SATAN\u2019S MIND<\/strong><\/p>\nGod completed the first stage of man\u2019s creation which is the physical body with its physical mind. But, man had to acquire knowledge from God on how to live. Before he could do so, Adam was deceived by Satan. What did Satan do with this physical man? Did he create man further?<\/p>\n
He put his spirit in man, thus controlling his mind. He then, through that spirit, pumped the wrong knowledge into man. That is what man begun to use as information on how to live, for GOD says this about it, \u201cThe earth is given into the hands of the wicked one, he covers the faces of its judges; if it is not him, who it is then? \u2013 Job. 9: 24.\u201d It is clear that Satan imparted his mind into man, for God further says, \u201cIt is the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that works in the children of disobedience \u2013 Eph. 2:2.\u201d If we will turn from this mind, the first step is to know its qualities; yes, its characteristics. In this present life, how do men think, feel, plan ,talk and do things which form the behaviors of their lives? The Eden\u2019s deception left man thinking of himself as a God. Therefore, in everything, he tries to pose as the best. This kind of mind has brought about the wrong competition. Whenever someone is outdone by their neighbor, they get jealous and envious. They feel belittled and they get ashamed. It results to hatred which triggers negative talking and anger towards the out doer.The out doer also downplays the outdone, demanding loyalty from him\/her<\/p>\n
People not being aware of where such reactions originate from try to dismiss them by calling it, \u201cHuman nature.\u201d But the truth is what we have seen. It is the evil spirit influencing the physical mind which God calls the flesh (carnal). Our lord and saviour enlisted these characteristics saying, \u201cNow the works of the flesh are evident; immorality, impurity, lawlessness, idolatry, enmity, strive, jealousy, anger, selfishness, envy, party spirit, drunkardness etc. Gal. 5: 19-21.\u201d Look into yourself; are these not the attitudes which occupy your mind? If yes, then know and understand that your mind is very much under Satan\u2019s control.<\/p>\n
Friends, these are the attitudes we need to turn away from. They are what God calls, \u201c..your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life which is deceitful and corrupt \u2013 Eph.4: 22.\u201d<\/p>\n
RENEWAL OF MIND<\/strong><\/p>\nWe began by wondering what God is doing in man\u2019s life which makes one a true Christian. We also saw how God completed the first stage of man\u2019s creation which is the physical. We also saw the stage two which is about developing the mind and behavior. When Christ came, He did what Adam never did. He rejected Satan\u2019s efforts to deceive Him and obeyed God \u2013 See Mat. 4: 4-11. He therefore turned to God, having His mind filled with God\u2019s spirit unlike Adam whose mind was filled with Satan\u2019s spirit.\u00a0 About Christ, God says, \u201c..So, one man\u2019s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men\u2026.\u201d \u201c— by one man\u2019s obedience many will be made righteous \u2013 Rom. 5: 18-19.\u201d And again, \u201c..the last Adam become a life-giving spirit\u2026. \u201c–the second Adam is from Heaven- 1 Cor. 15: 47- 48.\u201d Reading from the above verses, we realize that Christ and His life was the very opposite of Adam\u2019s life. What was the difference between Christ and Adam, which is the difference between a true Christian and an unconverted person? Was it the body or what? Adam was created, a flesh and blood human being. Christ likewise was flesh and blood, for God says,\u201d\u2026 He Himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death\u2026 Heb. 2: 14.\u201d Adam was tempted by Satan. Christ also was \u201ctempted by Satan in exactly the same way \u2013 Heb. 4: 15.\u201d Adam was subject to death, and the only way to escape was to depend on God. Christ also was subject to dead for He had to \u201c..Cry to Him who was able to save Him from death \u2013 Heb. 5: 7.\u201d Yes, when Christ became flesh, \u201cHe emptied Himself of that spiritual glorious Godly nature, taking the form of a servant, and born in the likeness of man \u2013 Heb. 2: 7-8.\u201d This is proof beyond doubt that the difference is not the body. Adam\u2019s body was as complete, good and of same quality as that of Christ. In both, God had fully finished their bodies. His concern was with their minds and character (behaviour).<\/p>\n
Get it please. Adam sinned (refused to follow God\u2019s instructions). So, the difference between the two was not their bodies but their minds, which brought about their opposive way of living. What do we say then? Are we truly Christians? What is God doing in our lives which make us Christians?<\/p>\n
