Tag: bible verse

The Wolf (Thief Series)

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In our next part of the series on the thief, I would like to share with you what Jesus called the wolf or wolves. Jesus often used metaphors to explain spiritual concepts. For a few reasons. One was that he did not want his enemies to pounce on him before his time, so he could not speak openly about spiritual things. Jesus said that those with eyes would see but not see, and those with ears would hear but not hear. In other words, the enemy would not understand what he was saying because he used code. Also, Jesus used parables because some things in the natural are parallels to some things in the spiritual realm.

Another reason that the Lord uses parables is that he does not give his wisdom and knowledge to just anybody. To not cast his pearls before swine, he speaks in signs and symbols to his prophets for the most part. In this way, a prophet or one of his followers will seek out a matter. That is, they will search the scriptures diligently and pray for insight. Those faithful in applying and giving out his treasures to others will be given more treasure from him. In this way, the Lord separates the true disciple from one who is not in for the long run.

In the same way, if you gave your child everything they wanted then they may become lazy, ungrateful, and develop a privileged mindset. I don’t think I have to say more for most parents to get what I’m saying.

Using the metaphor of the wolf or wolves, Jesus reveals to us another way the enemy operates. Satan is a wolf, and his demons are wolves. They come to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10) Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd, the door to the sheep. The sheep are protected by him.

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In John 10, Jesus says that those who came before him claiming to be the sheep’s Shepherd, their door, protector, and provider, were thieves. His true sheep did not hear them because they knew the sound of the true Shepherd’s voice. 

Then the Lord gives us a critical point in John 10 in discerning the difference between his voice and the false shepherd’s. 

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

So, the first key in discerning if someone represents the Good Shepherd or is a hireling is whether or not they give their lives for the sheep. Look for this sign right away, (regardless of what a person says with their silver tongue, because Satan’s cronies can quote scripture) does the person give to the sheep with their very lives? Do they pour forth themselves for the sheep’s benefit, or do they take from or fleece the sheep for their benefit?   

A faithful Shepherd, Jesus said, warns the sheep when the wolf is coming. When disaster comes, does the Shepherd warn the sheep, or does the Shepherd abandon the sheep? 

This is another key indicator. Warning the sheep when trouble is coming indicates a true shepherd. If danger is coming and the sheep are not warned, then the sheep are susceptible to being ravaged by the wolf!  

A true Shepherd cares about the sheep, so when trouble is coming in their direction, the true Shepherd warns the sheep. The hireling does not care about the sheep. They care more about themselves. 

 The objective of the thief is to steal, kill and destroy. The wolf analogy reveals how this thief operates.  

In Jeremiah 5:6, the wolf is called a destroyer.

Genesis 49:27 says the wolf is ravenous and devours the prey,

Ezekiel 22:27 gives a clear description.

Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey by shedding blood and destroying lives to get dishonest gain.

Jesus said that false prophets are wolves. They pretend to be sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

 Jesus also said that he was sending his disciples out among wolves. So be as wise as a serpent in discerning who these wolves are and be innocent as a dove. In other words, don’t be like them!

Paul warns in Acts 20:29 that after he went home to be with the Lord, savage wolves will come into the church, not sparing the flock.

Here are other indicators to look for in a hireling or wolf in sheep’s clothing. They are false prophets speaking words not given to them by God. This includes scripture because Satan loves to quote the Bible. Giving truth with just enough error to lead the sheep astray. This is to get dishonest gain. (Ezekiel 22:27)

Many today are preaching the gospel for personal profit. That is dishonest gain because the tithes and offerings belong to the Lord. They are to be used for the furtherance of the kingdom of God. That does not mean the shepherd cannot get provision, but it does mean having responsible stewardship with finances. We may not know all the ins and outs of what a minister does with God’s money because doing our works in secret is a part of our walk with God, but discerning other factors in the lives of ministers will give us indicators of character.

Let us examine the wolf parable to see what character traits to look for in discerning a false Shepherd. Most of the time, wolves hunt in packs. Their pack consists of family members. You can see this in the lives of false Shepherds, teachers, and prophets. They have a network of family and friends working on their team. They hire in rather than source out to qualified individuals. Why is this? Accountability. If the ministry team are family members, the less likely to expose or call out a family member for mismanagement.

This is why the hirelings go undetected for years sometimes. It is good to have a few nonfamily members on your ministry team. Keeps you watching your life and ministry like scripture exhorts us to!

