*DOCTRINE OF HELL*
part 3 of 3

*4C. DEGREES OF PUNISHMENT*

While all sin is reprehensible, the Scripture does teach that some sins are worse than others. In Jn19:11 Christ told Pilate, “…he who delivered me up to you has the *GREATER SIN*.” In other passages the Lord ranked commandments as to lesser or greater importance (Matt5:19;22:37-40). While the basis for entrance into eternal condemnation is rejection of Christ, deeds play a role in determining the degree of punishment, see the mention of books containing deeds being examined at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev20:12); just as salvation is free through faith in Jesus, Rom6:23, but rewards in heaven are based on works of obedience to Christ 1Cor3:10-15.
Eternal hell will be great pain and misery for all, but several verses indicate there will be degrees of punishment. Those who rejected Christ in person, and those today who reject Him despite a great knowledge of the truth will be especially accountable. Imagine the guilt of those who rejected despite being eyewitnesses to Christ’s actions on earth. No doubt God will also inflict special judgment upon those who have martyred His children. Matt10:15, Matt11:20-22,24; Luke12:47-48; Rev6:10; Rev18:6,20,24

*4D. The LOCATION for the Lake of Fire*

While Hades seems to be “below,” the location for the Lake of Fire is unknown. Rev. 20:11 may be teaching that the present heavens and earth are destroyed before the Great White Throne Judgment. The new heavens and earth do not appear until after the lost are cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev20:11, 21:1-5). Therefore, the Lake of Fire does not seem to be in the center of this earth. Its location is a mystery.

*4E. GLIMPSE INTO HELL*

Will the saints ever be able to see what goes on in hell? There will certainly be a barrier between heaven and hell for there will be no escape or transfer out of eternal punishment, but saints will be able to see what horrors they have missed by the Lord’s grace, perhaps temporarily after Armageddon: Is66:24, Rev14:10
We can be certain that if the saints do see a glimpse of hell their response will not be one of sorrow but of gratitude towards God for His great salvation.

*5. THE DURATION OF PUNISHMENT*

Because the idea of unending punishment in the Lake of Fire is so horrible, people often reject it. Some who believe in the existence of such a place might avoid its unpleasant aspects by teaching that there can be a second chance for salvation after one has entered the flames. Others think unbelievers are totally annihilated, suffering for only a brief duration. Still others have developed the unscriptural notion of purgatory. This makes the Lake of Fire into a place of temporal punishment from which people can escape after a limited amount of suffering for sin.
It is quite fair to admit that the subject of eternal punishment is terrifying and repulsive. Nevertheless, it is very much Scriptural. God is love but also He is holy and just.

*5A. The Word ”EON” meaning sometimes ”long period of time”*

One of the Greek words translated “eternal” or “everlasting” is eon. In some verses ”EON” can mean a very long period of time but limited, like: Matt13:39-40, Matt24:3b, Rom12:2, 1Cor10:11

*5B. The Word “Eon” Meaning Eternal*

While in some contexts “eon” may refer to a limited time span, it also means “unending, eternal, everlasting” in other contexts. Eon definitely means eternal when used in relation to:
–God: ”Now to the King eternal”[eon] 1Tim1:17;
–Jesus Christ: Jesus ”is the same yesterday, today, yes and forever” unto the eons or ages, Heb13:8;
–God’s Word: “The Word of the Lord abides forever” unto the eons, 1Pet1:25
–God’s Kingdom: “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; [unto the eons] and His kingdom will have no end” Luke1:33;“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever [unto the eons] Amen” Matt6:13
–The Believer’s Life: “if any man eats of this bread, he shall live forever”[for the eon], Jn6:51, also Jn8:51-53, Jn10:28,11:26

*5C. The Phrase “unto eons of eons”*

Thus far we have concluded that the word translated age (eon) can mean eternal in certain contexts even when it is used only once. Furthermore, it is vital to realize that in 3 out of 4 verses cited as using eon in reference to punishment the apostle John uses a special construction. Rev14:11; 19:3; 20:10 all repeat some form of the word eon in a phrase that can be roughly translated “unto eons of eons.” A further study of the approximately 22 uses of this phrase leads to the conclusion that it always means everlasting. It is used of the length for God’s existence, rule, or glory in Rom16:27; Gal1:5; Eph3:21; Phil4:20; 1Tim1:17; 2Tim4:18; Heb13:21; 1Pet4:11, 5:11; Rev1:6,18; 4:9,10; 5:13; 7:12; 10:6; 15:7 and of the duration of God’s Kingdom in Rev11:15. These total 18 times. The phrase is used of the duration for the believer’s life in Rev22:5. The three remaining times refer to the length of punishment (Rev14:11; 19:3; 20:10). The word “eon” by itself can mean eternal. The phrase “unto eons of eons” always means eternal, even when speaking of the duration of hell.
Phil4:20, Rev1:17-18, Rev4:9, Rev22:5

*5D. Conclusion on EON*

It is true that the particular Greek word translated “eon” can mean a long, but limited time in certain contexts (and does so at least 37 out of 95 times). Nevertheless, that word can also mean “eternal” because it is used of the length for God’s existence, His Word, His rule, and the duration of a believer’s life. Even more important is the fact that the phrase “unto the eons of eons” always means eternity because it refers to God in 18 out of 22 usages. Three of the remaining references concern punishment. The only objective conclusion from the Biblical data is that unbelievers will suffer eternal punishment.
“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” Rev14:11

*5E. DESCRIPTIONS which Establish Eternal Punishment*

The concept of unending time can be expressed without using a specific word for “everlasting.” The idea of “UNQUENCHABLE FIRE” (Matt3:12;Mark9:43,48) coupled with an “UNDYING WORM” (Mark9:48) speaks of everlasting fire without cessation of existence.
“And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire….and if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” Mark9:43,47-48

*5F. A Second Greek Word Meaning Eternal: EONIOS or AIONIOS*

–In the 64 uses when it is used without reference to punishment, it always means eternal: Matt18:8; 2Thess1:9; Jude7; Heb6:2;
“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels’….And these shall go away into ETERNAL PUNISHMENT, but the righteous into ETERNAL LIFE” Matt25:41,46 (the duration of life for the saved and the duration of punishment for the unsaved is the same: eternal)

Bible doctrine is not determined by its popularity or comfort level. Man does not have the freedom to accept or reject a Biblical teaching based on his own fallen sense of justice or depraved sense of reason. It seems “reasonable” to many that salvation comes through works, but the Bible teaches otherwise: salvation is not by works, Eph2:8-10 but a gift through faith, Rom6:23, Jn3:16. To some it seems “reasonable” that a Christian can lose salvation, but the Scriptures teach eternal security. The Scripture is our authority for doctrine and ethics. Regardless of whether eternal punishment seems reasonable to a given individual, unending punishment for those who reject Christ is a Biblical fact.

Some deny that man has an eternal soul and is created in the eternal image of God, different from the animals which they try to live like (”survival of the fittest”, ”evolution”) but truth does not change. You are eternal and will be conscious forever in heaven or in hell.
How can you be enjoying heaven knowing that you have friends/family suffering in hell? Rev21:4 says that God will wipe the tears of the saved ones, which means He will also wipe the source of tears: He will cause believers to forget, wiping their memory just as His own memory about ”past things”; God can choose to forget forever, see also Micah7:19

–Satan lies to people that hell is in fact ‘annihilation’ or ‘soul-sleep’ to minimize the effects of rejecting Christ; Rejection of God’s Son is a far more serious sin than many people realize. Any sin can be forgiven, but not the sin of rejecting Christ until death: after death repentance is too late Heb9:27.

