Tag: bible

ANSWERED PRAYER

~ Kim Balogh ~ 7 Comments
Hear My Prayer Oh Lord! Psalm 86:6

Scriptures tell us that if we ask anything in his name if it is according to his will then he hears us. (1 John 5:14,15)

If he hears us then with confidence we can be assured that we have the request in which we have petitioned. (John 14:14)

That means in essence that if we know God’s will in a matter then we can be confident or know that our prayer is answered when we petition for it.

God’s Kingdom though not of this world is a government. Ruled by a King with a court over his subjects. A King is also a judge. One who presides over all petitions to the court. (Psalms 84:10-12, Philippians 4:6, Daniel 7:9,10, Hebrews 4:16)

When a person or subject of the Kingdom of God (better yet a group of persons) come together before the court of God in heaven and they bring forth a petition or request for the King to grant it is done in the same way a petition is put forth in an earthly government.

The king or magistrate first of all examines the document. Does the request coincide with a legal precedent ? (Nehemiah 9, Exodus 34:6, Acts 4)

Does the request line up with any scriptural principle? (John 15:7,8)

If so then is there a legal precedent for the case?

Does the petition line up with scriptural protocol? (John 15:7,8)

If so then the prayer request is guaranteed to be answered.

In an earthy government the petition has a waiting time and requires patience. (Psalms 40:1-3, Psalms 27:14 Hebrews 6:15, )

In order to get equity or relief for the petition request one must wait for government to go through a process.

Sometimes there may be opposition to a request. The opposition may want to examine the petition looking for any loopholes or president case that is in opposition. Maybe even look to see if the petitioner has any legal requirements left undone so that the request can be hindered or delayed.

( Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:5, Psalm 66:18, James 4:3)

The opposition then explains to the court why the request should not be granted.

Then if there is found to be an unfulfilled legal requirement the court may deny the request if the legalities are not dealt with.

Many times people want to blame God for unanswered prayer when the problem actually lies with them.

For example if I pray and have unforgiveness in my heart my prayer will not be answered. I must forgive even if it’s my enemy. I must be reconciled to my brother or sister too. (Matthew 6:12, Mark 11:25)

There are several reasons laid out in scriptures why petitions are not granted from God’s court.

Another hindrance to answered prayer is unbelief. Interesting enough but some people pray even though they don’t really expect an answer. They have no understanding of who it is they are actually praying to. (Isaiah 33:22, Psalms 75:7, Revelation 20)

Scriptures tell us to HAVE FAITH IN GOD. ( James 1:6,7, Matthew 11 and 21:22 Philippians 4:6,7 Hebrews 10:22 )

That means if we come before God with a request we must believe that he is going to answer. A judge of a court has power to make a court order.

Another denial to a prayer request is asking outside the will of God.

How can I know if it is God’s will ? The Bible sets out all legal presidents.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

Examination of motive is best done before putting forth a petition before God’s court. Why do we want the petition to be granted? (James 4:2)

For God’s glory and purpose or for our selfish motive? (James 4:3, 1 Peter 3:12)

The opposition or devil does not want our prayer requests to be fulfilled. He is our adversary. Scriptures tell us he can hinder our prayers. He is like any prosecutor lawyer trying to find something on you. It’s what he does. (1 Chronicles 21: 1, Zechariah 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 2)

Another important factor to consider is another person’s will.

When interceding on behalf of another person this takes great patience as God has a lot of work to do in getting that person to a place of receptivity to receive from him. (2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:18)

This is why we must continue in prayer with perseverance. Sometimes even fasting. There is a spiritual war going on to keep that person from getting what we are praying for. A lot of legal precedents need to be dealt with. (Luke 11:9,10 Luke 18, Acts 1:14, Ephesians 6:18, I Thessalonians 5:18, )

The good news is that Holy Spirit is working to convince the person of their need. We must keep praying and never give up as the Bible exhorts us! (Psalms 27:14, Psalms 37:7)

In getting our prayers answered there is legal protocol. One of the best ways when petitioning any court is to have a lot of signatures on a petition. That is why the prayer of agreement is so powerful. The prayer of agreement is like having a petition of signatures on a legal document. In this case it is an oral document. ( Matthew 18:19, 20, James 5:16, 2 Chronicles 7:14)

When we line up with God’s will then we can be guaranteed that our request is being answered. All we have to do is to wait patiently on the Lord. (Psalm 40)

How Faith Works

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

James tells us that faith without works is dead being alone. (James 2:14-26)

Now Some people have a hard time with how faith and works operate together.

Some say that since salvation is free then all you have to do is receive it. You can live any way you want and still be saved.

This teaching is called antonianism doctrinally but in today’s world it’s called progressivism.

Not only is that doctrine scripturally unsound but it makes for a lot of false conversions with apostate world views.

On the other hand there are others who say that in order to be saved you must obey the law. You must keep the Sabbath, keep the ten commandments, fast and pray until your flesh has been abased, eat certain foods, don’t eat certain foods and a whole bunch of other do this and that or don’t do this or that.

