CHAPTER 11 – GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER the AFFAIRS of HIS CREATION and OVER CHRIST’S ADOPTED CHILDREN.

Too many Christians do NOT understand the Sovereignty and Providence of God in His physical creation and in particular in His spiritual supernatural creation which includes the Kingdom of God, the angels, and man. We have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior but because of our continued involvement with the physical world with its demanding, overwhelming, and all consuming affairs for us to either financially survive or to obtain OUR material goals for our lives – we cannot give up the things of the “kingdom(s) of the world.” We are unable to give Jesus Christ His rightful place in our lives as not only our Savior, but also as our Lord God and Master.
Ecclesiastes 8:17 {Solomon through the wisdom given him by God said, 1 Kings 4:29-34} Then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun–because however much a man may toil in seeking, yet he will not find it out; yes, more than that, though a wise man thinks and claims he knows, yet will he not be able to find it out. [Deut 29:29; Rom 11:33.] AMP {BUT as Christians, we MUST be using the “sound mind of Christ” to discern and work with God in what He is doing around the world and in His Kingdom!}

Matthew 13:22 The {good} ground covered with thistles {the “prickly things of the world”} represents a man who hears the message {may actually be saved}, but the cares of this life and his longing for money choke out God’s Word, and he does less and less for God. TLB This is from “The Parable of the Seed and the Sower.” To properly interpolate this parable, we have the Christian who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior {justification} and may even believe Him to be God/Man {lifelong process of sanctification}, but cannot allow Him to be Master of their life {so as to receive eternal glorification}. Because of their mind-set and their spiritual heart set on the “kingdom(s) and the things of the world,” he/she becomes unfruitful – stops praying, stops going to church, does NOT continue to win lost sinners to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, etc. {Becomes an apostate – someone who renounces their faith in Christ and receives eternal condemnation.} Why? Because he/she continues to struggle with the world and the things of the world, they can NOT and do NOT overcome the battle for their mind-set and spiritual heart for their/our Savior – Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. 22 At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds {of worshiping and serving the world and the things of the world} are evil.’ TLB
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition), [Dan 7:25; 8:25; 1 Tim 4:1.] AMP
Because so many Christians do NOT understand the Sovereignty and Providence of God and His workings over the physical affairs of the nations of the world, and because of our above involvement in the world and the things of the world, we “Born Again” Saints of God just feel as though it is all right to be part and parcel with the world to help it “solve” its problems. The battle cry goes out, “Come on Church, lets help the world to survive! Let’s get involved with it politics.” The problem is there are NO Scriptures in the New Testament whereby God commands or gives authority for Christ’s Bride Church to join in the civic affairs of the world!
Romans 13:11-14 Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). 12The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness {in the “kingdom(s) of the world”} and put on the [full] armor of light. 13 Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day {in the Kingdom of God}, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts). AMP
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
17And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever. AMP
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 {Paul writing to Christians} Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness? 15What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Ex 25:8; 29:45; Lev 26:12; Jer 31:1; Ezek 37:27.]
17So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor, [Isa 52:11.] 18And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. [Isa 43:6; Hos 1:10.]
7:1 THEREFORE, SINCE these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God. AMP
1 Peter 4:16-19 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good {for the Kingdom of God}. NIV
The late Dr. A. W. Tozer, author and pastor, said, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference.”
Read more: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/robertcrosby/2012/05/a-w-tozer-on-the-holy-spirit-todays-church/#ixzz34SvBsFnd
I believe that what Dr. Tozer is saying is the Christian Church is operating so much like the “kingdom(s) of the world” that if God the Holy Spirit was to be withdrawn from the church around the world {And He will be before Christ’s Second Coming!}, 95% of its members would NOT realize His absence. Things would go on in their lives in the SAME worldly manner as before. Are these Make Believer Christians SAVED? The answer is very clear in verses 10-12 of the following text. This Scripture text supports this thought but very few pastors and teachers expound upon it.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-12 And now you know what is restraining {worldwide chaos}, that he {the man of lawlessness/the anti-christ} may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He {God the Holy Spirit} who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord {Jesus Christ} will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth {the Gospel Message of the Kingdom of God} , that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion {which is creation itself including the “kingdom(s) of the world”}, that they should believe the lie {they worshiped the creation and served the “kingdom(s) of the world” and its god – Satan rather than the Creator God}, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness {worshiping the creation and the “kingdom(s) of the world” and its god – Satan}. NKJV
“TODAY” around the world our Christian brothers, sisters, and their families – the men young and old are mercilessly being ravaged and murdered by savage mid-evil methods. The women and girls are being raped, tortured, kidnapped, sold for slavery, and being murdered. Their churches, homes, and businesses are being looted, burned and destroyed. But we in the West hear very little of these tragedies. Most of the carnage is being done by radical Muslims but not all of it. Other religions are also sporadically inflicting atrocities against Christians. Almost ALL of the worldwide media is NOT reporting these tragedies. Jesus tells us WHY!
