Blessed Magazine August,September, 2013

―I‘m a Christian. Is it ok to be Sexy?‖

BLESSED August/September, 2013

WHY DO CHRISTIANS BACKSLIDE? Is it a widespread phenomenon today

Enter to Win a

31 Day Devotional Page 22

Christians and Child Abuse 5 Ways Christians Can Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

Pastor Marilyn Hickey Co-Pastor of Orchard Road Christian Center

Does the Word of God forbid women to pastor churches?

Has Feminism Engineered Women in America?

Are Women so far from what God Intended

A Closer Look at the Persecutor of God‘s Prophets

Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives through the Love and Power of Jesus Christ

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God? - DVD Leader's Kit Do you want to experience life in extraordinary ways? Then see what happens when you say yes to God! In six powerful 30-minute sessions, Lysa TerKeurst paints an inspiring picture of the great path He has for you

Harvest House Publishers CBD Stock No: WW928939 Available at

In This Issue 8

Why Do Christians Backslide?

Is it a widespread phenomenon today

14

Enter to Win a

31 Day Devotional Page 22

Has Feminism Engineered Women in America?

Are Women so far from what God Intended

18

Christians and Child Abuse 5 Ways Christians Can Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

23

Women Pastors

Does the Word of God forbid women to pastor churches?

32

“I’m a Christian. Is it ok to be Sexy?”

37 The Spirit of A Closer Look at the Persecutor of God’s Prophets

51

"I'm a Christian, but I'm Struggling! Am I Normal?”

54

Christians Persecuting Other Christians!

59 Understanding and Overcoming

Connect with Us

Contributing Writers “Wow! I’m so excited about this issue of Blessed Magazine because this issue focuses on topics which seem to be controversial to so many Christians today.

As with each issue, we communicate with individuals about what would be of interest to not only educate, but inspire and encourage each other as we continue our journey of salvation All of us here love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul and we strive to bring you the best in this magazine we call blessed We hope that you will be inspired and blessed with this issue as we desire with all the issues we have already published and the ones to come If at any time you have a topic of interest or would like to contribute, please contact us at contact@blessedmagazine.org May God continue to bless you and yours!

Laraine Turner President/Founder

Blessed Magazine Page 6

Dr. John R. Rice Denver Cheddie David J. Stewart Kimberly Ward Matt Slick Nicole Cottrell Jack Wellman Brother Dave Jon Hamilton Sister Marianne Laraine Turner Special Thanks to God our Father Jesus our Savior Holy Spirit our Guide My Loving Parents My Adoring Children Our Faithful Fans Our Supporters God Bless You All

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Why Do Christians Backslide?

Is it a widespread phenomenon today?

By Dr. John R. Rice and Denver Cheddie

A backslider is a saved person who falls into sin. A lost sinner cannot be a backslider. You have to go somewhere before you can slide back. But one who is truly born again, a child of God who falls into sin, is a backslider. It may be outrageous and gross sin known to everyone, or it may be merely coldness of heart, a luke-warmness of heart instead of the burning fire of love for God. But when a Christian loses any of his joy, or loses part of his sweet fellowship with God, or falls into sin, then he is a backslider. Remember that only Christians can backslide.

Blessed Magazine Page 8

Although the word ―backslide‖ does not appear in the New Testament, it is a widespread phenomenon today. People come to church for a while, appear to be passionate for God, then for no apparent reason, decide that they want nothing to do with Christ anymore. Why does that happen, and how do we prevent that from happening to us?

Calvinists would say that people who backslide were never saved. Armenians would say that they may have been saved only to lose their salvation. Whatever. The fact is that it happens.

Could it have been prevented? Could it be prevented?

We believe that the answers to our questions lie in Matthew 13:1-23 – the parable of the soils/sower/seeds. Here is a brief summary of that parable and its interpretation. A Sower was planting seeds and the seeds fell on 4 types of ground – symbolic of 4 types of hearers: Way side Those who hear the word but do not UNDERSTAND it Stony ground Those who hear the word, receive it with JOY, but have no DEPTH, and stumble when trials come Thorny ground Those who hear the word, but allow the cares of life and the deceitfulness of riches to choke it out.

Good ground Those who hear the word and UNDERSTAND it

Understanding the Word There are a number of concepts which are highlighted here. One is the need for understanding of the gospel. How many times do you see ministers giving altar calls without giving any real information about salvation in their message?

salvation in their message? People go up to the altar, pray a prayer, but in their minds do not understand anything that is going on.

They lack even a basic knowledge of the salvation that God provides. Many of them are responding to a needs based gospel, which portrays Christ as the great supplier. ―If you‘re lonely, find a friend in Christ.‖ ―If you‘re heart broken, he can mend the broken hearted.‖ Now all of these things are true, but what sinners really need to hear is that their sin has separated them from God, and they are incapable of doing anything to merit salvation, and as a result desperately need to depend on God to provide salvation for them.

They need to know that such a salvation is provided in Christ. The problem is that this gospel is not being emphasized enough.

People are responding to every other gospel, which is why they do not last.

It does not matter how ―on fire‖ for God they are. It is possible to receive the word with joy and still lack any depth in one‘s walk with God. What provides that depth? How do we build depth? Jesus gave a parable about 2 builders – one built his house on sand, and the other on a rock (Matthew 7:24-27). It is easy to say that that rock is Christ, so once we build our lives on Christ we can never fall. But that was not what Jesus meant when he gave that parable. Yes we need to build our lives on Christ, but the man who built his house on the rock was the man who hears God‘s word and does it. It is the word of God that builds depth in our relationship with God. So many people today just like these music oriented services without preaching, so they could "express" themselves. But I know people who could dance a storm and still backslid. It is the word of God that gives us root. It is meditating on the word that makes us like trees planted by the rivers of life (Psalm 1). Even during times of drought, Story continued next page

Thorny ground refers to those who allow the cares of life to choke out the word. Now we live in a very fast pace society, where people have to work longer hours than ever before.

Is Jesus referring to those who have to work so hard that they don‘t have enough time to pray, study the word, and attend church? I doubt that is what Jesus meant. Pastors would tell you that if your job takes away your time from church you should leave that job. Let me ask you this – are they going to feed you and send your children to school?

One sure way to glorify God is to excel in our work (Colossians 3:22-25). And I‘m sure you can manage your time better to be able to spend quality time with God.

Jesus was not talking about people who had to work hard. He was talking about people who allowed riches to seduce them and lead them astray. He‘s talking about people who had a love of money (1 Timothy 6:5-11).

There are so many preachers today who are obsessed with wealth and prosperity. And they lead many to believe that a true Christian should be financially prosperous.

That is the same error the Disciples believed when the rich young ruler walked away from Christ. This guy was rich, how could he not be saved. Who then could be saved, they thought. It is false doctrine to believe or teach that those who are in Christ must be financially prosperous. It is the deceitfulness of riches and the love of money that have proved the downfall of many in Paul‘s day, and it is no different today. Godliness with contentment is great gain

1 Timothy 6 5) … men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11) But you, O man of God, flee these things…

The bible urges us to develop a heavenly perspective in this life. Seek first God‘s kingdom (Matthew 6:19-34). Set our minds on things which are above, not things of this earth (Colossians 3:1,2). Don‘t let our lives be all about making a living. We are only pilgrims passing through (Hebrews 11:13).

We need to realize that the only thing that really matters in the end is our relationship with Christ

We need to study, meditate on, and seek to put God‘s word into practice in our lives. I know so many people who backslid – even people I looked up to when I first became saved. I‘ve seen people who I never thought would backslide, walk away from Christ. It is only by the grace of God that I have not also backslid. There was a time in my life, when I was so bitter against God that I tried to walk away. I tried to backslide. But God wouldn‘t let me. God was answering a prayer I had prayed a few years earlier. I prayed to God, ―Do whatever you have to do to keep me. If I ever try to walk away, trip me, pull a chair in front of me, or tie my shoelaces together.