It’s in fact actually laid out perfectly simple to those with eyes to see how faith and works go together.

Faith in God according to scriptures requires action in order to have the manifestation of the free gift. That action is laid out to us in the Bible.

Scriptures tell us that, Salvation is free. Healing is free and
Deliverance is free.

However in order to receive the free gift one must do something.

What must one do? Follow the instructions given in the Bible!

Believe, repent and recieve.

Acts 16:31
Mark 1:5
Acts 3: 19-21
John 1:12

Whoever comes to God MUST BELIEVE that he is. (Hebrews 11:6)

Is what? Is God. Is the great I Am. Is able. Is willing. Is faithful. Is all powerful. IS What he says he is.

AND must believe that he will reward those who seek him. In other words the seeker will get what is sought after.

Believing in God is the first prerequisite to receiving from God.

To believe according to scriptures is not just to know about from an intellectual perspective but to know from a heart that has been converted by God.

Believe (pisteuō in the Greek) means to have faith in, complete trust in.

No one can seek God unless drawn by the Holy Spirit according to the Bible. God is not in the thoughts of those who love their sin. (John 6: 44, Psalms 10:4, 1 John 3:8)

To actually trust in God requires knowing him. Knowing that he will do what he says he will do.

Faith is GIVEN the Bible tells us. (Roman’s 12:3)
It is not something one can drum up on their own. (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

So we believe because we have been given faith. Why are we given faith? Because we are drawn by the Holy Spirit.

Then once we believe we need to repent. What does it mean to repent? To turn from sin or a lifestyle against God’s word as set out in the Bible.

Repent (in the Greek metanoeō) means
To think differently, have a change of heart, to reconsider, to feel morally convinced of wrong doing.

Repentance is also GIVEN according to scriptures. Some people don’t realize that even repentance is given by God. (2 Timothy 2:25, Revelation 319)

The ability to give up sin comes from a heart devoted to God who loves God so much that they are willing to give up all selfish behaviors in order to please the Lord. (Psalm 51:10, Titus 2:14, 2 Corinthians 7:11)

Then the last part of the equation is to receive. As many as received him to them he gave power to become the sons of God. (John 1:12)

This principle of receiving relates not only to salvation but also to healing, deliverance, provision and every victory over the darkness.

The spiritual principle of believing repenting and receiving must all be adhered to in order to get the rewards of what is being sought after.

Let’s look at this concept from a human perspective using an example.

I am OFFERED a free gift let’s say in a giveaway from an advertising agency for a product.

In order to qualify for the free gift I first of all need to sign up for it. By signing up for the free gift I am believing under contract law “good faith” in the agency otherwise I would not sign up.

If I thought that the agency was a scam I would not sign up. It’s the same in the kingdom of God. If I don’t believe I won’t get the free gift.

Then once I sign up the agency says to me that in order to get the free gift I have to fill out a survey.

This means I actually have to do something. In this case it’s a survey. In God’s kingdom its repentance. I need to stop sinning.

Now that’s a choice but also an action.

The good part is that if I choose to turn from my sin and obey God he will give me the POWER to perform! (John 1:12)

So this is the good part! I don’t have to do this alone because God gives me the Holy Spirit as a helper. To help me perform. ( John 14:26)

That would be like an agent helping me along in filling out the survey because its complicated.

After I fill out the survey then I will get the free gift.

If I don’t fill out the survey then I will not get the free gift.

It’s the same concept in the kingdom of God.

If I don’t repent and give up my sin then I am not going to be forgiven. I do not qualify for any free gift. Salvation, healing or any other of God’s blessings.

In the same way if I believe in “good faith” that the agency will follow through and give me the free gift if I fill out the survey with the help of the agent then I qualify for the free gift and am able to receive it.

As scriptures tell us IF we are willing that is if we believe that God is able to do overly and abundantly above all that we ask or think and IF we are obedient that is follow all his instructions THEN we can be blessed with his abundance. (Isaiah 1:19)

Faith without works or following the Lord’s instructions to believe, repent and receive is dead without works or action.

Scriptures tell us that the devils believe in God and they tremble because they know they cannot be forgiven. They are still in their sins. No repentance has been given to them. (James 2:19)

That means that it is useless to believe like the devils believe because not only do the devils not have relationship with God but because the devils have belief without repentance they can never have a part in the kingdom of God.

It is the same with people. Without action accompanying our faith or belief it is useless. Meaning brings no profit at all.

Faith must always be accompanied by works or action, (Believe, repent and receive)to be genuine faith.

Father God is Waiting For Your Return!

Jesus Destroyed the Works of the Devil!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

For this purpose Jesus Christ came: to destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3:8

That was the whole purpose for God to manifest in the flesh, die on the cross and rise from the dead according to the Bible.

It is important to understand what exactly happened at the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to the Bible. By getting a better understanding we are then able to enter into fully our covenant with God provided for us by the Lord Jesus Christ. By that I mean understanding what Jesus actually did and what that means for the Christian in regards to position in the kingdom of God.