John 15:18-21 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. 20Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours. 21But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the one {God the Father} Who sent Me. AMP
The last part of verse 21 in the above Scripture, “for they do not know or understand the one {God the Father} Who sent Me” also applies to the “Make Believer Christians” who claim to be leaders in Christ’s Church. Not only do they not intimately know and they are not intricately involved with God, but they certainly do not understand what He is doing even though we have His Word and His Spirit to help us! There is much apathy and apostasy happening in the Christian Church around the world but particularly in the Western Christian Church.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. 22 At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil’ {you worshiped and served the “kingdom(s) of the world” and its god – Satan}. TLB
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition), [Dan 7:25; 8:25; 1 Tim 4:1.] AMP
“TODAY” closer to my home in the State of Hawaii there is much discussion about the Christian Church’s participation in trying to intervene and redirect the political environment of our state from a liberal Democratic controlled government to a conservative Republican controlled government. In the last elections {2008; 2010; 2012; 2014} plus a “Special Session” {2013} of the State Legislature that met to pass the “fix was in” homosexual marriage law, MANY Christians were encouraged to enter into the fray of Christian sponsored opposition rallies by talking to their Senators and Representatives to “have their voices heard.” To make known a painful defeat for the Christian Church, we lost on most fronts! One bright spot – one of our State Representatives who is a lesbian accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.
But because of this, I am beginning to physically see the spiritual judgment that is taking place within the Christian Church. First, I was able to see some of the separation of Christ’s Bride Church from within the so called “Christian Church.” The Christian Church contains Christ’s Bride Church and the False Whore Church.
This happened when the liberal part of the Christian Church – the False Whore Church – BABYLON the GREAT – joined with other liberal parts of other religions and threw their financial and political support to the governments of the “kingdom(s) of the world.” To some this may sound like the “right thing to do,” but is it?
Revelation 17:17 For God has put it into their {false whore church’s} hearts to carry out His own purpose by acting in harmony in surrendering their royal power and authority to the beast {the government of the “kingdom(s) of the world”}, until the prophetic words (intentions and promises) of God shall be fulfilled. AMP {Now, what is God’s Judgment of the whore part of the Christian Church and its joining forces with other religions and with the world?}
Revelation 18:2-8 And he {the angel} shouted with a mighty voice, She is fallen! Mighty Babylon {the false whore church} is fallen! She has become a resort and dwelling place for demons, a dungeon haunted by every loathsome spirit, an abode for every filthy and detestable bird {It is uninhabitable for true Christians}. 3For all nations have drunk the wine of her passionate unchastity {whoring with}, and the rulers and leaders of the earth have joined with her in committing fornication (idolatry), and the businessmen of the earth have become rich with the wealth of her excessive luxury and wantonness {sinning against God}. [Jer 25:15,27.]
4I then heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out from her, my people, so that you may not share in her sins, neither participate in her plagues. [Isa 48:20; Jer 50:8.] 5For her iniquities (her crimes and transgressions) are piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her wickedness and [her] crimes [and calls them up for settlement {judgment}]. [Jer 51:9.]
6 Repay to her what she herself has paid [to others] and double [her doom] in accordance with what she has done. Mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed [for others]. [Ps 137:8.] 7To the degree that she glorified herself and reveled in her wantonness [living deliciously and luxuriously], to that measure impose on her torment and anguish and tears and mourning. Since in her heart she boasts, I am not a widow; as a queen [on a throne] I sit, and I shall never see suffering or experience sorrow– [Isa 47:8,9.] 8 So shall her plagues (afflictions, calamities) come thick upon her in a single day, pestilence and anguish and sorrow and famine; and she shall be utterly consumed (burned up with fire), for mighty is the Lord God Who judges her. AMP
To give you a brief history from the beginning of these “supposed Christian rallies,” at the first rally, the Christian leaders allowed a Muslim woman to pray along with other Christians. As these rallies continued and as I watched what God was doing, I believed that we were witnessing a more pronounced division within the Christian Church – Christ’s Bride Church versus the False Whore Church. But this was only the beginning of God pealing back the layers of the counterfeit leaders within the Christian Church and their false teaching that is rampant within It. The instant that the Legislature passed the homosexual marriage law, numerous churches and para-church organizations started their saber rattling to “take back the government” which did NOT happen in the previous two elections and did NOT happen in the November 4, 2014, election. The Democratic Party maintained their status quo in Hawaii.