Story continued next page

Do whatever you have to do to prevent me from walking away.‖ A Christian who backslides is like a child who disobeys his parents. It does not affect his son-ship but it affects his fellowship, his joy, and the approval of the Father.

Dear reader. will you test yourself by this simple rule? Was there ever a time when you were nearer to God than you are now? Was there ever a time when you read the Bible more, or enjoyed it more than now? Was there ever a time when you prayed more, when you had your prayers answered more frequently? Was there ever a day when you won more souls than you have won today?

Was there ever a time when you were more completely absorbed in the Lord's business?

If there was ever a time when you were nearer the Lord than today, you are a backslider. You have slid back from that close intimacy with God, from that high place of blessing which you once had.

Remember that our text in Proverbs 14:14 says, "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways." Backsliding is not necessarily getting drunk nor committing adultery, nor any outward course of sin seen by the public. Backsliding is in the heart!

It may be, dear Christian, that you have drifted somewhat but have never noticed it.

You may be like Samson who "wist not that the Lord was departed from him" (Judges 16:20). We need to search our hearts and we need to watch and pray lest sin creep up on us.

Are you a backslider?

We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion (c) 2007 Denver Cheddie

Has Feminism The problem is that American society has deteriorated to the point where motherhood is no longer considered an honor and privilege

By David J. Stewart

Engineered Women 1st Timothy 6:10, ―For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.‖

We mean no unkindness to anyone, sincerely. I know there are many hardworking women who have applied themselves to become successful in a career However, the Bible says what it says. God hasn't changed. God's Word hasn't changed. The world has certainly changed in many ways over the past 2,000 years, but God is still the same (Malachi 3:6). God desires for women to be mothers, and care for the home 1st Timothy 5:14 tells us what God's will is concerning younger women... ―I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan.‖ Here we notice 4-things:

Get married Bear children Guide the house Stay out of trouble That's it. That's what God wants for young women. 1st Timothy 5:15 tells us that women who fail to obey these divine priorities have turned aside after Satan.

It is tragic that being a homemaker has become so despised nowadays, which is frowned down upon by career-minded women. Feminism has engineered women in America. A stay-at-home-mom is often viewed by career women as being a slave, a victim and having no life. The problem is that American society has deteriorated to the point where motherhood is no longer considered an honor and privilege. Many feminists view children as a nuisance, a hindrance to personal success; thus, many blinded women have chosen not to get married, not to bear Story continued next page

children and not to guide the house. It is evil.

Marriage The first priority God sets for young women is getting married. It is a wicked sin to ―shack up‖ and fornicate. God wants a marital commitment between two people before they become sexually intimate. With the free distribution of condoms in public schools, godless sex-education which encourages fornication as being socially acceptable, and the sex-crazed American culture... most teenage girls have already had premarital sex by the time they finish highschool. Thus, it is no big deal to them to continue in a sinful lifestyle of fornication, birthcontrol and pursuing a career. This is far from what the God of the Bible intended. Marriage is not the old-fashioned way, it's the right way. God wants young women to get married. If you're not married, then you shouldn't be having sex. To do so is the sin of fornication (Hebrews 13:4).

Feminism has spawned an entire generation of lesbians who despise men, and are now seeking the legal right to partake in same-sex marriages.

This is evil in God's eyes and a form of spiritual and mental illness. There is nothing normal nor acceptable about homosexuality. Romans 1-2432 plainly teaches that homosexuality is against nature, decency and God. God wants young Christian woman to get married to a Christian man.

Bear Children Psalm 127:3, ―Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.‖ Children are a gift from God. Genesis 1:28a, ―And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.‖ Overpopulation is a myth. If you do the research, you'll find that poor black women have

are most likely to get abortions, while the wealthiest Caucasians rarely receive abortions.

As shocking as it may seem, there were 74 abortions for every 100 births in the city of New York in 2004. The richer you are, the less likely you are to abort your children. Or put another way, the government wants to murder your baby because you're not wealthy.

The tragic irony is that millions of American women have been duped into thinking that they're exercising their feminist rights by getting an abortion; when in reality they've fallen hook, line and sinker into a malicious propaganda campaign intended to get American women to voluntarily abort their own children. You've been suckered out of your children! So while rich families enjoy their children and grandchildren in the grandeur of their exquisite homes at Christmas time, you're sitting lonely on Christmas Eve with empty places around the Christmas tree.

Many career-minded women are using all sorts of birth-control to delay having children until they have achieved success. Many want to become financially settled before they have children, so they can provide the best for their kids. At least, this is the delusion that they have been led to believe. It is heathendom. God wants you to have children now, not when you can afford them. You'll never have enough money to afford kids, so have them. Money should NEVER be a factor in deciding to have children.

God has promised to provide for His children.

Matthew 6:25, ―Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?‖ The unsaved world lives in clinical paranoia, storing seedlings in mountains and worrying about everything, including the myth of over-population God wants young Christian women to get married and bear children. Have faith in God Story continued on page 40

Child Abuse

5 Ways Christians Can Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

This quite disturbing picture of a man standing on the neck and body of a small and emaciated child is currently being posted all over Facebook. The message accompanying the image asks those who are "against child abuse" should "like and share" the image. The message includes no information about the origin of the photograph or the circumstances of the abusive act depicted. The image is in fact genuine and is not "photoshopped" as some commentators have suggested Blessed Magazine Page 18

The photograph, first published in news reports in December 2009, depicts a bizarre healing ritual performed by Indian "holy man" Jamun Yadav.

Yadav claimed that he can cure illnesses by transferring divine energy into the sick child via his feet. Yadev was arrested on child abuse charges in relation to his sickening antics. Although the picture is genuine, liking and sharing it on Facebook is unlikely to do anything whatsoever to combat child abuse Reposting such a message may momentarily make users feel good about themselves, but will do nothing at all to actually help abused children.

Joining or donating to organizations that fight against child abuse can help. Participating in activities within your own communities that increase awareness of child abuse and how to combat it may help. Sharing a message that does not even bother to explain the origin or circumstances of the included child abuse image will NOT help in the slightest. However, there are steps we can take to assist in putting an end to child abuse – read on‌‌

This subject is very dear to my heart because no child should live in fear of being abused or neglected at the hands of anyone For decades, many have turned their back or closed their eyes to this sickness only to enable the abuser to continue. But, as a Christian, this must not be!

Not just a Christian, but everyone is mandated by law to report abuse if it is witnessed or suspected Child abuse and neglect is a disgrace to our nation. Even worse – many Christians are unaware of the issue. I believe that churches should be leading the way. Sunday, April 29, 2007 was designated as National Blue Sunday. This was a day set aside for churches to pray for the victims of child abuse. As believers it should break our hearts when children suffer. We must recognize that God values children. The Bible says, Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Psalm 127:3) Kids matter to God. We must affirm that little ones are God‘s gift to us. Christians should be the first ones to stand against child abuse. We must defend children and work for real change.

The love of Christ compels us to think biblically about child abuse and neglect. Our world is broken. Humanity has rejected God‘s rule. Many people live only to please themselves. In such a world of sin children

themselves. In such a world of sin children often become the victims. The same evil that causes child abuse lives within our hearts.

Without God‘s grace we might be the abusers. The only cure for the sin and evil of this world is the Gospel. Jesus alone has the power to change hearts. At his final appearing Christ will restore all things. The world will be made right and children will no longer suffer at the hands of their own parents. As Christians we should feel great sadness about child abuse. But we should also look for ways to help. How then can you respond to child abuse? Here are some ideas:

How many more of our children are going to continue suffering because we choose not to get involved?

