“WOE!” Proclaims the prophet Isaiah, “To those who call darkness, “light” and light, “darkness”” (Isa. 5:20). And how sorrowful then, is the world we live in? The entire inhabitants of earth that is deceived by Satan, calls the very darkness of the wicked fallen archangel “light”; while they remain darkened and deceived. Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the only light there is, He is the true Light.
It says, “In Him was the life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it,” and, “He was the true Light; He enlightens every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him; yet the world did not know Him” (John 1:4-5, 9-10)
What we must come to realize, is how important light is. Naturally, sunlight allows us to see, gives us needed vitamins, and brings life to plants which in turn give life to us and animals. However, more importantly, the Light of Christ is needed to “enlighten” us. One who needs enlightenment isn’t just one who is ignorant, and needs “knowledge” but, it’s needed because of darkness. Darkness, even if you have eyes that can see, does not allow you to see. You cannot have any visibility of direction, and cannot walk in the right path. You literally “cannot live”, even though “seeing”, you are “blind” in the dark.
The word “enlighten” in the Greek is “photizo” which can also mean “to shed rays, to brighten up.” It comes from the root word “phos” or “to shine, or make manifest.” In essence, enlightenment is the Light of Jesus Christ being made manifest to you. His Light, illuminating what is dark, and shining through, transforming the darkness into light. Just as a light brightens a room, turning what was once dark into light, this is metaphorically the how the enlightenment of Christ works.
Before regeneration, the spirit of a man is darkened and bound to darkness, subjected to the “law of darkness.” It cannot submit to the things of God, until the Holy Spirit through Christ, comes and does the work of regeneration. The dark spirit, upon it being cleansed by the Blood and Atonement work, then believing in the Resurrection; is enlightened. The new spirit is full of the true light and illumination of Christ, and able to subject itself to God’s light of life and laws.
The world, even being created through Christ, did not know Him. Yes, the world that preaches an “enlightenment” does not even know the Enlightener, that is Christ Jesus. Satan himself, before the his fall was once a “light bearer,” but now his light is artificial and deceptive, and is utter darkness. That’s why the Apostle warned, “Satan comes as an angel of light.” Yet, for those truly enlightened, the “light” of Satan’s illusion can be clearly exposed as darkness.
Light is needed in the warfare against the powers of darkness, that is Satan and his wicked hosts. In fact, we must put on the “armor of light” while casting off the unfruitful works of darkness…
War is defined as “a state of armed conflict” according to the dictionary. Upon a mind being renewed in Christ, there is a “war” that takes place in the mind. The warfare of the mind is the “armed conflict” against the “strongholds” of Satan.
We first must understand the function of the mind. The mind is an area within the soul which purpose is the “intellect.” The intellect is responsible for examination, judgment, reasoning, and decision making. The “heart” has thoughts, while the mind “thinks about” these thoughts. While the heart may “feel” for something, the mind has ultimate “rulership” over making choices.
An unregenerate person’s mind is still able to gain truth, it can only understand within the “natural intellect” but this one’s mind doesn’t have the “mind of Christ” and cannot “wage-war” against the strongholds of the Foe. This mind however, can be free from aspects of deception, and therefore “maintain” the truth and continually learn knowledge about what’s false and what is real. This, however is not “waging war” against the strongholds. Since, “we do not wage war according to the flesh,” “for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.”
Weapons that are needed to tear down the strongholds of Satan cannot be natural. God gives, upon regeneration in Christ a “new spirit” and a “new heart” is given but the mind is progressively being “transformed and renewed.” God puts His Law in the mind, yet the mind is still in this process of “renewal.”
So, exactly what is a stronghold? First of all, a stronghold is the concept of a “fortified castle” by which a militia can be safe and recover during war. A stronghold of Satan therefore, is a “mindset” that has not been renewed and therefore the adversary can “rest” in this specific mindset.
