Bitter/Sweets: Command And Control

For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. {Romans 11:32 NIV}

I like to refer unto them as being “eye-poppers”. For when I “find”{1} such a verse: it feels like my eyes are about to pop out of their sockets.

It would also be appropriate to refer unto them as being Scriptural grenades. For they appear to be of little consequence at first glance; but in the right hands: they have the potential to blow-up venerated traditions{2}.

Romans 11:32 is such a verse. For it serves as written confirmation of the absolute truth of the matter truly being that we are not nearly as free to do as we like as what we have been so strongly encouraged to believe{3}.

Alas, is it not any wonder that seldom is a sermon heard that is based upon this verse. For hearing it preached that it has been put into writing that none of us can really be good (in, and of, ourselves) is not something that far too many want to hear{4}.

Yes, many would argue that the main reason why there are not that many sermons based upon Romans 11:32 is because is represents old news. For it is already well established that all are born into sin{5}.

Ah, but for that to be true: Ezekiel 18:20 would have to be false. For it is written: The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.{6}

No, this is not to deny that all have sinned. For it truly is as it is also written: There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.{7}

Nonetheless: let it be widely known and well understood that what Romans 11:32 is really addressing is something much more personal. For it is the same today as it was during the days of the Prophet Ezekiel: For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.{8}

Yes, since none of us would purposely subject ourselves unto all that our Heavenly Father truly has{9}: it is naturally inconceivable that the Creator of us all would. For who from amongst us would allow something that they had created for their own good pleasure{10} to continue to fail to meet their expectations if there was anything that they could do about it? After all: would it not be preferable to just destroy it and start all over rather than leave it as a reminder of a miserable failure? That is: unless it did not mean all that much unto them in the first-place, of course.

No, that is not something that applies unto our Heavenly Father. For it truly is as it is written: “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!”{11}

Neither should it be assumed that it must be that there is nothing that He can do about our inherent unrighteousness. For it truly is as it is also written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’”{12}

Yes, there are many who would point unto a discussion between our Heavenly Father and Moses as being an indication of why we are still around. For it is written: "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation." But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, `It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: `I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.' " Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.{13}

Be assured that they do have a point. For it is because of the promise given unto us all that we have hope{14}.

Nonetheless: do not take too much stock in the premise that it is because of our Heavenly Father not wanting to appear unrighteous in the eyes of His enemies that is the real reason for why we still exist. For both the deceiver and the deceived are His to do with as He likes{15}.

Yes, that leaves us with only one conclusion to accept. For unless we are willing to believe that our Heavenly Father must not be all that He actually says that He absolutely is: it must be accepted that even our sinfulness is by design{16}. For who could do anything against His will if He truly is all-powerful{17}? Moreover: would He not know all about the deed to be done even before it came to mind if He is truly all-knowing{18}; and would He not actually be there at the very moment that it came to pass if He is truly always-present{19}?

No, this is not to say that we were created to sin. For the absolute truth of the matter truly is that we were created without the ability not to sin{20}.

Yes, there is a big difference between the two; but of what significance is it if it cannot be accepted that our Heavenly Father truly is perfect in all of His most awesome ways{21}? For it may very well be that the Apostle Paul really was out of his mind{22} to place into writing the rest of the story unto Romans 11:32: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.{23}

[{1}Isaiah 65:1-2; {2}Matthew 10:19-20; {3}Proverbs 16:33; {4}2 Timothy 4:2-4; {5}Romans 3:23; {6}Ezekiel 18:20 NIV; {7}Ecclesiastes 7:20 NIV; {8}Ezekiel 18:4 NIV; {9}Romans 8:20; {10}Philippians 2:13; {11}Ezekiel 18:30-32 NIV; {12}Job 9:12 NIV; {13}Exodus 32:9-14 NIV; {14}Galatians 3:26-29; {15}Job 12:16; {16}Colossians 1:16-17; {17}Psalm 33:6-11; {18}Psalm 94:11; {19}Psalm 139:1-16; {20}Proverbs 20:9; {21}Psalm 18:30-32; {22}2 Corinthians 11:16-29; {23}Romans 11:33-36 NIV]

Bitter/Sweets: The Freedom To Choose

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. {Joshua 24:15 AMP}

Yes, we do have a certain amount of what is commonly referred unto as being “freewill”. For we could not be of any true and lasting value unto our Heavenly Father without it{1}.

