirits, and
unclean spirits. Matthew 25:31 ; Matthew 10:1; Mark 1:23; Hebrews 1:14;
2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:6
Satan Satan,The Great Dragon is the fallen angel (Lucifer)who
heads the evil forces in the spirit realm. He is in constant rebellion
against God. The Bible refers to him with such terms as the devil,
adversary, evil one, murderer, liar, thief, tempter, accuser of the
brethren, prince of demons, and god of this world. Through his
influence, Satan generates discord, deception, and disobedience among
human beings. In Christ, Satan is already defeated, and his dominion and influence as god of this world will cease at Christ Jesus' return.Job 1:6-12; Zechariah 3:1-2; Genesis 3:1-5; John 3:8; John 8:44; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:9&10; 1 Peter 5:8 ; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:1-3
The Gospel is
the good news of salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus
Christ. It is the message that Christ died for our sins, that he was
buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures, that he appeared to his disciples, and that he ascended to
God's right hand. It is the good news that through the saving work of
Jesus Christ we may enter the kingdom of God.That we must live by the "Golden Rule" which is LOVE EVERYONE, not just a few but, EVERYONE. 1 Corinthians 15:1-5; Luke 24: 46-48; John 3:16; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 5:31 Mark 1:14-15; Acts 8:12; Acts 28: 30-31
Prayer God's
people are to pray to the heavenly Father in the name of Jesus, the
Mediator and High Priest at God's throne. Prayer is to be offered at
all times, for all people,for
God's will to be done, and with thanksgiving and confession. The sick
are to call for the elders of the church to anoint them with oil and
pray for their healing. Those who call upon the NAME OF JESUS,
individually or collectively, will have their prayers answered
inaccordance with the Fathers will. Hebrews 4:14-16; John 14:13, 14; 1 Timothy 2:1-8;
1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6; James 5:14-16;
1 John 5:14; Matthew 6:9-13.
God's Grace is
the free, unmerited favor God has chosen to bestow on his entire
creation. In its broadest sense, God's grace is expressed in every act
of his self-disclosure in love. By grace, humanity and the entire
cosmos have been redeemed from sin and death through Jesus Christ, and
by grace, humans are empowered to know and love God and Jesus Christ
and enter the joy of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 3:24; Romans 5:2; Colossians 1:20; Romans 8:19-21; John 1:12; Titus 3:7; Romans 5:15-21
Sin is rebellion
against God and His commandments. From the time lawlessness entered the
human race through Adam and Eve, humanity has been under its curse -- a
curse of sin that can only be removed by God's grace through Jesus
Christ. Sin causes alienation from God, and suffering and
death.Because all humans are sinners, all humans need the salvation God
offers through his Son Jesus Christ. Mark 7:21-23; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:12;
1 John 3:4; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 7:24-25; Hebrews 9:15
Faith in God is a gift of God,rooted
in his incarnate Son and enlightened by his eternal Word through the
witness of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. Faith in God prepares and
enables our minds and emotions to understand and receive God's gracious
gift of salvation. It empowers us to participate in spiritual
fellowship and committed allegiance to God our Father through Jesus
Christ by the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the author and perfecter of
our faith, and it is through faith and that not by works , we are saved by grace. John1:1-4;
Romans 12:3; Acts 3:16; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 5:1-2;
Acts15:19; Romans 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:5; Acts 14:27 Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 12:2
The Plan of Salvation God provided the way of salvation for humanity to escape the penalty of eternal death pronounced upon sinners after
the Fall. Jesus Christ gained this redemption by His sinless life, His
atoning death, and His resurrection. In these He became our legal
representative in heaven.Through His merits, forgiveness of sin and the
assurance of eternal life belong to those who believe in and accept
God's plan of salvation through Christ. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, there by purchasing eternal salvation for all who continue in the faith. ACTS 4:12 : John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 2:21-24;
Assurance of Salvation The Bible affirms that all whose faith remains in Jesus Christ will be saved, and that nothing "can snatch them out of his hand."The
Bible emphasizes the infinite faithfulness of the Lord, the total
sufficiency of Jesus Christ for our salvation, the dynamic love of God
for all peoples, and the gospel as the power of God for the salvation
of all who believe. Having such assurance of salvation, believers are
urged to remain firm in the faith and to grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John10:27-29; Hebrews 6:4-6; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:14; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:2
Repentance Repentance
toward a gracious God is a change of mind and attitude, prompted by the
Holy Spirit and grounded in the Word of God. It includes an awareness
of personal sinfulness and accompanies a new life sanctified through
faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38; Romans 12:2; Romans 2:4; Matthew 3:11; 2 Peter 3:9
Justification
is God's gracious act in and through Jesus Christ to pronounce and
establish a believer as righteous in his sight. Thus, humanity
experiences through faith in Jesus Christ divine forgiveness and peace
with its Savior and Lord. Galatians 2:16; Romans 5:9-10; Romans 3:21-31; Romans 4:1-8
Sanctification is
God's gracious act of accounting and imparting the righteousness and
holiness of Jesus Christ to the believer. It is experienced through
faith in Jesus Christ and accomplished through the in dwelling presence
of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 1:8-9; Romans 6: 22; Romans 6:11; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
The Christian Sabbath is life in Jesus Christ, in whom every believer finds spiritual true rest.
