Tag: gospel

The Court of Heaven

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments


The Bible says there is a court in heaven. God opens his court to hear testimony.
God is the judge in his heavenly court.
God stands up to open heaven’s court. He pronounces judgement in the earth. TLB PSALMS 82:1

The word for court or ‘congregation’ is Edah. This word does not just mean a group of people. The TLB version says God’s court system is a council. Like a king’s court in which David or Solomon made judgments for the people’s concerns. Like a judge and jury.

Psalms 89:14
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.

The heavenly court operates much like our western common law court.

In a court of law for criminality, the prosecution brings forth a charge based on a broken law.

To prove the law was broken, there must be evidence presented.

The defense needs a good argument based on a set of defense standards to beat the charges.

Our defense in God’s court is to plead the blood of Jesus Christ once we confess and forsake our sins.

In a civil case, the opposition must have more evidence for or against it to win or lose a case. It’s called preponderance of evidence. In other words, the more evidence one has, the better to prove guilt or innocence.

In God’s court, the accuser (satan) sets out his case against us. He tells the court of God how we have violated the law somehow. He points out all our failures and inadequacies.

It is important to confess our sins before God and repent ASAP because it can be used against us in a court of law. God’s court.

If the accuser has legal precedence against us, we will reap the consequence of our sin. There is a correlation between a particular sin and a particular judgment in our lives. These are set out in scripture under the law.

The law cannot save us but it can call us out on our sins. The law is not abolished under the New Testament, but the sting of death brought forth by breaking the law is broken through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Unconfessed sin is dangerous in a Christian’s life.

It causes a curse to operate. Scriptures call this the curse of the law. Breaking God’s law causes death. Spiritually, physically, emotionally, and materially.

Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the law. All confessed, and repentant sin is redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Some Christians make excuses for having chaotic lives with trouble on their doorstep all the time. They argue, “well, we live in a fallen world.”

I know about the consequences of having sin in my life. I’ve had to learn things the hard way. Since I am old and wiser now, I can warn you to make sure you work out your salvation with the fear of the Lord always at your forefront. That is, don’t take anything in the Bible lightly. Disregarding the scriptures will cause you no end of grief.

Just because you may have been honest all your life but your mouth shoots off doubt, scorn, disbelief, accusations against others, gossip, slander, etc., this will cause demonic activity to flourish in your life. The tongue is a wicked member, but some Christians don’t take this seriously.

When I started doing some huck and chuck, my life got better. When I took God’s word more seriously, I had more success.

Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the law. Not to let us wallow in sin with the world. Christians do have tribulation, but the Scriptures tell us there is deliverance. The devil will try to trip us up, but we have a way out. That way out is a sword.

In the story of Ester, when the wicked one wanted to kill all of God’s people, the King gave them a sword in order to defend themselves.

We have the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God to counter the accuser.

When MR. Devil tells you that you are a failure because you blew it too many times,you can take the sword of the Spirit and say…IT IS WRITTEN; Mr. Devil, that a righteous man, falls 7 times and gets back up again. That means I’m going to get this right, and you are a liar!

God will back you up.

That’s legal precedence for him to be able to kick the devil out of your life.

If Mr. Devil says, “oh, you are weak, sick, infirmed. You can’t possibly be of any use.”

Take the sword of the Spirit and give him a good one.

Mr. Devil, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Get behind me, in Jesus’ name.

The only thing that the devil listens to is the word of God. He has to. Its the word of God that holds all things together.

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3

When we bring our legal precedence before God’s court, he will honor it.

If you believe that God’s word is more powerful than anything in the universe, you will see your life changed for the better. When you take God’s word and present it before the court of heaven, God will always honor it. He watches over his word to perform it. Be patient and give him time to work all things together for your good!

Don’t give Satan any place. Use the sword of the Spirit when he attacks. Keep a clean slate with the Lord. Plead the blood of Jesus over your life every day. Then the accuser will stay under your feet where he belongs.




Persevering Prayer

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

      

The Bible tells us to keep on praying and never give up. For in the right season, we will reap a harvest. We are told to persevere in prayer without fainting.

