RESIST THE DEVIL
PREACH CHRIST
By Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.
In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, St. Paul lays out in straight forward manner the change between the old sinful and abominable lifestyle of their past lives and the new, godly lifestyle of believers in Christ.
He says: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another…Neither give place to the devil.” (Eph. 4:22-27)
NEITHER GIVE PLACE TO THE DEVIL!
From the very beginning when Lucifer led an evil and wicked revolt against his Creator and was cast out of Heaven, he has brought sin, fear, disease, and death upon the human family! St. Paul warned, “Neither give place to the devil.”
Again, the Holy Bible states: “Submit yourselves therefore to God, Resist the devil and he will flee (in terror) from you. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you…” (James 4: 7,8)
“He that committeth SIN is of devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for His Seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousnessis not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:8-10)
JESUS GAVE HIMSELF FOR US!
“Grace be to you and Peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Gal. 1:3-5);
“Looking for that blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might Redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a purchased people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:13,14)
“Christ hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom ofHis dear Son: In Whom we have Redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
"For by Him were allthings created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him; And He before all things, and by Him all things consist.
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell;
"And, having made Peace through the BLOOD of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
"And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the BODY of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” (Col. 1:13-22)
“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are SEALED unto the Day of Redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.
"And be ye kindhearted, forgiving one another, even as God has for Christ’s hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children, and walk in LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of DARKNESS, but rather reprove them.” (Eph. 1:30-32; 5:9-11).
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake.” , and by Him (Eph. 4:32)
St. Paul admonished:"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fool, but as wise: Redeeming the time because the days are evil". (Eph. 5:16).
He writes: "We then, as workers together with Him, beseech ye also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For He saith, I have heard thee in a TIME Accepted, and in the Day of Salvation have I succoured thee:
"Behold, NOW is the ACCEPTED TIME; behold NOW is the Day of Salvation." (2 Cor. 6: 1,2). Time is precious, time is limited and time is of the essence. Therefore, we must use our time wisely because souls are in the balance and we must reach them when we can!
A GLORIUS CHURCH FOR CHRIST!
“That He might present to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thig but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph.5: 26,27).
May we all make a strong commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ that we will walk in His love and compassion, giving glory and honour to our Heavenly Father for giving Himself through His only begotten Son to rescue us from the powers of darkness!
And as the years come and go, may we always be Ready for the opportunity to win precious souls for our Saviour, thereby building the Kingdom of God; and despoiling the efforts of Satan the Liar who has come to Steal, Kill and Destroy!
Our prayer should be, “Even so, Come Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20). Amen.
Max Solbrekken World Mission Box 44220 RPO Garside, Edmonton, AB T5V 1N6 Email: [email protected]; comehometojesus.ca; Blog: MSWM; YouTube; Facebook. Donations can be sent by e-Transfer. Make your donations to [email protected] you very much and may God bless you. Amen.