The mindset is specifically, “imaginations” or “logismos” which in Greek can mean “reasonings” and comes from the root word of “think” and “logic.” This “logic” is some kind of “reasoning” that Satan has placed in the mind, and made a “stronghold” out of this line of thought. Satan then, can “rest” in this logical stronghold, and watch as your mind becomes “blocked” and struggles with thinking clearly and correctly.
From there, Satan then fires from hell “every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of God.” “High things” are the thoughts of the Wicked One, the Prince of the “air.” They are “ideas of the air” being put into the mind by means of the satanic stronghold established. These “ideas of the air” then attempt to exalt above the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God is Christ, since Christ is all in all and all things were made through Him. A high thing will attempt to exalt above the revealed spiritual truth and revelations of Jesus Christ. These thoughts attempt to “dethrone” the things of Christ, and the mind “set upon” the Spirit of God. They moved in from the strongholds and try to pull down the truth of God and then “rise up” and above contrary to what God’s knowledge reveals.
This isn’t specifically a war of the truth, per say. But, it’s the war of a renewed mind in Christ, whose regenerated spirit is “wrestling” against the dark powers of the air. And during this battle, the enemy comes with schemes against the spirit, as the wicked hosts come to wrestle against the spirit united with Christ; while the enemy also searches for a place in this regenerated person’s mind that has not been “renewed” in order to develop a stronghold and fire the arrows of high thoughts from hell.
While the believers spirit has the armor of God, the believers mind also has “divine power.” Indeed, only divine power can “destroy” the strongholds of Satan within the mind. This is why the carnal cannot wage war against the strongholds. But, the regenerated spirit equipped with armor, and the mind being renewed has this “weapon of warfare” through God to destroy the strongholds of Satan.
First, this weapon is able to “cast down” the reasonings of Satan. Satan’s reasonings are extremely crafty, and subtle. Yet, the renewed mind is able to “cast down” whatever the reasoning be. Just as Christ was able to recognize the Satanic “reasoning” from Peter who Satan used and attempted to offend Christ from fulfilling God’s will. This is in essence, what Satan will cunningly do within any area in need of renewal in the mind from God. The “reasoning” that diverts you from fulfilling God’s will, and knowledge of His will. Yet, the divine power of God, within the renewed mind can easily cast down this set of thinking as Christ did, “Get behind Me, Satan!” He said, “For you mind not the things of God, but men!”
Upon the imaginations (ie. the stronghold) being taken down, there still “floats” the “high things” that attempt to exalt above the knowledge of God. As if it’s like the “rising dust” that puffs up in the air when a building collapses to the ground. The huge bricks colliding with the ground where the dust and dirt then launch upward creating a cloud of smoke. These “high things” are also cast down by the mind in light of the divine power of God.
You may wonder exactly, what is this “divine power” and this “godly supernatural weapon of warfare”?…
“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Yes, this is the divine weapon from God to the mind of a regenerated child of God through Christ! This weapon has the strength to “bring” or “carry away” the strongholds and high things of the wicked powers of the air within the mind. Not only “carrying” these thoughts and reasonings, but “putting them into captivity.” Literally “capturing” every thought and subjecting it to the “obedience of Christ” with “readiness.” And then, upon the “captivity” this weapon of divine power then “punishes” all disobedience, and in turn fulfills the mission of obedience to Christ.
This entire process is easy, and peaceful. Despite it’s a “war”—the divine power of God makes this warfare simple, and mentally easy to wage war. Many times Christians can think they are “waging war” but are yet waging war according to the flesh, in tiresome over mental activity and ironically enough they then wage war according to a stronghold of Satan…
At times, we must pray that God, reveal the “strongholds of Satan” and “shed light upon the mind” in order to “see” the enemy’s reasoning within any area of mind not renewed. We also must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us how to use this divine weapon of warfare. Then from there USE the divine weapon of bringing captive every thought, thus casting down strongholds and high things against the knowledge of God! Being born-again is the ultimate “divine power” and something to wait for. If you feel as though you are “waging war according to the flesh” and struggle with mental clarity, contact our ministry so we can help you examine your salvation! Our number is 888-818-1117.