Wolves are expert hunters. They assess their prey carefully, looking for weakness, the right conditions, things in their favor, right timing. Wolves use whatever they find to their advantage to cease their prey.

In the same way, false shepherds, false teachers, and false prophets prey on the weak. Those needy, sick, and infirmed. They give them false promises, false hope, and constant attention. Now that sounds harsh, you may think because the weak need those things. However, let me point this out. Hirelings don’t really want the sheep to get well. They keep the sheep returning for more false words because their motive is to fleece the sheep to death!

When Jesus was here, he taught the sheep how to pray, grow in the faith, abide in the vine, and search the scriptures to learn about him. Paul did the same thing! The purpose of the Shepherd is to feed the sheep. This is another indicator to look for. Are you getting fed? Being taught to mature in the Lord, or are you constantly being fed baby food where you stay where you are forever?

In hunting for sheep to take down, wolves do what is called herding. They will dart back and forth to cause confusion and prevent escape. This happens when a sheep tries to escape a pack of wolves. Most of us have heard the testimonies of those who have experienced spiritual abuse. They are made to feel like they are the perpetrator instead of the victim, made to feel shame and confusion.

When this happens, sometimes the weak sheep are taken out. They leave the fold, never to return, and some who have been hurt go into revenge mode. Trying to bring the wolf down by themselves! A wounded sheep can be dangerous. The persecuted will often become the persecutor.

Wolves do not attack a sheep quickly and directly. If they did, the sheep would die of shock or be damaged goods. Not suitable for eating. To bring a sheep down, the wolves seize the sheep from behind or by the nose. In the same way, a false shepherd or false prophet will not attack directly. They come up from a blind side or by leading the sheep astray.

The false shepherd or false prophet knows the weakness of their prey. They don’t come right out and tell you what they really believe. They wait until they have led the sheep by the nose a bit. When they have made some new friends, become a part of the group, and are made to feel needed and that they belong. Then they move in for the kill.

Wolves work as a team. Their hunt is masterfully coordinated! They know how to defend themselves, being well aware of the danger if they are found out. The hireling gets the sheep in deep. Too deep to fight back for the most part.

Another type of wolf that is dangerous to the sheep is the lone wolf. This wolf is independent and strong-willed. When the lone wolf leaves the pack to strike out on its own, it has to become highly cunning to survive. The lone wolf looks for new territory. Some place or someone where there are no other wolf packs. The lone wolf looks for another wolf. Someone to partner with to form a new pack. Then the cycle repeats itself. The new guy who comes to town should be thoroughly vetted.

I experienced this scenario once. A new guy came to the church I was in, claiming to be a prophet with a message for that church. Soon he was in their ministry having meetings. That guy browbeat so many people that many left that church, never to return. He was pointing out everyone’s sins without love and compassion, but he could not see the pride and arrogance in his own life!

Long story short, there was a conflict, and the guy left, BUT he left a trail of disaster. That’s what the thief does; he destroys like a ravaging wolf. Since then, that church has had turnovers, splits, and scandals. It is good policy to not let in a lone wolf knocking at your door!

In conclusion, the thief in this blog is the wolf who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Taking heed to what our Lord Jesus has taught us from his word about this thief, we can look for the signs. When we see the wolf coming in our direction, we should high tail it out of there! Also, we must warn the other sheep.

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Given Authority

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Matthew 10:1 tells us that Jesus called his disciples. Then he gave them power (excousia in the Greek) against unclean spirits. To cast them out.

Jesus gave them power (excousia in the Greek) to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Excousia in the Greek means authority.

This authority according to Mark 16: 17,18 is given to THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

It does not say, “to those whom I call to be apostles or church leaders.”

It also does not say, go into all the world (where demons are everywhere) and preach the gospel but baptize only.

Jesus gave commission not only to preach the gospel and baptize but also to cast out demons and heal the sick. Cherry picking the scriptures is simply wrong. Its not only bad theology but also spiritually dangerous because it is omitting scripture. Omitting scripture means having unbelief. Unbelief limits God which means he cannot do any mighty works.

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. Psalm 78:41

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

 If you don’t believe God heals today, then you will not get healed.

If you believe God heals others but not you then you believe he is a respecter of persons. You will not get healed.

If you glorify sickness, use it to get attention, (many do) talk about the sickness 24/7 and reject scripture. You will not get healed.