When Jesus destroyed the works of the devil at the cross he in effect stripped him of his power and authority.

The Bible tells us that Satan is the god or ruler of this world system but he is not ruler over the Christian who has been delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:13)

In other words even though Satan rules this world system he does not rule the born again person. Satan’s greatest weapon is deception. He is a trickster. If he can keep the Child of God ignorant of the fact that he has been defeated he keeps his position of ruler over them.

Without revelation of what Jesus Christ really accomplished at the cross and faith in that fact the Christian can live a whole life time of bondage under the dominion of the evil one.

Yes, even though the Christian is born again, blood bought and a part of Jesus Christ’s body the ignorant Christian can live defeated, sick, poor, and in bondage.

The Bible makes that fact perfectly clear.

MY PEOPLE are destroyed for lack of knowledge. HOSEA 4:6

Now let’s look at what the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ accomplished by manifesting in the flesh. Keep in mind that this is Bible doctrine. Written as plain as the nose on your face.

Unfortunately their are whole churches that don’t believe or teach this. You have to decide for yourself if you want to believe the Bible or the doctrine you were taught by others who do not teach the complete victory wrought by Jesus Christ according to scriptures.

Now let’s look at what it means to destroy the devil’s works.

To destroy in the Greek is luō. That means to break, dissolve, loose free from, to put off.

In other words Jesus broke the power over, closed down the operation of, released from captivity and made the devil to submit to through relinquishing control of.

Now most Christians believe this to some degree but they don’t delve into it deeper.

In order to have a complete understanding we have to under stand what exactly was put off!

What are the works of the devil? Not only that but we have to come to the realization that this defeat was complete. Not just some of the devil’s works were broken over the Christian but ALL!

You might ask yourself, well if this is true why am I sick, poor, depressed and defeated?

Did you ever stop to examine yourself? Are you really in the faith? The first thing to know is if you are really born again. How do you know?

YOU KNOW. (1 John 5:13)

If there is any doubt then you need to go to the Lord, confess your sin, repent which is turn from your sin (breaking God’s laws) and turn to the salvation and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Ask forgiveness for sin and ask him to make you his child. (Luke 13:3)

Then if you know you are born again, are you putting faith in God’s word or in your circumstance? Without faith it is impossible to please God. according to the Bible.

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

This is a fact whether we like it or not. It is a fact whether we disregard it or not and it is a fact even if we don’t believe it.

According to the Bible we must believe that Jesus is God. Sovereign over all things. We also must believe that HE WILL reward our seeking him for the victory. (Hebrews 11:6)

Don’t think that Satan is not going to put up a fuss. He has squatted for a long time in people’s lives. He doesn’t like to give up territory without a fight.

This is another thing. In order to receive our victory we have to battle for it sometimes! The Bible tells us that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood! We wrestle with demonic powers that oppose the kingdom of God.

The Greek is palē for wrestle and it means more than simply to struggle. It actually means a hand-to-hand combat with an opposing enemy. The spiritual forces of evil residing in the heavenly places or spiritual realm.

How do we wrestle? (Ephesians 6) Through prayer and standing in faith. We must decide who we want to believe. God’s word or the devil’s deception.

Its called fighting (contending, struggling, striving) the good fight OF FAITH. (1 Timothy 6:12)

Now let’s take a look at what Mr. Devil’s works exactly are.

Satan’s deeds or his actions and labour are as follows.

He is a big fat liar. He is a slanderer. A false accuser. He is a thief and a destroyer. He is a deceiver. Satan is diabolically evil.

These facts are all in the Bible.

The good news is that Jesus Christ exposed the devil and stripped him of his power and authority. He then gave the keys of the kingdom to his church. That is you and me.

Now the tables are turned. Jesus gave his church authority over ALL the works of the devil. Not some but ALL. Either All is All or it is not. (Luke 10:19, Revelations 13:11)

ALL compasses All Satan’s works.

All the devil’s lies, deception, sickness, disease, poverty, depression, fear, even death.

Death cannot hold the Christian anymore. Death is simply a translation into the spiritual realm of God’s light or heaven. If you miss the rapture you still get raptured! In the twinkling of an eye you are translated into glory!

Hebrews 2:14 tells us that through Jesus Christ, death was destroyed. The devil has no more power of death over the Christian.

Another Greek word for destroy is katargeō;
To render useless, entirely idle, abolish
Cease, do away with, none effect, loose free of to put down, vanish and make void.

Now keep in mind that there are prequisites for living in victory as a Christian.

This means that our lives must line up with the scriptures. We sow what we reap or in other words we harvest what we plant. That’s a spiritual principle in the kingdom of God.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. Galatians 6:7,9

For example if I stuff my face on goodies I can get fat. Maybe even get really sick. Even die!

Using this example I mean that if our life is lining up with the flesh then we are agreeing with the devil and by doing that we will reap the consequences of our actions.