Let us not be weary. Don’t faint. (Galatians 6:9, Luke 18:1 )

The keys to receiving answers to prayer are; having faith in God’s ability, trusting in his word, and persevering. That means to continue in constant prayer until the answer comes.

Our prayers are often not answered because we faint or give up. Some things take time to be answered. Situations that God is working out. Hearts God is working on. Demons who need to be defeated. 

When someone becomes weary, it is because they are exercising great exertion. The burden becomes so heavy it makes them want to drop the weight. They become tired, ready to faint.

To become faint is to lose consciousness. To be so weary, one wants to die or at least drop out of the battle.

God tells us in his word, “DON’T GIVE UP!”

Keep on praying. Why? Because if we continue in prayer, we will eventually reap a harvest. First, the seed, the sprout, the plant, the green fruit, and finally, the ripe fruit. After that, the fruit is ready to be picked. It’s a process.  

We must persevere in prayer to gain victory in every prayer battle, and may I stress the word battle because Satan will fight you with his fiery darts.

The devil opposes anything that will bring the Lord glory.

Not only is the devil a thief and a liar, but he is also a challenger. An opponent of the kingdom of God. Resisting the devil is not only a strategy in the arena of temptation but also for receiving anything from God’s heavenly realm to the natural realm.

If what we pray for is according to God’s will, that is, it lines up with the scriptures, then God hears us immediately. His answer is yes and amen. However, heaven must release the answer to us by going through the dark realm of the demonic world. The evil powers of darkness who rule over this present world system will put up a fight to try to get the answer to our prayer aborted.

The demonic realm will hinder, try to make us weary, plague our minds with all kinds of demonic assaults, and get us to lose heart, faith, or outright fall away. 

What the demonic realm can not do, however, is stop the answer to our prayer from coming in the right season. God knows what he is doing. He is always a step ahead of old slew foot. Not only will we get our answer if we keep praying, but we will also get a greater increase of faith.

Many times people ask for more faith to believe, but they don’t realize that to have more faith, we will need to go through more battles! Every time we preserve in prayer, our faith in the Lord grows! We get better equipped for the next battle. The good news is that we can handle that next battle with our newly acquired faith muscles!

 Prayer requires perseverance. That means persisting in difficulty. Prayer requires supplication. That is entreating the Lord with humility. Prayer also requires watching. That means watching in the spirit to see what God tells us to do.

Often, there is work to do to get our prayer answered. A direction from the Lord, a strategy, an act of kindness, humbling oneself in a situation, or spiritual warfare.

Whatever the Lord tells us to do through watching in prayer can be accomplished by co-laboring with the Holy Spirit to fulfill our prayer. 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18

With persistence in prayer, there must also be a passion for the answer. We have to want that prayer to be manifested so much that we are willing to press through a crowd or even break down a roof if need be! We must be willing to knock and keep on knocking! Ask and keep on asking! Seek until we find!

Jesus commended the people willing to go that far as having “great faith.” They knew Jesus was their only hope. They knew that he would give them their request if they could just get him to notice them. If they kept on petitioning, they would get their answer!

Remember the blind guy who cried loudly when he discovered that Jesus was walking by him? Many told him to shut up! He was obnoxious and making too much noise, but the guy cried even louder!

Jesus stopped in his tracts when he heard that guy’s persistent cry. Jesus told the people to let him get through the crowd. Then Jesus asks the blind guy what it was he wanted!

It should have been evident by our standards what the guy wanted, but not from the Lord’s way of doing things. Jesus gets the blind guy to ask him again! When the guy says, “I want to see”, the Lord gives him his request. (Mark 10:48) 

 God tells us in Isaiah 64:7 that he wants his people to be so stirred up that they will take hold of him! That is, take hold of him and never let go!

Persevere in prayer! Be persistent! Be patient! Trust fully even if we don’t see evidence of that prayer being answered. 

The Lord wants us to stir ourselves up to pray persistently! This is the type of prayer that moves the hand of God. It’s all through the scriptures. 

The parable of the persistent widow. Luke 18:1

David pleads in prayer every day! Psalm 88:13

Mother for her child Mark 7:25-26 Hannah cries for a child I Samuel 1:10 Jacob wrestles with God in Genesis 32:24-32 

Persevering, persistent, constant prayer is what gets results in the kingdom of God.