*God will in no way tolerate those who regard His Son as a worthless waste of time. Let the reader be warned. Trust in Christ as the only Savior or face God’s wrath.*

End of part 3 of 3

*DOCTRINE OF HELL*
part 2 of 3

*3D. SHEOL/HADES AND TORMENT*

The Bible unquestionably presents Hades as a place of CONSCIOUS TORMENT. Persons who reject Christ are already condemned even as they live (Jn3:18). They are literally one heartbeat away from conscious, eternal torment. Although Hades is a temporary abode for the unsaved dead as they await judgment, a small time of release for judgment at the Great White Throne will be no comfort. The verdict and sentence are certain. Those in Hades will be resurrected unto certain condemnation and transferred to the eternal Lake of Fire (Gehenna).
“Hell” is a broad enough term to cover both Hades (Sheol) and the Lake of Fire. Thus, it is true to assert that unbelievers enter Hell at death (see Luke16:22-23). Hades is a place of misery and torment. Deut32:22a, Ps49:14, Prov15:24, Sheol is a place of torment to be avoided, not an unconscious sleep or annihilation. Matt11:23-24, Luke10:12,15 speak of degrees of punishment in hell.

*3E. The Relationship of Hades to the Lake of Fire*

–Hades (Sheol) is a temporary place where departed unsaved human spirits await the resurrection unto condemnation (Jn5:29) to stand trial at the Great White Throne. Hades will give up its dead to face judgment and transferal to the eternal Lake of Fire. Hades, which is in the center of the earth, will then be destroyed with this old earth, Rev20:13-15.
–There are ten references to Hades in the New Testament (Matt11:23; 16:18; Luke10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Rev1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14). Anyone who does not approve of the concept of Hades will have to take issue with the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught about such a place as much as anyone. Upon death unbelievers go to Hades and are in confinement until the final judgment awaiting sentence and transferal to the Lake of Fire. Both places are hell with conscious torment.

*4. GEHENNA OR THE LAKE OF FIRE*

–Unlike Hades (Sheol), the place Gehenna, also called the Lake of Fire, is the place of eternal punishment for the unsaved (Mark9:43-48) and not a place of temporary confinement while awaiting judgment. Also, unlike Hades, the Lake of Fire is a place for the punishment of both unsaved humans and angels (Matt25:41; Rev20:10,15). Those in the Lake of Fire will apparently have resurrection bodies that are perfectly suited to eternal torment without being consumed (Matt10:28; Rev20:11-15, also Matt5:29-30;18:9, which speak of bodies in Gehenna). While the unsaved enter Hades immediately upon death (Luke16:22-27), they do not enter the Lake of Fire until after judgment (Matt25:41; Rev20:14-15). It appears that the Lake of Fire is empty at the present. Its first occupants will be the Beast and False Prophet, and soon thereafter the unsaved who have physically survived the tribulation period (Matt25:41-46; Rev19:20). Throughout the Millennium both Hades and the Lake of Fire will contain some of the unsaved. Hades will contain those who have died in previous dispensations and who have not faced God for judgment. The Lake of Fire will contain those who did not die in the Tribulation and, therefore, will face judgment shortly after the Second Coming. After the Judgment of Israel (Ez20) and the Judgment of the Nations (Matt25), the unsaved survivors of the Tribulation will be directly cast into the Lake of Fire without ever having experienced Hades. As has been discussed above, eventually Hades will be emptied and all the unsaved (together with the fallen angels) will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire (Rev20:14).

*4A. ORIGIN of the Term “Gehenna”*
Gehenna is a Greek word that comes from the original Hebrew meaning “Valley of Hinnom.” Jeremiah condemned the human sacrifices that occurred in this valley during the reign of wicked kings Ahaz and Manasseh, Jer7:31; 19:5-6; 2Kings23:10. For centuries Gai-Hinnom (the Valley of Hinnom) was the dumping grounds for Jerusalem. It was a place where the fires constantly burned dried sewage, trash, the corpses of dead animals and executed criminals. Not only was it a trash heap whose fire never ended, it was a revolting place of maggots consuming rotting flesh.
By 200 B.C. some Rabbis taught that the Valley of Hinnom (Gai-Hinnom) would be a place of eternal punishment.
The Lord Jesus Christ never taught that the location for eternal punishment was a dump outside Jerusalem, but by using the term “Gehenna” the Lord taught that the place of eternal punishment had similarities to the place “Gehenna” just outside of Jerusalem. Both are places of unending flames. Both are places of unending decay where the constant fire never consumes all the putrid flesh. The literal place of Gehenna outside of Jerusalem was a good way to describe the future destiny of the lost. They will be in a place of unending fire, but the unending fire will still never consume the flesh or end the putrefaction. Mark9:43-48. Therefore, it must be the equivalent of the “Lake of Fire” which burns forever and ever (Rev14:11, 20:10,14).
The similar description demands that the terms “Gehenna” and “Lake of Fire” be regarded as synonyms.

*4B. GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS of the Lake of Fire*

The following concepts describe the condition of the unsaved in the Lake of Fire.
—*“Cursed”:* Matt25:41; 1Cor16:22; Gal1:8-9;
—*”Judged and condemned”:* Mark16:16; Jn3:18, 5:24; 1Cor11:32
—*”Objects of God’s vengeance”:* 2Thess1:8, Heb10:30
—*”Objects of God’s wrath”:* ”Luke3:7; Jn3:36; Rom5:9; 1Thess1:10: ‘wrath to come’ means wrath is still future in all its extent, meaning the lake of fire which is a greater punishment than the present hell: if dead souls are now in soul-sleep and after the resurrection and the great judgment they go back into soul sleep, then what is the ‘wrath to come’?
—*”Destruction, perishing”:* Matt7:13;18:14; Jn10:28; Rom9:22; 2Cor2:15; Phil1:28; 3:19; 2Pet3:9; also Jn3:16, 1Cor1:18, 2Thess1:9
“And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to *destroy BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL”* Matt10:28
—*”Separation from God”* (see also Matt25:30, “cast out”); Matt7:23, 2Thess1:9
—*”Denial, shame”:* 2Tim2:12b , Dan12:2, Matt7:23, Luke13:25, Matt10:33, Mark8:38
—*”Exclusion from entering heaven”:* Luke13:25, Rev21:27, 22:15
—*”Unending “worms”:* As the worms continually fed on the rotting flesh in Gehenna, the garbage dump outside Jerusalem, so there will be an unending condition of rottenness and pain in the Lake of Fire. The fire will never consume the flesh but it will produce rottenness (corruption) and pain in the bodies of the lost. Imagine maggots causing both rottenness and pain by gnawing on a living body. It may be doubtful whether there are real worms in the Lake of Fire, but the ugliness, deep horrors, pain, and putrefaction produced by parasitical worms on living flesh is as close as language can come to describing hell. Verses: Is66:24, Mark9:48
—*”Darkness”:* scientists have come to the conclusion that fire at huge degrees becomes black; the sun measures 5000 degrees Celsius on the surface and 15 million degrees at the core; maybe black holes in the universe are intense fires; fire of hell is presented in the Bible as being black, darkness; Matt8:12; Matt22:13, 25:30, 2 Pet2:17, Jude13
—*”Weeping, gnashing of teeth”:* There will be a definite consciousness in the Lake of Fire, but it will be anything but pleasant. The lost will be resurrected but with a body suited to eternal damnation. This kind of body will suffer but never be consumed: Matt8:12, Matt13:42,50, Matt22:13, 25:30, Luke13:28;
—*”Torment”:* Just as the rich man found Hades to be a place of torment (Luke16:22-28), so the Lake of Fire is a place of deep torment: Rev14:11, Rev20:10: Satan and his demons are also suffering inside, they are not torturing humans in there as some believe.
—*”Brimstone”*: When it is burned, sulfur produces a terrible odor and noxious fumes. Perhaps those in hell will experience gagging, choking, and terrible smells that bring suffocation: Rev14:10, 19:20, 20:10, 21:8;
—*”Death, specifically the second death”*: The Lake of Fire is death in the sense of ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD. The phrase “second death” refers to the fact that for unbelievers “hell” is a second death that takes place after physical death with no chance of salvation. There is nothing more fearful than death. The Lake of Fire is unending death: Rev20:6,14, 21:8
—*”Fire”:* All the verses which use the word “Gehenna” speak of fire. Likewise, the following verses contain the phrase “Lake of Fire”: Rev19:20; 20:10,14,15; 21:8. Other descriptive phrases include “furnace of fire”, “unquenchable fire” (Matt.3:12; Mark 9:43,48), “everlasting fire” (Matt18:8; 25:41; Jude v7), “fury of fire” (Heb10:27), and “fire” used without any further description Matt13:40; Luke3:9, Matt13:42,50.