1. Educate yourself. Find information to equip yourself to recognize and prevent child abuse. Find statistics, read real stories, learn about local case law and read articles about child abuse. Find resources

2. Be aware of at-risk kids. Become involved in the lives of children. If something seems wrong, question the parent and make a report to our local Child Protective Service.

3. Become There is to open Getting home 4.

foster or adoptive parents. a great need for families willing their homes to kids in crisis. involved means opening your

Train your own children. We must model and teach our children what it means to be a godly parent. Teach your boys to cherish and protect women.

Encourage your girls to develop their God-given maternal nature.

National Help-Lines

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

State Child Abuse Reporting Numbers Click here to search by state

5. Pray. I place this last because its importance cannot be overstated. There are times when a child‘s only defender is God. Remember to prayer for the little ones. You can pray for children that you know. Pray for the children that live on your street. When you see a parent being harsh in the grocery store ask God to convert that parent. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17

Responding to a Facebook post by clicking on Like doesn’t help the situation.

Reporting abuse does We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

Page 21 Blessed Magazine

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www.blessedmagazine.org and enter today. Contest open to everyone and you may enter twice a day Winner will be chosen on Sunday, August 25, 2013

Women Pastors Marilyn Hickey

Joyce Meyers

Juanita Bynum

Paula White

Does the Word of God forbid women to pastor churches?

by Kimberly Ward and Matt Slick

Whether man acknowledge them or not, there were women who worked in the service of God. They followed their heart and leading of the Holy Spirit. There will always be those who go against the grain and follow what they believe to be their Christian duty. In the end God will be the one to judge. After knowing the names and works of the women listed above, one would have to ask "should it be voided and left undone because a man did not do it?" We must remember it is never MAN doing his will but a VESSEL being used by God. And God gets to do His will without any permission from man.

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Paula White

Paula White was born in Mississippi in 1966 to wealthy parents, but at 5 her parents divorced. Her father demanded custody of her and when her mother refused he killed himself. Her mother turned to alcohol and White was looked after by adults who sexually abused her from the age of six to 13.

"Then there were the eating disorders" she said "and sleeping with different people...there was such a fear in me that [men] would never come back so do whatever you have to; hit me, call me a dog...just don't leave."

At age 18, after one failed marriage and a baby, White became born again. She married Randy White in 1989 and they started Without Walls International Church in Florida in 1997.

The church grew to 22,000 members and received $39 million in 2006. White's popularity grew and she began hosting the nationally syndicated Paula White Today, ran conferences and appeared on secular TV shows.

Controversies Involving Pastor Paula White The Whites divorced in 2007, both for the second time and after 18 years of marriage and White took over the church. Her money-focused sermons, $2.1 million mansion and Condo at New York's Trump Tower has been criticized. One ex-church employee said "Mansions, big planes, money, fame. That's what it's all about now; there are prophets for God, and there are prophets for profit, that's the category they fit in.“ Today, White continues to run her church and TV ministry.

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Juanita Bynum

Juanita Bynum Born in 1959 in Chicago, Juanita Bynum preached in local churches in her teens and married at 21, but when her husband left she fell into depression.

"If I close my eyes right now," she said, "I can see myself in the snow, wearing a black $2 coat and tennis shoes with no socks, waiting to get my $76 in food stamps. I can see myself in the hospital after my nervous breakdown, crying and throwing myself against the walls of the padded cell they put me in.― Bynum eventually returned to God and started ministering again.

In 1998, Bishop TD Jakes invited Bynum to preach at a conference, and the warts-and-all sermon on sexual sin called No More Sheets struck a chord with those gathered. This marked the start of video sales of the sermon; this ultimately led to a video sale phenomenon, propelling Bynum into the limelight. She then began the Weapons of Power TV ministry, wrote books and released gospel CDs.

Controversies Involving Pastor Juanita Bynum The Christian Sentinel criticized Bynum's aggressive pleas for money saying "she focuses on the people struggling, living hand to mouth, and tells the poor to give to the rich. She‘s the opposite of Robin Hood."

In 2002 her televised million-dollar wedding to Bishop Thomas Weekes III featuring a wedding dress festooned with hand-sewn Swarovski crystals was criticized for its extravagance, but Bynum said "I did it this way because I plan to stay married.― But six years later the couple divorced after Weekes was found guilty of assaulting Bynum at a hotel parking lot. The highly-publicized fallout saw Bynum giving interviews to secular TV and magazines. One commentator said Bynum was "marketing her misery." (Sheryl Underwood on the Tom Joyner Show, circa 2008) However Bynum continues to preach and sing worldwide.

Page 25 Blessed Magazine

Joyce Meyers

Joyce Meyers Born in Missouri in 1943, Joyce Meyer was sexually abused by her father from an early age and at 18 married a man who would later abandon her and their baby.

She then married David Meyer in 1967 (they have three children) and rededicated her life to God. Meyer started a women's Bible study group in 1976 and following its success, started Life in the Word media ministry a few years later. Now called Enjoying Everyday Life, Meyer's ministry is a worldwide success. She teaches at numerous conferences and the taped sermons are broadcast globally.

Now a grandmother, she has written 100 books and the $100 million in donations that Joyce Meyer Ministries receives is used to fund charities around the world. The ministry employs 500 people in her Missouri headquarters and 300 in the ministry's 15 foreign offices.

Controversies Involving Pastor Joyce Meyer Meyer was described as a "get-rich-quick carnival barker focused on one thing: how to get the most money from the most people in the shortest time." ("From Fenton to Fortune in the Name of God," on STLToday.com, November 15, 2003) because of her offering-focused conferences and lavish lifestyle.

Meyer stated "you can be a businessman... and people think the more you have, the more wonderful it is, but if you're a preacher all of a sudden it becomes a problem... the Bible says 'give and it shall be given unto you'".

She was named by Time magazine as one of the '25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America' and continues to be preach worldwide.

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Marilyn Hickey

Marilyn Hickey Born in Kansas in 1931, Marilyn Hickey grew up in a Pentecostal family but later found it difficult talking to her mother because "everything became an excuse for talking about the Holy Spirit," and Hickey became disillusioned with Christianity. She married Wallace Hickey, a devout Christian in 1954 who led her back to God and they founded the Orchard Road Christian Centre in Colorado in 1960.

Hickey's Today with Marilyn airs internationally and Marilyn Hickey Ministries has offices around the world, distributes food and bibles worldwide and employs 200 staff at its Denver headquarters. She has written several books and regularly travels to the middle east to preach to Muslims. Hickey's daughter Sarah and her husband Reece have taken over as senior pastors of the church and Sarah now joins Hickey on the TV show renamed Today with Marilyn and Sarah.

Controversies Involving Pastor Marilyn Hickey Hickey has been accused of dubious ministerial practices: "Hickey's fundraising letters...states that if you want more riches, simply give to God's ministries financially... they repeatedly say that none of her formulas for miracles can work unless money is sent in to seal the deal with God..." ("Healing for Dollars, Forgotten Word Ministries, Undated) But Hickey continues to be the most enduring female televangelist in America.

Page 27 Blessed Magazine

In a social climate of complete equality in all things, the biblical teaching of only allowing men to be pastors and elders is not popular.

Many feminist organizations denounce this position as antiquated and chauvinistic. In addition, many Christian churches have adopted the "politically correct" social standard and have allowed women pastors and elders in the church. But the question remains, is this biblical?

My answer to this question is, "No, women are not to be pastors and elders." Many may not like that answer, but it is, I believe, an accurate representation of the biblical standard. You make the decision after reading this paper.

First of all, women are under-appreciated and under-utilized in the church. There are many gifted women who might very well do a better job at preaching and teaching than many men.