Having faith means never ever giving up. EVER! It means standing, praying and seeking the Lord.

It means being obedient to change your life style if need be. Renouncing any sin that the Holy Spirit shows you (including pride). Being holy in conversation and deeds.

The saints of old believed in the coming Messiah even though they did not see any evidence of it. They stood on the promises of God. (Hebrews 11: 39)

In the same way we should stand on God’s word no matter what. Even if we are taken to heaven before any healing manifestation in this life. Genuine faith believes in God’s word regardless of what naysayers say or what is seen, heard or felt.

Bold faith pleases God! Just look at the woman who grabbed a hold of Jesus’ garment to be healed. Look at the blind man who cried out loud in a large crowd, and the guy whose friends opened up a roof top to get healing! All bold faith and all prayers were answered!

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Luke 7:9

Just like it is God’s will to save everybody, it is God’s will to heal everybody. Not everyone gets saved because they will not believe the gospel. Not everyone gets healed because of unbelief and or unrepentant sin.

As believers in Jesus Christ we have been given authority to cast out devils. Sickness is caused by devils. Directly or indirectly. The consequence of the fall is sin, sickness, disease. All from Satan.

We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. 1 John 5: 9

God does not use sickness to teach us something! That’s like saying, God uses the devil to teach us something. God can bring good out of evil just like a flower can bloom in a manure pile but he is not the author of sickness or disease.

Sickness and disease is a result of sin. Sin is disobedience to God. Sin has consequence. Sin can be generational. If you don’t believe that then you don’t believe in science. Our DNA carry certain sickness that is passed on. That’s a fact with evidences to back it up.

Many times saints prayed for forgiveness of generational sins. Judges 3:9, 15, 1 Samuel 12:10-12

To have authority means to be delegated influence and strength in a jurisdiction.

We have been given authority over ALL the works of darkness. This includes sickness.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

Believers have been given authority (jurisdiction) over the evil one’s work. Notice I said believers.

These signs follow them that BELIEVE.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

Now there are different ways in which this authority is manifest through believers.

Stay tuned for my upcoming post to learn more!

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Departing From The Faith

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

What does it mean to depart from the faith?
To ‘depart’ in the Greek is aphistēmi which means to revolt against, remove from, desert, depart or draw away from.

You can’t depart or leave something unless you once were in something. Now its debatable whether the one who departs was once really saved or not but they had some understanding. They were enlightened. Scriptures tell us that if one has been enlightened and tasted of heavenly things and falls away it is impossible for them to repent.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4,6

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1

This “departing” is departing from the faith or pistis. That is the conviction of reliance upon Jesus Christ for salvation. Instead those who depart give heed to demonic doctrines which do not rely on Jesus Christ for salvation.

Some departing doctrines are obvious to most Christians but others are very subtle. That devil is a wily one.

The main theme to look for is if the teacher or preacher, prophet or apostle, pastor or evangelist moves away from trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation. Even a teeny weeny bit.

There is no specific day of the week, no ritual or rite, no performance, no other way, no other man made book, no self help principle, no personal preference, no successful endeavor, no  jot or tittle, no other name, no addition, no subtraction. NOTHING.

There is nothing that can give you salvation with eternal life but complete trust and reliance on Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

It is written.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9,10

About Me
Remember Lot’s Wife?

House of Grace

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

In Mark chapter 6 (after Jesus had fed the 5000) he told his disciples to get into the ship and go to to Bethsaidia, while he sent the people away.

When Jesus sent his disciples to Bethsaidia which in the Hebrew means house of grace he went into a mountain to pray.

In the evening (when the ship was in the middle of the sea) Jesus was watching his disciples from the shore. They were toiling to row the ship, because the wind was coming on really strong.

Around the fourth watch of the night Jesus came towards his disciples walking on the sea. He would have passed them by but the disciples saw him. They thought he was a ghost. They became troubled and cried out in fear.

Immediately Jesus reassures his disciples that it is him.

Then when Jesus gets into the ship with his disciples the wind calms down.

The disciples were amazed and wondered. They had forgotten about the last miracle Jesus did by multiplying the bread and fish.

It is interesting to note that on the 4th watch of the night Jesus looks out to the sea to find that his disciples are in trouble.

He had given them a word, “Go to Bethsaidia” but the enemy (who works in the darkness) tried to hinder their assignment.

Satan who is “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) caused a storm to rise up. It was so fierce that all the toiling the disciples were doing were getting them no where.

