Dear Zeteo;

Your recent disclosure of studying the Holy Scriptures has kindled the fire of my heart, and I thought you might like to know that someone truly cares about your search for God and His truth. In today's world, it is important for you to know that someone sincerely desires for you to know the fullness that Scripture holds for you; someone desires that you know the fullness of the love that God has for you! While I pray that you are well, I also pray that your curiosity about spiritual matters continues, and I am offering my services in any way possible, to insure that you gain the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that you seek.

I would like to suggest that when you purchase your new Bible, that you select either an NASB (New American Standard Bible) or a NKJ (New King James Version of the Bible). The wording in these translations is rich, wonderfully expressed, easy to comprehend and without the thee's and thou's that are so very antiquated today. If you are comfortable with the older King James, that's fine too... The New International Version (NIV) of the bible, however, is not worth the paper it is printed on. It is a watered-down, simple-minded, uninspired, unenlightened and dangerous rendition of something that pretends to represent God's Word, but which misses the mark on so many fronts that the fullness you seek will never be found. Therefore, if you are seeking the full truth of the Scriptures, get away from the 'rendition' favored by Babylon. You will be better served with an NASB or NKJ translation - and not the NIV...

That aside, I want to tell you that the genuineness of your questions, and your openness to my replies, has given me the boldness to offer my aid in your quest. My personal experiences, and my exposure to others who are seeking to learn the truth about God, His Word and this creation, have shown me that every new reader of the Scriptures is burdened with a seeming overwhelming number of questions. If you are seeking answers, therefore, I wish to offer my assistance, because I would have no greater joy than helping you find the fullness of God's truth - in and through His Word.

Should you decide to open this door, however, you must know that I am prepared to challenge you - as well as be challenged by you. The truth is not a simple commodity, Zeteo, and any quest with such essential goals must be undertaken with the knowledge that the trek will require tremendous effort on your part - every day for the rest of your life! I am willing to expend whatever resources are needed to assist in your search, but what I need from you though, is your fervent commitment. The truth is not impossible to find or know. Maintaining and defending the truth, however, in light of the manner and workings of this world, is another thing altogether. I am willing to expend the time and energy, but I will not waste and squander that time or energy on a half-hearted or deceptive 'search for truth'!

Inasmuch as we need a starting point to our discussions, this first letter must begin as a narrative. The topic, therefore, is of my choosing, or - in reality - is what I believe I am being led to discuss. In subsequent letters, I will attempt to answer whatever questions you may have, address whatever issues you may raise and introduce some new information of my own that may prove helpful to your studies. Remember though, Zeteo, I am here to help you. I am not here to dictate a prescribed plan. If you do not like something I say, tell me. If you disagree, say so. I must know your opinions and feelings - you are certainly going to hear mine. Otherwise we will both end up wasting a lot of time, and that sort of waste is totally unacceptable.

Spiritual guidance can be found in numerous forms today, my friend, but sadly enough, most sources fall woefully short of the fullness of God's Word. While I wholeheartedly believe that spiritual knowledge and wisdom is found solely in the Scriptures, many within the “christian” society no longer recognize Scripture as the source for truth and righteous living, and the fullness of God's Word is not being taught or believed. God, speaking through His Prophets, foretold that as we approach the end of the age and the return of Messiah, there would be a drought with regard to His Word, and an increase in satanic activities. It is also said though, that before Messiah returns, there would be an outpouring of truth and revelation through a revival referred to as the great harvest. I believe that your interest in God, and your search for the Truth, is a product of these prophecies. It may comfort you to know that your quest is one that is being shared by countless souls around the world. My concern lies in the fact that too many false prophets and teachers are out there, attempting to divert the true seekers from finding the fullness of God's Word. The Letters are being presented as my attempt to stand in the gap with my Father's other faithful Disciples. The truth must be heard today, and that truth is only found in the Word of God!

And while God is stirring the hearts of many people, the condition of society certainly bears out the Prophecies regarding Satan's activities for the end time. This is true because Satan, who knows the end is near, has permeated society (including the church) with innumerable distortions and delusions (especially within the past hundred years), which is why confusion reigns today regarding just what is true and what is false. The distortions and delusions are significant enough that many people, including many professing 'christians', honestly believe that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Well let's settle this issue right now, because absolute truth exists! There is a right and there is a wrong, and the wrongs are not merely 'non-rights'. Wrong is wrong! Evil is evil! Sin is sin! Truth and lies stand in complete opposition today, just as they did at the beginning of this creation. The world and the 'church' have turned their back on these matters, however, which is why I am so very concerned about your spiritual growth and well-being.

In light of Satan's activities, therefore, we must heed God's advice regarding the validation of the teachings we hear, and apply His rules whenever we discuss His Word. Scripture says that we should, “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). He also said we were to, “not despise prophetic utterances, but examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22). In order to "hold fast to that which is good and abstain from every form of evil"; we must first KNOW what is good, and we must know what is evil! And we only KNOW what is good or evil by reading, studying and absorbing God's Inerrant Word. Only in this way can we compare and uphold everything truthful, or dispute and defend against the erroneous and evil social and scientific ramblings that are so rampant today. God's Inerrant Word is the foundation of all Truth, and society - especially the 'christian' society - has failed to comprehend and believe what God has told us. Shame on us all!

