MINIMIZING SATAN?

 

MINIMIZING SATAN?

 

Genesis [ISV] 3:1-5 Now the Shining One was more clever than any animal of the field that the LORD God had made. It asked the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You are not to eat from any tree of the garden'?" "We may eat from the trees of the garden," the woman answered the serpent, "but as for the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You are not to eat from it, nor are you to touch it, or you will die.'" "You certainly will not die!" the Shining One told the woman. "Even God knows that on the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you'll become like God, knowing good and evil."

 

  I’ve been accused of or asked before and most recently since publishing SATAN & COMPANY DT series, “Why do you minimize Satan?”

  I have not, do not, and will not minimize Satan. I have, am doing and will continue to place Satan as he is according to God’s Word. All else is assumption, supposition, fable and myth fabricated by his company (Gen.3:1-5;  1Tim.1:4; 4:7; 2Tim.4:4; Tit.1:14; 2Pet.1:16), propagated by those unknowledgeable, tragically even Christians including those vainly attempting Adam and Eve defense. (Gen.3:11-13) Exceedingly awful has been and continues to be the art and myths promulgate by factions outside of and in the church.

  Why am I doing so? As an elder it is my responsibility to teach sound doctrine counter to false beliefs about Satan. (1Tim.1:10; 2Tim.2:2; 4:3; Tit.1:9; 2:1)

  Some important points from God’s Word about Satan.

·         Satan is real, an absolutely actual being. He is never in God’s Word presented as mythical or ethereal.

·         Satan, though limited, has power. (Eph.2:2)

·         Satan does not however have the power to make us do things. He could not make Eve, then Adam, disobey God as they did. Nor can he make you or me to sin and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom.3:23)

·         Satan is not as is God. He is not omniscient (all-seeing and knowing), omnipresent (present at all places at the same time), or omnipotent (all-powerful).

·         He does, after Jehovah, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit rank next highest in knowledge of humankind’s free will. The primary example of this is recorded in Genesis 3, and his methodology is still just as limited and unchanged.

·         Reading the Genesis account and related passages throughout Scripture we see that we are individually responsible for our actions. As it was so with Adam and Eve and Satan so it is with you and me. This is also is unchanged.

·         Adam brought sin into this world. We continue as Adam excepting when we Biblically honor God as spelled out clearly by the Word. (Rom.5:11-12; Eph.2:1-3)

  In summing it is I that am responsible before God for what I do or don’t do. I cannot shift blame to Satan, Adam, a tree or snake or the One that made the allowance.

EBB4

LABOR

 

What does the Bible say about laziness?

  Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law applies to people. While some are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation for all. But the Bible is clear that, because the Lord ordained work for man [Gen.2:15], laziness is sin. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6).
  The Bible has a great deal to say about laziness. Proverbs is especially filled with wisdom concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person. Proverbs tells us that a lazy person hates work: “The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work” (21:25); he loves sleep: “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed” (26:14); he gives excuses: “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets’” (26:13); he wastes time and energy: “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster” (18:9 KJV); he believes he is wise, but is a fool: “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly” (26:16).
  Proverbs also tells us the end in store for the lazy: A lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor): “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (12:24); his future is bleak: “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing” (20:4); he may come to poverty: “The soul of the lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (13:4 KJV).
  There is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian. A new believer is truthfully taught that “…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). But a believer can become idle if he erroneously believes God expects no fruit from a transformed life. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Christians are not saved by works, but they do show their faith by their works (James 2:18, 26). Slothfulness violates God’s purpose—good works. The Lord, however, empowers Christians to overcome the flesh’s propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productiveness out of a love for our Savior who redeemed us. Our old propensity toward laziness—and all other sin—has been replaced by a desire to live godly lives: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). We are convicted of our need to provide for our families through our labors: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8); and for others in the family of God: “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:34-35).
  As Christians, we know that our labors will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10); “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24); “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).
  Christians should labor in God’s strength to evangelize and disciple. The apostle Paul is our example: “We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29). Even in heaven, Christians’ service to God will continue, although no longer encumbered by the curse (Revelation 22:3). Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin—even laziness—the saints will glorify the Lord forever. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).    GotQuestions.org

Also noteworthy: 2Thessalonians 3:9-132 “Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”   

 

NOT ASHAMED

 NOT ASHAMED

Romans 1:15-16 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

  I hope that as you read these pages that none of you think that I am trying to show off.

  These are written because my love for my Lord and Savior has to have a way out of my mind and heart. I would shout or sing at every opportunity with some I make to share the good news with others.