If we lie or steal or operate in Satan’s works we are agreeing with him and have no covering of protection because as scriptures tell us we can be turned over to the devil until we repent. (1 Corinthians 5:5)

What about grace? My answer to that is that grace will give a certain amount of time to repent. There is however the time when reaping will occur. There is no getting away from that fact.

What about sickness? My answer to that is what scriptures tell us. We reap what we have sown. Bitterness, anger unforgiveness all make us sick. Not only do we know this from a scientific perspective but it’s also in the Bible.

Posting below of scientific studies.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607863.2015.1060942

https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/24/1/117.short

https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1991.hed3105302.x

Can we get healed? Yes. God is merciful but he expects repentance from us or as scriptures say a worse thing can occur. (John 5:14)

Do you see the point I am making?

Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. It is up to us to now line our lives up in obedience to his word, the Bible. Then we can stand in faith to receive all those benefits that Jesus Christ died for to give us!

Eternal life is the biggest gift. Granted. However Jesus Christ took away all the works of the devil. Not just some. Now it’s up to us to receive all that Jesus has obtained for us as we seek him.

It is not God’s will that any should perish according to the Bible but do they perish? Yes they in fact do! 2 Peter 3:9

Why? Because some will not receive the salvation provided for them.

Is it God’s will for you to be in health and prosper? Yes, according to the Bible.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2-5

Again it is up to us to believe, repent and receive.

Another spiritual principle. All 3 must be adhered to for salvation, deliverance and restoration to occur. It’s in the Bible.

Satan is always looking to kill, steal and destroy. It’s what he does. It’s up to us to put him in his place. Under our feet. It is also up to us to believe God’s word above any other word. If God said it then it’s TRUE. For he cannot lie.

( Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18)

Jesus Christ came to destroy All the works of the devil. Our part is to enforce by God’s power in us (the Holy Spirit) that victory. We have been given the keys to the Kingdom of God!

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober watchful
Put up a watch
Guard your heart

James 4:7
Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and resist the devil. He will flee.

Ephesians 6:12
We wrestle through prayer and preaching the pure unadulterated word of God.

1 John 4:4
Greater is the Holy Spirit in his elect that the devil in this world

Ephesians 4:27
Do not yield to the devil. Put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil and having done all to stand!

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Confession unto Salvation

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

Why it important to confess our sins in order to receive forgiveness?

In order to answer that question we must understand exactly what it means to confess.

According to the Greek translation to confess or homologeō means to acknowledge but it also means to profess.

To make a confession is to admit to one’s faults but it also means to admit to one’s belief.

To make a profession is to declare or admit openly. This means to state audibly using words.

Now these words have slightly different meanings in English but in the Greek language it literally means “to say it and to speak the same.”

This scripture translated in English says:
‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1 :9

With the Greek word homologeō it is translated in effect as this:
“If we say or speak the same thing that God says about our sins we can be forgiven from our sin and purified from all unrighteousness. “

This is very significant because there are many today who claim to know Jesus as their Savior but they deny him by rejecting what his word has to say about sin.

If one does not confess their sin by admitting that their lifestyle is not lining up with what God says is sin in the Bible then according to the Bible these people are liars and deceivers.

1John 3:9-18
1 John 2:15
Romans 6
John 8:44
1 Timothy 4:1
Revelation 21 :8
2 John 1:10,12
Mathew 7:13,14

In fact some today even reject the absolute authority of scriptures as the infallible word of the living God. They deny God’s word because they are not born again of his word and of his Spirit.

Again scriptures tell us that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord you shall be saved.” Roman’s 10:9

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

Jesus must be confessed as Lord of our lives in order to be considered by his standards a child of God. Not just Savior.

Today we have many who want Jesus to be their Savior but not their Lord but it does not work that way.

If we do not confess what God calls sin as sin in our lives and if we do not receive Jesus Christ as Lord as well as Savior then no salvation will occur.

It does not matter if we go to church, sing worship songs, raise our hands, jump up and down or shout hallelujah. If we do not confess our sins and confess Jesus as both Savior and Lord we can not be saved.

Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:21

I acknowledged my sin to you [God], and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5

To make a confession is to declare and profess openly and audibly. Why is it important to speak our confession out loud?

First of all what is in the open is in the light. Second of all speaking with the mouth solidifies a confession like an oral contract. Making admission is declaring allegiance. Both to God and before the angels and so the powers of darkness know where you stand.

We in effect come into contract or have declared our lives as belonging to Jesus Christ the Lord.

If you have not confessed your sin to the Lord Jesus Christ or received him as your Lord today then today is the day!

If you hear his voice speaking to your heart then confess your sin before him out loud and turn from the sin, receiving Jesus Christ as both your Savior and Lord.

About Me

Women In Ministry

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

What does the Bible say about women preachers and teachers?

1 Timothy 2:11-15 scripture is used by some Christians to forbid women to have preaching and teaching positions in the church.

On closer examination of scriptures we see another position entirely.

1 Timothy 2:11-15 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

This verse seems to be saying that allowing women to teach men would be giving them “authority over a man,” but on closer examination we can see something else entirely is being presented.