Admittedly, comparing and upholding every teaching or theory with the Scriptures, makes the search for God and His Truth an arduous task, but the fullness of His (law) of comparison must apply to every teaching - including whatever I may write or say. I think it important to add a note at this juncture, however, regarding the Scriptures, because nowhere in the Scriptures or in my teachings, will you find it said that the Bible reveals ALL knowledge of ALL things. The foundation of understanding is established within God's Word, but His Word allows us to build upon that foundation. God's LAW is and remains LAW! Try as they might, humanity cannot change God's LAW. But mankind is free to research the sciences; the humanities; the cosmos - and grow and progress thru that research. Unfortunately, we have drawn many completely erroneous conclusions in our studies, because the Word of God has been ignored or distorted. The Word of God reveals to us that which God has chosen to reveal to us; that which HE found essential to tell us. The Scriptures do not contain the fullness of God's knowledge of all things, and if you believe and grasp nothing else from this paragraph and teaching, please grasp this: Man's knowledge does not (and never will) exceed the fullness of God's knowledge about anything. How arrogant we are! How sinful we have been! To even think that we could possibly know more about anything then the God who created us in His image, is exactly the same sin that Lucifer committed. God created us in His image, and He gave us dominion over this creation; dominion to learn and grow. In His Word He challenges us to pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and that challenge applies to every facet of our lives. God wants us to learn and to grow! We have forgotten to remain faithful to the foundation of His Word though, and because of our sinful pride, in neglecting to believe God's Word, we are rapidly advancing in a faithless march toward the wrath of God and eternal damnation.

One can easily say, therefore, that in neglecting the (law) of comparison, and in disregarding and diminishing the Dominion of God in our lives, society is now adrift in a rudderless craft that is laden with false teachings, false understandings, false doctrines and false directions. The humanist agenda has been vigorously and faithfully pursued, while the 'christian' world slept and accommodated society's sinful lifestyle. Neglect of the law of comparison is also a major cause for so many “religious” people to be so faithlessly out of step with God. The teachings that have propagated in our society, in the last sixty years alone, have not been held accountable to the standard of His Word, and the failure of society, as a whole, is its result. Clearly, the intense spiritual battle [tc] that rages against the Word of God and His people, is not being discussed today either, because Satan has infiltrated to the core of the religious institutions, and he is not looking to be exposed. Prophetically, this agrees with every end time message, because the apostate religious system will be a primary tool of the antichrist during the end time period. The faithful will remain faithful, but in not examining everything, the weak are being deceived (and dying) and Babylon is thriving through the deceptions.

Therefore, as one who claims to be a disciple of Yahshuah ha Mashiach, I am committed to abiding by the teachings and faith that Yahshuah gave us, regardless of the cost. I have learned that discipleship [tc] is a commitment to conduct and discipline, that must faithfully stand against every internal and external attack sent to distract us from the progress of Yahshuah's purpose, or diminish the glorification of our King. A disciple, therefore, is a forgiven and forgiving sinner who has claimed the salvation of God through Yahshuah our Messiah, and who determines to dedicate their life to abiding by God's Word and Will, and who dedicates their life to the worship of God, continually communicates with God thru prayer, and fervently labors in the harvest of God - in His love! None of these actions, by the way, add in any way to the Salvation provided in Yahshuah ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ) thru His Scourging, Crucifixion (Death) and resurrection. His work is perfect and complete, and nothing any of us will ever do can add to the salvation He has already provided. He is my Master, Messiah and King, and as His disciple, I choose to follow His lead every day of my life.

I have also learned two other important facts as well, which must remain foremost in the minds of anyone seeking the truth, because God is in the people business. These facts are:

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

“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” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

God hates sin, Zeteo, but God loves the sinner; He died for the sinner. The struggle for truth, righteousness and discipline has come at a great cost, but as far as we are able, it can never be at the expense of another's soul. I am telling you these things, dear friend, because, while I believe that God's truth must be taught, I also believe that every teaching must be shared in His love and grace. Therefore, I offer the experience that I have gained in love, without judgment, and I need you to know that the openness and sincerity of my heart is due to the profound realization that I am nothing more than a forgiven sinner. As such, I have no right or authority to judge anyone. You are free to discuss the burdens of your heart, without having a finger pointing in your face in return. I will call sin - "Sin!" I will cry for repentance! But by the grace of YAHSHUAH, I will not judge.

The discipleship that I confess and teach is not an expectation of perfection in this life - nor is it an event. THE EVENT of importance, on a personal level, comes when we believe that Yahshuah is exactly Who He says He is, and accept Him as our personal Master, Messiah and King. (Following Him in immersion baptism as well). Our lives, and the discipline we acquire after that event, are a process.

I believe that only by abiding in Yahshuah can we ever attain to the fullness of His desire for us. Only through Him can we overcome failure. His knowledge, wisdom, discernment, understanding and insight guide and teach us, and His love, compassion and mercy not only abide within us, through His Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Qodesh), but allow us to confess our sins with the full assurance of forgiveness when we do screw up (1 John 1:9).