However, it isn't gifting that is the issue, but God's order and calling. What does the Bible say? We cannot come to God's word with a social agenda and make it fit our wants. Instead, we must change and adapt to what it says.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, the garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve. He put Adam in the garden and gave him the authority to name all the animals. Afterwards, God made Eve as a helper to Adam. This is an important concept because Paul refers to the order of creation in his epistle to Timothy when he discusses the relationship between men and women in the church context. Let's take a look. "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created and then Eve And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression," (1 Tim. 2:12-14 -- all quotes from the Bible are from the NASB).

from the Bible are from the NASB).

This passage has several interesting areas of discussion, but for our purpose we will focus on authority. At the very least, there is an authority structure set up by God. The woman is not to have authority over the man in the church context. But this does not extend to the political/economic world. In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel over men. Also, in the New Testament, Phoebe played an important role in the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16). There is no doubt that women supported Paul in many areas and were great helpers in the church (Acts 2:17; 18:24-26; 21:8-9). But what Paul is speaking of in 1 Tim. 2 is the relationship between men and women in the church structure, not in a social or political context.

When we look further at Paul's teachings we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2) who manages his household well and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity" (1 Tim. 3:8). Paul then speaks of women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instruction. Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let deacons be husbands of one wife..." Again, in Titus 1:5-7, Paul says, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward..." Notice that Paul interchanges the word 'elder' and 'overseer'.

In each case, the one who is an elder, deacon, bishop, or overseer is instructed to be male (See article There were deaconesses, so there can be female elders and pastors). He is the husband of one wife, responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9). We see no

command for the overseers to be women. On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" (1 Tim. 3:11). Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers? It is because of the created order of God that Paul references (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel.

Additionally, in the Old Testament in over 700 mentions of priests, every single one was a male. There is not one instance of a female priest. This is significant because priests were ordained by God to hold a very important office of ministering the sacrifices. This was not the job of women. Therefore, from what I see in Genesis 1-2, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, the normal and proper person to hold the office of elder/pastor is to be a man.

What About Galatians 3:28?

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus," (Gal. 3:28).

This verse is often used to support the idea that women can hold the offices of elder and pastor because there is neither male nor female in Christ. The argument states that if we are all equal, then women can be pastors.

Unfortunately, those who use this verse this way have failed to read the context. Verse 23 talks about being under the Law "before faith came" and how we are brought closer to Jesus and have become sons of God by faith. We are no longer under law, but grace and we are "Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise," (v. 29).2 The point of this passage is that we are all saved by God's grace according to the promise of God and that it doesn't matter who you are, Jew, Greek, slave, free, male, or female. All are saved the same way, by grace. In that, there is neither male nor

female.

This verse is not talking about church structure. It is talking about salvation "in Christ." It cannot be used to support women as pastors because that isn't what it is talking about. Instead, to find out about church structure and leadership, you need to go to those passages that talk about it: 1 Timothy 2 and Titus 1.

Being a Pastor or Elder is to be in Authority God is a God of order and balance. He has established order within the family (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-21 ) and the church (1 Tim. 2:11-14; 1 Cor. 11:89). Even within the Trinity there is an order, a hierarchy. The Father sent the Son (John 6:38) and both the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me," (John 6:38). It is clear that God is a God of order and structure.

In creation, God made Adam first and then Eve to be his helper. This is the order of creation. It is this order that Paul mentions in 1 Tim. 2:11-14 when speaking of authority. Being a pastor or an elder is to be in the place of authority. Therefore, within the church, for a woman to be a pastor or elder, she would be in authority of men in the church which contradicts what Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:11-14.

But Doesn't This Teaching Belittle Women?

No, male leadership does not belittle women. Jesus was given his authority by God the Father (Matt. 28:18). He was sent by God (John 6:38). He said the Father was greater than He (John 14:28). Did this belittle Jesus?

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Of course not. Women are of great value in the church and need to be used more and more according to the gifts given them.

church, she is then functioning as a pastor and teacher having authority over men in the church. Should she not do this?

Does the wife's submission to the husband mean that she is less than the husband, less important, or belittled? Again, not at all. Not having a place of leadership in the church does not mean a woman is less of a person, less important to God, or inferior. All are equal before God whether it be Jew, Gentile, free, slave, male, or female. But in the church, God has set up an order the same way he set one up in the family. The chain of command is Jesus, the man, the wife, and the children.

First of all, she should not be out there alone. She should be with her husband or, at the very least, under the oversight of a church body in the presence of other women and men. Missionary work is not a lone endeavor to be handled by single women.

What About Women Who Say They are Called By God to Be Pastors?

There are women pastors in the world who love their congregations and have stated that they are called by God to be pastors. Of course, I cannot agree with this considering the previous analysis of the biblical position. Instead, I believe they have usurped the position of men and gone against the norm of scriptural revelation. Additionally, those who state that they are called by God because of the great job they are doing and the gifting they have received are basing their theology upon experience and not scripture.

The issue is simple: are they submitting to the word of God or are they making the word of God submit to their desires?

What About a Missionary Woman Who Establishes a Church?

Scripture establishes the norm. As Christians we apply what we learn from the word, to the situations at hand. So, what about the situation where a woman missionary has converted a group of people, say in the jungle somewhere, and she has established a church? In that

Second, if in some highly unusual set of circumstances there is a woman in a lone situation, it is far more important that the word of God be preached and the gospel of salvation go forth to the lost than not. Whether it be male or female, let the gospel be spoken. However, I would say that as soon as there is/are males mature enough to handle eldership, that she should then establish the proper order of the church as revealed in scripture and thereby, show her submission to it.

Does this also mean that women shouldn't wear jewelry?

"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; 10 but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness. 11 Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve," (1 Tim. 2:9-13).

Some argue that if we are to forbid women to be elders then the context of 1 Tim. 2:9-13 demands that we require women to no have braided hair, wear gold, or have costly garments. Since no one wants to put that sort of a demand on a woman (since it is cultural), then why should we also demand that they not be elders since it would logically follow that it

was also a culturally based admonition?

The problem here is that multifaceted. First, the objection ignores what the scriptures plainly teach about the elder being the husband of one wife. Second, it fails to address the real issue of biblical headship residing in the male. Third, it fails to properly exegete the scripture in question.

In 1 Tim. 2:9-13 Paul tells us that women should be modestly dressed. He uses the example of the then present day adornment as an example of what not to do. This is a culturally based assessment by Paul. Notice that Paul emphasizes good works and godliness as a qualifier (as does Peter, see 1 Pet. 3:2). This is not a doctrinal statement tied to anything other than being a godly woman in appearance as well as attitude.

In verse 11, Paul says that a woman should quietly receive instruction. Please note that "The word, heµsychia, translated ―quietness‖ in 1 Timothy 2:11 and silent in verse 12, does not mean complete silence or no talking. It is clearly used elsewhere (Acts 22:2; 2 Thes.

3:12) to mean ―settled down, undisturbed, not unruly. A different word (sigaoµ) means ―to be silent, to say nothing‖ (cf. Luke 18:39; 1 Cor. 14:34).‖3 Paul is advocating orderliness in this verse.

Then in verse 12-13, Paul says, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve." Notice that Paul directly relates the authority issue with the created order. He does not do this with the woman's dress code. Therefore, the dress code is cultural and the authority issue as doctrinal since the latter is tied to the creation order and the dress code and authority issue are not.

God's word clearly tells us that the elder is to be the husband of one wife. A woman cannot

qualify for this position by virtue of her being female. Whether anyone likes it or not is irrelevant to the fact that this is what the Bible teaches.

The views expressed in this article does not represent those of Blessed Magazine or its staff We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

I’m a Christian.

Is it ok to Look

Sexy?

By Nicole Cottrell

Blessed Magazine Page 32

While we are free to be confident and to express style and care for our appearance, we must also be careful about flaunting our sexuality to the world

Page 33 Blessed Magazine

I wonder how Jesus feels about the way we dress today? Back in the day, Jesus probably rocked some sandals. What would he wear today? Jeans and a Tee? Khakis and a polo? A suit? Leather pants?