End of part 2 of 3

*DOCTRINE OF HELL*
part 1 of 3

”HELL” in Hebrew is *”SHEOL”*, often used for ‘grave’ or ‘world of the dead’; it is used 65 times in the Old Testament: Gen37:35, 42:38, 44:29,31; Num16:30,33; Deut32:22; 1Sam2:6, 2Sam22:6; 1Kings2:6,9; Job7:9,11:8,14:13,17:13,16,21:13,24:19, 26:6; Ps6:5, 9:17, 16:10, 18:5, 30:3, 31:17, 49:14, 49:14,15, 55:15, 86:13, 88:3, 89:48, 88:3, 89:48, 116:3, 139:8, 141:7, Pr1:12, 5:5, 7:27, 9:18, 15:11,24, 23:14, 27:20, 30:16, Ecc9:10, S.Sol8:6; Is5:14, 14:9,11,15, 28:15,18, 38:10,18, 57:9, Ez31:15,16,17, 32:21,27, Hos13:14, Amos9:2, Jonah2:2, Hab2:5.

”Hell” in Greek is *”HADES”*, it is used 11 times in the New Testament: Mat11:23, 16:18, Luke10:15, 16:23; Acts2:27, 2:31, 1Cor15:55; Rev1:18, 6:8, 20:13,14.

Another word for hell in Greek is *”GEENNA”* or gehenna, (of Jewish origin) used 11 times by Jesus and 1 time by James: Mat5:22,29,30, 10:28,18:9, 23:15,33, Mark9:43,45,47; Luke12:5; James3:6.

*”ABUSSOS”* in Greek means ‘bottomless’ (bottomless pit): Luke8:31, Rom10:7, Rev9:1,2,11, 11:7,8, 17:8, 20:1,3.

*”TARTAROS”* used by Peter in 2Pet.2:4 means ‘the deepest part of hades’.

*TERMS FOR PLACES OF PUNISHMENT:*

*1. ”HELL”*
Hell is a general term that refers to any place of torment, not a specific term in itself but becomes specific in the biblical context. “Hell” is a broad enough term to cover both words, Hades (Sheol) and the Lake of Fire.

*2. ”ABYSS”*
–The Greek term ”abyss” is often translated “pit” or “bottomless pit” in English. The abyss is the temporary place of imprisonment for some fallen angels (Luke8:31; Rev9:1,2,11, 11:7, 17:8, 20:1-3). In Christ’s day demons, free to roam actively, begged to enter swine rather than having to go to the abyss (see Luke8:31). Some fallen angels are now in the abyss. The particular fallen angels in 2 Pet. 2:4 and Jude 6 are confined in the abyss (Peter calls the abyss “tartarus”) until their final judgment and transfer to the Lake of Fire. They are conscious in there, not in temporary sleep or temporary annihilation: when the angel from Rev9:1 will release these demons temporarely, we are not told that he raises them from the dead, neither that he awakes them from soul-sleep, but just ‘opens chains’. They will be released from the abyss to bring torment to the earth during the Tribulation
–While the BEAST AND FALSE PROPHET go directly to the Lake of Fire at the end of the Tribulation, Satan spends 1,000 years of confinement in the abyss (see Rev20:1-3). After a short release from the abyss (leading a short rebellion of many humans), Satan will also be cast into the Lake of Fire. While the abyss is the TEMPORARY place of punishment for fallen angels, the Lake of Fire (made for the Devil and his angels, Matt25:41 but shared by unsaved humans) is their ETERNAL residence. Thus, after the angelic judgment, the abyss is emptied, and all its inhabitants undergo a permanent transfer to the Lake of Fire.

*3. SHEOL/ HADES*
–We believe that Old Testament saints (before the cross) went to a righteous compartment of Hades at death (see Luke16). Jesus visited both section of Hades between His death and resurrection proclaiming his victory to demons and the lost souls and brought the saved souls from there to heaven, perhaps at the ascension or shortly after ressurection. Verses: 1Sam28:13,15; Ps24; Matt12:40; 27:51-53; Luke16:19-31; John20:17; Acts2:27; Eph4:8-9; 1Pet3:18-20.

–SHEOL is a Hebrew word, its Greek equivalent is HADES. Both terms refer to the place of departed human spirits. The souls of the unsaved go to Hades immediately upon death and remain there until the resurrection of their bodies unto condemnation at the Great White Throne Judgment. Therefore, Hades is a temporary place of punishment, or a prison, for unsaved humans until their final resurrection, judgment, and transfer to the eternal Lake of Fire.

*3A. SHEOL/HADES is FOR HUMANS ONLY*
The Bible does not teach that fallen angels ever enter Hades to await judgment. The temporary place of confinement for fallen angels who await final judgment is called the “abyss” or “tartarus.” Hades is the temporary place of punishment for unsaved humans who await final judgment.

Obviously, the bodies of the unsaved return to the dust at death. Only their souls enter Hades. Thus, Hades is a place for departed and non-resurrected human spirits. After they are raised to stand judgment, they will have a resurrection body perfectly suited to eternal flames (see Dan12:2; Jn5:29; Rev20:12). Humans in the Lake of Fire will possess body and soul (see Matt10:28. Hell here is Gehenna), but those in Hades awaiting judgment do not have a resurrection body. It seems that disembodied spirits have some kind of spiritual body as Luke16:19-31 tells of “eyes, fingers, and tongue”.
Someone who is dead spiritually is still conscious (not annihilated or in soul-sleep), even if that person is dead or alive physically: Jn5:24, Col2:13, Eph2:1-6, 4:18, 1Tim5:6, Rev20:12. To be dead spiritually means to not have a relationship with God through faith in the sacrifice of Christ.

*3B. The LOCATION of SHEOL/HADES*
The location for the eternal Lake of Fire is unknown. The “heavens and earth” have fled before the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev20:11). This indicates the destruction of the present heavens and earth (see Mat24:35, Heb1:10-12, 2Pet3:10-13, 1Jn2:17). It follows that the Lake of Fire is not on this present earth. However, there are plenty of Scriptural phrases that indicate that Sheol/Hades is IN THE CENTER OF THE PRESENT EARTH. This is another indication of the difference between Sheol/Hades as the temporary place of human punishment before the final judgment, and the Lake of Fire (or Gehenna) which is the eternal place of torment for both fallen angels and unsaved humans;
Job11:8, Ps139:8 , Prov15:24, Prov9:18b, Ezek31:15-17;32:18,21,24, Amos9:2, Matt11:23, Luke10:15, – These verses contrasts heaven as being UP with Sheol which is DOWN. In Num16:33 sons of Corah went alive into SHEOL as the earth was opened under them.

*3C. CONSCIOUSNESS IN SHEOL/HADES*
–Regardless as to whether Lucifer in Isaiah is interpreted as a reference to Satan or to the King of Tyre (whom Satan supported) or both, Isaiah 14 teaches that the lost are conscious in Sheol. They are aware and even communicate. Special attention should be paid to v9-17 where those in Sheol respond to Lucifer’s entrance.
–Ezekiel Chapters 31-32 indicate that the lost in Sheol are very much conscious. Ez32:21 speaks of the inhabitants of Sheol reacting to Egypt’s destruction. V31 says that Pharaoh will meet the leaders of the other destroyed kingdoms in Sheol.
–Christ’s teaching about the rich man and Lazarus in Luke16:19-31 gives the most convincing argument that the lost are conscious in Hades. The rich man could see in Hades. He could feel, he could taste, and he could think and respond.