Furthermore, I have learned that certain knowledge is essential to any who would seek to know the truth about God. That knowledge, simply put, is that God created us (in love) for His glory, and this life is a battlefield for our souls. Whether we believe in Him or not, the battle rages about us, and for us. While Satan desires to keep us blind to these realities, you must be made aware of the fact that your interest in God and His Truth is upsetting to Satan, so he will utilize whatever means are necessary to discourage your search. If you can keep these truth's in mind, you may recognize his distractions, and maintain your focus on God's Word. In so doing, you will ultimately find the truth.

As one who has been taught these things then, I would be remiss if I did not fully inform you of this battle being waged for your heart, mind and soul. (Letter #23 is another expose on the fullness of spiritual warfare, and should be read by every disciple - just to keep our level of discernment high). What you must know at this point though, is that Everyone searching for the truth can expect the aggression of Satan to radically increase in his or her life. It is difficult to express the subtlety and intensity of this battle though, when so many people no longer acknowledge God, Satan, or the spiritual struggle. Good and evil exist, and we must deal with this truth! I say this because while you may not yet believe the Scriptures to be Truth, He who has stirred your heart to learn about Him, will protect you as you search for Him, and His protection is unconditional for as long as you earnestly seek Him.

It is also true though, that the protection offered by God does not immediately lessen the agony caused by the ridicule or rejection that you may receive because of your studies. Only time with Him can eliminate that pain. Yet, I think it will be comforting for you to know that your search is a result of God's intense love and desire for you, and that in spite of, and possibly even as a result of Satan's attempt to interfere and disrupt your search, that same God is ready, willing and able to come to your aid. This letter is certainly intended as an encouragement.

So how is a disciple of Yahshuah supposed to maintain balance during life's struggle? By keeping our eyes focused upon Yahshuah, even as the battle rages about us, we learn to grow in Him; grow in His love and His forgiveness. Only in Yahshuah can we overcome; only in Him can we attain victory. In our awareness of the utter death and destruction around us, we learn to rely upon Yahshuah for our marching orders. And we learn to trust that He will insure our preparedness for whatever He asks us to do. Our faith [tc] acknowledges the existence of sin and evil, but our faith also turns to God for protection from that sin and evil. In Him we overcome. Don't for a moment, however, think that we don't ask, “WHY?” sometimes, when things go badly, because we do!

The dilemma confronting all of us in this battle between good and evil, is the simple fact that although Yahshuah is to rule in the lives of His children, "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19-20). The enemy prefers that we never find the Messiah, and attempts to confuse us spiritually, bind us in any possible way from discovering the Truth, silence any expression of faith or inquiry and place us along the wide path to destruction. While Satan has deluded mankind into either following him outright, or denying that he exists at all, those entangled in the occult [tc] know his power, and are delighted that the rest of us maintain our ignorance. Disciples of Yahshuah ha Mashiach cannot remain ignorant of Satan though, because the walk of faith is spiritual - aware of the evil, but abiding in the light.

And even though this life is a battleground, it is also a field of preparation and opportunity. We believe that those who overcome sin through Yahshuah our Messiah are the children of God. As His children, He will allow us full run of His eternal kingdom. Isn't it true that your children have full use and access to your home? Our Father is no different! Scripturally, therefore, we are told that testing and cleansing are essential for our growth. (See 2 Timothy 3:12; Luke 6:40 and James 1:2-4, 1:12 and 5:1-10). In this life we are taught love, humility, patience and a great deal more. Lessons essential to living in our Father's kingdom. (See Hebrews 5 about piety). So don't be discouraged as the battle rages; there is a purpose, because "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His Purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Additionally, God's instructions for this life have been given so that we would be, “adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Within His instructions we are told to: “Be strong in the Master, 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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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. Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

There are three commands issued within this passage from Ephesians that must impact our lives. Those commands are: “Put on”, “Take up” and “Stand firm”.

The last Sunday School class I taught (about twenty years ago now) was dedicated to a three week study on the commands issued in Ephesians 6:10-18. We were going to cover one command per Sunday. On the first Sunday we discussed what “Put on” meant, and just what it was that we were to put on. The next week we discussed what it meant to “Take up”, and just what, when, how and why we were to take “it” up. We intently discussed the spiritual warfare that was raging about us, and there was genuine excitement in the knowledge that was being found. Our conversation was brisk, and the Scriptural support for our discoveries was tremendous. We never got to discuss what it meant to “Stand firm”, however, because the series was deemed too controversial by the church elders and deacons (of which I was one). The last class never assembled, and my days as a Sunday School teacher and elder ended in a political heap.

When I first began to prepare for that Sunday School study though, my intent was to present a brief expose on “PUT ON”, “TAKE UP” and, “STAND FIRM”. I never finished the final lesson, however, until a few years ago, when I sat down to write a letter similar to this one. In my disappointment over not concluding the study, I dropped the ball, and did not pursue the final element for my own knowledge. While I may not have been ready to discuss such matters then, God finally motivated me to conclude my study, and the resulting revelations are something I try to share with every seeker.