The Greek word authenteo for authority occurs in this verse but nowhere else in the entire New Testament. While the word authenteo has been translated as “authority” in nearly all English versions of the Bible, it is not the same word as exousia. The word used for “authority” in many other passages of scripture.

Let us look at the difference in these two words.

authenteo

One who with his own hands kills another or himself. One who acts on his own authority. Autocratic. An absolute master. To govern, exercise dominion over one.

exousia

Power of choice. Liberty of doing as one pleases. Leave or permission,physical and mental power. The ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege) The power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed) universally authority over mankind. Specifically the power of judicial decisions of authority to manage domestic affairs. A thing subject to authority or rule. Jurisdiction. One who possesses authority, a ruler, a human magistrate,the leading and more powerful among created beings. Superior to man, spiritual potentates. A sign of the husband’s authority over his wife. The veil with which propriety required a women to cover herself. The sign of regal authority, a crown

Now why do you think the word authenteo is used instead of the more common usages of the word exousia?

According to Gnostic teaching, Eve was not deceived because she was the illuminator and all-wise mother goddess and was created before man. She was superior to him and his teacher.

Paul corrects this false teaching by saying that only One is all-wise, and that is God Himself. So what Paul was saying is this .

“I am not allowing (present tense for that situation) a woman to teach or to proclaim herself the originator of man (authenteo). Adam was formed first, then Eve.”

This mother-goddess heresy and emerging gnosticism in First and Second Timothy and Titus, makes it clear that Paul was bringing correction in 1 Timothy 2:11-15 to this heresy.

He was correcting women who were teaching this heresy.

For more info, this article has quotes from the Gnostic texts.

https://margmowczko.com/adam-and-eve-in-gnostic-literature/

If this scripture was meant universally rather than to a specific situation it would have been stated more in the rest of scriptures, (1 Corinthians 2:13) and it was not. In actuality women did teach men and held significant places as leaders in the church (Acts 18:26;21:9; Rom. 16:1,3,7).

In the Old Testament, we find women teaching men. (2 kings 22:14; Proverbs 1:8;31:26; and Micah 6:4.)

So we can see that women can teach both men and women in the scriptures but they are not to be over men in a superior position as the Gnostic doctrine elevates women.

For more information about the eve goddess of wisdom heresy check out this link.

I Commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” Romans 16:1-2 (NIV)

http://newlife.id.au/equality-and-gender-issues/1-timothy-212-in-co&#8230

Now lets take a look at what the Bible has to say about women preaching the word of God in other scriptures. Remember that to discern the truth we must always compare scriptures with scriptures.

The Bible tell us that in the last days women will prophecy. What does it mean to prophecy? To speak under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Acts 2:17

Also the name Junia is a Latin female name. Based on this assertion we can see that women were active in the ministry.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Romans 16:7

Scriptures tell us that Jesus not only liberated slaves and made Gentiles equal to Jews but he also made women equal to men. Different but equal.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Here is another scripture indicating that women were active in ministry.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4: 2,3

The Old Testament tells us that women taught.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

A prophetess speaks the word of the Lord to both men and women. Remember that prophecy is for edification, comfort AND instruction.

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

Prophetess’ speak on behalf of God. They speak his words to the people. Men and women.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, Romans 16:3

A husband and wife team in the ministry

The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host: Psalm 68:11

To announce is to preach and teach. To proclaim.

And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. Judges 4:1-24

To bring “judgment” is to teach and instruct in righteousness.

It is interesting how the king James version translates the word to servant when the Greek word actually means deaconess.

What is a deaconess?

One who ministers to the sheep.

Lastly let us not forget the Samaritan womon who was not only a sinner, rejected by the religious people of Jesus’ day but a woman that Jesus ministered to at a well. She went about proclaiming the gospel to both men and women.

“Come and see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?” (John 4:29).

Many “began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me everything I have done’” (John 4:39).

Historically speaking it was mostly women who went out on the mission field to preach the gospel. They preached to both men and women.

So as you can see the Lord calls both men and women to preach and teach his word to anyone with ears to hear.

For more information click on the links below.

https://www.wms-amec.org/wms-history.html

https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/baptists-attempting-great-things-for-god

For more information about the eve goddess of wisdom heresy check out this link. http://newlife.id.au/equality-and-gender-issues/1-timothy-212-in-co&#8230

Books for Reference

The Word of God

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

The Scriptures tell us that God has magnified his word above all his name. (Psalms 138:2)

Magnified in Hebrew is gâdal which means to lift up in power, high estate, to increase and grow.

God magnifies his commandments, his speech, his word both written and oral above all his name, shêm which means individual position, honor and authority, renown.

The reason for this is that a person’s word proves their name.
If my word does not back up my name then my name has no credibility. It’s discredited if I do not honor my word.

Have you ever had any “friends” like that? I have. Say they will do something and they don’t. Talk a good talk but don’t do what they say? Yeah, not someone you can count on and so they end up on your “not reliable list.”