DEVELOPING MIND NOT BODY.<\/strong><\/p>\nGod is not concerned with our physical beauty or our special \u2013looking attires. He has no concern with the glittering- glorious- looking \u2013 synagogues where we meet for worship. He has no concern for the kind of wealth one has .It is our minds which He is working on .It is therefore our minds and behaviours which will determine whether we are true Christians or not. The issue at question therefore is, \u201cHow much have we changed or are changing from the first Adam\u2019s mind to the second Adam\u2019s [Christ\u2019s] mind?\u201d Some of us have been into Christianity most of our lives. Let\u2019s assume we are true Christians and I am saying assume because there is a probability of having been deceived all through. How much have our way of thinking, feeling and doing things changed from Adam\u2019s to Christ\u2019s way ?Examine yourself please. For Christ to obey God, He had to receive the Holy Spirit [God\u2019s mind] which gave Him to think, know and do like God Himself. The Holy Spirit is the law of God in action. Yes it\u2019s the mind and life of God in men\u2019s hearts, for, \u2018\u2019 \u2026..The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life\u2019\u2019 Again; \u2018\u2019my son be attentive to my words; —–for they are life to him who finds them \u2013John .6: 63; prov. 4:20, 22.\u201dThe law of God is\u00a0\u00a0 His spirit and life in writing for.\u201d—men moved by the holy spirit spoke from God -2 pet 1:21.\u201dYes, men spoke the mind of God which is also His life, which they were testifying to and was written down; becoming the scriptures. Can you make a difference between someone\u2019s mind, life and words different? These are one and the same thing in different forms. It is when one hears the word as taught by Christ through His\u00a0 servants, accepts it, and resolves to live by it that, \u201c—God\u00a0 sends the spirit of His son into one\u2019s heart \u2013Gal.4 :6.\u201d When somebody receives this spirit, they put on,\u201d\u2014the mind of Christ-1 cor. 2:16.\u201d From this point onward, one becomes like Christ-a Christian See also Rom.8:9,14.This mind of Christ which is the Holy Spirit begins to replace the mind of Satan for, the two can\u2019t operate together. Now back to us. If most of our lives have been spend in Christianity where by God is constructing His mind and life in us, have we changed from our former ways becoming like Christ?<\/p>\n
MIND AND LIFE OF GOD<\/strong><\/p>\nAs we saw, the mind of Adam was the opposite of the mind of Christ who is named the second Adam. The reason is because, Adam learnt from Satan while Christ learnt from God. Satan became himself by rejecting and opposing everything God says and does. So now, how much as Christians have we opposed Satan, seeing that we now have the mind of God \u2013the Holy Spirit? Let\u2019s see the fruits of living in God\u2019s spirit and compare them with what we think and do before we answer this question. \u201cBut the fruits of the spirit are, love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control \u2013etc. Gal. 5:22-23.\u201d Yes, the behaviors and life of God is in all goodness and the very opposite of Satan\u2019s life. Are these fruits the occupants of our minds? Are these fruits the very attitudes and behaviors of your life as a Christian? People live the way they do because they have chosen to do so.In the case of the world, people have chosen the self-centered life which extends to people centeredness.Therefore, everything one does is for self, appealing to those around him. In an effort to achieve that, there is arguments, strive, anger, disagreement, divisions,hatred, pride, fighting, murder etc.Yes all the effort and struggles are either for or, against flesh and blood – material things ,the Satan\u2019s way. How about you who profess Christianity?<\/p>\n
THE KINGDOM<\/strong><\/p>\nAgainst that worldly life, true Christians are a people who have known the purpose of their lives which is to develop Godly righteous character in order to inherit His kingdom. They are a people who know the purpose of this physical body and how it can\u2019t inherit that kingdom. They therefore have decided to obey and follow Christ, \u201cdenying the (flesh and blood) self.\u201d If they have no value for self, nor for other people, nor material things, what do they live for? What do they struggle to achieve and be in this life? Yes, what is their lives\u2019 goal? Because they have the knowledge, they strive towards the right goal in obedience to Christ.That right goal is \u00a0\u201cseek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and this other things (the physical) shall follow (the secondary).\u201d- Mat. 6:33. Remember this message is about self-examination to prove whether you are truly a Christian. I believe every reader is deep in his\/her heart trying to see whether they fit in Godliness or Satanism. So, as true Christians, is the kingdom of God our goal?Is what we live for every day an effort to qualify for the kingdom? What does it take to achieve? Let us understand please. Previously we saw that it is God who in Jesus Christ is preparing us for that kingdom. He began by creating our physical bodies. He is now, by His Holy Spirit creating our minds and behaviours, which is actually the purpose of Christianity. Therefore, to enter the kingdom does not depend on anything physical, for God says, \u201cThe kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking- Rom. 14:17.\u201d Yes, lack of food and drink cannot prevent you from entering. Also having plenty of materialism cant help you to qualify.\u00a0 For this reason, our strive, \u201cis not against flesh and blood- Eph. 6: 12.\u201d Our physical success and failure, or the people around us have no value towards qualifying for the kingdom. Being mocked or praised by the society around you cannot disqualify or qualify you for the kingdom. What does this mean? A true Christian is one who has put the physical values aside. He is one who has his eyes beyond the physical life to the tomorrow\u2019s life, when God\u2019s kingdom will be ruling the earth- See Phil. 3: 7- 9.He is busy developing god\u2019s mind in everything he does. What does it take then? \u201cFor the kingdom of God is….about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit – See Rom.14: 17.\u201d And again, \u201cas for you man of God; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, fight the good fight— – See 1 Tim. 6: 11-12.\u201d If we look at the above, we will find none of them which depend on the physical, whether you or other people around you or even the material things we possess. It all has to do with our minds and our hearts. So, though true Christians are still flesh and blood, \u201cthey do not wage worldly war (physical), for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly (physical) but have divine power. We destroy arguments (in the mind), and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought (the mind) captive to obey Christ (God\u2019s life) – 2 Cor. 10: 3- 5.\u201d Are we as Christians striving to change our minds? Why then are we talking about ourselves and other people and they can\u2019t enter into our minds unless we allow them by accepting what they do or say?<\/p>\n