Did Jesus ever have a crush? Ever care about being attractive, about being sexy?

I know. We can‘t answer those questions. And frankly, it feels a wee unfair to even ask.

Scripture doesn‘t show Jesus concerned with girlfriends or attracting women, ever. I guess a wife and kid wasn‘t in the plans for him (and for good reason).

But if that‘s the case, what can Jesus teach us about attracting the opposite sex? How would Jesus respond to the question of whether it‘s okay for single Christians to be sexy?

Obviously, I can‘t say for certain, but I‘ll give it a try. Let‘s begin with what ―being sexy‖ even means?

I‘d say ―being sexy‖ is appealing favorably to the sexual preferences of men and/or women.

Being sexy grabs someone‘s sexual attention and produces sexual desire.

So maybe it‘s better to ask if it‘s okay to be desired? Or to want to be desired? Or to try to get people to desire you… sexually? Most of you will probably say no. But me, I‘m not so sure. I see desire as a core element to who we are, even relationally.

Perhaps I‘m treading a thin line here, but I don‘t see most desire as bad. And, as a form of desire, I don‘t think sexual attraction is bad either. While Christians should stop well short of overemphasizing sexuality as the main means of attracting a mate, we should also realize how silly it is to think we can turn off our sexual attractiveness receptors at will. Said more simply, if I like brunettes with green eyes,

then I will always notice a nice looking brunette with green eyes. And maybe, on some primal, physical level, desire her. Sexually. Is that desire the same as lusting? And if so, then we must ask whether Christians should purposely position themselves to be sexually desired, to be lusted after.

Again, ―No!‖ is likely the answer. But I‘d challenge by offering the proper splitting of hairs between lust and desire. The two aren‘t equal.

It‘s perfectly normal to desire chocolate cake while on a diet, to recognize the inner yearning for cheaty chocolatey goodness. But it‘s illogical to assume being on a diet means chocolate cake doesn‘t even look delicious, or that it isn‘t at all tempting. On the contrary, the diet probably makes it more so.

But that desire Controllable.

is

deniable.

Refutable.

Lust is different. Lust is desire squared. It‘s desire out of control, desire waiting to act on its momentum. Desire not mastered, untamed, unyielding. Lust is opportunistic and ambitious, waiting for fulfillment like a lion waiting to pounce on its prey.

Lust is what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:28, saying―…whosoever looketh on a woman to

lust after her hath committed adultery…‖ To lust here places intention, and thus sin, on the person doing the lusting. The verse could be paraphrased, ―Whoever seeks women to lust after has already committed adultery…‖ The problem, then, is theirs.

Yet, at the same time, we are not free to lead others into lust. While we are free to be confident, and to express style and care for our appearance, we must also be careful about flaunting our sexuality to the world. Truthfully, if you‘ve got it, you don‘t have to flaunt it. You can just dress it nicely.

So me, I‘d stop short of saying sexiness equals lust. Sexual desires and attractions are as natural as our appetite for food.

Thus, a single Christian man or woman can be sexy, maybe even should be in some cases, but that sexiness is not, and should not become an occasion for men (or women) to stumble… at least on purpose.

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A Closer Look at the Persecutor of God’s Prophets

By Jon Hamilton and Sister Marianne

"Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols." (Rev 2:20) At first glance we might ask "What? Jezebel?

Didn‘t she die back in Second Kings? How can Jezebel be threatening the church in Asia?― Obviously, the literal person of Jezebel was not present in Thyatira. The reference is a prophetic parallel. Just as John the Baptist was "Elijah" because he came in the spirit and power of Elijah, this person or influence in Thyatira was under the spiritual control of the same demonic influences that controlled Jezebel of old.

Thus, there is a type of demonic influence in society and the church that can rightly be called by the name Jezebel.

This spirit obviously existed long before Queen Jezebel, but she was so totally controlled by its nature that she has become its namesake. In scripture, Herodias is also a type of this force. As Jezebel opposed Elijah, so Herodias opposed John the Baptist. A third example is found here in Revelation 2:20 Queen Jezebel Jezebel, the Biblical character, first appears in First Kings 16, when she marries Ahab, king of Israel. Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, the king and high priest of the Baal worshipping Sidonians. Baal worship was closely associated with obsessive sensuality and often involved sex acts. Jezebel, as a daughter of this perverse kingdom, was raised in an atmosphere where sex was a path to power and influence.

Ahab, King of Israel, was completely subdued and dominated by Jezebel. Jezebel then introduced the worship of Ashtoroth to Israel.

This goddess, represented in Canaanite culture by the moon, was a power-hungry goddess of love and sensuality. Priestess-prostitutes filled her shrines and serviced her worshippers. The lure of these legal, readily available erotic encounters was more than the men of Israel would resist. By Jezebel‘s influence, 10 million Israelites left the worship of God for Baal and Ashtoroth. Only 7000 people in the entire nation were not swayed by her control.

The Characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit A Jezebel spirit seeks control through manipulation. It has a deep hatred of true spiritual authority, and uses emotional pressure, witchcraft and obsessive sensuality in its pursuit of power. It uses subtle persuasion to gain influence and get close to those in control. It then uses this position to gradually dominate.

In the Hebrew, the name Jezebel means literally "without cohabitation". She will not live or "cohabit" with those she cannot dominate and control. She will have no equals. Control is what Jezebel wants more than anything. Even when Jezebel appears to be submissive, it is usually out of a carefully wrought plan to gain influence.

Although it may be common to refer to Jezebel as "she", we obviously must conclude that as a spirit, Jezebel is gender neutral.

Jezebel certainly has as many male slaves as female. However, since Jezebel initially tends to establish control without the actual use of physical force, she is more easily associated with classic feminine persuasion techniques.

Jezebel likes to appear close to leaders, and use their influence. She likes to use the power and influence of others to accomplish her goals and control her environment. In 1 Kings 21:8 we read " Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab‘s name and sealed them with his seal, after sealing them with his seal, she then sent them

to the elders and nobles of the city." This is typical of Jezebel. She prefers to remain concealed in the background, while she manipulates situations and leaders.

Jezebel is often associated with pleasure, especially sexual pleasure. She will use any form of sensuality at her disposal to gain influence and control. Jezebel uses sensuality, but make no mistake, Jezebel is seeking CONTROL. Lusts are merely tools used to weaken others in order for her to accomplish her goal of control. In many cases sex is not involved at all.

Jezebel‘s greatest enemy is true spiritual authority. As Jezebel opposed Elijah and Herodias opposed John the Baptist, so Jezebel today opposes righteous authority. In her heart, she despises all moral authority.

Jezebel in Society In America today, Jezebel is the arrogant, angry spirit behind abortion, crying out "It‘s MY choice! Don‘t tell me what to do!" She has cleverly manipulated debate and positioned herself behind seats of power.

She is the power behind the rebirth of witchcraft in our culture. She calls to millions of teenagers via popular music and movies, telling them that new age witchcraft will give them power. She is the force behind the psychic hotlines, which control and manipulate millions.

She is also the spirit at the center of Hollywood. Jezebel is the reason so many homosexuals are drawn to the entertainment industry, desperately seeking recognition and acceptance In an attempt to weaken righteous leadership, Jezebel is the force that draws millions of Christian men into hours of television. She is

behind the explosion of Internet pornography.

Today she is luring men of God into secret lives of bondage and condemnation. Some leaders, once powerful men of prayer, are now too ashamed to even sneak into the throne room. They are wracked with condemnation.

They have been reduced to being mere eunuchs of Jezebel. Men with the calling of David have become pleasure shackled Ahab‘s.

(God still wants to free these!)

Jezebel in the Church Jezebel is not only visible in society. Jezebel is quite at home in the church pew.