When one gives their word it is like drawing a contract. It is binding. To break one’s word dishonors one’s character and then their name is not worth very much. One’s name must back up their character.

The legal term in contract law is “good faith” which means fair dealings that are honest and sincere towards the other party in a contract.

In other words God’s name is only as good as his word.

When you enter into contract with another person whether a marriage or business contract for example the contract terms must be binding in order for that contract to have any credibility.

I can tell you what my name is or my company’s name but so what if I can’t back up the terms of the contract.

In the same way the name of Jesus is validated by his word. His contract with the other party.

The name of Jesus is honored and glorified because his word has preeminence.

In other words the word of God as laid down in scriptures (contract in writing) represents who Jesus is. All the word (Bible)had to say is all about who Jesus is and like every contract it must be entered into by two parties for the contract to be binding.

Jesus tells us in scriptures that he is the word. The significance of that is that he is what he says. 1 John tells us that in the beginning was the word. God’s word existed before anything in our natural realm existed.

The word was with God, that scripture goes on to say.

God’s word accompanies him at all times even from the moment of creation.

The word was God. Jesus is God’s word.
God actually became flesh in order to demonstrate his word.

Like they say, talk is cheap or unless backed up by action is worthless but God not only spoke his word in the beginning and created our natural realm but he became his word through taking on flesh.

Jesus demonstrated who God was.

But it doesn’t stop there. Scriptures tell us that those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord become born again of his word. (1 Peter 1:22)

Now God’s seed can propagate the Kingdom of God in the earth. We are epistles read of all men. Not written in ink on tablets of stone (written law) to bring the message of reconciliation between God and man but in fleshly tablets of the heart. ( 2 Corinthians 3:3)

This is significant in regard to God’s word magnified above his name in that as God’s seed the Holy Spirit bears witness in the world that we are the sons of God. Therefore our representation in the world proclaim God’s word to the world. For we are temples of the Holy Spirit which demonstrates through us the word of God to every one we come in contact with.

In conclusion God’s word which represents who God is through the Holy Spirit is manifest through Jesus Christ and consequently through the born again person to manifest the Kingdom of God and bring reconciliation between God and mankind.

God has magnified his word above all his name. At the name of Jesus who is the word manifest in the flesh every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Work Out Your Salvation !

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

According to Philippians 2:12,
We are told to work out our own salvation with godly reverence. Then we are told in vs 13 that God works in us his desire and purpose.

On first glance this sounds like an oxymoron but when you look at the fact that the word “work” for vs 12 is a different word than vs 13 then you can see there are two different operations at play here.

In vrs 12 we are called to “work out” which uses the word katergazomai which means to accomplish something. To perform an action. To finish a task.

When we “work out” something we may be striving for a goal, working out kinks or finishing up a project.

The emphasis for that working out is on the self or the person. In other words we have to put in some effort to get the job done.

Paul talks about godly exercise. When we work out at a gym for our physical bodies It has some profit or benefit but when we exercise towards godliness the gains are much more beneficial because there are eternal benefits.

What are we working out? The Bible clearly tells us that we are to work out our salvation or sōtēria which means deliverance, health, preservation.

We are called to perform an action, accomplish a task or finish a project in regards to our health, preservation and deliverance.

There are some Christians who won’t like to hear this because they think because God is sovereign he just drops everything in our plate at his whim but it doesn’t work that way according to the Bible

The good news however is that God has given us a helper. He is called the Holy Spirit. He is our teacher and coach. Like a spotter when we are working out. The one who helps us lift the weight, carry the burden, and trains us to run the race.

Vrs 13 says that it is God who is at work in us to perform all his good pleasure. That word for work is energeō.

Translated it means activating power, effectual energy.

So in other words we are performing an action and the Holy Spirit is giving us his power to perform that action.

God is working in us by his Holy Spirit power releasing his energy in order for us to work out our salvation.

In order to be saved from our old sinful selves (sanctification)it is an on going process. The Bible tells us that we have been saved, are being saved and will be saved.

Jesus died once for our sin. He took our sins and also destroyed the power of sin. By doing that he saved us from eternal death and has given us eternal life.

Automatically when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord we become a child of God born of his Holy Spirit and a joint heir with Jesus Christ but we still have to by the power of the Holy Spirit work out our salvation with reverence while we are living in this world.

Let me put it this way. When we give life to children they become our family. It is a natural birth and heritage. The children have our DNA. However as they grow their responsibility as our children become greater.

Let’s put it this way, just because you are my child does not mean that you don’t clean your room!

You will have to pick up your toys, make your bed and brush your teeth too!

It’s the same way in God’s kingdom. He expects us to pray, exercise our faith, read our bible, fast and clean our house!

He expects us to take the garbage out too. That means get rid of the sin stinking up his house.

As a parent we help our children along. Give encouragement, help rearrange furniture, put new sheets on the bed. It is the same with the Lord. He will give us his energeō to get the job done.

Do you need deliverance or healing today? Then get ready for your work out! Take up that bed and walk!

Believe God’s word. That’s your part. Exercise your faith and rely on Holy Spirit power to perform his part.