The weekly seventh-day Sabbath, in the Ten Commandments, was a shadow
that prefigured the true Reality to whom it pointed to our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. We keep it in the Spirit of the law, everyday is
the Lords. Matthew 11:28-30; Exodus 20:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17;
Hebrews 4:3,8-10
Worship In
worship, believers commune with God the Father through Jesus Christ by
the Holy Spirit. Worship is the divinely created response to the glory
of God. It is motivated by divine love and springs from God's
revelation of himself in communion with his creation. Worship involves
humbly and joyfully giving God priority in all things and is
expressedin such actions and attitudes as prayer, praise, singing,
celebration, generosity, acts of mercy, and repentance. Hebrews 5:8-11; Hebrews 12:28; Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 John 4: 19; Philippians 2:5-11; John 4:23; Colossians 3:16-17
Baptism Water
baptism, which signifies a believer's repentance and acceptance of
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is a participation in the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism of the Spirit and fire refers to
the regenerating and purifying work of the Holy Spirit. We baptizes by
immersion. Luke 3:16; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4-5 1 Peter 1: 3-9; Matthew 3:16; Acts 1:22
The Lord's Supper The
evening before Jesus was crucified, he took bread and the
cup,saying,"This is my body, which is broken for you.Then he took the
cup and said " This cup is the new covenant in my blood." Whenever
we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we partake of bread and the cup
inremembrance of our Savior, proclaiming his death until he comes.The
Lord's Supper is a participation in the death and resurrection of our
Lord,who gave his body and shed his blood so that we might beforgiven. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 10:16; Mark 14:18-26; Matthew 26:17-19, 26-29; Luke 22:19, 20
Love Offerings or Freely Giving show
your generosity to God and His churches,freely giving shows the
responsibility of offering a portion of one's financial resources to
the work of the church. Donations fund the God-given mission of the
church to preach the gospel and feed the flock. Such giving reflects
the believer's worship, faith, obedience, and love for God, who is the
Source of salvation and Giver of all good things. Giving from the heart
is what God wants. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; 1 Peter 4: 10; Genesis 4:3;
Church Leadership The
Head of the church is the living Jesus Christ, who reveals the will of
the Father to the church through the Holy Spirit. Through the
Scriptures the Holy Spirit instructs and empowers the church to serve
the needs of it's congregations. We at Simple Salvation Church
ofGod continually seek to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in serving
congregations. As it's ordained followers we strive to be leaders for
Christ Jesus. John 16:13-15; John 3:21; Ephesians 4:11-16; Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1: 18
Prophecy, Signs of the Times Bible
prophecy was given for our instruction and warning, and that we might
know history is moving toward its ultimate climax. Today's events and
human conditions confirm the Word of God and the certainty of Jesus
Christ soon return. These fulfillments emphasize the call for sinners
to flee from the wrath to come, and the call for believers to come out
of religious confusion. 2 Peter 1:19-21; Luke 21:5-36; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Revelation 14:9-12; 18:4.
The Regathering of Israel The
Scriptures contain many promises that the descendants of the children
of Israel shall return to inhabit the lands of the Bible (formerly
called Palestine) for a climactic period of history. This prophecy is
being fulfilled in Isreal today, and the events of the Middle East
continually signal that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. Isaiah 11:11, 12; Jeremiah 31:7-12; 32:37-44; Ezekiel 37:21-28; 38:8-16; Amos 9:11-15; Luke 21:20-24, 31; Psalm 102:16.