In Israel culture (as well as Roman and Greek) the night was divided into 4 watches. Each watch had a specific name and time frame.

The evening watch, was from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The midnight watch, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Cockcrowing from 12 am to 3 a.m., and the morning watch or 4th watch, was from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Exodus 14:24 last watch of the night
Psalm 63:6 watches of the night
Judges 7:19 middle watch
Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning
Luke 12:38  And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

The fourth watch is the last watch of the night. In scripture breakthrough events many times happen on the night watches.

Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea. Exodus 14:25-46

Jacob wrestled with God. Genesis 32: 22-31
The angels appear to the shepherds in the field to announce the birth of the Savior.  Luke 2:8-14

Jesus is resurrected from the dead, Matthew 28:1

The bridegroom woos His bride in the night hours, Song of Solomon, Matthew 25:1-13

On this particular incident on the fourth watch of the night Jesus sees trouble occurring.

The prince of the power of the air is acting up. Trying to attack the Lord’s disciples.

Intercessors know that the fourth watch usually means warfare. It’s a time when the demonic powers are doing their oggie boogie through their human vessels. 

Notice that Jesus sees on the forth watch of prayer that his disciples are in trouble.

This is one reason the Lord exhorts us to watch and pray. The enemy is always looking for a place to attack. If we are in prayer the Holy Spirit will show us trouble coming our way or someone else’s way.

When trouble comes and we find we are toiling in our own strength, (getting no where, when the enemy attacks) Jesus is walking on the water right there in front of us!

Water or waters in scripture many times represent people. Jesus is always in front of people. Always available. Always willing to calm the storm. However, many times we are so freaked out over the battle that when the Lord comes walking towards us we don’t recognize him. All we see is what the enemy is doing.

Notice how Jesus was going to walk right on by his disciples. Seriously? That’s what the scriptures tell us! That’s what happens when we are afraid. As long as our eyes are on the battle instead of the Lord Jesus Christ we will miss him, even though he is right there in front of us.

The good news is that if we look to Jesus he will calm the storm in our life. He will get in the boat with us! Jesus will calm our fears! He will rescue us from the attack of the enemy!

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water they mistook him for a spirit. They cried out in fear.

Fear can do strange things to the mind. Sees and hears all kinds of crazy things.

Even then the Lord can’t help but be merciful. When fear gets a hold of us by the throat Jesus will turn in our direction if we call out to him.

Hearing his disciples cry out in fear Jesus walks on the water towards them. When the disciples see that it is Jesus they are not afraid anymore.

Our struggles in life (like the disciples who rowed in their own strength against the wind) can be demonically inspired some times.

Facing great difficulty can be scary when it looks like we are going to drown but remember the Lord is watching us in our struggle. He knows what’s going on.

Jesus is right there in the midst of our trouble. All we have to do is cry out. He will not pass us by! He will get right in the boat with us and comfort us!

Jesus will always lead us to safely because his grace is sufficient. His word to us is always, “Go to Bethsaidia, “the house of grace.”  

Our high priest ever lives to make intercession for us.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Mustard Seed Faith

Remember Lot’s Wife?

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Remember Lot’s wife?

This is the admonition Jesus gave to his disciples concerning his second coming.

Let’s recollect Lot’s wife.

Before Lot and his family left Sodom, the angels gave the Lord’s command.

“Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”

Lot’s wife, however, disobeyed the Lord’s word and turned into a pillar of salt.

Now why do you suppose she would do that? Obviously, it was more than just curiosity.

To “look back” in this scripture is the Hebrew word nâbaţ which means to look intently at, to regard with pleasure and care, to consider, and to have respect for.

This means that Lot’s wife had an affinity for the place she was leaving. A sentiment for her home. An emotional attachment to the people she was leaving behind.

Jesus goes on after giving this admonition to say in Luke chapter 17,

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall preserve it.

“Losing our life” is the crucial point the Lord tells us here.

According to the scriptures, our lives are not our own. We were bought with a price.

 “To lose” in this scripture means to die. Apollumi in the Greek. Which means to put to death or consider nonoperative.

Paul says that he dies daily. Death to self and the world is an everyday thing.

Did you know that if we love the world or the things of the world, then God’s love does not reside in us?

A sure way to tell a true Christian from a false one is if they are accepted by the world and love the things of the world.

What are the things of the world? Anything that the world esteems highly!

What does the world esteem highly?