End of part 1 of 3
Pastor Daniel

*TRUTH ABOUT GIFT OF MIRACLES AND THE QUESTION OF SUFFERING*

Gift of miracles (of the type ”handkerchief and apron”) was for a short period of time at the moment of establishing the message of the apostles:
-Paul would send his handkerchief and apron to touch sick people for healing and to remove spirits in Acts19:12 but later, in 2Cor12:7-10 Paul had a thorn in the flesh – a demon sent by Jesus causing him pain – which he could not remove with his apron as before;
-Paul said to Timothy in 1Tim5:23 to drink grape juice for his stomach sickness;
-Paul left his greatest disciple Trophimus sick in Miletus in 2Tim4:20;
-Epaphroditus, coworker of Paul was sick near death for an extended period of time Phil2:25-30;

God does heal when He desires but the gift of healing through apron does not exist anymore today and even Paul only had it for a short time.
Is53:5, which is also quoted in 1Pet2:24 speaks of spiritual healing from sins, not from sickness, but these verses are often misunderstood and misapplied.
“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” The word translated “healed” can mean either spiritual or physical healing. However, the contexts of Is53 and 1Peter2 make it clear that it is speaking of spiritual healing. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1Pet2:24). The verse is talking about sin and righteousness, not sickness and disease. Therefore, being “healed” in both these verses is speaking of being forgiven and saved, not physically healed.

The Bible does not specifically link physical healing with spiritual healing. Sometimes people are physically healed when they place their faith in Christ, but this is not always the case (see Luke 17 where only 1 out of 10 lepers healed by Jesus came in faith to thank Jesus). Sometimes it is God’s will to heal, but sometimes it is not. The apostle John gives us the proper perspective: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1Jn5:14-15). Key in the verse is ”ACCORDING TO HIS WILL”.

Why would God desire or allow for a Christian to be sick? Here are some reasons:
1. For testing – see Job
2. So that he would be for others around us a testimony of trust in God in the situation 2Cor1:4
3. So that we learn to receive grace for the difficult situation of sickness 2Cor12:9
4. To learn to get closer to God: Ps119:67,71,75, 2Cor12:9
5. Chastisement from God to correct our attitude towards Him: Heb12:6, 1Cor11:29,30
6. To learn to identify with others that are sick (to understand them better)
7. So that others would be able to receive comfort from us, or else they might say, ”You can’t understand me…” and you can answer, ”I do understand, I have been – or I am – in your situation” Heb4:15,1Cor12:26
8. A Christian can be sick or suffer as a consequence of others decisions around him; millions of Christians were sick and died during the 2 world wars and in many other wars, millions of Christians today suffer because of corrupt governments, corrupt medical systems, wicked people (saved or unsaved), natural disasters. God in His sovereignty does intervene to protect some Christians in certain situations but not always. Only in heaven will He wipe away every tear, that promise is not for this earthly life Rev21/4. Remember that Jesus did not heal all the sick on the planet 2000 years ago, nor does He that today. The ”healers” of our days do not send handkerchiefs into hospitals.  
9. Many sicknesses are direct consequences of an unhealthy diet, no exercise and all kinds of wrong decisions; it is well known today that mental stress (which is unbelief) leads to many types of mental and physical sicknesses.
10. Sickness can allow someone help others in sickness: Braille was invented by a nineteenth century man named Louis Braille, who was completely blind, Braille reading system is today used by hundreds of thousands of people. Read Rom8:28, Gen50:20 “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good”.

God still performs miracles. God still heals people. Sickness, disease, pain, and death are still realities in this world, consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin (Gen2:15-17; Rom1:28-32). Unless the Lord returns, everyone who is alive today will die, and the vast majority of all humans (Christians included) will die as the result of a physical problem (disease, sickness, injury). It is not always God’s will to heal us physically. Do not evaluate God’s love for you and your spirituality on health, money, lack of persecutions, miracles, or else you will conclude that the 12 apostles and the millions of Christian martyrs have failed.

Ultimately, our full physical healing awaits us in heaven. In heaven, there will be no more pain, tears, sickness, disease, suffering, or death (Rev21). We all need to be less preoccupied with our physical condition in this world and a lot more concerned with our spiritual condition (Rom12:1,2). Then we can focus our hearts on heaven where we will no longer have to deal with physical problems. Rev21:4 describes the true healing we should all be longing for: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Here are some good reads on the subject of suffering:
—”Suffering and the Sovereignty of God” (1mb size and 256 pages);
—The problem of Suffering (13 pages, 0,07mb)
—”From suffering to triumph” by pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisonned 14 years in Romania for being a Christian (8mb and 164 pages);
—”Why is there death and suffering?” by Ken Ham, from www.answersingenesis.org which is a creationist apologetics ministry with lots of great resources (book is 40 pages and 0.5mb)

Some Christians that believe sickness is never God’s will are trying to ”help God” by ”healing” people, they believe God will get behind them with His healing power to save His reputation…
Performing miracles is never a proof that a certain man is really from God, in Mat7:22 it says: ”Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Jesus will answer to them: ”depart from Me, I never ”GINOSKO’ you”, word ‘ginosko’ (greek) means ‘to know someone in a personal relationship’, or ‘getting saved’ in this verse; ‘ginosko’ is different from greek word ”gnoseo” which means ‘to know about someone without knowing him personally’.
Jam5:14 instructs us to call the elders of the church to pray for the sick, at times God will heal that sick because his faith and his obedience to Jam5:14 but it can happen that one of the elders, maybe unsaved and a false prophet, will boast with the healing and people will flock to him for miracles!!

Look at Jesus’ heart, not only at his healing hands. Look at the giver, not only at what He can give to you.
When you dont understand the hands of Jesus, trust His heart.

Pastor Daniel

*GOD’S COMMITMENT TO US*

1. Committed to Love us 1Cor13, Jn16:1-3
2. Committed to deliver me 2Cor1:10
3. Committed to give me grace Gal2:9
4. Committed to be faithful to me Phil1:6, 1Thess5:24 
5. Committed to bring me to Heaven Jn14:1-3, Acts7:55-60
6. Committed to glorify me Gal1:24, Rom11:34-36
7. Committed to teach me Is30:18-21, Matt11:28-30
8. Committed to be merciful to me Ps136
9. Committed to bear fruit Jn15:1-14
(Personal – John15:1-7; Relationship Gal5:22,23; Souls John4:36)
10. Committed to protect me Ex13:21
11. Committed to to provide for me Gen22:17-18, Matt6:21-27
12. Committed to help me Heb4:16, Ps46
13. Committed to lead me Rom8:14, Is58:11
14. Committed to strengthen me 1Pet5:10
15.. Committed to test me 1Pet1:7, 2Cor4:15-18, 
16. Committed to use me (in His plan) 2Tim2:18-22
17, Committed to care for me 1Pet5:7
18, Committed to give me peace Phil4;6
19. Committed to give me Body of Believers Acts11:19-26 , Eph1:23
20. Committed to give me light Eph1:18
21. Committed to train me Titus2:11,12
22. Committed to disciple me 2Tim2:1,2, Matt4:18-20
23. Committed to keep me Jn10:27
24. Committed to purify me 1Jn3:8
25. Committed to give me hope Rom5:1-5
26. Committed to encourage me 1Sam30:6
27. Committed to intervene in my life Acts16:1-10
28. Committed to remember me Heb6:10
29. Committed to victory Jn19:30, 1Jn5:4
30. Committed to answer prayers Jer33:3
31. Committed to call me 1Thes5:24
32. Committed to give me a purpose in life 2Tim1;9
33. Committed to give me gifts Eph4:1-7, Rom12:7-9, 1Cor12:8-10, 28-31
34. Committed to fill me Eph5:18
35. Committed to build me Eph2:22, 4:16, 4:29
36. Committed to convict me of sin Jn16:8
37. Committed to give me rewards 1Cor3:10-15
38. Committed to quicken me Eph2:1
39. Committed His presence to me Ps16:8,9; Ex33:1-18
40. Committed His faith to me Gal2:20
41. Committed to discipline me Heb12:5-10
42. Committed to change me into His image 2Cor3:17-18
43. Committed to reveal Himself to me Gal1:15,16
44. Committed be a personal witness of His life (gospel) Acts1:7, 8
45. Committed that I may know Him Phil3:10
46. Committed His word to me Rom10:17
47. Committed His friendship to me Jn15:15
48. Committed His physical body Jn3:16
49. Committed to inspire me 2Tim3:16
50. Committed to perfect me Col.2:10, 1Pet5:10
51. Committed to pastor me 1Pet5:1-4
52. Committed to never leave me Heb13:5,6

…and many many more

Pastor Daniel

*BOOK ”FOXE’S BOOK OF MARTYRS”*

One of the greatest books next to the Bible, written over 400 years ago,”Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” has inspired generations of Christians through the stories of men and women who chose to face death rather than give up their faith in Christ. This book provides a fascinating introduction to the lives of the persecuted saints of old, beginning with Stephen, the apostles and ending during the reign of Queen Mary.