1 Kings 21:9 In those letters she wrote: "Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.― With a heart of ice, Jezebel gained control of Naboth‘s vineyard under the pretense of a FAST. She suddenly got religion when she Story continued on page 45

discreet (having prudence) and chaste (morally pure). These words describe few women these days. Multitudes of American women dress immodestly, have dirty-minds, curse, lack sensibility and are ingrates. Notice that the Word of God is blasphemed (i.e., evil spoken of) when a professed Christian woman disobeys her husband, acts irresponsibly, and fails to properly care for her husband and children.

Woe unto that woman!

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Guide the House God never intended for women to pursue careers at the expense of motherhood. God intended for women to be keepers at home. The Bible even uses this phrase... Titus 2:4-5, ―That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.‖ Notice the simplicity of the word ―good‖; yet so many wives are bad nowadays. Also, notice the word ―obedient.‖ Wives are to obey their husbands as unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:22, ―Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.‖ Those are some strong words. America's wives are for the most part, rebellious against God and their husbands. Judgment day is coming!

A wife is Biblically supposed to be good, discreet

God wants young women to be keeper at home—baking, cooking, sewing, doing laundry, teaching her children, taking care of herself, doing small repairs around the house, taking care of family business, and being a help meet to her husband anyway she can. That's why God created the woman—to help her husband. Genesis 2:18, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an HELP MEET for him.” (Please note that all Scriptures are quoted from the trustworthy King James Bible.)

No creature can truly be happy unless it fulfills the purpose for which it was created. The Bible plainly teaches that Eve was created for Adam, to help him The idea of a woman having a career came from the ungodly, heathen world and not from the Scriptures. God never intended for women to be executives, cops, helicopter pilots, lawyers, realtors, soldiers, pastors, et cetera.

Modern apostate society treats women just like men. As a consequence, women now act like men The Bible teaches that these women have TURNED ASIDE AFTER SATAN (1st Timothy 5:15). Don't get mad at me, get mad at God, because He said it. They are not fulfilling God's purpose for their life.

It doesn't matter if they're doing something noble, it's not what God intended for them to do with their life. God intended for young women to marry, bear children, guide the house and

stay out of trouble.

America is going to Hell because of a lack of godly women. Instead of pursuing motherhood and being a submissive wife, young women instead want to put on the pants and do a man's job, earn man's salary and BE A MAN! The masculinity of career women prove my point largely.

Every time I drive by a construction site, I always see a woman waving the traffic flag.

She ought to be at home baking bread, not waving trucks and automobiles past a construction zone. What is wrong with America? We've lost our minds as a nation.

Many people see no harm in women pursuing professional careers, but when it comes down to reality, those type of women act and think like men. They are decisive, strong-willed, tough, loud-mouthed, rugged and lack the Biblical character traits that God desires in a Christian woman. The Amish people have a beautiful culture. Their kids aren't programmed to work in factories the rest of their lives. Their daughters are taught to cook, sew and be mothers. Their boys are taught to make furniture, grow crops and be fathers. The rest of America's kids know how to play Super Mario, curse in Spanish and do the moonwalk.

We've become a nation of losers! Feminists have convinced American women that aborting their kids is the responsible thing to do. This sick evil all goes along with the career-minded woman's mentality. Americans have been suckered into believing that by voting they have done their patriotic duty. Voting will NEVER change anything in a monopolized two-party corrupt system. Is that so hard to figure out? Americans still believe that this is the ―Land of the Free,‖ where 25% of the world's prison inmates are incarcerated (but we only have 5% of the world's population). Land of the free? I don't think so! But we think we're free. The American people are in denial about so many things

so many things. The average American really believes ―In God We Trust‖ as a nation, like our dollar says; but we teach kids that their nearest relative is a gorilla and they evolved from stardust. We kicked prayer out of the public schools in 1962 and the Bible in 1963. One nation under God? You're kidding me, right?

And what's with that hellhole called ―Sin City‖? Is that how we honor God? There is nothing sadder to me than seeing a women acting like a man, doing a man's job, expressing herself with a man's disposition, and being so far away from what God intended for her to be. I realize that we're living in a different world today than a century ago; but right hasn't changed. God hasn't changed. God's Word hasn't changed. Genuine Christianity hasn't changed. So why should Christian women change to fit in with the sick, godless, perverted, greedy, murderous, adulterous, antifamily agenda of American society today? You shouldn't!

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Stay Out of Trouble 1st Timothy 5:14,“I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan.”

It seems that this fourth priority is one of the hardest for many young wives. God says he wants young women to get married to a man, bear children, guide the house and then keep the dirty-laundry in the family. God specifically commands wives to avoid doing anything that will give people reason to judge and criticize.

So many young wives go running to the neighbor's house when there's a marital argument, then the neighbor's take sides, call the police and you've got a 3-ring circus going.

Ladies, you need to learn to take a walk when you're angry, and don't going crying on someone's shoulder, because they will ruin your marriage if you let them. People are destructive. It's not their marriage, so they've got nothing to lose. I'm so sick and tired of busy-bodies minding other people's business. If you want people to help ruin your marriage, there are millions of them standing in line waiting to do so. All they're waiting for is a foolish wife with a bitter heart whose sinful enough to abandon her marriage vows and quit.

We are living in a world of fools. Don't throw your marriage away.

Watch Your Mouth Ladies And another thing ladies, watch your mouth.

More husbands snap because of a wife's big mouth than anything else. I remember a story in the news many years ago when I lived in Chicago. The incident happened in one of the suburbs. An elderly couple were sitting in their old car and the man's wife made some comment about their neighbor's brand new car. The man snapped, pressed the gas pedal and drove their car into the neighbor's swimming pool. When

the police and fire department came, they found the couple alive sitting at the bottom of the pool underwater. A woman's mouth can really make a man upset. Proverb 21:9, ―It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.‖ Too many wives spend half their day gossiping on the phone. Proverb 18:8, ―The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.‖ God says in His Word that wives are not to give any occasion to the enemy to speak reproachfully. Who's the enemy? That would be the person (or persons) who would love to know you're having marriage problems, so they can go tell everybody. Let's face it, people love to tear each other down. It's what the heathen world loves to do. That's why the manurespreading news media is so popular and has such high ratings. But God hates gossip. The name ―Satan‖ means ―one who accuses.‖ Satan continually accuses us before God day and night. Revelation 12:10, ―And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.‖ You're never more like Satan than when you point out the faults of others. Shut your mouth!

Are Women Inferior to Men? Yes, of course! No, I'm just kidding. That's what many feminists want to think. God did not create Eve from Adam's head to rule with him, nor from Adam's foot to be trampled upon; but from Adam's rib, which is the nearest thing to Adam's heart. Isn't that beautiful? I am not a male chauvinist. I do not believe that women are inferior. Quite to the contrary. God chose to perpetuate the human race through the body of a woman.

I am all for equal human rights; but the Bible

gives the husband the power of authority over his own wife. Feminism has nothing to do with equal human rights; it is a matter of women wanting equal authority in the home, the church, society and even demanding a feminine side of the Godhead. Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven for wanting to ―be LIKE the most high‖ (Isaiah 14:14). Lucifer desired EQUALITY with God. That was his downfall.

Likewise, Lucifer (the serpent) tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden by deceitfully saying that her and Adam would become ―as gods‖ (Genesis 3:5) if they disobeyed God. Eve desired to be EQUAL with God. We see this same evil attitude in the world today in feminism. Feminists desire to be EQUAL in authority in the home, the church, society and to redefine God as being part female. God is strictly masculine.