According to Psychologia.co, 1% of the general population are psychopaths and 4% are sociopaths. Of course, this would be the “diagnosed” ones, but who knows how many are not diagnosed and living among society. Psychology defines psychopaths as ones who shows no remorse, are anti-social, amoral, and have no empathy. They are extremely manipulating, and have controlled behavior. Psychologist hold, that a psychopath was “born” as one, and is rarely a nurtured condition. Whereas a sociopath, is more so a nurtured condition, and is narcissistic, self-centered, does not have empathy, is also amoral, but is not very manipulating and controlled. Either way, these people are held by modern psychologist as those with a, “mental condition” and can be “treated” but the “cure” has not been found. So, psychopaths and sociopaths…are they incurable?
Let us first further investigate what the Scriptures tell us about the word “Psycho.” Jesus Christ said, “Because lawlessness shall increase, the love of many shall grow cold” (Matt. 24:12). “Grow cold” is where the word “psycho” is used. A psycho can be one who is “cold.” What secular psychologist find, is that psychopaths do not have a conscience. They cannot feel remorse, guilt, or have any feelings toward people. They are essentially “heartless.” The heart is where the affections, mind, will and emotions rest. The area in the psychopaths heart where the emotions, feelings, conscience, and affections rest is literally “frozen.” Whereas the “mind and will” function without this affectionate area of the heart working. This is in essence what a psychopaths personality is made up of, only their “mind and will.”
Psychopaths can manifest their tendencies from a young age. From killing and torturing animals, manipulating their parents, harming other children without remorse, extreme anger issues, unemotional responses to natural feelings of love and so forth. This must mean that psychopathy is an “inherited” personality. Whereas sociopaths are more so “conditioned” into one because of abusive parents, environmental problems, and traumatic experiences. Either way, the question to be begged is, “How does this happen?” Psychopaths were not truly born this way, since we know originally man was not born with this “psychopathic” personality. Which means, at some point a “psychopath” had to be “made” and pass on their personality by means of children.
What could be the possible answer is that a psychopath, did indeed once have a “warm” heart. Where in the heart the affections, natural feelings, emotions and conscience were “in touch” within the person’s soul. The person had a personality, and could have empathy and feelings. But, the person “gave up” these feelings, and “abandoned” or passively “ignored” their conscience, and feelings. Overtime this person grew “mentally” intelligent, controlled, manipulating, and willful. But, this person grew “heartless” losing emotional feelings, conscience, and affections until they became completely lost. It could also be possible that a wicked-spirit then took ground over the person’s heart, since they no longer willed to have that place within the heart functioning in it’s original purpose.
This could be the possible explanation for why some psychopaths are absolutely sinister. But, we cannot necessarily blame everything on the devil and his demons…
What cannot be disputed, is that psycho or sociopaths have some kind of “bondage” in their hearts that does not allow them to have a conscience, empathy, and affection. Whatever this bondage be, secular men of psychology find this bondage “incurable” but, the Scriptures say, “What is impossible for men, is possible with God.” So, there definitely is a cure for people with this disorder, or bondage. What is it?
The GOSPEL’S resurrection power is the solution to all things! The power of God’s salvation manifests to any person who believes in the Gospel by means of God’s faith given to the person. God promises that upon the New Covenant now established, He will “write the Law upon the heart,” and “put the Law in the mind.” His own Spirit will dwell in the believing one’s “new spirit” and God will give a “new heart.” A “new heart” believing Jesus has been risen from the dead by God. This is the solution to any psychopath or sociopath, the Gospel and God’s work of salvation.
Once a psychopath is brought to the Cross by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit can make them feel “remorse” and guilt for the first time. This leads them to repentance and when God grants the faith to them to believe in the resurrection, they receive a new spirit and new heart! A new heart able to have a conscience, feelings, and godly affections! There is no condition before God, that is “exempt” from His salvation. If you are predestined in Christ, no matter what “state” or “mental condition” you are in, God’s salvation and rebirth is possible!