To be constant is to never stop! When one prayer is answered, we go on to the next. We pray and keep on praying. We persevere, endure, grow in faith, grow some more until we reach the finish line, and our race is finally over! Only then can we say, “I have finished my race; I have run my course!”

 Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17  

Links to my other platforms

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://www.instagram.com/on_fire_4_jesus_/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/KimBalogh/

Faith Obtained

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment
Faith Obtained

Jesus said in his word that no one can come to him unless the Father draw him. To draw in this verse from John 6: 44 is the word helkuo which means to drag or haul to lead or compel.

The Holy Spirit must draw or compel a person to Jesus the Savior through convincing. He convinces them of their sin, their need for salvation and the judgement of sin on them in their fallen state. (John 16:8)

When this convincing by Grace or God’s mercy becomes compelling then faith must be obtained according to scriptures.     

“SIMON PETER, A SERVANT AND AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, TO THEM THAT HAVE OBTAINED LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH WITH US THROUGH THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.” 2 PETER 1:1

To obtain something is to get, acquire, or secure something.

The Greek word in this scripture is lagchanō which means to receive by divine allotment.

Faith is not earned by good deeds, intellectual prowess, or human ability. Faith is a divine attribute. Faith must be obtained or received.     

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Eph 2:8

Scriptures tell us that Jesus obtained salvation for us.

 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12

Obtain in this verse is the Greek word heurisko which means acquired, find, to get,   

To obtain is to get or acquire something.

How is faith obtained?

Faith is obtained by divine providence.  

By Grace or God’s divine mercy which draws by the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ for salvation or whatever the need is, faith comes or is brough forth.

Faith comes. Faith is brought forth.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10: 17

Faith is not a human attribute. It is divine or comes from God by hearing.   

Faith is obtained by hearing. Akoe To hear or incline the ear.

To what?

 The word (gospel message) being preached. (proclaimed)

It is through preaching the word is heard.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

Faith is obtained by hearing God’s word preached. (proclaimed)  

Let me simplify this spiritual principle.  

The Father has sent the Holy Spirit to draw or compel by convincing of a need. (Whether salvation or deliverance or whatever)

Then when convinced of the need faith is obtained or acquired by grace or God’s mercy.

God’s mercy has inclined the ear to hear.

Faith is obtained or acquired in order to receive by hearing. (Having a hearing ear by the Holy Spirit’s work) through the preaching or proclaiming of God’s word. (Rhema living word of Christ)

Dear Father draw us by your Holy Spirit to recognize our need. Give us ears to hear your word being spoken to us by your Holy Spirit. Grant unto us by your grace the ability to receive what you are telling us and help us to apply it to our lives. In Jesus name. Amen.  

Below are links to my other platforms.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://www.instagram.com/on_fire_4_jesus_/?hl=enklohyuj

https://www.facebook.com/KimBalogh/

“I Have Seen the Lord!”

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

It is interesting to note that the very first person that Jesus revealed himself to after he was risen from the dead was Mary Magdalene.

Why do you think that was? Something to think about!

Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. Mark 16:9

Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ disciples. She is mentioned many times in the gospels.

Because Mary was a common name of the time and several other women called Mary followed Jesus too the name Magdalene was given to distinguish her from the others.

Mary was probably from Magdala. A fishing village in Galilee. This is interesting because Mary Magdalene was the first evangelist to go and tell others that Jesus was risen from the dead!

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4: 19

Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus Christ who also supported his ministry.

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Luke 8:1-56

Mary Magdalene was a woman that had seven demons cast out of her. Why would scriptures mention that Mary Magdalene had 7 devils cast out of her?

Scriptures do not tell us that any of the disciples had demons cast out of them. To be demonized meant she had some kind of suffering. Maybe sickness or trauma or a sinful lifestyle. We don’t really know. What we do know is that Mary Magdalene became devoted to Jesus Christ. This means that whatever ailments she had she was truly grateful to be healed! 7 is the Hebrew number for perfection. Mary Magdalene’s healing was complete. She was made whole!