The Second Coming of Christ Jesus
Christ will return to Earth in fulfillment of an often repeated Bible
prophecy. He will come audibly, visibly, bodily, and suddenly - in the
clouds of heaven, as He departed. No
one knows, the day or hour of His coming; but there is more reason than
ever to believe it is near. Human history has this appointment,and
believers live in this expectation: Christ is coming back to Earth to
consummate the plan of redemption. John
14:1-3; Acts 1:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16;; Matthew 25:31, 32; Mark
8:38; 13:32; Job 19:25-27; Luke 17:22-37; Matthew 24:30; Revelation
1:7; Revelation19:6-9; Revelation 19:13-16; Revelation 22:12
Resurrections, Rewards, and Punishments God
is preserving the faithful until the day of resurrection to be
rewarded,and is reserving the wicked until the Day of Judgment to be
punished. At the second advent of Jesus Christ, the righteous dead will
be raised to immortality and to the rewards of their service on the new
earth. After the millennium (1,000 years), the unrighteous dead will
receive the wages of their sin, which is annihilation and destruction in the lake of fire. (this is the secound death from which there is no resurrection) This will be the everlasting fate of those who are unrepentant and unbelieving until the end. John5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 22:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 51-53; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 2:9; Job 19:25-27. 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 5:10; 20:5,11-15; Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Malachi 4:1-3;
The Reward of Believers is
salvation and eternal life in Jesus as children of God in communion
with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. True believers will have
their inheritance reserved in heaven to be bestowed fully at the second
coming of Christ. The resurrected saints reign with Christ in the
kingdom of God. Romans 8;16-21; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 2:25; Colossians 1:13; Daniel 7:27; 1 John 3:1-2; Revelation 5:10; 1 John 3:1-2
Eternal Judgment At
the end of the age, God will gather all the living and the dead before
the heavenly throne of Christ for judgment. The righteous will receive
eternal glory, and the wicked will be condemned to the lake of fire and
the saints will walk through their ashes. Christ the Lord makes
gracious and just provision for all, even for those who at death appear
not to have believed the gospel. Matthew 25:31-32; John 5:28-29; John 12:32; Acts 24:15; Acts 10:43 1 Corinthians 15:22-28; Revelation 20:11-15;1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9
Hell In the New Testament, hell is referred to by the terms:
" lake of fire," outer-darkness," and "Gahanna"a gorge outside Jerusalem where garbage is still burned today. The
biblical terms Sheol and Hades, often translated "hell" or "the grave,"
refer to the realm of the dead. Hell is the separation and alienation
from God chosen by incorrigible sinners. The Bible teaches that
unrepentant sinners will suffer the second death (from which there is no resurrection ) in the lake of fire which burns forever, (note: people not burning forever) Matthew 13:42; Matthew 10:28; Revelation 20:14-15; Hebrews 10:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 21:8; Matthew 25:41,46; Hebrews 12:29; 2 Peter 3:7; Psalm 49:14-15
The Kingdom: Present, Millennial, and Eternal The kingdom of God (kingdom of heaven) is realized in three phases: 1. The spiritual kingdom of
grace exists now as God rules in the lives of obedient believers.
Although God's kingdom has always been, it was publicly announced and
most clearly revealed in the ministry of Jesus Christ. We become its
citizens when we turn from our sins to faith in Jesus Christ.
2. The millennial kingdom begins with the Second Advent. Jesus
Christ our Lord will reign on the throne of His glory and put all
enemies under His feet. This is the time of restoration of the earth,
when the redeemed shall rule with Jesus Christ on earth for one
thousand years. At the close of the millennium, the New Jerusalem will
come down from heaven.
3. The eternal kingdom of God will
come to pass when Jesus Christ turns the kingdom over to the Father.
God will dwell with His people in the new heavens and earth, where
there will be righteousness and peace forever with no defilement, disappointment, or death. Psalm145:13;
Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 12:28; Luke 17:20, 21; Colossians 1:13;Revelation
20:4-6; Psalm 2:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 15:21-28; Revelation 11:15; 21:1-27.
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We are in agreement with ULCCF Beliefs so here they are!
Nov-04-2005
The
ULCCF
believes that all people are brothers and sisters in a natural sense.
We also believe, as stated by the Apostle Peter in Acts 10:34-35
"Truly
I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation he who
fears [reverences] him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
Additionally,
we believe that there is a special spiritual, moral and religious
sense, in which people are united as brothers and sisters in Christ
through faith. We accept as Christian brothers and sisters, in this
special spiritual sense, anyone who through faith believes that:
"There
is one God, whose nature is love; revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by
one Holy Spirit of grace; that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. He
came in the flesh, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the
third day according to the Scriptures."