It is, however, extremely limited. In fact: it is only in regards unto the choice that we are given to make about wanting to truly accept our Heavenly Father as truly being our own Heavenly Father that we can be confident of there not being any divine intervention involved{2}.

No, this is not to say that we are all on our own in this. For no one can come unto our Heavenly Father except through His only begotten Son{3}; and no one can come unto His only begotten Son unless our Heavenly Father draw them{4}.

Yes, it would appear that not all are given a choice in the matter. That is, of course, unless you are of the opinion that all who fail to reach their own age of accountability before their own time as a part of this world never counted in the first place.

No, it has not been revealed unto me just exactly how it will work in our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom Of Heaven. For that is on a strictly need to know basis{5}; and I obviously do not need to know—albeit only at this time{6}. For if I did need to know: it would have been already revealed unto me{7}.

Anyway: what I do know is that it will be as it should be in the end. For no one will be forced to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom Of Heaven as an heir unto all that is His in glory against their own desires not to do so{8}.

Alas, there is another thing that needs to be addressed before proceeding further. For there are some who have become convinced that none of us are given any choice in the matter at all.

This is, of course, a result of unbridled Calvinism in the extreme; but in all fairness: they do have some Scriptures to point unto. For it truly is as it is written: The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end {and} His own purpose--even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity {and} evil.{9}

The ninth chapter of Romans appears to make it all the more clear that our Heavenly Father creates some for glory and all of the rest for destruction; but I would think that most (if not: all) would want to believe that the passage is meant to be rhetorical in nature. For who in their right-mind{10} would want to spend all of eternity with someone so cruel? After all: what would there be to prevent Him from changing His mind about even the elect{11} somewhere down the line{12}???

[{1}Ephesians 5:22-32; {2}John 1:12-13; {3}John 14:6; {4}John 6:44; {5}2 Corinthians 12:4; {6}John 20:29; {7}2 Peter 1:3; {8}John 6:66-67; {9}Proverbs 16:4 AMP; {10}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {11}Matthew 24:21-31; {12}Job 34:12-15]

Bitter/Sweets: Contractual Obligations

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

{John 10: 27-30 NIV}

No, there is no reason to worry about being stolen from our Heavenly Father’s pen; but this is not to say that the gate is kept closed{1}. For it would not fulfill our Heavenly Father’s purposes to force anyone to spend all of eternity with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven as an heir unto all that is His in glory against their own desires not to do so{2}.

Therefore: let us want to guard against taking too much for granted. For this is surely a path that leads unto destruction{3}.

A good example of this involves something that I was allowed and enabled to experience first-hand. For I was raised to believe that once a person is saved from eternal damnation through the acceptance of Christ Jesus as truly being their own personal Lord and Savior{4} that they will remain saved—no matter what{5}.

Then I was changed; and it all came into focus for me{6}. For instead of it being like a contract that cannot be altered in any way by either party involved: the absolute truth of the matter truly is that a child of our Heavenly Father’s family remains a member of His family forever{7}.

In other words: it is all about being wanted; and this is something that we can all have faith in. For it truly is as it is written: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”{8}

No, it does not help matters much that it has been so widely taught that the love of God is nothing personal. For that promotes an image of our Heavenly Father not wanting anyone to perish{9} as being more about keeping score than anything else.

Alas, what a dreadful thing to look forward unto. For who would want to spend all of eternity with someone who could not care less about whether "they" (as in: a unique individual) are really there or not.