Mary Magdalene stood faithfully with Jesus as he was crucified. She never fled. She was there praying.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son[of God!”

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Mark 27:50-56

This may be one of the reasons why Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus Christ risen from the dead and was commissioned to tell the disciples about it.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,“Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:11-18

Since women’s testimony was generally excluded under Jewish law the fact that Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene first and commissioned her to tell the other disciples is significant.

“Women were not allowed to testify in court. In effect, this categorized them with Gentiles, minors, deaf-mutes, and “undesirables” such as gamblers, the insane, usurers, and pigeon-racers, who were also denied that privilege. (On the other hand, a king could not bear witness in court, nor could the Messiah, which somewhat lessens the stigma of that restriction.) ” https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/newsletter-jun-1988/the-role-of-women-in-the-bible/

Jesus never put man’s traditions above his Kingdom. His ways are not man’s ways.

And he said to them, ‘Well do ye put away the command of God that your tradition ye may keep; Mark 7:9

God sees differently than man sees. People value traditions, prestige, success and position.

Jesus sees into the heart. He judges by what is inside a person. He looks at the character.

Many times in scriptures we see what it is that God values.

Jesus values loyalty to him. 
Lowliness of mind,
Faithfulness to his ways
Commitment to his gospel
Obedience to his commands
Zeal for his glory
Faith in his word.

These are the characteristics that we can see in Mary Magdalene.

This is why Mary Magdalene was chosen to begin the very first evangelist outreach.

Have I not said if you would believe you would see the glory of God? John11:40

http://kimbalogh.online/2021/04/08/good-from-nazareth/

Yes and Amen

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

God tells us in the Bible that all of his promises are “yes and amen”.

2 Corinthians 1:20

That means that God’s pledge or declaration of assurance that he will do a particular thing or that he will cause a particular thing to happen are affirmative. Agreeing with consent to happen. Shall happen because God’s word is trust worthy.

If this is so then why is it that many of us fall short of receiving the promises of God as clearly put forth in the Bible?

Jesus made it clear that God’s word or his promises are like a seed that one sows in a garden. In other words it is a process to receive the promises of God.

Now depending first of all on the condition of the soil the future success of the seed will be determined. Is the heart receiving the word thorny? Stoney? Good soil?

The seed not only has to be planted in good soil but once fallen into the ground it needs to germinate for a time.

Germination in itself has an intricate process. First of all the seed planted in the good soil must be absorbed by water in order for it to swell up.

Once this hydration of the seed happens oxygen released from the soil is utilized by the seed so that it becomes metabolic. That is the seed uses its stored food or energy for growth.

After that the seed must rupture its coat so that the radicle will come out of the primary root of the seed.

Jesus called this process, “the seed falls into the ground and dies.” John 12:24 

Once the seed is sprouted it requires light in order to continue to grow.

Now that is just the seed!

After that the root of the sprouted seed has to grow deep down in the soil. The roots branch off and are then able to absorb water and food from the soil.

More growth takes place and the sprout turns into a stem. The stem then receives sunlight which is turned into energy. This process produces even more growth.

The promises of God that we are entitled to because we are children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ do not come to us without a process. Just like a seed planted in good soil.

In our fast food society people don’t like to hear that. They would rather have a quick fix and a drive by solution.

It doesn’t however work that way. What the Lord is telling us through his word is that if we want to recieve his promises we must die to our self first. That old outter shell of the carnal man must fall off.

God’s promises are yes and amen to the surrendered Christian. The one willing to die to the ways of the world and put on Jesus Christ.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14

By filling up on the water of the word, the promises of God will cause our hearts to burst forth with hopeful anticipation.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26,27

Faith will then take root in our hearts as we keep feeding on the word of God and getting revelation light from his Spirit.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10: 17

We are sure to see the promises of God take place in our life. Here a little and there a little. Line upon line and precept upon precept. Isaiah 28:10

As we continue to abide in God’s word, his promises will blossom. Bringing forth the sweet fragrance of Jesus Christ for all to witness.

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

Then when the fruit is produced from God’s word everyone around us will taste and see that the Lord indeed is good.

For the word of the Lord is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4

When our hearts line up to the conditions of God’s word then we have good soil! The seed we plant in our heart will grow in its time. We can expect a bountiful harvest !