As the return of Yahshuah ha Mashiach draws near, and as we enter into the final days of this age, monumental spiritual outpourings and displays, both good and evil, are prophesied to be upon us. As these events draw near, the lessons of Ephesians 6:10-18 take on an increasing urgency, because the call to faith has never been stronger, the necessity for a united army of God (Body of Messiah) throughout the world has never been more intense, and the need for the power of His Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Qodesh) within the body of Messiah - to withstand the arrows of Satan - has never been greater. The harvest will come through wisdom, knowledge and love, not thru ignorance, accommodation, intolerance and bigotry. And the fact that there are more people alive today than have died throughout history indicates that the harvest will be great, because the end time population is so great. God has prepared it so!

Although I originally intended for the Ephesians 6 study to be an easy romp through an exciting passage, I could not get past the command to, “PUT ON”, without something being revealed to me about my own life. When I really understood the words that were used by the Spirit (Ruach ha Qodesh), and when I really believed what God was saying throughout the New Testament, when He was telling us to “PUT” something on, I realized that for a long period of my walk with Him, what I was really putting on, was - myself.

I cannot say that I have “put on” everything that we are going to talk about here, every day since that study, but I do sincerely try to dress in the full armor of God. My desire in discussing this passage and teaching these matters, therefore, is to simplify the process for any others who may be seeking God, so that we can understand what we are being commanded to “PUT ON”, and so that we can envision the fulfillment and results that our faithfulness will bring. Then, as we continue searching together for Him, we can help each other put on our armor every day.

The Greek word used in Ephesians 6 for “PUT”, is ENDUO, and the primary meaning of ENDUO is, to clothe or be clothed with, (in the sense of sinking into a garment). Literally, it means to slide intentionally into; to be embraced by and/or with. If we look at Scripture, we find that those who would believe in the Messiah are commanded to “PUT ON”:

“The full armor of God; the breastplate of righteousness; the preparation of the gospel of peace” Ephesians 6.
"The armor of light; the fullness of the Master, Yahshuah ha Mashiach” Romans 13:12-14.
“The imperishable” 1Corinthians 15:53-54.
“Our dwelling from heaven” 2Corinthians 5:2-3.
“The new self” Ephesians 4:24.
“The new self; a heart of compassion; a heart of kindness; a heart of humility; a heart of gentleness; a heart of patience; a heart of forgiveness; a heart of love” Colossians 3:8-17.
“A breastplate of faith; the helmet of the hope of salvation” 1Thessalonians 5:8.
“Power from on high” Luke 24:46-49.

Paraphrased, we are to clothe ourselves with power from on high, “PUTTING ON” the breastplate of faith and righteousness. In our new self, which is the imperishable dwelling from heaven, we are to attire ourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. And, wearing the helmet of the hope of salvation, we are to proclaim the Gospel of peace, in Yahshuah ha Mashiach.

Please notice one important fact here: The act of “putting on”, as discussed in Ephesians 6, is an entirely voluntary action. We consciously decide, daily, whether we will get dressed or not. And, the decision is entirely ours, Zeteo, because God will not force His will upon us. If we are faithful to His call, we will strenuously attempt to attire ourselves just as Yahshuah did in His walk on this earth. Otherwise, we deceive ourselves about our faithfulness to Him, and in our pride we determine instead to walk under the delusion of our own power and authority. Such is the spiritual battle!

We are also commanded to “Put aside” certain behavior, and the putting aside is voluntary as well. Those things that we are to shun include, anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive language. (Colossians 3:8). While Galatians 5 expands upon these traits, it also refers to them as, “deeds of the flesh” (Galatians 5:18-21). Faithful disciples, fully trained and mature, know that God does not ask them to do anything that is beyond His capacity to see fulfilled within their lives. If God is telling us to put on certain things, and put aside others, it must be possible for us to do so. But the only way to accomplish any of these things is to have faith in Him. That basic faith is our breastplate, and it is to be worn snugly! (Letter 16 discusses the Gift of Faith, and as you will see, there is a difference between basic faith and the Gift of Faith). But I digress...

The second command of Ephesians 6:10-18 is, “TAKE UP”, and interestingly enough, two different Greek words are used in this passage to describe, “take”. In Ephesians 6:13 & 16, the Greek word is ANALAMBANO, while DECHOMAI is the word used in Ephesians 6:17.

ANALAMBANO is derived from two other Greek words. The first word, ANA, is a primary preposition and adverb denoting upwards or up. As a preface, like in its use here in ANALAMBANO, it denotes up, again or back. The second portion of the word, LAMBANO, means to take, or receive. The forcefulness of the word ANALAMBANO, therefore, is very similar to the strength of the word ENDUO that we just studied, because just as forcefully as we are to “PUT ON”, ANALAMBANO is serious about the fact that we “TAKE UP”. So how do we apply “take up” in our lives?