John (1John 2) tells us that the things of the world are whatever your flesh or carnal nature lust after. Whatever your eyes lust after and whatever outside of God makes you feel prideful or you boast about.

So let me put this in modern terms. Whatever the world is running after, craving, pursuing, seeking for, desiring, addicted to, loving, and is their heart’s desire.

If you love those things too, you are not one of the Lord’s disciples. You may believe in Jesus Christ, but even the devil believes in God.

Remember that Jesus gave this warning.

Another way to tell a true Christian from a false one is how much they brag about themselves. How worthy they are. How blessed they are. How many special qualities that they have. How great their position in life is. How excellent their works are. How great life is treating them. Basically, whatever is all about them.
Paul said that he boasted only in the Lord. He put no confidence in his own abilities. He boasted about being weak so that God could demonstrate HIS power through him.

 Galatians 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Jesus told us, as recorded by Luke(14), that if we desire to follow Jesus Christ and become one of his disciples, we must take up our cross. That is, we must be willing to suffer like he did.

How did Jesus Christ suffer?

He was misunderstood, persecuted, judged, bullied, hated, ridiculed, beaten, and even put to death.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

Remember Lot’s wife? She turned into a pillar of salt for looking back to what God judged as evil. In the Hebrew pillar is netsîyb, which means a post or garrison.

God made Lot’s wife into a signpost. For all with eyes to see. A reminder to “don’t look back.”

Good From Nazareth?

John 15:18-25

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

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Consider The Lilies

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In Matthew 6:28 Jesus tells his disciples to consider the lilies of the field.

The most probable flower that Jesus was referring to is considered by plant specialists to be an Anemone coronaria, a common field flower which can be red, purple or pink with black centers.

The Anemone coronaria incidentally is Israel’s national flower. They are usually found in meadows and grassy hillsides. In Jerusalem the red ones are more frequently found while in the basalt slopes north of the sea of Galilee blue and white are found growing on the hillsides.

The Hebrew name for this flower is Kalanit from the word kala which means beautiful like a bride.

Consider the lilies of the field. The Kalanit arrayed like a bride which Jesus says are more beautiful than all of Solomon’s glory.

Jesus likened these field lilies to be more beautifully arrayed than Solomon’s kingdom. 

Considering that Solomon’s glory was a magnificent kingdom full of pomp and splendor this is a fantastic statement.

Why would the Lord say that field flowers were more beautiful than Solomon’s glory?

The fact that their name means bride may give us a clue.

Was Jesus looking to his future bride? His bride so beautiful that she is more beautiful than all of Solomon’s glory?

These field lilies are not only beautiful but Jesus told us that they do not toil or spin. That is they do not do any work!

To toil in Hebrew is kopiaō which means to work hard or labor until one is fatigued.

To spin is nēthō which means to spin yarn.

Spinning yarn was a laborious work in Jesus’ time. Spinning was twisting fibers together by hand in order to make material for clothing.

In Solomon’s kingdom all the pomp and splendor was achieved by hard work. Also the temple Solomon build was constructed by slaves. These slaves did hard labor. Probably from sunup to sun down.

The lilies of the field do not labor or spin. They just naturally grow and become beautiful without any labor at all. With rain and sunshine provided by their Creator the lilies of the field become beautifully arrayed in their glory.

It seems that Jesus is pointing out that under the law like Solomon’s Kingdom, the slave must work to build a temple or building for God to take up residence.

Those under the law are servants of sin who must labor under a ruler or the law, sacrificing animals to atone for their sin in a temple made by men.

Jesus is using a metaphor to tell us that the splendor of the dispensation of the law is not as glorious as the dispensation of grace where the beauty of the Lord resides in his bride.

The bride has no need to labor for the Savior has purchased her with his own blood. The bride has no need to spin or be clothed with the temporary intermedatories of animals because she is clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

The bride is altogether beautiful. Altogether lovely in her pure white garment! Altogether more splendid than the glory of the former dispensation!

Consider the liles of the field for they neither toil nor spin. They take no thought to toil laboriously to achieve right standing with God.

All the work has been done by Jesus Christ the Messiah ! (Yeshua Mashiach) It is finished!

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Forgiveness

~ Kim Balogh ~ 6 Comments

The scriptures tell us that according to the law of Moses without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness or remission of sins.

The KJV uses the word remission which is more than just forgiveness. It means to be set free from sin and its consequence.