Chapter I. History of Christian Martyrs to the First General Persecutions Under Nero; how 11 of the 12 apostles were martyred
Chapter II. The Ten Primitive Persecutions
Chapter III. Persecutions in the 4th to 11th centuries
Chapter IV. Papal persecutions
Chapter V. An Account of the Cruel Handling and Burning of Nicholas Burton, an English Merchant, in Spain
Chapter VI. An Account of the Persecutions in Italy, Under the Papacy
Chapter VII. An Account of the Life and Persecutions of John Wickliffe
Chapter VIII. An Account of the Persecutions in Bohemia Under the Papacy
Chapter IX. An Account of the Life and Persecutions of Martin Luther
Chapter X. General Persecutions in Germany
Chapter XI. An Account of the Persecutions in the Netherlands
Chapter XII. The Life and Story of the True Servant and Martyr of God, William Tyndale
Chapter XIII. An Account of the Life of John Calvin
Chapter XIV. An Account of the Persecutions in Great Britain and Ireland, Prior to the Reign of Queen Mary I
Chapter XV. An Account of the Persecutions in Scotland During the Reign of King Henry VIII
Chapter XVI. Persecutions in England During the Reign of Queen Mary
Chapter XVII. Rise and Progress of the Protestant Religion in Ireland; with an Account of the Barbarous Massacre of 1641
Chapter XVIII. The Rise, Progress, Persecutions, and Sufferings of the Quakers
Chapter XIX. An Account of the Life and Persecutions of John Bunyan
Chapter XX. An Account of the Life of John Wesley
Chapter XXI. Persecutions of the French Protestants in the South of France, During the Years 1814 and 1820
Chapter XXII. The Beginnings of American Foreign Missions

Many today call themselves ”apostles”, ”bishops” or even ”trishops” (kkkk) but they dont know how the 11 apostles of Jesus were martyred (John the apostle was boiled in oil 3 times but survived, he is the only apostle that did not die a violent death).
Download ”Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” by doing click on the link below (pdf file is 1.5mb size and 741 pages):
www.blessedquietness.com/Books/foxes_book_of_martyrs.pdf
God has already blessed you! Eph1:3

Pastor Daniel

So, what is evangelism? *Evangelism is a believer sharing the person/claims of the gospel of Jesus Christ* with a person who has yet to believe the claims of the gospel or trust the person at the center of the gospel – Jesus Christ. The gospel is “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1Cor15:3-4; Rom10:9-13). The gospel is clearly stating what God has done in Christ for the sinner, calling for repentance and belief. To fail to do this is to fail at evangelism. All the aforementioned dimensions of church life are but outgrowths and/or compliments to the gospel itself.

In Acts17:17 Paul was doing street evangelism, talking *ONE-ON-ONE* with people in the market place. Jesus sent the disciples 2 by 2, in Mark6:7; Christianity’s method of street evangelism has been lately ”confiscated” by cults, like Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses: Christians don’t do it anymore for fear that they would be identified with those cults!

Rom6:23 says *ETERNAL LIFE IS A FREE GIFT* through faith in Jesus. Not a wage, not a medal, not a loan, not a merit, not a merchandise. You can use this approach when evangelizing: ”Hi, do you think eternal life is a free gift, a wage, a medal for those who keep the 10 commandments, a merit for those who do good?” Then read to them Rom6:23, also Jn3:16. Eternal life is a free gift received through faith or trust in Jesus who died for our sins. I met someone who has been attending church for 17 years but thought salvation is a merit or a wage…he was shocked and filled with joy to hear that salvation is a gift through faith in Jesus!

Ask the person you evangelize: *’will you be in heaven or in hell after you die?’* They might answer, ”Yes, because I go to church!” Or: ”I was baptized!” But these do not save, only trusting in Jesus saves! The water of baptism can’t wash your sins, only the blood of Jesus does, see Rev.1:5, 1Jn1:7. They might answer, ”I believe in Jesus!”, but in fact they mean, ‘I heard about Jesus, I know he died on the cross for the sins of mankind.”; this one is like someone who is sick and believes that in the hospital they have the cure for his sickness, but he doesn’t go there, he delays. Delaying to receive Jesus as Savior is in fact refusal.
To receive Christ is to accept that He has paid for your sins, that you have died with Christ on that cross and you are raised from the dead to a new life with Christ.

Plan to evangelize at least 10 people per week or 2 per day; take their whatsapp phone number (preferably if same gender as you, to avoid doubts about your intents; or give them your same-gender spouse/family/a friend’s phone number); share with them through whatsapp teachings to encourage them in faith; if it is easier for you, send us their whatsapp numbers so that we can include them in our whatsapp phone list for Bible studies. If you enjoy these teachings, others might enjoy them also.
*Less than 1% of Christians ever share the Gospel with a stranger*; will you be among the 99% who never do evangelize? In a bus, in a shop, at school, anywhere where you have an opportunity, open your mouth to share on purpose the Gospel of Jesus with others. You might say, ”I am shy…” But God will give you strength: if there was a house on fire you would not be shy to shout in order to awake the ones sleeping inside, right?

Other verses: Is52:7, Mk16:15, 2Kings7:9, Is40:9, Is41:27, Nahum1:15,Rom10:15-16, 1Tim2:7,2Pet3:9, 2Cor5:14-15, 1Tim1:12-16, Rom1:16-17, 1Cor1:17,18, Acts8:26-29, Acts5:19-20, 2Cor2:12 , 1Cor16:9 , Luke12:11,12 , Matt.5:14, Mk8:35 , 1Cor 2:2 , Dan12:3 , Rom10:17 , Rom2:4.

Pastor Daniel

*WHAT IS EVANGELISM?*

The English word, “evangelism,” comes from the Greek word ”EUAGGELLION”: “good news”, it appears 77 times in the New Testament. ”EU” means good and ”aggellion” means message, it comes from ”aggelos” which means messenger. In English, the word ”gospel” comes from ”good spell” (”good word”).
In the verb form, ”EUAGGELIZO”, it means “to announce good news” or ”to evangelize”, it apears 55 times in the New Testament. At times this word is translated amplified as ”to preach good news” but technically ”to evangelize” is a literal and correct translation.
Here are some verses: Mat11:5, Luk1:19, 20:1; Acts5:42; 8:4,12,25,35,40; 10:36, 11:20, 13:32, 14:7; Rom1:15; 1Cor1:17; 2Cor10:16; Gal1:8-16; Eph2:17; 3:8; 1Th3:6; Heb4:2; 1Pet1:25,4:6; Rev10:7, 14:6 (this last verse says an angel will evangelize with a loud voice from heaven all over the world at some point after the rapture of the church).

*”KERUSSO”* from Greek means ”to preach”, to announce, to proclaim, to herald (as a public crier, as the habit was 2000 years ago, one sent by authorities to spread a message); it appears 61 times in the New Testament; some verses: Mat3:1, 4:17,23; 10:7; Mark1:4,14,38; Luke3:3, 8:39, 24:47; Acts8:5, 9:20; 20:25; Rom2:21; 10:8; 10:15; 1Cor1:23; 2Cor1:19; Gal2:2; Phil1:15; Col1:23; 1Thes2:9; 1Tim3:16; 2Tim4:2; 1Pet3:19; Rev5:2

*”KATAGGELLO”* means ”to proclaim down/unto”, it appears 17 times in the New Testament; some verses: Acts4:2, 13:5, 16:17; Rom1:8; 1Cor2:1; Phil1:16-18; Col1:28; 2Tim4:2; 1Pet3:19; Rev5:2.
”EUAGGELISTES” means ”evangelist” and the word is used three times in the New Testament: Acts21:8, where Philip is called ”evangelist”, Eph.4:11 in the list of spiritual gifts and 2Tim4:5 where the apostle Paul encourages Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. Certain men have a special gift of evangelism, but all Christians are called to witness for Jesus.