TRUE CHRISTIANITY VERSUS FALSE ONE<\/strong><\/p>\nHaving all this truth revealed to us, we can now know where we stand. If in all that time we have professed Christianity, God has been developing our minds, how much have our attitudes and behaviours changed? Yes, if we acquired a different mind and that of God, what difference has it brought in our hearts? Lets stop counseling ourselves against the truth.Lets look at ourselves(and am talking about our hearts)squarely and see if our attitudes are any different form those of the world. Beware of false Christians who worship God with their mouths, calling Christ Lord, Lord, but their minds have no room for His life. I say this because we are all seeing a Christianity which is not in any way, different from the world. We are seeing Christians who are loud-mouthed in talking about God and Christ, ever praising. But their fellowship is centered on physical gain. They gossip each other, they have praise for men. They strive for leadership positions. They hate, they burst with wrath; they discriminate. Their fellowships are based on how one has been blessed materially or in advancing to top positions in their fellowship.Yes,their concern is not The kingdom but their own self, the people around them and the standards of this world. If you look at all they go for, it is the physical. This is why they fight; they disagree and are divided among themselves. Our Lord has this to say about them; \u201cThey are of the world. Therefore, what they say is of the world; and the world listens to them. – 1 John. 4: 5.\u201d \u201cThey live as enemies of the cross of Christ\u2026.their God is their stomachs with their minds set on earthly things.- Ph. 3: 18- 19.\u201d \u201cThey profess to know God, but they deny Him with their deeds. \u2013 Titus. 1: 16.\u201d Yes, these Christians have been raised by Satan, for the sake of deceiving and because the spirit of God is not in them, they are still in the physical where they think of each other and material things. This is why after so many years of professing Christianity; they still anger, hate, grumble, defend self, seek and practice worldly standards.<\/p>\n
THE TRUTH<\/strong><\/p>\nFriends, this is not how Christ behaved. So, whose example are they following? Don\u2019t forget, it could be you. A true Christian\u2019s interest is that of Christ, which is eternal life in the kingdom. For, \u201cOur citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a savior, who will change our lowly bodies to be like His glorious one \u2013 Ph. 3: 20-21.\u201d You see! The target is to be completed into that spirit body, after attaining the righteous character. Their desire is, \u201cFor while we are still in this body, we desire to be clothed, so that this mortal body may be swallowed up by life- 2. Cor.5:4- 5.\u201dYes,they do everything(whether in employment or in business)according to God\u2019s law.They strive never to do anything that goes against God,law,for by so doing,they are developing God,s righteous character. If our target is this one, then where is the physical; where is that other person; where are the worldly standards and praises? We are strictly dealing with our hearts, and having nothing to do with this age (world), for, \u201c..the world is non-existent to us, and we are non-existent to it \u2013 Gal. 6: 14.\u201d Yes, we don\u2019t live for the world and neither does it live for us. Having died with Christ, we seek, \u201c..the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our minds are set on heaven (spiritual) not earth (physical).\u201d We are eagerly waiting for our kingdom. Before it comes, we are strangers right now and not recognized by the world. We have nothing to glory in this life, for we know, how right now, we are just mere dust and short-lived. So, throughout our physical lives, we are striving to develop that right mind and character so that we can be made something to boast about, when we become spirit beings. This is what makes a true Christian. What are you? Examine yourself and judge.<\/p>\n
May God\u2019s grace give us to understand and walk the right path. It is the voice of the angel to Leodicea sounding the alarm through,<\/p>\n
THE END TIME CHURCH OF GOD<\/p>\n
EMAIL: endcog@gmail.com<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What is God doing in human lives which makes them to be called Christians? What is happening in one\u2019s life which shows he\/ she is a true Christian? To answer these questions, we must understand the purpose of our lives and the process it will take to accomplish that purpose. The uppermost thing in God\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":138,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[5,6,7,8,9],"class_list":["post-123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english-messages","tag-begin","tag-church","tag-communication","tag-endtime","tag-god"],"yoast_head":"\n
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