Remission in the Greek, is aphesis, which means forgiveness, deliverance and liberty. To not only be forgiven (letting go as if they had never been committed), but to be released from the bondage or imprisonment of the penalty for sin.

Sin has consequence. Under the law, a life must be given up for a life. The soul that sins shall die. Romans 6:23

Jesus, who was without sin, gave his life up for the sinner who repents and forsakes their sin. Repentance is a big factor in the remission process. Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sin. In order to receive this remission of sin, one must repent.

Without repentance, there is no remission of sins. Acts 2:38

 Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19

Repentance Metanoeo in the Greek is to have a change of mind for the better. To turn from sin or breaking God’s laws. To be converted to God’s word. That is to receive the gospel’s truth.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 52:9

Sin has consequence. It produces death. Not just eternal death but death as in no life of God. It separates us from God. He does not hear prayer, we lose our joy, and we can become fearful, sick and weak.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. Galatians 6:8

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Revelation 3:19

Scriptures tell us that it is FAITH IN THE BLOOD that saves from the penalty of sin. When we repent and turn to the truth of the gospel we must have faith in the blood of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin.

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:25

We cannot save ourselves by good works or good deeds.

Romans Chapter 3 tells us that under the law we all are condemned to die eternally because of sin. Unless we turn to Jesus Christ for the remission of our sin.

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25

Once we are forgiven by repentance and faith in the blood of Jesus Christ then we are made righteous before God as if we have never sinned.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Romans 5:21

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9

If we confess our sin to God, repent of our sin and have faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ we can be forgiven and made righteous by God as if we have never sinned.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. John 1:9

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LOGOS: THE WORD OF GOD

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

John 1:1 says that in the beginning of creation (for God has no beginning or ending) was the Word. That is the Logos in Greek.

The Logos means: something said, thoughts, reasoning, motives, divine expression, communication, speaking.

And the Word or Logos was with God. The word was side by side with God. THEOS in Greek which means diety, supreme dignity. (God the Father)

And the Word or Logos was God. (The Logos was also God)

And the Word Logos was made flesh.

God’s thoughts, reasoning, motives, divine expression, communication, speaking or Logos became flesh. (Sarx, a body with emotions and intellect)

And dwelt or skēnoō (which is to hover like the presence of God hovered in the Old Testament tabernacle.)

Among us. And we beheld his glory, or divine majesty.

The glory or divine majesty of the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that is born of God, proceeding from God the Father directly.

Full of grace or divine influence and full of truth. The truth which proceeds and originates from God, THEOS which is diety, supreme dignity. (God the Father)

Jesus in effect was God’s Word or Logos incarnate.

Scriptures tell us that God spoke under the Old Testament through his prophets but now he has spoken under the New Covenant through his Son the LOGOS who is the exact express image of God.
(Hebrews 1:1-3)

Since Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of the Father we have now been given the Holy Spirit which reveals to us the Logos.

How does the Holy Spirit do this? Through the divinely inspired scriptures.
The Holy Spirit speaks to us by the Logos. (John 13:16 )

When the Holy Spirit reminds us of what God said it is through the Logos. All prophecy if it is Holy Spirit initiated will be found in the LOGOS.

The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. The LOGOS is all truth. (John 17:17)

Even specific prophecies or words of knowledge or any gift of the Holy Spirit will have a scriptural precedent. They must be tested to see if they conform to the Word of God.(1 John 4:1 Galatians 1:6-8)

Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

All scriptures the Bible clearly says in 2 Timothy 3:16 are GOD BREATHED!

That means the scriptures are (theopneustos in the Greek) divinely breathed – given by the very inspiration of God.

The Word and the Spirit are always in agreement.

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 1 John 5:8

The Word of God the Logos was made flesh and dwelt among us.

When Jesus Christ was here He was the manifestation of the very words of the living God.

In the Old Testament prophets were given God’s very words which they wrote down.

They wrote what God told them to write.

If I write a journal and someone reads it then the person reading would know my very thoughts, my desires, my personality, likes, dislikes and even commands if I so wrote.

God in the Old Testament gave the prophets his very words. They wrote them down ver bateum. Even all the historical records.

It is the same as if God himself is speaking in person.

Under the New Testament Jesus Christ was sent as God manifest in the flesh. He was the embodiment of God himself.

Everything written down by the disciples are God inspired. Jesus Christ was speaking himself through his disciples.

They were only the microphone for God’s Holy word.