  Like Paul – I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020

SATAN & COMPANY

 

SATAN & COMPANY

 

1Timothy 4:7 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2Timothy 2:15-17a Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker:

2Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Titus 1:14-15 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

2Peter 1:16  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

 

  A student of God’s Word, also a DT reader, asked about Satan. In the brief interchange that followed we then decided a series on the topic would be even better. Why?

  There is considerable, myth, fable, fiction, art, cinema, family or denominational lore, misconception, and for some abject ignorance on the subject of Satan & Company, company including other fallen angels, demons, Satanists, plus propagandists deliberate and unintentional.

  I’ve compiled a SATAN File based in the Word of God. For those in bondage to myth and fable it should give them time to ponder and digest the Biblical truth about Satan & Company. Let us begin with a question.

  Why about Satan & Company?

·         Freedom. Jesus explained that the truth will make us free.  The flip side of this fact is that not knowing and embracing the truth will restrict us. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Jn.8:31-32)

·         Recognition. Satan is the utmost cunning deceiver. We must not carelessly minimize and thereby aid and abet him. “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman,… “ (Gen.3)

·         Susceptibility. Because false beliefs lead to vulnerability and propensity to ungodliness.

·         Accountability. To understand and accept our personal responsibility for cause and effects as opposed to simply blaming Satan or others. “’The LORD God called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden. I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid." God asked, "Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat fruit from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?" The man answered, "That woman, the one you gave me, gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the LORD God asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The snake deceived me, and I ate," the woman answered.’“ (GW Gen.3:9-13)  “If we say, "We have a relationship with God" and yet live in the dark, we're lying. We aren't being truthful. But if we live in the light in the same way that God is in the light, we have a relationship with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from every sin. If we say, "We aren't sinful" we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (GW 1Jn.1:6-8)

·         Relationship. Mt.12:30; Lk.11:23; Jn.8:44; 1John 1:7

·         Shame. “Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.“ (GW 2Tim.2:15)

·         To please God. “Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect.“ (GW Rom.12:1-2)

·         Love. John 3:16. 1Corinthians 13.

·         Mature service. “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways.” (GW 1Cor.13:11) “By now you should be teachers. Instead, you still need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word. You need milk, not solid food. All those who live on milk lack the experience to talk about what is right. They are still babies. However, solid food is for mature people, whose minds are trained by practice to know the difference between good and evil.” (GW Heb.5:12-14)

·         Ambassadorship. “… Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God….“ (2Cor.5:14-21)

  All of the above is considerable to digest. And I’m sure there is more some could add having to do with authority, empowerment, etc. But enough for this day I think. Unless of course you have questions or challenges.

EBB4

SATAN

 

Dear fellow travelers,

  Though many do not know or understand, Satan is the great influencer of the and he is at war with us.

  Responding for your edification, I am providing my compiled file on Satan. But fear not. It will not be the 73 pages all at once. It will be one topic at a time from the list below.

  As you read each sub-topic please, please, look up the Bible verses and review in context.

  Why? Because as warriors we need to be equipped!

EBB4

 

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SATAN & COMPANY

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6 Things Satan Wants More Than Anything Else

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SATAN FOUND IN SCRIPTURE

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MINIMIZING SATAN?

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ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) ON SATAN

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SCOFIELD Reference Bible notes

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From NAVE‘S Topical Bible

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WHY “SATAN & COMPANY’?

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ME, TRUST GOD?

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LIVING IN THE TOWER OF BABEL

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IS SATAN REAL?   "Does Satan exist?"
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WHERE IS SATAN FOUND IN SCRIPTURE?

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"What are the names of angels in the Bible?"
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 "What are the names of Satan?
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 "Did God create Satan?"
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"If God knew that Satan would rebel, why did He create him?"
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"Is Lucifer Satan? Does the fall of Lucifer describe Satan?"
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"Was Satan the serpent in Genesis chapter 3?"
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 "How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven?"
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"How much power does Satan possess?"
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"Is Satan in hell? Where is Satan?"
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"Is Satan the master of hell? Do Satan and his demons punish people in hell?"
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 "Why is God going to release Satan after the 1000 years?"
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"Are Jesus and Satan brothers?"
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"God vs. Satan - if God is all-powerful, why does He not just kill Satan?"
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"Why did Satan think he could defeat God?"
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"Does Satan still have access to Heaven? Why does God allow Satan to enter Heaven, as recorded in the Bible?"
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"Does Satan have to get God's permission before he can attack us?"
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"Does a believer have authority over Satan?"
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"What does it mean to resist the devil, and why will resistance cause the devil to flee?"
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"Why did Jesus say to Peter, 'Get behind me Satan'?"
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"Do Christians have the authority to rebuke the devil?"
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"Why does God allow Satan to attack us?"
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"How much emphasis should be given to demonic deliverance in the Christian life?"
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"What does the Bible say on the importance of accountability?"
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"Was it unfair for God to allow Job to suffer over what was basically an argument between God and Satan?"
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"Can Satan read our minds or know our thoughts?"
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"How can I know if I am hearing God, hearing Satan, or hearing my own thoughts?"
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"What is Satanism?"
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"What is the Satanic bible?"
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"Was Satan an angel?"
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"Why are both Jesus and Satan referred to as the morning star?"
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"What does Satan look like? What do demons look like?"