Paul used the word ANALAMBANO four times in his writings, and two of them are here in Ephesians 6:13 & 16. The other two uses are in 1 Timothy 3:16, and 2 Timothy 4:11. In 1 Timothy 3:16 we are told that Yahshuah was “taken up” in glory, and in 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul is telling Timothy to “pick up” Mark, and bring him to him. Just as Yahshuah ascended in power, Paul was informing Timothy to bring Mark - forcefully if necessary - because he was useful for service. The command to ANALAMBANO the full armor of God and the shield of faith, is something that we are being told to do with force and power. Physically, mentally and spiritually we are to pick up, put on and uphold - our armor and our shield.

In Ephesians 6:17 we are told to, “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ruach ha Qodesh), which is the word of God”. The word used in this verse for “TAKE”, is the Greek DECHOMAI, and as a primary verb it means to receive. I began to wrestle with these words though, as I looked at the verse, wondering why Paul didn't use ANALAMBANO in this instance also, seeing as they both appeared to mean, to receive up. What I discovered is interesting:

When Paul penned what we interpret as “receive”, he used DECHOMAI three times and LAMBANO eleven. Aside from Ephesians 6:17, DECHOMAI is used in 2 Corinthians 6:1 and 1 Thessalonians 1:6, and in all three instances the implication and method for receiving is a mental process. Where LAMBANO is spiritually physical, DECHOMAI is entirely mental. While one command is spiritually physical, the other represents a deeper spiritual cognizance or awareness - a learning.

Obeying the command of Ephesians 6:17, that we "Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Ruach, which is the Word of God" [tc], is an internal act of faith with regard to salvation, but a mental act of acquiring the knowledge found in the Word of God. That is why studying Scripture is so important for us all. Elsewhere in Scripture we are told that Yahshuah's disciples, “are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah” (2 Corinthians 10:5). The only way even one thought can be held captive to our Messiah, is through faith in Him. A strong realization that, “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3) is helpful too. The helmet of salvation is internalized first, then it is shared with non-believers. The sword of the Ruach, which is the Word of God, is internalized first - it is learned - then it is shared.

Everything we do is voluntary, Zeteo, and everything is subject to the spiritual battle that rages for our hearts, minds and souls. We decide when or if we are going to put anything on, and we decide when or if we are going to take anything up. As beings with a free will, we decide if we are going to stand firm, just as we determine our usefulness on a moment-by-moment basis. This is the heart of the spiritual battle, my friend, because Satan does not want us to “put on” anything that will ward off his attacks, nor does he want us to “take up” anything that will interfere with his activities in society. He most assuredly does not want us to “stand firm” against him personally, which is why my interest in your studies are so intense. Or didn’t know that you were cared for so highly?

A popular teaching raging throughout the world today, is that many sinful life-styles are genetic. Specifically, in case my reference is too vague, I am referring to the homosexual lifestyle that has ensnared so many men and women. While we will discuss this issue in greater depth at a later time, it is important for you to know that the decision to obey God, or disobey God, and the decision to believe His Word, or not believe His Word, is entirely ours. We have a free will, and those who elect to participate in a homosexual lifestyle, do so at their own choosing. Nonetheless, sin is sin, and to explain sinful actions away as mere genetic manifestations, is just as sinful as the acts themselves. Society must repent of these actions, not flaunt them. God has a free will, and as beings created in His image, He has blessed us with this same free will. We can choose to put on, take up and stand firm. And this too is another watershed teaching, because we either believe the Word of God or we do not. I choose to believe His Word. Please keep one thing in mind though, Zeteo, the condemnation just discussed is not presented out of hatred or anger. This teaching, as are all of my teachings, are presented in the love of my Master, Messiah and King. Repentance from sin - ANY SIN - and being born again - are all available thru faith in Yahshuah ha Mashiach. To believe anything less is also a sin!

Our final phrase in this study, “STAND FIRM”, is actually only one word in the Greek, and that word is HISTEMI. HISTEMI means to stand fast, erect, established and balanced - with endurance. Within Ephesians 6:10-18 we are told to “stand firm” three times, and those commands read:

“Stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
“Having done everything [else], to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13).
“Stand firm, therefore” [having done everything else] (Ephesians 6:14).

Whether at home, work or play; with family, co-workers or friends, Satan will use whatever means are available to distract us from our search for truth or walk of faith, and obstruct us from fulfilling our life purpose. The difficulty in dealing with spiritual realities though, is simply that Satan and his minions work very, very subtly, and normally with exceptional speed. An awareness of the intensity of this spiritual warfare increases our ability to acknowledge a battlefield though, and our knowledge of the enemy's tactics enables us to wisely stand firm. Mark my words, however, because I assure you that within the next few weeks or months, your efforts to continue your studies will be thwarted. Recall this warning, Zeteo. Rebuke the evil one in the name of Yahshuah, and press on in your search. You will not be disappointed.

Quite frequently, our prayers are disrupted, and we do not understand why we cannot concentrate. Our time for Scriptural study is interrupted, and we cannot comprehend why we do not have enough time to read. An effort to do something good, or a time of evangelism is hampered by outside forces, and we feel helpless. This need not be! The spiritual deliverance outlined in the eighth chapter of Romans is complete, but in not even acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare, we have allowed the forces of evil to run unhindered against us. Yet, “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Mashiach Yahshuah our Master” (Romans 8:37-39).