At times, I wonder if religion is creating unemotional, unemphatic people because of it’s “outer form” of godliness but denial of power. Since, people are “covering” their true feelings, but ultimately are “controlling” their behavior to shape and form into that of a “compassionate” person. But, within, they are “dead” and cold of natural feelings and empathy. This could explain why there is this “coldness” within the religious systems of today, and why some sinners in poverty have more “warmth” about them…
As Christians, we are to be compassionate people, and tender in touch. At Pam Sheppard Ministries, we are here to present a Gospel that brings “new hearts” and renewed minds. We have “put on” Christ and are here to be empathetic in your sufferings, and here to help you with whatever bondage you may be in, even if the world has labeled you as “incurable.” Give us a call at 888-818-1117 for counseling, questions, or concerns!
How the religious atmosphere has attempted to define what it means to be meek. Yet, we must understand by the example of Christ in the Gospels of what it means to be truly meek.
“Meek” according to the dictionary is defined as, “Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.” It is true that the meek are quiet and gentle. Christ called Himself as one who is meek. But, Christ was certainly not “quiet” when He rebuked the Pharisees, yelling “Woe!” And He was not so “gentle” when He turned over the merchant stands and money tables in the Temple, yelling, “Den of robbers!” Is Christ then, contradicting what a meek person is? No! For He is the Meek One! Therefore, we must unlearn this “quiet, gentle, submissive” meekness that has been taught for sometime.
Christ teaches that, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:4), which He versed from the Psalms, specifically, “But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in abundant peace” (Psa. 37:11). This word “meek” in Hebrew is “anav” which can also mean “poor, needy, afflicted, humble.” The word of more resemblance to “meek” would be “humble.”
The meek are “humble” or “lowly” of them “selves”. And the meek person is entirely submissive, but “submissive” to the truth. The meek person is one who quietly follows, and submits to the truth. We see Christ, always submitting to the truth, and in the reality of the truth. Because a meek person understands their submission and stance on the truth, they do not need to defend themselves, exonerate themselves in the midst of lies. “They know the truth” and because of this they are indeed quiet and mild and not offended by others. They are “quiet” of imposing themselves and “mild” in their thinking of their self. Let’s look at Christ when He was on the Cross and the people were demanding He come down and save Himself because He is the King of Israel. Christ knew the truth that He was Who He was. There was no “noise” of Him defending Himself. He did not need to “justify” Himself, and therefore remained “mild” in the midst of the evil circumstances, submitting to the truth and rejecting the lies, quietly.
Jesus Christ likewise, when brought to Herod who demanded a sign, “submitted to the truth” in all quietness. He did not need to justify the truth, exalt Himself, and submit to Herod’s demand, because Christ was already submitting to the truth. He therefore denied Herod’s request, which would seem “un-meek” to some, but according to God this is meekness. You see, being meek is not a doormat, or a pushover, or someone who is passively allowing others to dominate and control them. No, the meek are “passive” to the truth, and the truth alone! They, “rejoice in the truth.”
The one who is meek may have a loud voice, may even appear insane, have a “different” personality, but they remain meek because they yield to the truth. Because the person who is meek is following the truth, submitting to reality—they ultimately will be happy and “inherit the earth.” Not only is this a “future promise” but one for now. The one who is meek is an “heir of the earth and will receive it’s inheritance.”
What exactly is the earth’s inheritance? Just as the Israelite’s were redeemed out of Egypt and “inherited the land” and it’s goods, this is similarly to how the “inheritance of the earth” is. The inheritance is not necessarily earthly riches and wealth, and the earthly “things,” but is the overall “earth” being given for you as your possession and ownership. Because the meek “submit to the truth” they can be found trustworthy with having the earth as their own possession. With this ownership of the earth they will be using this inheritance according to the truth.
What can you make out of one who is meek in accordance with Christ’s example?