EVANGELISM is the announcement, proclamation, and/or preaching of the gospel (1Cor15:1-4), the good news of and about Jesus Christ. Therefore, the gospel is a communicated message – communicated in verbal (Luke7:22, Rom10:14-17) and/or written (Luke1:1-4) form.
Evangelism, the communication of the gospel message, includes a A WARNING, AN EXPLANATION AND A CALL:
—*WARNING* people about sin and the consequences of sin (Jn16:8, Acts24:25, Rev20:11-15). –*EXPLANATION* of God’s remedy for sin—the gospel (Acts 8:29-35, Rom3:21-26, 2 Cor.5:21)
—*CALL* to repent (”metanoia” means ”to change your thinking”, to turn from sin and to turn toward God; you can’t turn from sin without turning to God) and believe the gospel by faith (Mark1:15, Luke13:1-5, Acts17:29-31, Rom1:17, Rom10:9-13).

*There can be defined in 4 points or principles in evangelism:*
1. God loves you: Jn3:16
2. Man is sinful and thus separated from the holy God: Rom3:23; As much as the Gospel is a good news, it involves some bad news: we are sinners and God hates sin.
3. Jesus Christ is the only provision for our sin: Rom5:8, Jn14:6;
4. We must put our trust in Christ in order to receive the free gift of salvation: Jn1:12, Rom6:23, Eph2:8-9

*WHO SENDS THE EVANGELIST? JESUS!*
”Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and TEACHING THEM … And I (JESUS) am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt28:19,20
”You shall be WITNESSES UNTO ME…” Acts1:8
1Pet3:15: ”…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and respect”.
Eph6:15: ”your FEET shod with the PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL of peace”
2Cor5:18-21: ”And all things are of God, who hath RECONCILED us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION…” 2Cor5:20 ”Now then we are AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
Mark1:16-18 ”…I will make you FISHERS OF MEN…”
Mat10:40 ”THE ONE WHO RECEIVES YOU, RECEIVES ME…”

If you want to trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, say the following words to God; saying these words will not save you, but trusting in Christ will; God is looking at your heart, not lips; this prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation: “God, I know that I have sinned against you and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness – the gift of eternal life! Amen!”

*WHAT EVANGELISM IS NOT:*
*1. Evangelism is NOT DENOMINATIONAL RENEWAL*, reconstruction or even de-construction. Sometimes these are necessary to advance the cause of evangelism, but they are not evangelism. Denominations and ecclesiastical structures need occasional, healthy renewal but that is not evangelism. Many times newly planted churches are based on transfers from other churches. You can’t stop someone saved already from joining your church but you should aim at evangelizing the lost.
*2. Evangelism is NOT INVITING PEOPLE TO CHURCH OR TO AN EVANGELISTIC EVENT.* Inviting people to events is important, but it’s not evangelism – it is pre-evangelism. Many churches do not teach their people to evangelize, but they only invite people to a stadium for an evangelistic event. Some people would never go to an evangelistic event, but they might listen to their Christian co-worker or neighbor sharing the Gospel, seeing their changed (although not perfect) life.
*3. Evangelism is not IMPOSING OUR WILL OR BELIEFS on another person.* We make no apologies for attempting to persuasively make the case for Christianity. But in the end, only God can change the human heart. We dont force others to believe like us, as jihadi Muslims do.
*4. Evangelism is NOT PERSONAL TESTIMONY.* A personal testimony does not save a sinner. The gospel does. It’s quite right to support a gospel presentation with what the gospel has done in one’s life. Yet, we must never confuse the gospel itself with a personal testimony.
*5. Evangelism is NOT SOCIAL WORK OR POLITICAL involvement.* There’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeking social justice, feeding the homeless, clothing the naked, and addressing institutional-political injustices. However, social justice, food in a hungry belly, and a jacket on the back of a homeless man does not prepare that soul for eternity. Good deeds compliment or help the gospel enterprise; they do not replace it.
*6. Evangelism is NOT DOING APOLOGETICS TO WIN AN ARGUMENT.* Apologetics is a necessary part of the Christian mission. Apologetics can help answer questions and remove intellectual objections, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ can change the heart.
*7. Evangelism is NOT THE RESULTS of evangelism.* It is very easy to get caught up in NUMBERS in the church business. And numbers are important. Even Jesus told three successive stories involving numbers in Luke 15 – one lost sheep, one lost coin, and two lost sons. But souls are not notches in our belt or numbers on our denominational charts. ”One” represents a precious soul for whom Christ died. This means that we are to communicate the gospel REGARDLESS OF THE RESULTS – God alone takes care of the results. You are called to be faithful in spreading the Good News and to leave the results to God. If none answer positively, continue.
*8. Evangelism is NOT CHURCH PLANTING* Church planting is biblical and necessary. Many church plants succeed at a higher rate of growth than already established churches. But it’s not because of the magical words – church plant. The reason church plants grow fast for a season is because the believers of that new church have been reminded of the basics of one person sharing the good news with another person.
*9. Evangelism is not FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM* some believe that in order to evangelize someone you need first to befriend them, gain their trust and only then evangelize them. However, one might die before you gain their trust… Evangelize them first, befriend them without compromising with their life-style and add your life testimony to your words. Read verses: 2Cor6:14-17, Eph5:11, Jam4:4.
…see part 2

Pastor Daniel

*DREAMS AND VISIONS*

–God used dreams and visions several times in the Bible to communicate with people. Visions seem to have been common enough that their lack was seen as a tragedy: an absence of visions was due at times to a death of prophets (1Sam3:1) and other times due to the disobedience of God’s people (1Sam.28:6).
–Vision means to see spiritual realities while awake (Acts7:55), dreams while sleeping.

–In the Old Testament the word ‘DREAM’ (‘chalom’/’chelem’, Hebrew) is used about 70 times;
–In the New Testament the word ‘DREAM’ (‘onar’, Greek) is used only 7 times: Mat1:20,2:12,13,19,22, 27:19, Acts2:17

–In the Old Testament the word ‘VISION’ (‘machazeh’/’marah’/’chazon’, Hebrew) means also ‘a mirror’ and is used over 80 times;
–In the New Testament the word ‘VISION’ (‘optasia’/’horama’, Greek) means also ‘an apparition, a sight’ is used only 15 times: Mat17:9, Lk1:22, 24:23, Acts2:17, 9:10,12, 10:3,17,19, 11:5, 12:9, 16:9,10, 18:9, 26:19, 2Cor12:1 Rev9:17.

*OLD TESTAMENT DREAMS AND VISIONS*
God used visions and dreams in the Old Testament to reveal His plan, to further His plan, and to put His people in places of influence.

-Abraham (Gen15:1): God used a vision to restate the Abrahamic Covenant, reminding Abram that he would have a son and be the father of many nations

-Abimelech Gen20:1-7

-Jacob Gen28:10-17

-Joseph Gen37:1-11

-Pharaoh’s cup bearer and baker Gen.40

-Pharaoh Gen41

-Samuel 1Sam3

-The Midianite and Amalekite armies Jud.7:12-15

-Solomon 1Kings3:5

-Daniel Dan.2; 4;…and others.

*NEW TESTAMENT DREAMS AND VISIONS*
God used visions and dreams to identify Jesus and to establish His church.