If you consider the daily events of our lives, including the news from around the world, I am certain that you can identify many "bad things". I doubt, however, that demonic forces are being recognized or acknowledged for their involvement while the events are taking place. Aside from a few faithful Disciples of Yah, spiritual warfare is not been given any consideration in this era, except by those deeply involved in the occult, who know that they need only mention the name or function of a spirit, and in effect that spirit is, “called up”. Once solicited, however, the spirit must be dealt with. Left unattended, the minions of Satan are free to test, try and prod wherever they desire, and that is one of our primary mistakes today. I'll get back to this in a moment.

Yahshuah said, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). The truth revealed in the Word of God does indeed make us free, but our freedom requires that we resist Satan, and humbly submit to God. (James 4:7). This is why your quest for the truth is so important, Zeteo. I know the enemy! I know he will do everything to stop you from continuing your search. Don’t for a minute be fooled into thinking that resisting him is easy though. Spiritual warfare has raged for thousands of years, and Satan will not leave us alone simply because we resist his workers with a flippant 'Be Gone'. We are involved in an intense spiritual battle, and we must prepare our mind and heart for the intensity of that warfare. We must maintain our focus on the eternal goal, which is what our interest in Scripture is really all about. Only then we will be able to stand firm in the power of God.

Now, about spirits and spiritual warfare: Since my childhood, I have been a great fan of the movies and television. Aside from three years spent overseas in the Army, I haven’t missed very much of what Hollywood has produced for viewing by the general public; good or bad! If you consider television specifically though, and in particular the shows of the fifties and early sixties, you will find some violence and sexual innuendo, but for the most part, adjectives like: innocent, wholesome and entertaining are applicable.

The innocence ended in the late 1960’s, however, as we watched the evening news and witnessed the youth of our nation being killed, and killing, in Southeast Asia. The innocence ended as we watched other American youths violently protesting across the land and around the world, while we sat comfortably in our living rooms. The innocence ended as we sat down to dinner and watched Buddhist protesters pour gasoline on themselves, literally igniting their lives into oblivion. We watched, and we absorbed. It was a grave mistake inviting the Vietnam War and these other horrors into our homes the way we did, because another war was waging for our minds at the same time. A spiritual battle raged without any recognition by society or the 'church'.

A comparison of television and movie content between the early and late sixties would provide a dramatic increase in violence, sex and corruption. And politically, as well as socially, morally and ethically, our world followed. What happened to cause the shift? Simply stated, we literally called up and exposed ourselves to the most vile and disruptive spiritual forces known, while we watched the evening news, and we allowed the most intense spiritual battle possible to enter into the very core of our lives. Very few people knew enough to rebuke, let alone recognize those forces, so we became numb to death, destruction, violence and crime, and in our numbness we asked for more.

Today, while the content of television exposes us to every demon conceivable, society's sensitivity to good and evil has vanished, and our power of discernment no longer exists. We regularly expose ourselves to spiritual forces without knowing, but the spirits involved do not care whether we know what we are doing or not. We have been told to carefully watch what comes out of our mouths (Matthew 12:34-37; Ephesians 4: 29; Colossians 3: 8), and what goes into our ears (Mark 4:24), because if we do not stand firm against the evil we see or hear, we will become absorbed in them, and they will proceed from us as well. This is not a simple-minded or prudish exhortation, Zeteo. Take a quick glance at your newspaper tomorrow morning, and tell me that humanity is not absorbed in evil.

Throughout the industrial world, people are leaving the urban and suburban centers of society, and moving to rural locales, in the hope of finding a slower lifestyle and less crime. Sadly, it is not being found. The reality is, in the forties and fifties, which is the time we yearn to relive, society pretty well agreed upon what was right or wrong. Although criminals existed, there was still a “code of ethics” even within criminal circles. Certain activities were unacceptable even for organized syndicates. While society has never been exclusively "Christian", the elementary principles of the "Judeo-Christian" teachings, regarding right and wrong, were widely accepted. Discipline was taught and administered, life was simpler, and crime was almost manageable. This is no longer true! Regardless of where you live today, there is no longer an accepted standard of right and wrong, and society is collapsing. Children kill other children in Montana and North Dakota, just as easily as they do in California and New York. While Vietnam and television are certainly not the cause of mankind’s fall, the reality of their being used as an impetus toward a spiritually collapsing society, is inarguable.

The decline in morality and the value of life, and Satan’s influence and infiltration into society and the religious institutions, happened because men and women, and especially the EKKLESIA, grew tired of standing firm. Complacency and affluence following the victories in Word Wars I and II, allowed a spirit of apostasy to enter the hearts of the industrialized world, and the evil we now witness within society is a direct result of that spiritual warfare - and our sinful failure to fight the good fight of righteousness!

Those who believe upon Yahshuah ha Mashiach today must seek a personal reawakening and revival of their own hearts, and must repent of our apostasy, and once again enter the battle fray with intensity, determination, unity, power and above all, love. We must recognize the immense responsibility that we have been given by the God of creation, and we must fight for the fullness of God's Truth and Good News thru Yahshuah ha Mashiach. Our reentry into the warfare is the practical application of Ephesians 6, and while we must "take up", "put on" and "stand firm" in our personal struggle against the attacks of Satan, we must fight against Satan for humanity as well. The Ekklesia must once again “stand firm”, which is another reason why I am compelled to become involved in your search...

