October 28, 2002 (41)
APPROBATION OF THE LORD. How important it is to know that we are accepted and appreciated. In particular, that we are pleasing the Lord. There was a definite resistance to, and a rejection of the false teachings for which this church is noted. The < depths of Satan > would indicate the seriousness of the practices to which they had plunged, following the teaching of Jezebel. This savors of spiritualism and the powers of the occult. A false, lying spirit that would imitate and duplicate the true Spirit of God. Rev. 2:24 There is no length to which Satan will not go to create havoc in the church. He is our constant archenemy. Enumerating the wiles of our foe not a pleasant subject, but a necessary one, particularly so as we approach the end of the age. A common denominator that is found in them, is a spirit of pride. A magnifying of self, and so often the mighty works that were manifest somewhere else, while locally and presently there is nothing spectacular. They are labeled false apostles. Workers of deceit. Self appointed. They follow the pattern of Satan who transforms himself into an angel of light. Church be aware, you may be under attack. If not now, you certainly will be tried and tested. Maintain the presence of the Spirit of God in your life and in your gatherings. 2 Cor. 11:13-15
PROMISES TO THE VICTORIOUS. Those who persevere unto the end are they who will win. After all, it is the conclusion of the race that will determine the winner. Those things that we have put to the test, the good things of the Lord are to be sustained unto the end. They are worth while and of great value. 1 Thes. 5:21 HOLD FAST, without vacillating to our hope and profession in the Lord Jesus. This does not mean that we sit idly by and await an attack, but we continue in the glorious moving and operation of the Spirit. Knowing, that the Lord will add even more knowledge, wisdom and power to His church. We are not fully equipped, there is much more to come. Heb. 10:23 Authority, rule, power to rule the nations will be designated to the last day church. His Bride will be His Queen and will rule in accord, as one, with Christ. Rev. 2:26
MORE THAN CONQUERORS. The leadership is of ultimate strength. It is the strength of the < strong one >. It is therefore a rod of iron which becomes the scepter of the kingdom. The Lord Himself. That position of a victorious people and of being equal to their leader is afforded His Bride. None can stand before the army of the Lord and continue to exist. The vessels, bodies of dirt and clay will be utterly smashed and broken before the army of the Lord. Rev. 2:27 They are the great battle force depicted in the words of Joel. A burning fire preceding them and flames following after them. Before them a land as beautiful as Eden but behind them, a desolate wilderness. The land completely destroyed and emptied. None will be able to stand or fight against them in the day of the judgment of the Lord. He will fulfill His Word and visit the earth with manifold judgments. Joel 2:3