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"What is a succubus? What is an incubus?"
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"Are demons fallen angels?"
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"What does it mean that Satan masquerades as an angel of light?"

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"Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today?"
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"What did Jesus mean when He said, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’?"
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 "Did one third of the angels fall with Lucifer?"
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"Who is Satan? Who is the devil?"

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"How is Satan god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)?"
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"What does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)?"
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"Does Satan have the power to control the weather?"
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"What does the Bible say about transferring spirits?"
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"What is a hedge of protection?"
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"Did Jesus fight Satan for the keys to the kingdom?"
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"Is the devil / Satan a person or a force / personification of evil?"
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"What does it mean that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44)?"
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"What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles?"
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"Is it possible to make a deal with the devil?"
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"Is it possible to sell your soul to the devil?"
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"What is Luciferianism?"
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"Who/what is Baphomet?"
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"Does God love Satan? Since we are to love our enemies, does that mean we should love Satan?"
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"Why doesn't God give the fallen angels a chance to repent?"
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"Why did God allow Satan and the demons to sin?"
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"Is the king of Tyre prophecy in Ezekiel 28 referring to Satan?"

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"Was Satan in charge of music in Heaven?"
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"What is the synagogue of Satan in Revelation?"
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"Why were Michael and Satan disputing over the body of Moses (Jude 9)?"
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"What is the unholy trinity in the end times?"
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"What is the angelic conflict doctrine, and is it biblical?"
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"Is the war in heaven in Revelation 12 describing Satan's original fall or an end times angelic battle?"
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"What is dualism?"
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"Why are so many evangelical Christian leaders caught in scandals?"
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"Why did God send an evil spirit to torment King Saul?"
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"What does it mean that a house divided cannot stand?"
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"What is the protoevangelium?"
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"Is temptation a sin? Is it a sin to be tempted?"
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"What is a pagan? What is paganism?"
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"What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil?"
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"Who was Belial?"
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"Is the concept of Lucifer's Flood biblical?"
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SATAN DEFEATED?

==

Any questions?

A BAT IS A BIRD?

 A BAT IS A BIRD? 

  There are biblio-skeptics (A new word for us.) that delight in Bible passages like this one from Leviticus, “And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. … And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind; And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.” (Lev.11:1-2, 13-19)

  A bat is a bird? If God is creator of all life, all-knowing, and is the author of the book telling about animals . . . would this mistake be in his book? Doesn’t this prove that man wrote the Bible?

  It does not prove any such thing.

  I find it interesting that pseudo or actual intellectuals, as skeptics, take time to read Scripture, but though diligent in their vocation, don’t take time or effort to apply themselves in like manner when studying Scripture.

  The Hebrew word used in Leviticus 11:13 is “owph”, meaning fowl/winged creature, to fly, or has wings.

  So the answer is a bat is not a bird! God never said it is. 

EBB4

WHAT DOES LOGOS EXEMPLIFY?

 WHAT DOES LOGOS EXEMPLIFY?

As John 3:3 born-again believers our professed reliance is centered in logos. Living (Jn.1:1, 14; 3:13; 6:46, 62; 8:58; 16:28; 17;5), Jesus being our example. And written (Jn.2:22; 4:41, 50; 5:24, 38; 8:31, 37, 43; 10:35; 1`2:48; 14:24; 15:3, 20, 25; 17:6, 14; 17:17, 20), the Bible being our book of guidance. In the Word of God lay the answers to all our life questions. Looking to the Word living and written I address 2 recent questions posted on Facebook. (Though stated in different phrases I have abridged them.)

Is not student loan forgiveness justified in light of God’s salvation forgiveness?

Luke 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Romans 13:7a Pay to all what is owed to them: 

 

When is kindness more important than being correct?

When considering this question keep in mind that there’s a vast difference between sports etc. opinions and spiritual matters.

Read the Word and note when He and it show kindness or forthright correction, sometimes being both in the same Word. John 3:3 being a prime example of both, being kind in presenting needed correction.

EBB4