Yes, it would be better than being cast into the Lake of Fire{10}; but if you would ask someone who is spending their life in a loveless marriage: I am quite sure that they would be of the opinion that it would not be all that much better. For if spending only twenty years in such a situation can feel like forever: just think what FOREVER AND EVER is going to feel like if the love that our Heavenly Father has for us truly is completely devoid of passion.

[{1}John 10:9; {2}John 1:12-13; {3}Matthew 15:13-14; {4}John 3:16; {5}Psalm 25:3; {6}2Corinthians 5:14-21; {7}John 8:35; {8}John 6:37-40 NIV; {9}Ezekiel 18:32; {10}Revelation 20:10-15]

Bitter/Sweets: Sheltered Lives

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. {1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NAS}

With all of the “stuff” hitting proverbial fans all over the place: it is hard to imagine that any of us are leading all that much of a sheltered life. For what has not reached-out and bitten someone today will surely take a chunk out of their children tomorrow{1}.

Nonetheless: there is more unto our lives than what naturally comes to meet our physical eyes{2}; and it is in this regard that all of us lead lives more sheltered than what most are willing to even consider{3}. For we were all created to be our Heavenly Father’s children by faith{4}; and He has no desire to see any of us perish{5}.

In other words: it is in regards unto our eternal lives that we are sheltered; and it is about this that 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 is referring unto. For it truly is as it is written: Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.{6}

Yes, many have been led to believe that it addresses something much more tangible unto the here and now. For it has been widely taught that our Heavenly Father will not allow His children by faith to be tempted to lie, steal, cheat, fornicate, murder, and all of the rest of those things beyond what they can withstand.

2 Peter 1:1-4 certainly appears to support such a doctrine. For there is absolutely nothing sinful about our Heavenly Father’s divine nature{7}.

There is, however, the matter of us being but poor reflections of His magnificent glory while we are still a part of this world that should not be ignored{8}. For the more highly we want to think of ourselves: the more in danger of eternal damnation we become{9}; and this most definitely applies unto righteousness—be assured{10}.

Alas, is this not something that the Apostle Peter was made all too painfully aware of? For even after being delivered from the humiliation of his denial of Christ{11} and restored unto his position of leadership{12}: was he not made to suffer even more{13}???

Yes, it can be naturally argued that the Apostle Peter brought all of his own misery upon himself. For he had a tendency to be quite impetuous at inopportune times{14}; and the density of his hard-headedness is beyond compare{15}.

Nonetheless: is it not to miss the point to hold such a position? For if our Heavenly Father is truly able to shelter us from being tempted to sin by the devil: should He not be able to also shelter us from the wickedness of our own hearts{16}???

No, none of this will make any sense unto those who have not been given ears to hear{17}; but unto those who have: the implications will be undeniable. For many have suffered much unnecessarily{18} because of being accused of not truly being in Christ because of false doctrines based upon the premise that no one who is truly in Him sins.

Yes, it is written: Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.{19} Just like it is also written: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.{20}

On the other hand: could it not be that what is being addressed in 1 John 3:4-10 is a different kind of sin? For it truly is as it is written: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.{21}

No, I am not here to dispute the fact that all wrongdoing is sin{22}; and that the one who sins is subject unto eternal damnation{23}. For it has been personally revealed unto me that this is indeed true{24}.

Nonetheless: is there not another side unto this that we would do well not to ignore? For it is written: All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God 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.{25}

Alas, does that not serve as a further explanation of what 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 and 2 Peter 1:1-4 is actually addressing? For who from amongst us could stay firm in the faith without the shelter that is provided by our Heavenly Father{26}???

Yes, around and around it could go until the very end. Therefore: may we all make a close examination of ourselves. For who from amongst us can honestly say that there is nothing about themselves that is not perfect in the same way as our Heavenly Father is perfect{27}???