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

As you mediate on God’s promises, pray over them and believe them. The promises of God will surely come to pass in the Lord’s time. His word is trustworthy. They are yes and Amen!

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8

Valuable Sparrows!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus is instructing his disciples on how they would minister in his name after he was not with them anymore in physical form .

Jesus told them that they would have power over devils and be able to heal the sick but they would face great persecution for it.

Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid because God will provide for them.

“You are more valuable than sparrows.” Jesus tells them.

This is a significant metaphor because not only are sparrows very tiny but they are the most common bird in the world. Their value on a monetary scale is less than a penny. You can buy two for one.

This metaphor reminds us that even though we may not consider ourselves to be very important in the grand scheme of things, Jesus puts great value on us. He says that if God cares about even a sparrow that falls to the ground, and makes sure that their needs are supplied then why wouldn’t he care for us? Our value to him is so much more!

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

Not only are sparrows common birds but they live in any small area they can find. Sparrows particularly like to live near human populations.

The sparrow metaphor is used by the Lord because the sparrow signifies humanity. There are masses of people on the earth just like the common sparrow.

One has only to look at the parallel of the sparrow to realize that humanity is in a decline situation. The environment for sparrows is being effected by sin in the same way as it is for humans.

As humanity turns away from the living God they decline in every way in the natural realm. This in turn affects the sparrow who lives along side of humans.

The decline in sparrow populations today is significant. It is reflective of the human population turning away from God. This is a prophetic sign that we are indeed in the end times.

Sparrows feed predominantly on seeds. They do eat insects when they can find them but their mainstay is seed. Without seed sparrows perish. This is another reason for the metaphor.

Jesus said that the word of God is like seed that a sower sows. The receptivity of the heart determines the outcome of the seed. Whether the seed goes on to produce a good crop or whether it does not. All is dependent on the soil of one’s heart.

God’s word is like seed. Planted in good soil the seed will grow into the abundant life promised by Jesus Christ. Planted in not so good soil the seed will die. Matthew 13

Just like sparrows need seed to survive so does humanity need the seed of God’s word to survive. Without God’s word humanity will die both physically and spiritually.

Article on decline of sparrow populations.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/10/05/sparrows-dying/2923241/

God cares about the sparrow and he cares about humanity. Jesus cares about you!

It is only by turning back to Jesus Christ and his word that we can be taken care of in the natural as well as in the spiritual. Both now and for eternity. 

http://kimbalogh.online/2021/03/08/abide-in-the-vine/

 

Our Light Affliction

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

What is not commonly delivered to the Christian message today is the very Biblical truth of suffering or affliction. When the message of suffering is presented it is relayed as a common ailment which Christians must endure because they belong to Jesus Christ. Just because we belong to Jesus is the admonition.

However according to the Bible our suffering or affliction have a clearly defined out come. In other words suffering has a purpose which results, if endured patiently, in a victorious end.

2 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that our light affliction (burden, persecution, anguish, trouble, tribulation) which is temporary or for a fixed determined time, is WORKING FOR US.

That is our temporary affliction is accomplishing a purpose.

What is that purpose? Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding (super eminence beyond measure) weight of glory.

So our light affliction is working for us a beyond measurable weight (abundant authority, dignified honor) of glory .

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

This means that our suffering or affliction is working out for us something good in the end but also scriptures tell us that our suffering and afflictions will work for the benefit of others too.

Examples of this are when Joseph was in prison. What was an affliction and suffering in some respects was also a training experience for Joseph. In the end it worked out that Joseph gained favour and was elevated to a position of leadership. He represented God’s Kingdom in Pharoah’s kingdom.

Our afflictions in life are in reality training ground for our purpose in the Kingdom of God. Even our mistakes teach us valuable lessons.

Joseph was a bit of a braggart. His gift of favor was envied by his brethren. They wanted to get rid of him but in the end God worked it out for his good. Joseph’s life ended up bringing glory to God. (Acts 7:10, Genesis 37,38,39)

Paul suffered much affliction and persecution. However his experiences brought not only an increase in the gospel but much of the New Testament to Christians for the last 2000 years.