At another pro-marriage rally, the Christian organizer allowed several “Brothers and Sisters” to prophesy “victory” against the proposed law. As the “Special Session” moved along, it became very apparent that the “fix” was in BEFORE the “Special Session” even began. The State Government followed the “letter of the law” is every aspect including allowing many many hours of testimony – most of which was against “same sex marriage,” but nothing phased the proceedings. The law was passed immediately without any reservations. How come our Christian “prophets” did NOT discern this? They were claiming defeat of “same sex marriage” which did NOT happen! From whom did these Christians get their message? If these Christians prophesying VICTORY were of Old Testament times, they would have been stoned to death as false prophets. How sad is the spiritual supernatural insights of the Christian Church TODAY!
At a pastors and leaders meeting prior to the November elections, the Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor {BOTH Christians} attended giving rousing calls for victory in the upcoming elections and for our local church members to join them to “make it happen.” One of the candidates and a local pastor both said the Mormons would be joining with the Christians in trying to defeat the Democratic majority. This did not happen because a Mormon also entered the race running as a Third Party Gubernatorial candidate.
At our Pastors Meeting after the November election, the leaders allowed our newly elected District Representative to speak to us. She is a Mormon and was continuously giving “God” the credit for her political victory, for solidifying her family during her campaigning, for giving her direction in taking over the Republican Party, and asking the Christian Church to join her in her endeavors.
I am NOT denouncing “The Church of Latter Day Saints” {The Mormon Church}, but The Mormon Church is a Christian “Cult!” It is a Church which considers itself to be Christian” in nature but is in fact the very epitome of what Paul wrote about Christ’s Bride Church being open to accepting false comradery.
2 Corinthians 11:2-4 {Paul speaking} For I am zealous for you with a godly eagerness and a divine jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [Hos 2:19, 20.] 3But [now] I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ. [Gen 3:4.] 4For [you seem readily to endure it] if a man comes and preaches another Jesus {the Jesus of the Mormon Church is a brother to Satan} than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit {demonic spirit bringing a false Gospel Message} from the [Spirit] you [once] received or a different gospel {their Book of Mormon always preempts the Christian Bible} from the one you [then] {originally} received and welcomed; you tolerate [all that] well enough {You welcome all of this with open arms! You do NOT know and discern the truth of God’s Word!!!}! AMP
God does NOT need other “gods” of other religions to give His Saints victory in whatever He is going to do, and He has explicitly warned His Saints from becoming involved in unequal relationships with unbelievers. If the Christians who are falsely involved in the affairs of the world do NOT stop their misguided quest to reform the politics of the world, they will find that they are “fighting against God.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 {Paul writing to Brother and Sister Christians}? Do not be yoked together with unbelievers{ALL true cult members, members of other religions, and atheists are “UNBELIEVERS! }. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. NIV
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God {Born Again} overcomes the {“kingdom(s) of the”} world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith {in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior}. NASU
1 Corinthians 15:33 {Christians} Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. AMP
James 4:4 You [are like] unfaithful wives {of the False Whore Church} [having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. AMP
Isaiah 45:9, 11 “Woe to the man who fights with his Creator. Does the pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with him who forms it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ or the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be!’?”
11 Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, Israel’s Creator, says: “What right have you to question what I do? Who are you to command me concerning the work of my hands? TLB
Acts 5:39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against God.” NKJV
The gubernatorial speakers and the Representative at the Pastors Dinner also made it very clear that they were CALLED to this work of being involved in the civil affairs of the humanistic secular world. Again, In the context of the New Testament teaching on the Kingdom of God, there are NO New Testament Scriptures that share with us that God commands or gives authority for Christ’s Bride Church to be involved in the affairs of the world! We as Christians are admonished NOT to go beyond the written Word. Then WHO is “issuing this call” to them? It is the “kingdom(s) of the world” and its god – Satan!!! He is intelligent, cunning, and interestingly sneaky!
1 Corinthians 4:6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. NIV
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah). 14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds. AMP
You may think I take delight in making such accusations against my Brothers and Sisters. I do NOT!!! I desire for them to continue to be saved and wholeheartedly walk with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, Lord God and Master in the Kingdom of God. My love and heart’s desire is the SAME as Paul’s for his fellow workers.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 But if anyone [in the church] refuses to obey what we say in this letter {or in the Bible}, take note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15Do not regard him as an enemy, but simply admonish and warn him as [being still] a brother. AMP
What we must do is find out what God is doing and make that the focus of our worship and service is to Him.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. 13Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut 4:29-30.] AMP