[{1}Hosea 4:1-14; {2}2Corinthians 4:18; {3}John 3:19-21; {4}Romans 8:16; {5}Ezekiel 18:30-32; {6}2 Peter 1:1-4 NIV; {7}Psalm 18:30; {8}1 Corinthians 13:12; {9}Proverbs 16:18; {10}1 Corinthians 4:7; {11}Luke 22:54-62; {12}John 21:15-19; {13}Galatians 2:11-16; {14}John 18:7-11; {15}John 21:20-22; {16}Jeremiah 17:9-10; {17}1 Corinthians 2:14; {18}2 Corinthians 10:1-12; {19}1 John 3:6 KJV; {20}1 John 3:9 KJV; {21}1 John 1:1-10 KJV; {22}1 John 5:17; {23}Ezekiel 18:4; {24}Galatians 1:11-12; {25}1 John 5:17-20 NIV; {26}Mark 14:38; {27}Romans 7:14-25]

Bitter/Sweets: Judas Iscariot

For the Son of Man is going as it stands written concerning Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good (profitable and wholesome) for that man if he had never been born. {Mark 14:21 AMP}

Yes, it is of Judas Iscariot that the Lord Jesus Christ is referring; and in all fairness: it could be argued that Judas was getting a raw deal. For his betrayal was in fulfillment of Scripture{1}.

The Scripture in question? For it truly is as it is written: Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.{2}

Furthermore: there is also the little matter of the devil being given influence over him{3}; and even going as far as to enter into him in order to insure that the wicked deed would be done. For it truly is as it is also written: As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him.{4}

No, the Apostle Peter certainly does not seem to have much sympathy for Judas. For it truly is as it is written: In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus—he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms," ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,{5}’ and, ‘May another take his place of leadership.{6}’”{7}

Yes, it could be thought that Peter sure has a lot of nerve. For it was not all that long before he made that announcement that he was denying ever knowing His Lord and Savior{8}.

On the other hand: did this not give the good apostle a unique perspective on the matter? For as it was with Judas{9}: Satan was also involved in Peter’s shame{10}.

There is, however, a rest of the story for both; and it is in this that there is a big difference between the two{11}. For Judas refused to accept the amount of grace afforded him{12};and it is for this reason that it was said and written for our benefit{13}: “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”{14}

Yes, there appears to be a discrepancy between the account given through the Apostle Peter in Acts and that of the Apostle Matthew about the physical death of Judas that should be addressed while we are on the subject. For in Peter’s: (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.{15} Whereas in Matthew’s: So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.{16}

No, I cannot offer any explanation other than the one personally revealed unto me by our Heavenly Father, which is plenty good enough for me. For He was there when it happened{17}; but unless He does the same for them{18}: I cannot really blame anyone for being quite skeptical.

Nonetheless: it does make sense. For the absolute truth of the matter truly is that Judas did indeed hang himself; and that it was during the process of cutting him down that his belly burst after being dropped head-first onto the ground.

Alas, is that not sufficient proof in (and of) itself that the devil and his demons are still a force to be reckoned with? For the more they can get us to focus our attention upon things like apparent Scriptural discrepancies: the more likely it can be that we will miss the point being made; and in this particular case: the point is that our Heavenly Father’s grace is sufficient for all who will but want to accept it{19}—regardless of the offence {20}.

[{1}John 13:18; {2}Psalm 41:9 NIV; {3}John 13:2; {4}John 13:27 NIV;
{5}Psalm 65:25; {6}Psalm 109:8; {7}Acts 1:15-20 NIV; {8}Luke 22:54-62; {9}Luke 22:1-6; {10}Luke 22:31-32; {11}John 21:15-19; {12}Romans 5:20; {13}Romans 15:4; {14}Mark 14:21 NIV; {15}Acts 1:18 NIV;
{16}Matthew 27:5NIV; {17}Psalm 139:7; {18}Jeremiah 33:3;
{19}1 Peter 5:8-11; {20}Romans 8:28-39]

Bitter/Sweets: Spiritual Warfare

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. {We are} destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and {we are} taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. {2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NAS}

After being informed of the banishment of a distant relative: I mounted an impassioned defense. For aside from it being a part of my calling: the matter was also rather personal unto me. For I have been where they are; and I would not wish that for anyone.