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2: 10

Peter made some mistakes. Even denying the Lord. However his life experience resulted in the furtherance of the gospel and writing parts of the New Testament as well.

It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. Psalm 119: 71

The Bible is filled with stories about afflictions resulting in victory. Paul tells us to endure the hardships we face in life like a soldier in the army.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3

A solder doesn’t concern himself with worldly affairs. A soldier fights in battle. A soldier knows he is appointed to endure hardships for the sake of his country.

How much more Jesus Christ’s soldiers in the Kingdom of God ?

Paul tells us that we are to rejoice in our sufferings not for the sufferings in and of themselves but because we know that our afflictions are working out a purpose in the Kingdom of God. (Colossians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 6:4)

David tells us that the righteous suffer many afflictions but the Lord delivers the righteous out of them all. ( Psalms 34:19)

As we are appointed (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 2 Timothy 1 :8) to suffer afflictions in this life we are also appointed to be delivered!

Are you experiencing trouble? Affliction? Persecution? Suffering?

Then rejoice for God is going to work it all out for your good! He is training you, teaching you valuable lessons, getting you ready for your purpose in this life!

Be patient in affliction scriptures tell us. Don’t be moved by them!

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 1 Thessalonians 3:3

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Endure like a soldier! Have faith in God!
Fix your eyes on Jesus!

Your deliverance is coming!

The Good Fight of Faith!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

The Bible tells us to “fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

According to the Greek translation this scripture actually means ; to contend for with your adversary and labor fervently in your battle for good, virtuous, honest and moral convictions of the truth concerning Jesus Christ for salvation.

The Lord is telling us to lay hold of or seize eternal values. To strive to attain God’s abundant life.

In another scripture we are told that we wrestle with the evil darkness of this world who we are called to resist steadfast in the faith. (Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 5:9)

In other words the Lord wants his people to oppose the darkness and wage war against the gates of hell. We have been given according to scriptures everything that pertains to life and godliness. All we need to accomplish this command is laid out for us in the word of God. (2 Peter 1:3)

The weapons of our warfare according to scriptures are not natural human weapons. They are mighty powerful Holy Spirit empowered weapons! These weapons are used to pull down demonic strongholds which Satan tries to build up in the mind.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

The mind is where the real battle is. When Satan can create a false narrative by using circumstance then he is able to bring disillusionment, fear and unbelief.

In order to counter act Satan’s deception we are told in the scriptures to take up our mighty Holy Spirit empowered weapons and fight.

What are these weapons? In Ephesians Chapter 6 the Lord tells us to gird ourselves with truth. God’s word, the Bible is the truth. All his promises are yes and amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

We are told to put on righteousness like a breast plate. We are made right or justified by the blood of Jesus if we have been born of God. We are called to wear that victory acquired for us as a sign of godly status! Let the devil know who we are in Jesus Christ! Redeemed! Bought and paid for by the blood of the lamb!

When we do fail we can ask God to forgive us. The blood of Jesus will continually forgive us as long as we acknowledge our sin and turn from it. (1 John 1:9)

When our feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace what that means is that we are always prepared, always ready to give an answer for our faith in Jesus Christ. Always ready to bring the good news of reconciliation between God and man where ever we go. (1 Peter 3:15)

Preaching the gospel is a powerful weapon against the evil one. Declaring the word of God into the darkness of this world brings God’s light and faith to all who have been given ears to hear.

The shield of faith is important to withstand Satan’s attacks. When those fiery arrows are sent to try to destroy us we can stand on God’s word. What the Lord has promised he is able also to perform. (Romans 4:21)

Then with the sword of the Spirit we can make an offensive attack against the evil one.

Has God really said? IT IS WRITTEN !

The sum of Your word is truth,And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. (Psalm 119:160)

You can’t do that! IT IS WRITTEN !

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13.)

You are not important! IT IS WRITTEN !

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)

Then finally we turn always to prayer. Presenting our needs to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son.

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 4:16)

Fight the good fight of faith! Lay hold and seize on to eternal life, for in Jesus the Savoir abundant life is manifest to all who believe and to all who receive.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-17)

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!

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 no 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.

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

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.

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)

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 women 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