-Zacharias Lk1:5-23

-Joseph Matt.1:20; 2:13

-Pilate’s wife Matt.27:19

-Ananias Acts9:10

-Cornelius Acts10:1-6: had a vision that drew him to salvation; there are Muslims that came to faith through a vision of Jesus, but when became Christians visions stopped and they attached themselves to the Bible

-Peter Acts 10:9-15: The vision served to show that Christians are not bound by kosher law and that God had pronounced foods clean, and also Gentiles “clean” to approach God freely, until then Gentiles could come to the Temple to a special area separated from Jews. Peter did not have many visions and did not encourage us to chase visions

-Paul had several visions in his missionary career. One sent him to preach in Macedonia (Acts16:9-10). Another encouraged him to keep preaching in Corinth (Acts18:9-11). God also gave him a vision of heaven (2Cor.12:1-6). Paul did not have many visions and did not encourage us to chase visions

-John – Nearly the entire book of Revelation is a vision John had while exiled on the island of Patmos. John’s vision explains in more detail some of the events that God had shown Daniel. Nobody can claim today, ”God gave me a vision about the future to add to the Bible” or they contradict Rev22:18 where God forbids anyone to add to the words of His book. If God would give someone a vision about the future, it would only be a similar vision as the ones in the Bible but not a complementary one.
Many times today people have demonic vision of the type that the witch in 1Sam28 had, or as the girl in Acts16:16 had visions from a spirit of divination (‘python’ in Greek), sadly churches today place such people as ”visionaries” of their churches or even pastors.

–It is *INTERESTING TO OBSERVE THAT THESE WORDS, ‘DREAMS AND VISIONS’ ARE BELONGING MOSTLY TO THE OLD TESTAMENT PERIOD* (the Gospels were under the function of the law, therefore Old Testament period, until the crucifixion Col2:14, Gal3:23-26)
–in the Book of Acts we have many dreams and visions, Acts being a transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament; we don’t see many mentions of dreams or visions in the epistles of Paul, Peter, James, John, except for the Book of Revelation which is filled with revelations or visions about the future.

*TODAY’S DREAMS AND VISIONS*
With the completion of the Bible, God does not have to use dreams and visions as much as He did before. That is not to say that He cannot or does not; God can communicate with us however He chooses. But when we have a decision to make, our first stop should always be the Bible, not a dream. Why would God speak to someone in a dream or a vision if he/she refuses to hear the voice of God in the Word of God? Read Ps50:17, 2Tim3:16,17

In areas where there is little or no gospel message available, and where people do not have Bibles because of persecution, God is taking His salvation message to people directly through dreams and visions. If God desires to communicate His message to a person, He can use whatever means He finds necessary—a missionary, an angel, a vision, or a dream. Of course, God also has the ability to give visions in areas where the gospel message is already readily available. But many Christians today rely on dreams and visions and not on the Bible.
Today God speaks usually through the Bible and rarely He speaks through dreams and visions, but many Christians act as if God speaks usually through dreams and visions and rarely through the Bible. Jesus said, *”IT IS WRITTEN”* in Luke4:4,8,12 and Mat4:4,7,10, He did not say, ”I had a dream”, also Mat19:4 ”HAVE YOU NOT READ THE SCRIPTURES?” Mat22:29 ”YOU ERR BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW THE SCRIPTURES”

At the same time, we must be careful when it comes to visions and the interpretation of visions. We must keep in mind that *THE BIBLE IS FINISHED*, and it tells us everything we need to know. The key truth is that if God were to give a vision, it would agree with what He has already revealed in His Word.

*VISIONS SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN EQUAL OR GREATER AUTHORITY THAN THE WORD OF GOD.* God’s Word is our ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice. If you believe you have had a vision and feel that perhaps God gave it to you, prayerfully examine the Word of God and make sure your vision is in agreement with Scripture.

-2Tim3:16,17 shows that God has revealed His will to us primarily through His Word. It says, “All Scripture (does not say ”all dreams and visions”) is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

-Scientists say we all dream every night but not all of us remember our dreams every time; certain circumstances might help you remember dreams: tiredness, stress, alcohol, some medication, pregnancy and other conditions. Our minds and even Satan are capable of producing great deception in such a subjective area.

-Eccl5:3 ”For A DREAM COMETH THROUGH THE MULTITUDE OF BUSINESS”. Your thinking and daily activities are influencing your dreams. If you watch pornography, you will dream pornography. If you meditate all day on money, you will dream money. If you don’t live in the Word and in fellowship with Jesus under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, you will dream what you fear most: many Africans fear snakes so they dream snakes, others fear death which fear is promoted by Satan Heb.2:14-15 so they dream death.
-Eccl5:7 ”For in the MULTITUDE OF DREAMS and many words there are also DIVERS VANITIES: BUT FEAR THOU GOD”. Chasing dreams and knowledge that puffs up 1Cor8:1 are vanity: we should have reverence towards God and look not for what He can give to us (visions) but desire the Giver.
-Deut13:1-3: God warns that HE WILL TEST HIS PEOPLE: dreamers of dreams whose prophecied signs will come true but who teach wrong doctrines; our test for these dreamers should be the WORD OF GOD, not their fulfilled prophecies. Sadly today churches honor such false prophets whose signs come true but teach heresies: these churches fail God’s test.

–Heb1:1,2: ”God, who at different times and IN DIVERS MANNERS” (dreams and visions included in ‘divers manners’) ”spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, HAS IN THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN UNTO US BY HIS SON…” If God spoke to us through Jesus whose words are recorded in the Bible, why would you go back to Old Testament manner of dreams and visions? The prophets who had dreams and visions had desired to have what we have today: THE BIBLE, they would have exchanged the dreams and visions for the full revelation of the Bible we have today, see Mat.13:17 and 1Pet.1:10,11

-Joel2:28 ”And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will POUR OUT MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH; and your SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS, YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS”
This prophecy made to Israel was only partially fulfilled: ”pour out My Spirit upon all flesh” or ‘upon every person’, will happen when all Israel will turn to God and be saved see Rom11:25-26

Not every Christian in the Book of Acts had dreams and visions in a literal way, but rather in a spiritual way; here are verses that prove that every Christian can have a spiritual dream or vision through the Bible:
-Eph1:17,18 Paul prays that the Ephesians would have A SPIRIT OF REVELATION (‘apokalupsis’ or vision, Greek) in knowledge of HIM and eyes of UNDERSTANDING (‘epignosis’, Greek, means personal knowledge not just information) opened; notice ”in knowledge of Him”, not in knowledge of future events or knowledge of secret things about your neighbor through visions; the Spirit of Christ does not satisfy curiosity but glorifies Christ Jn.16:14;
-Prov29:18: ”Where there is NO VISION (revelation), the people perish: but he that KEEPS THE LAW (‘TORAH’, Hebrew), happy is he.” Torah means the 5 books of Moses see Jn8:18, also by extension all the Word of God; if there is no revelation from the Word of God people perish (‘perish’ or run wild, loose with no restraint).
-Rom16:25 REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY; the mystery is Christ, see Col1:27,Eph3:4.
-Heb12:2 fix your eyes on Jesus.

Pastor Daniel

*DELIVERANCE*

Main Hebrew words in the Old Testament, translated ”to deliver”:
-yasha=salvation, deliverance; used 205 times (‘Jeshua’ is the Jewish form of the name ‘Jesus’, it means ‘God saves’);
-shamar= to protect, to guard, to deliver; used 468 times

In the New Testament, here are some Greek words translated ”to deliver”:
-sozo=to save, deliver, heal, protect; used 110 times: Mat1:21, 8:25, Jn3:17; Jn12:27; Acts16:31;
-rhuomai=to rescue, to deliver; used 18 times: Mat6:13, 27:43; Lk1:74; Rom7:24, 11:26, 15:31, 2Cor1:10, Col.1:13, 1Thes1:10, 2Tim3:11, 4:17,18; 2Pet2:7,9
-exaireo=to tear out, to pluck out, to deliver; used 8 times: Mat5:29,18:9; Acts7:10,34,12:11,23:27, 26:17;Gal1:4;
-apallasso= to release, to change away, to deliver; used 3 times: Luke12:58; Acts19:12; Heb2:15.