Contained in this statement is the "gospel" in which we stand, and by which we are saved, by which one becomes "a believer", or, "a Christian", as declared by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
It
is through believing and living the principles presented in the above
statements, and in the love of God, shown and commanded by our Lord
Jesus Christ, and exercised in our love for each other as we are
empowered by the Holy Spirit, that Christians have unity of the Spirit (see Eph. 4:1-3). With unity of the Spirit based on the principles contained in the statements presented above, there is room for diversity of beliefs in other doctrines.
There can be unity in diversity and diversity in unity. Although
differences of beliefs, doctrine, interpretation, and opinion may be
held and expressed among believers, they should be expressed in love
and fellowship with those who may differ. This is true Christianity, based upon the freedom that is in Christ, as it was instituted in the very beginning.
But,
one may ask how Christians with different beliefs, doctrines, or
theologies can claim equal trust in the same Scriptures, or how they
can fellowship and work together when so many Christians have divided
and fought over those very issues through the centuries?
In the ULCCF,
one answer is that our communion is one of life and love more than one
of doctrine and opinion. The oneness in the life of God through Jesus
Christ is a stronger bond than that of non-essential doctrines
emphasized by many denominations or churches.
Why,God?: Religion and Philosophy
VIC WARREN
Jun-10-2008
Why, God?: Philosophic Rambling. Read ‘em and debate ‘em. Category: Religion and Philosophy by Vic Warren
Many people look at the world, at the atrocities, the pain, the suffering, the heartache, and they wonder, "Why?" Why would God allow such things to happen? Well, here's my personal opinions, my attempt to understand that universal question, and my foolish attempt to understand God's reasons. A wise man knows that he knows nothing, so maybe this makes me a fool. Or maybe it means I've actually learned a thing or two during my years on this planet; I sure hope so!
Evil Why is there evil? Why must evil exist? Why must so many atrocities and injustices be allowed to occur? Because without evil there would be no choice. In order to choose, one must have at least two different things to choose from, and one will invariably be a better choice than the other. If there were only good to choose from, then we wouldn't really have a choice; we would have a lack of options. And by having evil and bad things exist, the pure and good things seem all the better; they are all the sweeter, and have more meaning.
Choice Why are we given a choice, when so often we clearly seem incapable of making the right choice? Because if we weren't allowed to make our own choices, our own mistakes, if we weren't allowed free will, then our choice to do right wouldn't mean anything. It's only after we're given the freedom to make our own choices, good and bad, that our good choices have any meaning. And it's the meaning of our good choices that give our lives meaning. The ultimate choice is love. To love is to choose to love, to choose someone. So without a free choice, there can be no true love. Without the free ability to choose to love someone or not, love has no meaning. It wouldn't be love, it would just be all one ever knew. One must be able to choose NOT to love someone if they don't want to in order for their choice to love that one to carry any meaning. And that's the underlying principle with God. He wants our love for Him to have meaning, to be REAL love. So He must allow us the choice to not love him, if that's what we want. Then if we choose to love him, that love will have meaning.
Sacrifice Why does God require so many sacrifices from each of us? We all have to make living sacrifices all the time; we have to let go of things we would rather keep. But maybe God just wants us to understand sacrifice, to understand how much it sucks, to understand how much love and strength one must have to make a true sacrifice. Only then can we understand the love and strength God has to make the sacrifices He's made for us. After all, I doubt God likes to see us suffer; I'm sure He hates it, and that it pains Him greatly. But He does it for us, so we can have the freedom of choice.
Loss of Love Why must we love someone, only to lose them? Why must those we love die? Why must we each lose a true love? Again, this is to understand God's own loss in us. He loves us all, yet some of us choose to leave Him. He loves us, and he loses us, and it pains Him greatly. He just wants us to understand that pain ourselves, so we can more fully appreciate His love for us, and love in general.
Death Why must there be death, when it brings so much pain? Death is part of the natural cycle of life, and since everything in the universe breaks down eventually, there must be death in order to cleanse life. Without death, all life would stagnate. Of course with humans, it's a bit more complicated than that. Humans are here to learn and to choose, and once that learning process has been completed, our purpose on in this world is also completed. But why must young people die, those who never get the chance to learn and choose? Maybe their deaths are for someone else, to teach a lesson and grant wisdom to someone close to them. Maybe those young people aren't given the chance to learn and choose because their souls aren't really mortal to begin with. Maybe their souls are angels, granted temporary embodiment so that a mortal can learn from their death without having a mortal soul lose its ability to choose. Or maybe they are mortal souls, and God already knows that their choices would have been good ones all the way, so there's no point in them living through the pain that most of us must endure in order to learn how to make good choices.