Were there grounds? It all depends upon which side of the stained-glass you are on. For on one side: the outcast really was egregiously disruptive unto some; but on the other there is: Love is patient, love is kind {and} is not jealous; love does not brag {and} is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong {suffered,} does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things{1}.

In the end: the motion was denied; and I took that even more personally. For that is the way I naturally am{2}.

Thankfully: I enjoyed a brief respite when ELO’s “Hold On Tight (To Your Dream)” started playing in my head. For a broad range of emotions were reeking havoc with my peace-of-mind.

I would have had it last for at least another song. For it was not long before a huge wave of despair rolled over me; and for the next four hours: all I wanted was for it to end—without any regard unto in what manner.

Oh how I wish that account was nothing more than merely another fictitious tale being told to serve as an example of what a true spiritual attack can be like. For it felt like all hope for me was gone{3}; but if it contributes unto the cause in some way: has it not been worth it{4}???

Alas, if only I could be so noble while I am under attack. For I would feel so much better about myself in the aftermath; but in doing so: would I be any better off{5}???

Welcome to the frontline. For the battles that are waged in spiritual warfare really are that insidious{6}.

Missing the point? Be assured that you are not the only one. For it is quite natural of us to want to feel good about ourselves{7}.

Furthermore: we are strongly encouraged to do so by scientific research. For study after study appears to make it irrefutable that it is unhealthy (both: mentally and physically) to not think well of ourselves{8}.

Hence: one of Satan’s cleverly concealed traps{9}. For if the absolute truth of the matter truly is that there is nothing good about us apart from our Heavenly Father: what is there about ourselves to actually feel good about{10}???

No, this is not to say that there is absolutely nothing good about any of us. For we are all the work of our Heavenly Father’s hands{11}.

Hence: the devil’s counterattack. For if he can get us to believe that we are absolutely worthless: we are much more likely to have serious doubts about just how precious we truly are unto the One who constitutes what is truly good about us all{12}.

No, none of this is meant to deny that there really are such things as demonic possession. For there are; but they are rarely as obvious as this: They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.{13}

Take the plight of Judas Iscariot for example. For it truly is as it is written: Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.{14}

Are you starting to understand just how insidious true spiritual warfare is? For very few in the Christian community have any idea that Satan had anything to directly do with Judas Iscariot’s betrayal; and yet: there is the proof in plain sight.

Not one to take only one Scriptural account for reference? Well, John 13:1-30—especially the 2nd and 27th verses, should be most helpful.

Tragically: very little of what I have been given to say about this will be of any help unto the vast majority of the current residents of the Christian community. For it has been widely taught the devil cannot touch any of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith; and others have been led to believe that all who are truly in Christ are given power over the forces of darkness.

Are not both woefully misguided{15}? For if it is indeed true that the devil cannot touch any of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith: why are they encouraged to put on the whole armor of God{16}; and even though it is true that power is given over Satan and his horde of rogue angels{17}: is it not under the same circumstances as all of our Heavenly Father’s spiritual gifts{18}???

The moral of the story? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”{19}

Therefore: let us humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father. For it is only in Him that we have hope{20}.