*Here are DELIVERANCES from God for man:*

*01. –DELIVERANCE FROM PUNISHMENT FOR SIN (HELL)*
Jesus paid on the cross for our sins and those who trust in Him are delivered from going to hell: Is53:5, Rom6:23, Jn3:14-20, 6:47, 11:25-26; 1Thes1:10

*02. –DELIVERANCE FROM THE PRESENCE OF OUR SIN NATURE*
We are born with a sin nature and we have it until we die; we commit sins because we have a sin nature: 1Jn1:8, Rom3:23, 7:14-25, 8:10; Ecl7:20, 5:12; Jer17:9;

*03. –DELIVERANCE FROM THE POWER AND SLAVERY OF OUR SIN NATURE*
It comes through living in fellowship with Christ under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Christians are no longer slaves of sin; we have the option to withstand the initiations of our sin nature by responding to God’s initiations: Gal5:16; Rom6:1-14, 8:1-13, 13:14, 1Pet2:11

*04. –DELIVERANCE FROM SATAN AND HIS DEMONS’ AUTHORITY:*
Col1:13, Acts26:18 when one receives Jesus he is moved from Satan’s kingdom into Jesus’ kingdom; a Christian still has the option to follow demons’ initiations but he will be chastised by God: Jn1:12, Heb12:6, 1Cor10:21,22; a Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit and therefore can’t be possessed by demons: 1Cor3:16, 6:19, 2Cor6:16;

*05. –DELIVERANCE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD SYSTEM*
The world system is controlled by Satan and by the sin nature of man; Col3:1,2; Gal1:4, 1Jn2:15-17

*06. –DELIVERANCE FROM SELF*
It comes by reckoning that we have died with Christ, we have been raised with Christ and placed in the heavenly places Gal2:20, Col3:3, Phil3:20, Eph1:3, 2Cor5:14-15; Lk22:42: ‘not my will but yours be done…’

*07. –DELIVERANCE FROM LIFE SITUATIONS:* sicknesses, trials, temptations 1Cor10:13, James5:14-15; 2Tim3:11

*DELIVERANCE* is defined as “a rescue from bondage or danger.” In the Old Testament, deliverance is focused primarily on God’s deliverance in the midst of trouble or danger. He rescues His people from their enemies (1Sam17:37; 2Kings20:6), and from the hand of the wicked (Ps7:2; 17:13; 18:16-19; 59:2). He preserves them from famine (Ps33:19), death (Ps22:19-21), and the grave (Ps56:13; 86:13; Hosea13:14). The most striking example of deliverance is the exodus from Egypt (Ex3:8; 6:6; 8:10), God being the Deliverer of Israel who rescues His people, not because they deserve to be rescued, but as an expression of His mercy and love (Ps51:1; 71:2; 86:13).

The descriptions of temporal deliverance in the Old Testament serve as symbolic representations of the spiritual deliverance from sin which is available only through Christ. He offers deliverance from mankind’s greatest peril—sin, evil, death and judgment. By God’s power, believers are delivered from this present evil age (Gal1:4) and from the power of Satan’s reign (Col1:13). All aspects of deliverance are available only through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who was Himself delivered up for us (Rom4:25) so that we would be delivered from eternal punishment for sin, the “wrath to come” (1Thess1:10).

Another aspect of deliverance concerns the temporal. While believers are delivered once for all time from eternal punishment, we are also delivered IN (not always FROM) the trials of this life (2Pet2:9); it means that God keeps you victorious in a trial without removing the trial, as God is walking through the trials by our side, comforting and encouraging us through them as He uses them to mature us in the faith (1Cor10:13).
In these cases, total rescue is not immediate, but in due time, after patience has had its perfect work (Jam1:2-4,12).

People are looking more for the *DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL SPIRITS* or the spirit of lust, jealousy, etc. It’s important to understand that, as believers, we already have eternal victory over Satan and demons. But we can be delivered from their influence in our lives by using two weapons God has given us as part of our SPIRITUAL ARMOR with which we battle “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph6:12-17), weapons are:
*THE SHIELD OF FAITH and the offensive weapon of THE WORD OF GOD.*

Against these two weapons, no spirit can prevail Is54:17. By holding up the shield of faith, we extinguish the flaming spiritual arrows they send against us, arrows of lust, doubt, guilt, jealousy, evil speech, and all manner of temptations. With the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we overcome the evil one by learning the truth about who we are in Christ and proving Satan’s temptations to be lies because he is the father of lies (Jn8:44). By the offensive weapon of the Truth, we overcome the evil one (1Jn2:14)

Deliverance from sin, rescue from trials, and escape from the influence of a world in the control of the evil one come only through Christ, the Son of God who has come and “has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (1Jn5:19,20)

The “DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES” of our days will usually focus on the casting out of demons in an attempt to solve problems related in fact to the sin nature. For example, a deliverance minister may seek to help someone overcome anger by casting out a spirit of anger, which is not doctrinal: deliverance from anger comes by studying about the love, kindness and forgiveness of God. Not all sins are to be blamed on demons but on our sin nature and man’s will that is not submitted to God.
The ‘healers’ basically claim to cast out demons from those believers instead of teaching them the biblical deliverance: mind renewal Rom12:1-2, which means to teach them the Bible Col3:16 and to walk in obedience to doctrine. Healers also claim to bind demons’ work in one’s life which is not doctrinal: demons continue to operate freely being allowed by God to do so until the appointed time when they will be cast into the lake of fire Mat8:29. During the 1000 years reign of Christ on the earth demons will be bound in the abyss (hell) but unregenerate men will still sin.

We are told to put on the armor to stand against spiritual wickedness (Eph6:10–18). We are told to resist the devil by submitting to God (Jam4:7) and not give him room in our lives (Eph4:27). A Christian can’t be demon possessed but he can be influenced by demons through doctrines of demons 1Tim.4:1 and temptations. Judas was possessed by Satan Luke22:3 but Satan only influenced Peter in Mat16:21-23.
Someone who believes doctrines of demons can’t be helped by ”deliverance sessions of casting out demons” but by hearing and believing the right doctrine.

A truly demon possessed person has supernatural power, breaking even chains: Mark5:3, able to overpower 7 people: Acts19:14-16 and has supernatural knowledge Acts16:17. Demon possessed people can only be set free by prayer to God, while people influenced by demons can only be set free by receiving Jesus as their Savior and by learning to use the shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God.
Jesus explained in Mat.12:44 that a demon that is chased away might come back if the house (heart) is not occupied by the Holy Spirit through receiving Jesus as Savior.

When the disciples discovered that demons were subject to them in the name and authority of Jesus, they were joyful (Lk10:17; Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12). But Jesus told the disciples, “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (v.20).

The emphasis in spiritual warfare is highlighted in verses such as 1 Jn.4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because THE ONE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO IS IN THE WORLD [THE DEVIL].” The victory is ours because of the Holy Spirit and Jesus who dwell within us. Believers can overcome their struggles with the past, habits, and addictions, because “everyone born of God overcomes the world” (1Jn5:4,5). We need fellowship with Christ, prayer, the Word of God, godly counsel, faith and the support of a good church, but not a “deliverance minister.”

We are told to “be ALERT AND OF SOBER MIND. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. RESIST HIM, STANDING FIRM IN THE FAITH” (not by going to the ‘deliverance minister’) 1Pet5:8–10

Jesus chased Satan not through a ‘deliverance ministry’ but with the weapon of the Word: ”it is written”, see Mat4:4, Luke4:4; demons flee when you believe and apply the Word of God.

The key to victory in the Christian life is to be filled (controlled and empowered) by the Holy Spirit on a moment-by-moment basis (Eph5:18). The Father knows who are His: “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Rom.8:14). The Holy Spirit will not indwell anyone who is not born again (Jn3:3–8; 2Tim2:19; Acts1:8; Rom8:9; 1Cor3:16), so the first step in spiritual victory is to place our faith in Jesus Christ. Then, rejoice that Jesus is in you and you have His power and His victory.
P. Daniel