When Paul and other Apostles wrote down what the Holy Spirit spoke to them, their words were God breathed.

God himself inspired those words.

ALL SCRIPTURES ARE GOD BREATHED. DIVINELY INSPIRED.

When we read scriptures we are reading God’s own words. Scriptures are not just an historical record. Scriptures are the very words of God himself.

You can not separate Jesus Christ from his word. He is his Word.

To do so is to create your own Jesus. One according to your imagination and opinions. Jesus reveals himself by Holy Spirit revelation through the Logos.

Disregard of Holy cannon as God breathed is a dangerous prescident.
It leaves room for all kinds of doctrinal error with opinions, false beliefs and even apostacy.

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. The very Logos of God himself who dwelt among his creation.

By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

God’s word according to the book of Revelation given to John by the Holy Spirit must be kept in high regard. To add to his word or take away from his word is a serious thing.

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

God’s promises in his word are Yes and Amen. Never will they fail you for they are God’s very words.

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 107:6,7

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To Walk With God

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

To walk with God in Hebrew is halak.
This is an action word which means to live life in a manner that keeps pace with, follows, goes forth, continues on, moves along, travels, goes to and fro with and turns with in a form of weakness or dependence.

According to Scriptures, God was walking in the garden of Eden in the cool of the day. Adam heard God walking in the garden but he was not walking with him.

In fact scriptures do not say that Adam and Eve walked as in halak with God. What scriptures do say is that Adam was alone and God saw that it was not good so he created Eve to be a helper to him.

What did he need help with? In doing what he was created to do. Which was to be a care taker and watchman of the Garden. (Genesis 2:15)

Adam did hear God’s voice. He heard the instructions given to him not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

However he did not listen. Why?

Could it be because Adam was not walking with God? As in halak.

Eve obviously was not walking with God or she would not have been deceived by the devil.

Eve wanted to be wise. She lacked guidance. Hebrew saw-kal’ for wise means to be instructed in prudence, to be skillful, have good success, to understand, to be guided.

Doesn’t sound like some one walking with God. Those are the things God does for us!

Even after Adam and Eve sinned Adam still could hear God’s voice.

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Genesis 3:8-10

When Eve was deceived by the serpent it was because she did not listen to her husband. Adam was the one God told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God gave Adam that instruction before Eve was even created.

Eve did not get the information from God directly. She heard her husband’s commandment which was given to him by the Lord.

Why did Adam then listen to Eve instead of God? Could it be that although Adam could hear God’s voice he was not walking with him in halak ?

Adam knew God and heard his voice but he did not obey God. His relationship with God was not a surrendered one.

Let’s take a look at those who did walk with God.

According to the Bible, Enoch walked with God in perfect step by faith and this pleased God so much that Enoch walked straight into the spiritual realm.
(HEBREWS 11:5, Genesis 5:24)

Noah walked with God. Noah heard God’s voice telling him to prepare for judgment that was to come and by faith he obeyed. (Genesis 6:9)

How many times do we hear God’s voice speaking to us from scriptures and yet do not listen? Is it because we are not really walking with God? (James 1:23)

Scriptures tell us that those who walk after the Holy Spirit will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. (Romans 8:1)

If we are having struggles with sin and our life is not blessed is it because we hear God’s voice and yet do not obey his commands?

Adam heard God directly. Eve heard God’s commands indirectly but still they disobeyed.

Since scriptures give no reference that Adam walked with God like Enoch or Noah did in halak we can only assume that Adam knew God, heard his voice but did not walk in halak with him.

He could have chosen to eat from the tree of life had he wanted halak but for some reason he did not. (Genesis 2:8,9)

After Adam and Eve sinned they still heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. All Creation speaks of God’s existence. Even the unsaved hear God’s voice.

Adam and his wife then hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3:8)

Sin separated God’s creation from himself. When the Lord found Adam he was hiding in guilt and condemnation from God. God then had to sacrifice a sheep and cloth them with a temporary covering to atone for their sin.

After Adam and Eve sinned they were cast out from the presence of the Lord. No more could they live in a perfect sinless life.

This act never did restore Adam to sinless perfection but what it did do was make a covering to appease God’s wrath for disobedience so that he did not destroy Adam and Eve and the whole earth, by his righteous judgment.

In conclusion we can see that it is not enough to just hear God’s voice. We must obey God’s voice. We must walk by his Holy Spirit completely dependent upon him.