God is absolutely sovereign over all things, as it says, “I Am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I Am the LORD Who does all these things” (Isa. 45:6-7). While God is sovereign over evil, many people ignorantly blaspheme God that because He “allows” evil on this earth that He is unjust, and not fair. We see the earth is fully corrupt and deceived by Satan. Horrendous crimes, shameful acts, child abuse, disgusting acts of sexual assaults are at an ultimate high in our times. Many people who see victims of these terrible deeds, look up and wonder “why God”? What needs to be understood is that God’s justice is according to His timing.
The concept of justice entirely belongs to God. He is the Creator of justice. You see, humanly, we tend to think that the only justice a wicked person will receive is their lifetime on earth. We have this human idea that, God is responsible for all this wickedness on the earth. Since He is sovereignty allowing evil, He is to be held accountable. But, God is not responsible for man’s choices in accord to their given freewill. God is responsible in judging their choices, which He has a time for that; which is the “elementary doctrine” of the faith: “the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” (Heb. 6:2).
God’s creating of darkness must be taken into context. God does not create without reason. This verse in Isaiah was when the LORD appeared to Cyrus, who believed in this “good and evil” duality philosophy. God told him the truth, that He is the One Who is God over good and evil, He making peace, calamity, darkness, and light.
Nevertheless, God “creating darkness” is for a purpose that we do not have all the answers to. God used an evil spirit to punish king Saul, God used Satan to deepen Job’s faith, God sent His people into slavery as prophecy in Egypt, and used Babylon to chasten the Israelite’s rebellion. We won’t understand exactly why God creates and uses darkness and calamity, but we can understand that He is good, for “He so loved the world He sent His only Son” (John 3:16) The truth of the Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth silences any blasphemes about God’s goodness and sovereignty.
But, returning to the concept of God’s justice…
God’s justice does not end, even upon a person’s death. God’s justice is eternal. Meaning, that God’s justice will forever be upheld by Him as long as He lives. It requires faith to see this “unseen reality.” Death is not the final say on a person’s sentence, and accounting. Every human being who has lived, living and will live is held in entire accountability to God’s Heavenly Courts. Even if the person received justice on earth, they still will have a “sentence to share” for their “crimes” against God. This will happen during the resurrection of mankind. Everyone will have a resurrection from the dead and upon that time they will be face to face with the only True Judge and God Who will sentence an eternal judgment.
When we question God’s ways, or “talk back” to Him, we have moved from faith, to doubt. Anyone who is struggling with God’s concepts, ways, power, and judgment should remember that He says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9).
It’s more important to have faith in Who God is, than to understand how God works. What do you make of God’s sovereignty, and justice? How has God used His creating of darkness and calamity for good purposes in your life, like in Genesis with Jospeh and his brothers?
“For the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword” (Book of Hebrews)
What is the Word of God? We so commonly hear, “This is God’s Word” but do we understand exactly what that is? The Word of God has many different concepts. What needs to be differentiated is the “Scriptures” as the words of God and “the Word of God.” The Word of God is revealed, as it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” and, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us,” and now, “He [Jesus Christ] is dressed in a white robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God” (John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13).
The Inspiration of the Holy Spirit Created the Scriptures
Paul wrote by the Holy Spirit, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). This word, “Scripture” is “Graphe (γραφή)” in Greek. And “Inspired” in Greek can also mean “Breath” or “Spirit.” When Paul wrote this, he was referring to the Old Testament, since the New Testament had not been completed yet.
God is seen throughout the ages giving His thoughts to man by means of His Spirit. We see this with king David who had the Spirit “rest upon” him and inspired words of God, prophecies, and revelations. The Law was given before David’s time as the “living oracles.” We see with David at the arrival of the Psalms that they too became “inspired texts” or words of God. Just as the New Testament’s words of the Apostles are inspired texts now, “living oracles of God.”
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in the last days He has spoken to us by His Son…” (Hebrews 1:1). The Son manifested is the why the Word of God is revealed. Since the Scriptures are of God’s Spirit and His living oracles, the Son however, stands as the Complete Word, the entire essence of God’s language.
The Manifested Word As a Message
Any word whether from God or man, is spoken. Which means a word always carries a message or meaning. Jesus Christ as the Word of God likewise was spoken by God and is God, and the Word’s message is revealed as the Gospel of Christ.