Having said that, did you know that the Bible teaches mutual submission? I'll bet you didn't know that ladies. Ephesians 5:21, ―Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.‖ Feminists don't ever consider that part of the Bible, they just accuse Christianity of making slaves out of women. Husbands are supposed to love and submit to their wives as well; but in a conflict situation, the wife is to submit to the husband. That is God's plan. A husband who is acting like a monstrous dictator is not exemplifying Jesus Christ in his life, and his wife is going to have a much harder time submitting to his authority since he is abusing it. The door swings both ways Howbeit, a spouse DOESN'T have a right to slack off on his or her duties or to quit the marriage because the other spouse is not cooperating. That is heathendom. You promised God and your spouse, ―For Better, For Worse; 'Til death do us part.‖ Mark 10:9, ―What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.‖ A wife who loves God will put up with her husband and vise versa. Even if a non-legal separation is necessary for some time

time, or life if need be, a divorce should never be considered. If you are a Christian, nothing should ever be done through the unsaved court system (1st Corinthians 6:1). If you are not a born-again Christian who loves Jesus Christ, then you likely won't understand this Biblical teaching. No Christian should ever take another Christian to court, and that includes divorce.

God says if the matter cannot be resolved outside of court, then let the matter go. There are many ways to handle marital disputes, but divorce is the lowest road one can take. For a wife to divorce is rebellion, and God says rebellion is equal to the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness as the sin of idolatry (1st Samuel 15:23) time

Conclusion I know a lot of women don't like what I'm preaching, but that's ok, you've been wrong before. I didn't write the Bible. I'm just preaching It. Women were created to be a HELP MEET for a husband, in a marriage, with children, in a house, minding your own business and staying out of trouble. Many women disagree with the Bible. They think that because times have changed that the Bible is outdated and obsolete. That’s a sinful thing to Story continued next page

think. God hasn't changed. The Bible hasn't changed. Doing the right thing hasn't changed.

Motherhood hasn't changed.

Television is far from reality. Only on TV can a woman whip ten men. In real life it is very different. The feminist agenda has saturated television with insane portrayals of women.

God didn't intend for women to be in charge over men. It is unbiblical, unethical and just plain ridiculous. God made men to be decisive, tough, upright, clean-minded, respectable, gentlemen, rugged and to lead. Women are supposed to be mothers, wives, dainty, feminine, charming, sweet, soft, submissive to their own husbands, modest, chaste, virtuous, meek, shamefaced, quiet and respectful. God created men and women differently. I've read the book, ―Women are from Venus; Men are from Mars‖ The essence of the entire book is that men and women are created differently in every aspect, and if we understand that, then we'll be more understanding, patient and cooperative with our spouse. That's very true.

I realize that the things I'm teaching are about as unpopular as Noah's flood, but it is Biblical.

I simply ask you to examine the Scriptures, such as 1st Timothy 5:14 and Titus 2:4-5, and apply them to your own personal life. I am not trying to be unkind, I am simply saying that the whole modern idea of a woman pursuing a career is very far from what God intended for a woman You can ignore the Scriptures until the day you die, but then you'll have to answer to God and live with the memories of the life you chose.

What will you have to show for your life? A career never made anyone happy in eternity.

The views expressed in this article does not represent those of Blessed Magazine or its staff We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

While Jezebel often claims to have inspired messages, (she "calls herself a prophetess" according to Rev 2:20), she usually discourages other prophetic voices unless they are under her control. She will attempt to cause leaders to be suspicious of true prophetic messengers, which bear the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10)

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needed it.

Remember the adulterous woman in Proverbs 7? She first lured the foolish young man with, "I‘ve just finished making my peace offerings, and have come looking for you." She made sure he knew she was a good religious woman before she seduced him!

Likewise, Jezebel doesn‘t let her sin keep her from church.

Jezebel often manifests within the most "spiritual" people you will ever meet. In the Church, Jezebel will first attempt to get close to the pastor or other leaders with flattery.

She will attempt to gain his confidence. She "calls herself a prophetess" and often manipulates others with her spirituality. Her deep "truths" usually result in condemnation and burdens for those in her care.

If the pastor, like Elijah, sees and opposes her deceptions, he will find himself in a fight for his life! He may find himself unemployed! Many a man of God has unwittingly had this spirit of control drive out his godly leadership.

This same controlling spirit may manifest in very different, even opposite ways. For example, a controlling, super-spiritual, self righteous, manipulative mother (the kind that wants to run the church), will often be horrified when her daughter grows up to be sexually immoral. Little does she know that she released that very spirit into her child‘s life!

Demonic Depression and Loss of Vision

For seven years, God had carefully protected Elijah. God fed him in the wilderness. When Ahab‘s armies sought to kill Elijah, they were unable to lay a finger on him.

Finally, in a showdown at Mt. Carmel, Elijah called down fire from heaven and resoundingly defeated and killed the priests of Baal. All Israel fell at his feet in repentance, worshipping the true God. Elijah was the man of the hour. He was vindicated, victorious, and clearly in charge.

Nevertheless, when Jezebel sent Elijah a single threat, he suddenly turned coward and fled to the desert. Anxious, depressed, and miserable, he begged God to kill him!

Think about this. It makes NO sense. Elijah enjoyed supernatural protection for seven years. He watched fire fall from heaven and defeat his enemies, yet when a single angry woman threatened him one time, he lost every shred of vision and ran away. He moaned in self-pity and depression, begging Story continued next page

God to kill him!

This is a great example of Jezebel‘s powerful demonic "anointing" to intimidate, create fear, and cause men of God to withdraw.

Jezebel steals your vision. Jezebel will even make you depressed and anxious when there is nothing significantly different in your circumstances. If there are difficult circumstances, this spirit will tell you they are insurmountable, impossible, and overwhelming. Jezebel will make you feel like dying when in reality, you are God‘s man of the hour.

Jezebel‘s witchcraft will attack key leaders in her targeted area through intimidation. Those under attack may awaken one morning to find it takes effort just to breathe. All joy seems to depart. Spiritual life seems irrelevant. Demonic voices will echo in their minds "something‘s wrong with you!" They may suddenly find themselves in unreasonable anxiety, fearing tragedy or death. Much of what is called "depression" in the ministry is simply Jezebel!

Jezebel wants to paralyze with fear, condemnation, depression, apathy or whatever it takes until we withdraw. The only answer for those under Jezebel‘s attack is perseverance in battle. We must remain on course no matter how long it takes!

example of a true move of God. It has been called the ―Pentecost greater than Pentecost."

Sadly, the revival‘s demise is also an excellent example of how Jezebel works against the church.

This is War

In just two years, over 100,000 people were saved. Welsh society was revolutionized.

Entire towns recorded no arrests for over a year. Places that formerly were hotbeds of vice suddenly became transformed. Police departments were forced to lay off idle officers. Professional sports teams disbanded because no one was willing to miss church for a game. Services continued virtually around the clock and there were demonstrations of God‘s presence and power.

The war continues today between Jezebel and Elijah. Like all wars, there are casualties.

Leaders sometimes fall. Soldiers sometimes withdraw. Jezebel wants to keep the church within its present boundaries. She claims to decide the extent of the church locally. We must not tolerate this.

A Victory for Jezebel The Welsh Example The great Welsh revival of 1904is a shining

When God begins a work, he usually begins with a man. During the Welsh revival that man

was Evans Roberts. Evans was only 26 years old at the time. Most of his leaders were only in their late teens and twenties. Evans was deeply devoted to the Lord, and his devotion to wait upon the Lord released a shower of blessings that was a marvel to the Church. Pastors and leaders from around the world streamed to Wales to behold it.

Many people became associated with the revival as it grew. Among these was a well-todo woman named Jessie Penn-Lewis. For years Penn-Lewis had considered herself a Bible teacher, but she had never found a broad acceptance for her teachings. She had largely been rejected or ignored by most church leaders in Wales. At first, Jessie Penn-Lewis appeared as a friend and financial supporter to Evans Roberts. She gained his confidence, and began speaking into his life.