Fear Why do we fear? What are we afraid of? Most of us are afraid of what might be, of how we could mess things up by making a wrong choice, by doing the wrong thing, or by doing nothing at all. So we do nothing out of fear, which gets rid of our choice. But we do it to ourselves. God doesn't do it to us; He wants us to face our fears, and to learn and grow from them. If we give in to fear, we choose to take away our own choice. Then our choices are made for us by others. Usually if one fears, one does nothing. But things still happen to that one, and if one doesn't have choice, usually those things that are thrust upon that one are far worse than any bad choice that one could make.
Mistakes Why are we allowed to make mistakes when God knows what's best for us? Again we come back to free will. If we weren't allowed to make our own mistakes, we wouldn't really have a choice or a will of our own. The key is to learn from our mistakes, to not repeat them in the future, and to try each day to make the best choices we know how to make. If we learn from our mistakes, it gives meaning to those mistakes, and makes our good choices all the brighter.
Addiction Why is it so easy to get addicted to so many things, when clearly those things are bad for us? Again we come back to choice, and to sacrifice. Choosing to overcome an addiction is choosing to do right, and it's very, very hard. It requires a sacrifice, for those addictive things are often soothing to our frayed minds and bring us some comfort in small amounts. But overcoming those addictions brings us more comfort still, because a wise choice is comforting.
Affliction Why are so many people stricken with horrible afflictions and ailments? Why is there so much pain? These things help to shape us into the people we were meant to become. Even if it sucks, they are ultimately tools to strengthen us, as well as a negative incentive to keep us on the right path. Of course there are so many seemingly random afflictions that strike people for no fathomable reason. But they still make us who we are, and there must be a reason for that, because it's all part of God's plan for us. Maybe that pain helps strengthen our spirits, because if we learn to live with the pain, then we learn to overlook the bad aspects of life and focus on the good. And that makes the good seem even better, and will help us appreciate a time in the future when the pain will be gone. Then the bad won't seem bad at all compared to the pain we've already endured.
Understanding: A Two-Way Street God does all these things to us so we can better understand what He goes through; humans have got to be a major headache to Him sometimes. And likewise, He tries to understand US better, to understand the mortal concerns listed above. Why else would He come to Earth in a physical body, if not to better understand our suffering? He wanted to be able to say, "Yes. I was there. I felt your pain, your loss, your suffering. And I understand." And He wants us to be able to understand Him too.
Conclusion All of this draws us closer to God, and Him to us. It makes us realize what true love is, the kind of love He feels for us, and the kind of love that He wants us to choose to have for Him. Ultimately, everything that happens to us in our lives leads us to a better place, so long as we do our best to make the right choices, and we don't blame others for our mistakes, including God himself. If we strive each day to make good choices, we will eventually end up in a happy place, a place of love, a place where He wants us to be, a place that He's had picked out for us all along, but only if we want to go there. He wants us to want Him, not to need Him because of a lack of choice. In the end, or should I say the beginning, maybe God was just lonely, and wanted to be chosen, just as each of us wants to be chosen by a very special someone. And He couldn't be chosen or loved by a bunch of robots with no free will to choose NOT to love Him. Of course God is much greater than any of us, so He wants to be chosen by all of us; He wants us to choose to love him, just as each of us want one other person to choose to love us. Without that choice of love, we're each alone on this planet, and without that choice of love, God is alone in the universe. And being alone just plain sucks!
Man this is possiblly the best thing you have written so far and as a minister of God I would say very spiritual in meaning.Thank you for this if you keep thinking this way you will go far towards God's kingdom. I mean it this article is very profound and I want to share it on my church site www.simplesalvation.org Thank you so very much ,may our Lord God bless and keep you and may you find His great love and may He send you the love of your life I give you 4 Kudos **** Pastor Jimmie Warren founder of Simple Salvation Church of God
Is the Spirit World Real?
Is the Spirit World Real?
Do you know for sure whether there really is an evil spirit named Satan?
What about his minions called demons? How does all of this affect young people?
In Western cultures today there is a growing fascination with the occult and Satanism, despite the traditional Christian teaching that Satan represents the consummate evil.