The book of Hebrews claims the Israelites also heard the gospel or “good news” when they were redeemed out of Egypt, the house of bondage. But they “had evil hearts of unbelief and fell away from the living God” and “did not enter His rest.” The Holy Spirit goes on to say, “we too have had the Gospel preached to us as they did” and “we who believe have entered His rest.” Next the Spirit says, “for the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide spirit and soul, joint and marrow.” Indicating by context, the “Word of God” is not just the Scriptures, but also Jesus and His Gospel.
Peter by the Holy Spirit likewise also saw the Word of God as Christ, and the Word as His Gospel. He says, “you have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God,” also, “the grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of the Lord remains forever,” and, “this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.”
Jesus Christ is the Complete Word of God
Since the manifestation of the Son of God in the flesh of Jesus Christ of Nazareth the Word of God is revealed. Revealed as in the “living speakings” of God. God created all things by speaking them into existence. As it says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light.'” All things were made through the Son. The “Son” is also the “Word” which came in the flesh of Jesus Christ.
This is why Christ is the “beginning and end” the “alpha and omega.” Because Christ, again, is the fullness of God’s language. Nothing is outside of God’s language, because all things were made through His language. And His language is the Son. Therefore everything in existence belongs to Christ the Son. There is no other “language” of God, only one and through His Son.
The Spirit Speaking According to Christ
The Word of God is both the Scriptures and Jesus Christ, since both are “alive and active.” The Scriptures are the final authority on spiritual matters and laws. We need the Scriptures that are living words inspired by the Spirit as our “spiritual milk” to grow unto salvation. The Scriptures are needed for “reproof” and “for the building up.” If we do not acknowledge the authority of the living texts, we “nullify” the Word’s commandments, and likewise become “least in the Kingdom of God” (Mat. 5:19).
If the Scriptures needs further explanation, and interpretations, the Spirit of God sent by the Father through Christ will bring revelation to the matter. The Spirit still gives God’s words today and teaches. God’s thoughts cannot be counted, and are unlimited. The Word of God is alive, that is Christ and He is active. The Word of God is revealed to gain further apprehension of God’s language on “spiritual things.” This is why the Word divides the spirit and soul. For the spirit to acknowledge the spiritual, separated and clean from the earthly and natural soulish things.
The Word of Life’s Holy Spirit Gives Words of Power
There exist two spheres of truth. “Truth” without power and “truth” with the power of God. We must understand and realize that carnal truth is “of no avail.” The wisdom of fine speech and carnality will have a “form of godliness but deny the power of God.” At too many times in our age do we see the powerless truths presented to the masses. Truths of men that cannot set people free.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. When the Spirit gives truth to a person’s born-again spirit they can speak or record the truth. The truth contains the very “thoughts” and “words” of God and have power and freedom. These words do not have the authority of Scripture, but they do have power. All these words, must be tested in light of the Scriptures revealed authority.
With All That’s Been Said About the Revealed Word of God…
We can see that the Word of God is revealed, the “alpha” and “omega” of God’s Word and language is the Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His Word is the Gospel. And the Scriptures stand as the authoritative “living texts” breathed by God.
We are exhorted to “take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:13). With this further revelation of the Word of God, we can see that this weapon is the Scriptures and Jesus Christ and His Gospel. If you are in combat with Satan’s wicked spirit powers and the living texts are not piercing through to the foes, the Gospel preached will always cut through the “dark-powers of the air.”
Look For Truth and Further Revelations of the Spirit?
One of our ministry’s highest priorities is to “walk in the Spirit in order to nullify the lusts of the flesh.” A “mind on the Spirit,” inevitably will receive God’s thoughts and revelations, since the Spirit knows the thoughts of God.
We offer multiple memberships, counseling, teachings, and books that are powered by the Holy Spirit to better build you in the faith and maintain your freedom in Christ. As you begin read and learn, things will maybe come together for you…
Spiritual Warfare Library of PSM 