Finally, in James 3:1-12 we have an incredible teaching for life given to us. The truth we find there is this: Our tongue defiles our entire body and establishes the course of our lives. Elsewhere we are told that God does not tempt anyone, but that each is tempted when he is carried away by his own lusts (James 1:13-14). In other passages God has told us not to judge others, lest we be judged (Matthew 7:1), and that the things which we speak defile us (Mark 7:15). The point here is simply that as we are bombarded with words and images, from whatever source they come, and as we acknowledge the reality of the spiritual battle raging for our souls, we must, in our minds and hearts, constantly rebuke every evil confronting us. We must maintain a vigil against the forces that seek to destroy our search or our salvation. As we think, so we are. As we speak, so is our heart. Test the spirits, Zeteo, keep what is good and rebuke what is evil. Learn how to “Fight the good fight of faith" and "take hold of the eternal life to which you are being called” (1 Timothy 6:12).

Admittedly, spiritual warfare may seem an unusual place to initiate a discussion on God and Scripture. In reality though, spiritual warfare is exactly where we must begin, because you must know that your search for the truth about God is at the very core of the creation. The purpose of life is to glorify our Heavenly Father thru Jesus Christ His Son - for in so doing we become complete beings. Satan knows this truth, despises the truth, and will do whatever he can to stop us from learning the truth and achieving our goal. The faithful application of this teaching is merely spiritual righteousness in a very intense spiritual battle.

Clearly, therefore, spiritual study requires “putting on”, “taking up” and “standing firm”. If your search is truly a gift from God, it will be helpful for you to know why your attempts to study are interrupted, or why your life suddenly turns upside-down. Satan will place every possible obstacle in front of you to stop you from discovering the truth. If you search faithfully though, God will execute forcefully on your behalf - in the name of Yahshuah ha Mashiach. The battle being fought for you is constant, however, and I thought you should know these things.

I truly wish to maintain an open discourse with you, and I stand ready, willing, and prayerfully - able, to discuss whatever topic may be troubling you, or for which you may be seeking answers. My agenda is simply to help you discover the truth, which is why this letter is strewn with passages for your verification; passages that wholeheartedly support the law of comparison. I promise that I will always provide you with a list of Scriptural verses, upon which my conclusions, assertions and beliefs are based. And the topical concordance I developed will follow each letter, in order to offer support for the primary topics discussed within each letter. It has been helpful to those seekers I have been privileged to assist in the past, and I hope it will provide you with a tool to expedite your studies as well.

In conclusion, please note that I am not seeking anything from you! I am not asking for anything! The teachings provided in these writings (at this site), and any personal exchanges we may have, are posted and rendered at no charge. And I will never ask for any donations. You might be asking, "Can anything worthy really be free?" Allow me to respond to that by simply saying that Jesus Christ freely gave His life for our sins, and thru His actions offered salvation to all of humanity - without charge. I am merely a disciple following in my Master's footsteps.

With all my love in Yahshuah, I send my fondest prayers for you and your family, and I remain faithfully and humbly your servant in Yahshuah our Messiah,

larry vosen

Topical concordance:

Faith/Faithfulness:
Old Testament: Exodus 14:14; Numbers 14:8-9; Psalms 37(all), 101(all), 107(all); Isaiah 58(all); Jeremiah (all).

New Testament: Mark 9:23, 11:22-26; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 2:16-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 11:(all); James 1:27.

Faith/Righteousness:
Old Testament: Genesis 13(all), 15:6, 22(all), 24(all); 1Samuel 2:30, 14:6-15, 17:20-58, 26:23; Job 16:18-22, 19:25-27; Psalms 25:1-3, 73:1, 89:14, 107(all), 115(all), 119(all), 125(all); Proverbs 10&11, 21:21; Isaiah 3:10-11, 55(all); Jeremiah 22:15-16; Ezekiel 18:4-9; Daniel 3(all); Amos 5:21-24; Habakkuk 3:17-19.

New Testament: Matthew 17:14-21, 21:21-22; Mark 4:39-40, 5:25-43, 9:23, 10:52; 11:22-26; Luke 7:50, 17:6-10, 18:7-8; John 11:21-41; Acts 3:16, 18:27, 26:18; Romans 1:5, 1:17, 3:22-28, 4:4-5, 4:21, 8:10, 8:15, 8:24-25, 9:30-32, 10:9-10, 10:17, 12:3-6; 1 Corinthians 2:5, 13:1-3, 13:13; 2 Corinthians 8:12, 13:5; Galatians 2:16-21, 3:7-14, 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 3:9; Colossians 2:5-7, 3:17;
2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2:13; 1 Timothy 1:5, 5:12; 2 Timothy 1:12, 3:15-16, 4:8; Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 2:16, 3:19-4:11, 6:12, 10:19-25, 10:39, 11(all), 12:2; James 1:2-8, 1:27, 2:14-26, 5:13-16; 1 Peter 1:5-9; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:4-5; Jude 1:20, Revelation (all) see 2-3.