Do you need salvation? Need to be saved out of debt or discouragement? Need to be free from a bad habit?

Then work out your salvation with the Holy Spirit. Call on your coach to help you lift that weight, give you a word of wisdom, and lead you in the right direction.

If you try to work in your own power you will fall on your face but if through the power of the Holy Spirit that is in you, you “work out” your salvation then you will achieve your goal! You will get the victory! Accomplish the task and finish the race!

About Me

He Comes Like a Thief !

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

Why does Jesus say in scriptures that he comes like a thief in the night?

A thief sneaks in without anyone knowing to snatch something away. Jesus was referencing in this parable to his coming for his bride.

In Revelations 3:3 Jesus is reprimanding his church. In particular the church that was in Sardis. He tells them that if they don’t repent of dead works and strengthen their walk in the Lord by returning to him zealously and being watchful (watching in prayer) then as punishment for disobedience they would find Jesus coming to them as a thief in the night.

In other words, like a thief who comes unaware to the owner of the house, ,Jesus will come to snatch away his prepared bride but those luke-warm and not watching will be left behind.

This scripture reveals that there will be unrepentant believers left behind in the snatching away of his bride. Referred to by some as the rapture or translation of the Spirit.

In Matthew 25
Jesus talks about coming for his bride.
There are 5 virgins with oil in their lamps and 5 virgins without oil. The 5 with oil were watching and waiting having their lamps filled with oil.

What is this oil? A Holy Spirit filled life. The other 5 virgins had the word. They knew what the Lord’s will was. They knew he said he would come to get them someday but these 5 did not take his word seriously. They were fooling around in the world. They thought they had lots of time but suddenly like a thief in the night the bridegroom came and they were left behind.

In 1 Peter 3:10- 11 it also says that the day of the Lord’s return is going to come like a thief in the night.

Peter goes on to exhort Christians to keep the Lord’s exhortation in mind. To walk worthy of our calling while we are here. Not walking in riotous living but in holiness and the fear of the Lord.

That is what Jesus was talking about. Having our oil burning. Having zeal in our walk with the Lord. Going about our Father’s buisness but at the same time having our eyes fixed on his return. Living in the world but not of this world.

Jesus told his people to be zealous and repent for not watching and living a Spirit filled life. He warned that if the owner of the house had been watching he would have known in what hour the thief would come.

Are you watching for the Lord’s return? Are you ready for his appearing? Is the oil in your lamp burning with zeal? If not return to the lover of your soul today! You do not know in what hour your Lord will appear!

He comes like a thief in the night!

Remember Lot’s Wife?

True Worship

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment


God desires his people to be worshipers in spirit and in truth. That means to bow down in the heart through surrender. To adore or praise the Lord for who he is and what he does according to truth which is laid down in scriptures.

The logos is who was manifest in the flesh. Jesus is his word.

Worship in the Greek means to bow down prostrate and adore God. (proskuneō)

There is however another form of worship which the Bible tells us about.

That worship is called service. ( latreia)

Sometimes these words are confused when translated into English so let’s take a look at the type of worship called service talked about in scriptures.

In Romans 12:1

This scripture uses the word latreia or service in the Greek in regard to worship. Let’s break it down.

Through God’s mercy yield your body (whole person) in surrender (quickened alive by the Spirit) as a sacrifice (to give up in exchange for another) holy (set apart consecrated for use) and pleasing to God. Which is your reasonable (based on justification for) service or divine worship.

In Philippians 3:3 the word divine worship is translated latreia or service.

We are those which worship in spirit. (We worship through sacrificial service in the Holy Spirit.) and have no confidence in the flesh or human ability.

Romans 1:9

I serve with my spirit in the gospel (Latreia)

Hebrews 9:14 says we have passed from dead works (deeds performed under the law through human endeavors and strength)

In order to serve or latreia worship. Which means sacrificial giving up of one self for another.

Hebrews 12:28 Tells us to serve well. That is by pleasing sacrificially with respect and reverence in that service.

While the Lord does want us to adore him through the lips of our mouth he does make it perfectly clear in his word that lip service is not enough. (Matthew 15:8)

What do I mean by that? By explanation it is that singing songs, falling prostrate on our face, kneeling or any other bodily form of worship is in and of itself not the whole equation. Lip service without action or deeds is really only an expression of worship but not action of worship.

Roman 12:1 explains worship as a service. A sacrificial laying down of our life for another.

Who is that other? God of course but in service to God we are called to serve others, sacrificially.

A living sacrifice unto God gives up all their rights in order to serve others. For their betterment. Just as Jesus laid down his life for us without cost he desires that kind of sacrificial service from his people.

In conclusion, true worshipers don’t just give lip service. True worshipers serve others by the Spirit enabling them. For the benefit and well being of others.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/

Grace Through Faith !

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Grace or charis in ancient Greek is the divine influence upon the heart. Charis means to be gracious, loving, kind, extend favor, benevolent and life giving.

