Thread: The Great Smear
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Old 07-26-2009, 02:08 PM
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Jassy Jassy is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Wisconsin
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Brother Johnlf - excellent study!

God does indeed hold the advantage, for we are told - in advance - what the outcome will be. We know that the Lord Jesus Christ has already triumphed over sin, death and Satan.

1 Corinthians 15:54 - So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 - O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1 John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.


But you really wouldn't KNOW that, considering the focus of most of the churches in the world today! Of course, we are still in the world and Satan is the "god of this world." (2 Corinthians 4:4)

We are to be aware and not be fooled by Satan and all that he has done, is doing, and will do to thwart true Christians and keep them from the TRUTH.

2 Corinthians 2:11 - "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

As you've well-noted in your post, one of Satan's favorite devices is the SMEAR campaign that he has boldly brought right into the churches. And many certainly ARE "ignorant of his devices." So the focus of the church becomes ever-encompassing, weakened, blurred and unprofitable. They become either false witnesses or witnesses who have lost their salt and their position in Christ. It's not their salvation that is at issue, but the strength and power of their witness that is affected. Many simply don't witness because the churches don't teach that anymore, nor do they lead them in this.

I was just thinking - off the subject a bit - about the meaning of salt. Not only do Christians become salt that has lost it's SALTINESS or TASTE but they become Christians without any PRESERVATIVE value. Now think back, before refrigeration... how was food preserved? By adding salt and "curing" it!! So, if Christians have lost that ability to PRESERVE - then that explains the inability of the Church to recognize the TRUE Bible which they are to PRESERVE! And, in addition, many have lost the entire PURPOSE for which we are yet left in this world. For what are we being PRESERVED?? For our WITNESS!! (Sorry to go off topic!)

I thank God that His Word forewarns us and reminds us what we are to hold to - how we are to remain in Him:

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Thanks again for the study, brother.

Jassy