This comes by becoming born of God and given new life, being made alive unto God.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

If you do not yet know God then ask Jesus the Savior to save you from wrath as you turn away from your sins.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  Roman 5:9

Ask God to make you born of his Holy Spirit and fill you with his Holy Spirit.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:18-20

Then walk with God as he leads you in halak, relationship.

Obey his word the Bible as the Lord helps you every day!

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deuteronomy 13:4

MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

The Bible tells us to meditate on God’s word continuously. In order to do this we need to know exactly what he means by that and why it is so important.
(Psalms 1:2 )

To Mediate in the Hebrew is hâgâh, which means to ponder or consider. To imagine or think about. To study.

Most people realize this but did you know that to meditate or hâgâh also means to mutter, speak and talk about?

Putting it together what God is asking us to do is not only to read the Bible, study the Bible, consider the Bible and think about the Bible but also to talk about the Bible and declare the Bible.

 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Why is this so important to meditate on God’s word? Let us examine why God wants us to do this.

According to Joshua 1:8, if the word of God is in our hearts and in our mouths then we will be careful to perform that word. In doing so then our lives will be prosperous and successful.

After being a Christian for almost 40 years I can tell you from my experience that regardless of adversity and challenges one faces in life the reason for an unsuccessful life is a life that is not surrendered to God’s word.

Now we can have success in an area in which we believe the word of God and act upon it while lacking in another area in which we are either ignorant or refuse to consider.

Many times this is due to unbelief. (Which is sin by the way. Romans 11: 22-23)

Theological discrepancies concerning doctrinal issues keep people from both seeing the truth which is in the Bible or receiving that truth.

Scriptures plainly tell us that without faith we cannot please God or receive from him. (Hebrews 11:6)

If we do not believe scriptures concerning a topic and explain it away through cleverly man made hypothesis then we will lack in that area. Satan’s age old scheme is to keep us from having victory in our lives. ‘Has God really said?’

For example if one is a cessationist then it is doubtful that they will experience the miraculous in their life. Other Christians may get healed, delivered, and speak in tongues but the cessationist will not. To them this lack in their life justifies their doctrinal stance when in actuality their lack is really due to having no faith in that area. Jesus did say that Holy Spirit signs follow THOSE WHO BELIEVE. (Mark 16:17)

Again if we will not believe for financial success we can remain poor while others are blessed financially. If we don’t give as scriptures tell us to and give cheerfully with a willing heart then we will not recieve. (Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9: 6,7)

This principle of faith to recieve our need comes from our ability to believe the word of God. We believe the word of God as we meditate on it. (Romans 10:17)

Another point to consider is the principle of the tares or worldly values choking the word of God. (Mark 4:19)

Job says that he would not consider or meditate on anything that is wicked. He would not even speak about wicked things either. (Job 27:4)

David who mediated on God’s word day and night said that he would not put any wicked thing before his eyes. That is he would not consider it, think about it or talk about it. (Psalm 101:3,)

Paul said to think on good things. Those good things we need to think about are in the Bible. ( Philippians 4:8)

Being a victorious Christian requires separation from the world not only in deed but in thoughts. (1 John 2: 15,17 2 Corinthians 6:17)

Worldly entertainment or even a steady diet of Christian fluff will keep us from being successful and strong in the Lord.

The remedy for our failures in life is to search the Bible and find out the answers. What are we doing wrong? Yes that’s right what are WE doing wrong.

Many times Christians want to blame their failures on God. It wasn’t his will, he never really said that, we just can’t figure God out.

If the Bible tells us that he has given us ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness then why don’t we believe him? (2 Peter 1:3)

It wasn’t until I took a good hard look at my self and owned up to my failures and disobedience to God’s word that I began to have victory in my life.

God spoke to me very clearly when I was seeking him and he said to me by his Holy Spirit, “I am no respecter of persons.” Acts 10:34,35

In other words God shows no partiality.

Then the Lord began to teach me line upon line and precept upon precept where I was at fault, how I failed to both believe and act on particular scriptural principles. Then after correcting me the Lord gave me his grace to understand and faith to apply.

This happened because the word of God said one thing and I was doing another. The results were not good! God had to show me my error in order to correct me.

The point I am making is that prioritizing the word of God in our lives by meditating on it will bring the truth that we need to be set free.

If we think on, study, speak about the Bible then we will start doing what the Bible says. Then we shall be successful or have victory through Jesus Christ in our life.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3