The word charis was used both in Greek and Roman mythology as the personification of graces. To be appropriated as having charis was to be divine.   

Paul being an educated man of his era used the word Charis from the Greek to describe God’s desire to save mankind from sin. This word was understood by the Greeks and Romans in their culture to mean an act of divine kindness. Paul was using this word to convey to the Gentiles of his day how much God cared about them.

Paul went on to tell these Gentiles that the One true God’s charis could be extended to them through pistis or faith in Jesus Christ. In Greek mythology Pistis was representative of having good faith, trust, and reliability. Pistis was a principle used as a classical form of argumentation in Paul’s day. To fully persuade through logical reasoning. In other words, the mind must be fully persuaded in an argument to agree with the evidence presented to be convinced of a particular truth.

Today in law we use the term “good faith” or bona fide to describe the act of putting trust in and confidence with sincerity in something without intent to defraud with malice.

The Bible tells us to be fully persuaded about something in our mind. What we believe will determine our course of action. (Romans 14:5)

According to scripture, Thomas was not fully persuaded in his mind that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus did not condemn him for his lack of faith or pistis. Rather he demonstrated his eternal word by revealing himself to Thomas. Some people think that faith is supposed to be blind. Just trust even though you have not been fully persuaded. This simply is not true!

Faith comes by hearing a word from the Lord! (Romans 10:17) Presumptuous blind faith has caused many a life to go ship wrecked.

Faith or pistis comes by a word from God who has worked upon the heart by his divine nature with benevolent intentions, through Grace or charis.  

Pistis is being fully persuaded based on convincing. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit convinces us that something is true. (John 16:8)

Grace or God’s loving kindness convinces the heart through faith (which is relying upon as true) creating the assurance of what is hoped for but not fully materialized.

Faith or pistis persuades and convinces by divine intervention a truth.

Thomas was fully persuaded that Jesus rose from the dead by experiencing the logos manifest in the flesh. It is the word of God which creates the ability to believe with fully persuaded assurance.

Even though a person were raised from the dead, if a heart is not fully persuaded by the Holy Spirit they would not believe. The unbelieving heart would just explain away the miracle. It takes charis through pistis to be fully convinced of truth.

Divinely inspired reasoning through the word of God convincing the heart is what produces faith.  Miracles confirm the word of God. Jesus is the logos made flesh. His word through scriptures by divinely inspired utterance or manifestation worked on the heart is what produces faith, pistis.

In Roman’s chapter one we are told that evidence for a Creator is made evident by the things which are made. That does not convince everyone of that fact however.

A mind can be fully persuaded to believe a lie. Satan has built up strongholds of delusion in many people’s mind. They believe something to be true when it is not. Hence the need to have full persuasion of the truth. Scriptures tell us plainly that not all men have faith (2 Thess. 3:2) and that all born again Christians have been given a measure of faith. Notice the word given. Faith is given. An act of divine grace.

Even among Christians this is so. Paul pointed out that one person in persuaded that eating meat is fine while others do not have faith to eat meat.

Paul says that if you do not have faith being fully persuaded about something and you go against your conscience then it is sin. (Romans 14:2-5)

We know from scriptures that God sanctified meats but that some cannot eat meat because of an unpersuaded mind.

To one eating food offered to idols is no big deal because to them the idol is just a man-made construct. A piece of wood or a rock. While to others it is a demon spirit’s offering. Therefore, the thought of eating an offering sacrificed to an idol is abhorrent. (1 Corinthians 8)

Adam and Eve were walking in the garden naked without a problem and then after they sinned their nakedness became sin to them. They felt vulnerable and unprotected. God made a sacrifice of an animal for their atonement and clothed them in the skin. What was the difference? Perception. Their nakedness was seen not from a perspective of innocent children but naked in their beings in front of a Holy God. (Genesis 3)

We see this same principle today in cultural practices. Some have liberty in somethings while others do not have that same liberty due to cultural beliefs.  

Unless the heart is fully persuaded (having faith) through divine intervention about a matter they cannot believe. Faith is a supernatural attribute produced by divinely inspired grace.

The conscience if not adhered to can sear. Basically, can have a flamboyant disregard for something. Many non saved people have this. Their sin does not feel like sin to them because it is a natural practice. It takes Holy Spirit convincing to produce an awareness of sin. (Romans 1)

Charis divinely influenced upon the heart convinces that God’s word is true. Grace through faith produces a change of mind or repentance. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Evidence that is presented by the Holy Spirit through the word; written, oral or even supernatural produces faith. (John 20)

God’s word graciously worked upon the heart produces faith.

Paul reasoned with, persuaded, argued, testified, to the Gentiles through scriptures that Jesus is both Saviour and Lord. The Holy Spirit divinely moved upon the hearts to convince.

Paul also performed miracles confirming the word of God that he preached through demonstrative power of the Holy Spirit. Charis demonstrated evidences of the truth of the gospel message.

Grace or charis is the divine work of the invisible God the Holy Spirit upon the heart. Blessed indeed are those who believe and are fully persuaded that God’s word is true.