[{1}1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NAS; {2}Jeremiah 20:7-9; {3}Job 3:1-26; {4}2 Corinthians 4:5-15; {5}Jeremiah 9:23-24; {6}Jeremiah 17:5; {7}Jeremiah 17:9; {8}Proverbs 14:12; {9}Ephesians 6:11; {10}Psalm 16:2; {11}Isaiah 64:8; {12}James 1:5-8; {13}Mark 5:1-13 NIV; {14}Luke 22:1-6 KJV; {15}1 Timothy 4:1; {16}Ephesians 6:10-12; {17}Mark 16:17-18; {18}1 Corinthians 12:4-11; {19}Mark 14:38 NIV; {20}1 Corinthians 10:12-13]

Bitter/Sweets: A Term Of Endearment

So there are three witnesses in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One; and there are three witnesses on the earth, the Spirit, the water and the blood; and these three agree—are in unison, their testimony coincides. {1 John 5:8 AMP}

No, I do not want to make any of this any more confusing than it already is unto most{1}. Therefore, please let me explain that it is because of how much more intimate it is unto me{2} that is the reason for why I would rather refer unto all of the things that His only begotten Son and His Holy Spirit have been doing as being what our Heavenly Father has done{3}.

More importantly: that is something that our Heavenly Father wants. For we were created to have a very close and personal relationship with Him{4}; and that cannot be achieved while we cling unto the notion that it would be better to keep a safe distance for at least the time being—if not much, much longer{5}.

No, neither His only begotten Son{6} (who truly is the Lord Jesus Christ{7} and the true “Word of God”{8}) nor His Holy Spirit{9}, consider any lack of being more specific about Their own particular activities as being of any insult unto Them{10}. For everything has always been all about our Heavenly Father anyway{11}.

Yes, it is indeed a great mystery in the eyes of this world; but unto those who have been allowed and enabled to understand: it is actually quite simple. For it truly is as it is written: The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.{12}

No, I cannot explain just exactly how it is possible for our Heavenly Father to be One and the Same with His only begotten Son and His Holy Spirit—certainly not in physiological terms. For that is something that has not been revealed unto me.

Nonetheless: I can boldly proclaim that it is indeed true because of what has been revealed unto me. For I have been given ears to hear{13} the witness of our Heavenly Father’s Holy Spirit{14}.

Alas, is this not what is the most tragic about all of the confusion that now exists concerning the role that our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible was given to play in our daily lives while we are still a part of this world? For the more we want to focus all our attention upon only it: the more we cheat—not only ourselves, but also our Heavenly Father out of truly having as close of a personal relationship as we could have with each other{15}. For with a book: all we can really have are words on a page{16}. Whereas with the true “Word of God” being alive{17} and oh so very near unto (certainly not far away from) us all{18}, we can truly have Him: In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.{19}

Yes, there would be good reason for most (if not all) of us to want to believe that our Heavenly Father really was far far away if He really was as much of a tempestuous tyrant as He has been so often portrayed as being like by far too man{20}. For who would want to be near someone who had the power to utterly destroy them—especially if they were rather hard to get along with{21}.

On the other hand: should not our continued existence be telling us something{22}? For the absolute truth about our Heavenly Father’s temperament truly is that: The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.{23}

No, none of this is meant to encourage misbehavior. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.{24}

It is, however, meant to help encourage as many as will to want to accept the Lord God Almighty as truly being their own Heavenly Father. For this is the choice that we are truly given to make{25}.

[{1}Job 11:7-9; {2}Romans 8:15; {3}Psalm 16:1-11; {4}Romans 8:28-39; {5}1 John 4:18-19; {6}John 1:17-18; {7}Matthew 3:16-17; {8}Revelation 19:13; {9}Psalm 51:12; {10}John 16:13-15; {11}1 Corinthians 15:28; {12}John 14:17-20 NIV; {13}Revelation 3:22; {14}John 14:26; {15}Isaiah 65:1-2; {16}John 5:37; {17}Hebrews 4:12-13; {18}Romans 10:8; {19}Colossians 2:3 NIV; {20}2 Peter 2:1-3; {21}Job 23:13; {22}Job 34:10-15; {23}Psalm 103:6-19 NIV; {24}Colossians 3:25 NAS; {25}John 1:12-13]