Occult:
Old Testament: Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; Ezekiel 13:17-23.

New Testament: Acts 8:9-10, 16:16ff, 19:19; 2 Peter 2:10.

Scripture, the importance of memorization:
Old Testament: Job 22:21-30; Psalms 119; Proverbs (all), 2:1-5, 22:17-21; Jeremiah 15:16, 36(all).

New Testament: Matthew 4:4-10; John 15:7-11; Acts 8:35; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15.

Warfare, Spiritual:
Old Testament: Exodus 14:13-15; Judges 3:1-3; 2Samuel 12:14; 2Kings 6:16-17; Psalms 35, 55; Proverbs 16:32, 20:27, 25:28; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 58(Faultfinder); Daniel 6:5; Malachi 2:15-16.

New Testament: Matthew 7:1; 12:34-37; Mark 4:24, 7:15; Luke 6:40, 11:24-26, 22:31-32, 24: 39, 46-49; John 4:23-24, 6:63, 8:31-32, 14:26; Acts 19:13-17; Romans 7:23, 8(ALL), 13:12-14;
1 Corinthians 2:12-15, 9:25-27, 12:3-13, 14:8, 15:53-54; 2 Corinthians 5:2-3, 10:3-7, 11:13-15; Galatians 5:18-21; Ephesians 4:24,29, 6:10-19; Colossians 3:8-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8,21-22;
1 Timothy 3:16, 6:12; 2 Timothy 1:7, 2:3-4, 3:12,16-17, 4:11; Hebrews 2:4, 5:14; James 1:2-4, 1:12-14, 3:1-12, 4:1,7, 5:1-10;1 Peter 2:8,11; 2 Peter 2:18-19; 1 John 1:9, 4:1-6, 5:19-20; Revelation 12:10-11.

Topical Concordance:

Discipleship:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Chronicles 15:2, 16:9; Ezra 7:10; Job 8:5-7, 11:13-19, 22:21-30; Psalms 119; Proverbs (all); Ecclesiastes 1:18; Isaiah 14:12-17; 50-51, 55:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 17:5-8; Ezra 28:11-19; Zephaniah 2:3.

New Testament: Matthew 5:11-12; 8:18-27, 10:24-42, 13:52, 16:24-26, 28:18-20; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 6:40, 10:1-20, 12:33, 14:26-35, 18:18-30; John 3:3,5,30, 8:31-32, 13:5-17, 13:31-35, 14:12-27, 15, 16, 17; Acts 7:2-53; 8:5-40, 11:26, 13:52, 14:9-19, 18:9-10, 28:22; Romans 8:31-32; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, 10:3-4; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10, 4:15, 6:12; Philippians 3:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; Timothy 2:24-26, 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:8, 13:5-6; James 4:3-4; 1 John 2:27, 3:9-11, 4:1; Revelation 2:7,11,17,26-28, 3:3,12,21, 5:14, 12:11, 14:9-16, 18:4.

Discipline:
Old Testament: 2 Samuel 11 & 12(12:14); Job 2:10, 5:17; Psalms 50:16-17, 66:8-12, 94:12-13, 119, 139:17-18; Proverbs (all) - But see: 3:11-12, 13:18, 19:27, 22:6,15, 23:13-14, 28:13; SS7:10; Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 10:24; Daniel 4.

New Testament: Matthew 9:10-17, 18:8-9; Mark 2:21-22; Luke 23:39-43; John 15:1-6; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13, 12:28-30; Galatians 6:1-5; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Timothy 1:5, 4:7-11; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 12:7-13; 2 Peter 1:5-11; 2 John 1:9; Revelation 3:11,19.

Elohim:
Old Testament: Genesis 1:1, 4:1-15, 16:16, 17:1, 21:22, 24:3, 31:5, 38:9-10; Exodus 20:5, 34:14; Numbers 16:22, 23:19; Deuteronomy 3:20-22, 4:24-39, 6:4, 6:15-16, 7:9, 7:21, 13:3, 33:2-3; 2 Chronicles 6:18, 6:30, 16:11; Ezra 1:1; Job 38(all); Psalms 1:6, 5:4, 6:2-9, 7:1, 8(all), 10:16, 11:7, 18:30, 23:1, 24:7-10, 29:4-9, 31:5, 33:5, 33:13-14, 44:20-21, 46:10-11, 63(all), 75:7, 89(all), 94:8-11, 99(all), 103:8, 145:8, 147:8; Isaiah 30:18, 42:5, 43:8-13, 44:6, 44:24; Ezekiel 18:4; Hosea 7(all), Amos 4:13; Jonah 4:5-11; Nahum 1:2-7; Habakkuk 3(all).

New Testament: John 3:16 ff, 3:33; Acts 10:34, 17:24-29; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Colossians 1:6, 1 Timothy 6:13-16; Hebrews 6:10-18, 12:29; 1John 1:5, 3:20, 4:8, 5:7.

Love:
Old Testament: Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms (all); Proverbs (all).

New Testament: Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-33; Luke 6:31-35; John 13:34, 15:12; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 16:13-14; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 5:2,25-27; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 John 4:7-8; 1 Peter 4:8.