Statistics show Satanism and Wicca to be among the fastest-growing religions in the United States today. Popular movies make it appear cool to be able to cast spells or call on powers that mere mortals do not possess.
The Gothic culture calls to those who tend toward sadness or anger.
The spirit world is clearly becoming more and more of a factor in our society. Teens today report that this is a big issue. Local high school students told me there are many openly Wiccan students at school, and that the number appears to be growing.
There are also a number of students who are heavily involved in the Gothic culture and mentality, which for some includes a fascination with bondage and torture. One teen also mentioned how much easier it is to get caught up with the spirit world when drugs and alcohol are involved.
A popular genre of music is referred to as “Gothic/Darkwave,” which one Web site describes as “a musical journey of sadness and anger.”
There are also a growing number of movies focused on witchcraft, demonism and any number of “horror” themes. Books can be checked out of the public library on how to cast spells or how to be a witch.
The Internet is a ready source of “how-to” information on any of these subjects. Add to this tarot cards, Ouija boards, palm readers, psychic hotlines and an abundance of both drugs and alcohol, and we have a picture of a growing number of youth today experimenting with the spirit world.
At the same time a growing number of people deny that Satan, demons and a spirit world even exist. Many “enlightened” people today make statements like “I don’t believe in a personal satan. Satan to me is more of a metaphor, and a scapegoat to take the blame for the evil deeds of man.”
They believe Satan is simply a creation of the minds of men, a fantasy and nothing to take seriously. Satan is dismissed as a creation of “religion” to scare people into submission.
So what is the big deal?
Isn’t participating in Wicca or Gothic culture simply an expression of personal taste?
Who are we to criticize personal choice? Aren’t these movies about witchcraft and demonism just “fantasy”?
Surely we are mature enough to tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Aren’t Ouija boards and tarot cards just harmless party games?
What is the problem with playing around with them?
As followers of Jesus Christ, what should our perspective be toward the spirit world?
If we are willing to believe the Bible, we see that Satan is not only very real and very powerful, but God clearly commands us not to get involved with him or the occult (closely associated with Satan) in any way.
Let’s understand why.
Who are Satan and the demons?
The Bible reveals that Satan was originally created as “Lucifer,” which means “light bringer.” At some point he chose to rebel against his Creator(Isaiah 14:12-15). Ezekiel wrote of him, saying,“You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you”(Ezekiel 28:15).
There was no sin, no evil, no disharmony in all God had created. This changed with the rebellion of Lucifer.
When this very first sin took place, Lucifer, whose name was then changed to Satan (which means “adversary”), apparently convinced a number of the angels to rebel with him against God.Together they fought God and lost.
Satan and the rebelling angels, now known as demons, have been restrained here on earth since that time (Job 1:7; Revelation 12:3-4). Instead of being the “light bringer,” Satan came to be known as a ruler of darkness(Ephesians 6:12).
Even though they were defeated by God, the demons have not given up their goal of trying to destroy whatever God creates. They have worked feverishly since the creation of man to destroy mankind, as we can see by the example of Adam and Eve(Genesis 3:1-6).
Neither Satan nor the other demons can forcibly take control of a human being against his or her will, as some people fear. But that does not mean that Satan and the demons are powerless among men.
We must be sure we understand what power they do have and, as Paul wrote, make sure we do not allow them to take advantage of us(2 Corinthians 2:11).
Avoid contact with evil spirits.
We can, whether we mean to or not, invite demonic influence into our minds. When Israel came into the Promised Land, God warned them not to allow anyone to practice witchcraft, cast spells or try to talk with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).
The reason for this prohibition is that by involving ourselves in these practices, we open up our minds to the direct influence of the demon world.
It is as if we opened the door of our minds and invited an evil spirit to come on in! Put in terms of today’s practices, this would include tarot cards, Ouija boards, palm reading, horoscopes and psychics.
It would also include filling our minds with music, books and movies of the occult.
There is an added danger if we also give up control of our minds through the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Our minds are precious instruments, and God expects us to carefully monitor what we allow to come in. But the idea of having or being given a special “power” is an incredibly appealing idea to our pride and vanity.
Satan knows this and uses it to his advantage.
In Matthew 4 we read that he even tried to get Jesus Christ to fall for his perverted reasoning. After showing Him all the kingdoms of the earth and their wealth and power, Satan said, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me”(Matthew 4:9). But Jesus understood the price of s
