23/08/11

The tactics of the enemy

Acts 17:5 - But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Since our message yesterday calling to confront the traditions and understanding of the false church the Lord is preparing us with the tactics these people use against you.

In today's scripture we read the Jews who were very angry towards the Christians who had challenged their belief and were attracting many people to join Christianity. These Jews went to the market where there was a large crowd and after instigating the crowd they brought them to surround Jason's place thinking Paul was there.

The crowd was not just Jews but also other people and the Jews did not tell them the exact reason why they were angry but told them about the Christians challenging Caesar as a ruler.

When anyone challenges the traditions or belief of the false church the first thing they do is ask you do you believe in Mary. Like Caesar was the ruler of the people that time, the deity whom they call Mary is become their ruler.

I have learnt some of the ways Jesus corners the Pharisees who questioned Him and that is by questioning them back. So I ask them 'Which Mary?', and they get confused. I explain them that Mary the mother of Jesus about whom is written in the Bible had a father whose name was Heli as recorded in Luke (given as father-in-law of Joseph, in Matthew his real father's name is given). Till I tell them the Mary whom they worship was the daughter of Joaquim. So I question them who she is and they get lost. If they question the authenticity of the scripture then I question them if this is wrong then what their surety about Jesus Christ's existence is. They do not know they are worshiping an evil spirit who calms to be Mary the mother of Jesus.

The people who love simplicity have been deceived by this institute. These people do not open the Bible nor bother to study it and therefore are victims of deceit. They prefer reading or studying all other books but not the Bible.

Jason was later set free and Jesus tells us when you will be cornered do not worry the Lord will enlighten your mind and give you the wisdom to stand these people.

You do not need to worry that you are not very knowledgeable on scriptures, to confront them. Even before I surrendered my life to the Lord and started studying the Bible I had met a large group of Jehovah's Witnesses for some property matters where I was introducing them to person I knew. This group included some main international leaders. At that time I had no knowledge of their belief. All these people had ganged on to me but even in that situation the Lord helped me and I was able to come out from within them without being infected by their understanding. It was later I came to know that they were like Muslims in disguise, for their belief was similar to Islam minus Mohammed.

Christians are more concern about Islam and other religions but do not realize the greater enemy is amongst us and are Christians who are not, like the Catholics. It is because of these people the world does not really know Christ and Christianity.

Like the Jews rioted against the believers, these people too will gang against you threatening to socially boycott you and even accuse you of not respecting your mother; do not fear them the Lord is with you.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, the world does not know You because there are many who are misled to think they are following You but are under deceit. Lord give your people courage when they take up their Cross like You gave the Israelites when they carried the Ark of the Covenant. Bless them with wisdom and make them fearless...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]
Luke 3:23 - And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was [the son] (added to original text for readability) of Heli,

Matthew 1:16 - And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Mark 13:9-11
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)