Enlightened. Equipped. Engaged.

After writing a couple pointed articles concerning false teachers, I had sort of hoped to “lighten up” a bit this time around. Though I’ve received many letters, texts and comments from people saying how much they appreciated the bible based, direct, “Take no prisoners” approach to highlighting and exposing the realm of false teachers; still I felt maybe we all needed a little respite.

These however are increasingly difficult and darkening days. There is an eternal rest for all true believers just ahead, but now, perhaps more than ever before, it’s time for every true Christian to “discern the times”, be serious about their calling and be enlightened, equipped and engaged.

Be Enlightened. Be Equipped. Be Engaged

Enlightened as to what the “enemy” is up to and how he is attacking: “Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) “The Thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy…” (John 10:10)

Equipped with the whole armor of God: “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Engaged in the struggle: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

I was watching a program just recently that was highlighting five different Americans who because of their religious convictions had either been terminated from a vocational position, sued by someone, shamed by the media, persecuted by the government or in some cases, all of the above. Recently a county clerk in Kentucky was jailed for refusing to sign marriage licenses for homosexual couples on the grounds of bible-based religious convictions. Some argued the clerk was a public official and must therefore obey the law recently delivered by the Supreme Court. That’s a valid discussion to be had and explored, but my point is that in each and every case it was Christianity that was being attacked, not protocols, floral arrangements, wedding cakes, T-shirts or even in the case of one, exemplary service in a high position of law enforcement. No, it was their biblical beliefs, religious convictions and Christian character that was the real target of the persecutors, and persecution it is!

We Are Not Protected from Bullies

Though our religious freedoms are clearly to be respected and protected under the constitution, there is a tidal wave of non-tolerant, politically correct “bullies” who have had just about enough of this Jesus!

The real question is, are there enough sold out, “crucified with Christ”, blood bought warriors in the Army of the Most High God who have had just about enough of this Devil?

Remember, we must love the sinner as Jesus does (and most certainly did with us) and demonstrate His love toward them as…”God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)

We must not however, confuse loving sinners and hating sin. In fact, it is in our commitment to fight the enemy and expose his lies and his schemes (according to scripture) that we do show our love and concern for the sinner because “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

Persecution Is Coming to A Theater Near You

Persecution is coming to a theater near you!

That’s a bit of a twist on a clever little saying that’s bounced around for years. It is however, and I’m convinced, a reality with ever increasing momentum, the effects of which, we who believe, will feel more and more in the days ahead. “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (Eph. 6:13)

Are we doing everything? Are we “fighting the good fight”? Will we live in fear, or confidence, knowing that where sin abounds, grace will abound more. (See Rom. 5:19-21)

Paul goes on to say in his letter to the Ephesians: “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, (truth brings freedom) and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (live holy) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (trust in the power of the gospel) in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith (our protection) with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, (His crowning glory) and the sword of the Spirit, (our greatest weapon) which is the Word of God.” (Eph. 6:14-17)

We’re in the battle of the ages
In the Lord’s army there’s no retreat
Fighting against the powers of darkness
For us there is no defeat

Truth has defeated the deceiver
Hell has no power to wound the Son
So why do we fight like we’re losing the battle
When the victory’s already won?

From: It’s War, Change the World, Dallas Holm

Be Enlightened. Be Equipped. Be Engaged!

In Christ,

Dallas Holm

A Request to Help Us Continue Our Work

Continuing the work God has prepared for Praise Ministries relies on your financial support. Last month, there were many of you who generously gave. If that was you, thank you.

If you’d like to continue to donate to the continuing of our Kingdom work, you can do so on our website here. I would also like to challenge those of you who currently do not have any causes you contribute financially to, to consider making a donation to our ministry. You can make your first contribution here.

Thank you for all your support and I look forward to what God has next for us – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”