Long time friends of Evans Roberts expressed concerns that she appeared to isolate Roberts too much, but Roberts trusted Penn-Lewis completely. She began to minister certain messages to Roberts, which appeared to him to be profound corrections from the Lord.

These filled him with condemnation.

He was convinced her deep "truth‘s― were things he needed to hear.

Mrs. Penn-Lewis began to express her "concern" to Evans that with the revival‘s great success, perhaps too much glory was going to Evans Roberts instead of to God. The thought of stealing God‘s glory horrified the sincere young man. He began to think that perhaps others should lead for a while. Penn-Lewis convinced Evans Roberts to withdraw from public ministry, and to move into the PennLewis home.

Evans Roberts never returned to the ministry.

The Welsh revival ended quickly and quietly.

After a short time in the Penn-Lewis home, Evans Roberts began experiencing severe bouts of depression. Often he was unable to leave the bed for days at a time. He appeared nervous and anxious. By today‘s standards he was in severe clinical depression. It took a toll on his health.

Meanwhile, Penn-Lewis began writing articles and letters in Evans Roberts‘ name, and on his behalf. These were published in both Roberts and Penn-Lewis‘ name, and eventually , in her Story continued on page 49

Blessed Magazine Page 48

name alone. According to many former close associates of Evans Roberts, some of the works attributed to him could not possibly have had his approval. Certain publications were highly critical of other movements, especially the newly emerging Pentecostals. Unfortunately, few people were able to see or speak with Evans Roberts. He was kept guarded in the Penn-Lewis home. He was completely dominated.

Evans Roberts spent many dark years of depression in the house of Jezebel. Mercifully, he eventually broke all ties with Penn-Lewis, but not until his health was broken and his ministry just a shadow of its former glory.

Evans Roberts made contributions in two years of ministry, that most never see in a lifetime. His memory should be honored. Nevertheless, he is a sad reminder of the old proverb "Age and treachery will always defeat youth and enthusiasm." A revival that in 24 months saw 100,000 salvations and a glory some called greater than Pentecost, was destroyed by a single unwitting servant of Jezebel, seeking control in order to gain recognition and acceptance.

Trampling Jezebel First, we must rid ourselves of Jezebel‘s ways.

We can not cast out lust when we harbor lust in our lives. We can not bring down a spirit of control if we use manipulation and hype to control our congregations. We must examine our own ways, and repent of Jezebel.

Second, it takes Jehu. Although Elijah was Jezebel‘s enemy, it took JEHU to trample Jezebel.

Jehu took no prisoners and showed no mercy to Jezebel. He had singleness of purpose and was driven. As he approached Jezreel those who saw his chariot noted he "drives furiously" (2 Kings 9:20) When others offered peace and compromise, Jehu responded "How can there be

peace as long as the harlotries and witchcrafts of Jezebel are many?" (2 Kings 9:22) Jehu would not rest until Jezebel was dead. Her pleasures could not attract him. Her threats did not deter him. He would not tolerate Jezebel.

Jesus says we too can not TOLERATE Jezebel.

(Revelation 2:20) We must learn the prophetic power of the word "No!" We must give no ground!

When Jezebel attempted to captivate Jehu, he did not even allow himself to be drawn into conversation with her. Instead, he called on her eunuchs to cast her down from her balcony.

Those with the Jehu anointing will call to Jezebel‘s emasculated slaves, and they too will cast her down!

How to break this spirit: 1. Be sure you are not enabling this person; i.e.. you are not an ―Ahab‖ 2. Gather facts about the person‘s activity and behavior, be able to prove it. you have to start by addressing real behavior. you cannot start by telling someone ―they have a spirit.‖ Be prepared to question the person why they behave that way. Make a list of wrongs. Be prepared.

3. Gather witnesses, who are also sincere believers (if in a church setting), or other credible authority figures, because the person will attack back, and deny everything. The aggressive types will use their authority to abuse, criticize, & threaten you, and try to have you discredited, or removed. The more sneaky types go into ―victim hood‖ mode, immediately trying to solicit and recruit support, and make you look like you are the abusive one.

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4. Isolate the person. make sure their own recruits (buddies) are not around. It gets its power from others….so if you get it alone, it is more vulnerable, and more easily defeated. You have to remove the source of its power and “gang up” on it.

5. Confront the person with the facts. – expect denial. They will lie through their teeth!!

6. Reject the person’s behavior based on the facts. Tell the person they will not be accepted back into the group unless they repent.

7. If the person repents – showing willingness to change- then • Church setting – as a group, bind and cast out the demonic spirit in Jesus name, and persist until it is gone. Expect high resistance, since it is a controlling (witch) spirit. There will be screaming and yelling before it is cast out. It will try to attack you and call you names. Also, expect and ignore plays of “victim hood” during deliverance. Sometimes the spirit cycles between being the attacker, and being a victim.

This is to confuse you, so do not give in.

• secular setting – document records, give warning that future behavior will be monitored. This is because their basic nature has not changed yet, and an eventual repeat of behavior will occur. If it does, the person needs to be fired.

8. Once the spirit is gone, the person needs support and counseling to examine how the spirit entered to

begin with, so they can close the door on further attempts by the spirit to enter.

9. If the person does NOT repent, then cut off ties with the person, telling them forgiveness and deliverance is available to them. If you do not cut off ties, they will worry you to death and destroy your peace.

As one commenter stated: The Jezebel needs to learn the meaning of the word “NO!!!!!!!!!“ The views expressed in this article does not represent those of Blessed Magazine or its staff We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

I'm a Christian, but I'm Struggling! Am I

Normal?

Inspired by Dave

"To me religion is a struggle, finding the right path and sticking to it. Weakness creeps in and I fall. But I will always keep trying and learning. Please give me something I can relate to so I know I‘m normal" Yes the Christian life is a struggle.

We are never going to have that moment, at least not while we live, where we can say that we have ‗conquered pride and now were moving on to jealousy!‖ Page 51 Blessed Magazine

Yes the Christian life is a struggle. We are never going to have that moment, at least not while we live, where we can say that we have ‗conquered pride and now were moving on to jealousy‘! However, the Apostle Paul exclaims in Romans 6 that we have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Yet, a little later he commands us to not let sin reign in our mortal bodies. So, how can sin be dead to us and yet at the same time still be alive enough to have the opportunity to reign? There is a really interesting dynamic going on here.

You see, for Christians, when Christ came from the Father he dealt with the power and penalty of sin. The penalty of sin is death; Jesus‘ own death means that death is no longer fearful for us. For we know that we will be raised to be in perfect relationship with him The power of sin is seen by who our master is – previously we were slaves to sin, but now being freed from the power of sin we can serve God. But, the presence of sin is still here. This is something that will only be dealt with upon the return of Jesus. So, we live with some tension. On the one hand, we can exclaim with Paul that we are dead to sin, but on the other hand, we still need to continually struggle with sin. Maybe an illustration will be helpful – Sin is a bit like a chicken with its head cut off, after the chicken loses its head it still runs around for a while before dying. This is the situation for us today; sin‘s penalty and power are dead to us, but it still running around with its head cut off!

John Calvin, a great Reformer from the 16th Century, says that, ‗He who, struggling with his own weakness, presses toward faith in his moments of anxiety is already in large part victorious‘. What he means is that when wrestling with our own weaknesses the tendency is to give up, to stop fighting and let temptation overcome us. The sheer fact that you are struggling shows that you are not in this position meaning that you are ‗already in large part victorious‘. It is one of the ways that the Spirit is at work in your life.

Lastly, in the Christian life perseverance is paramount. Starting out the Christian life is crucial but it is equally important to finish well.

This is why it is important to never give up, keep trusting God, keep struggling with your weaknesses and remember to look to the great assuring promises of God and to his Son who too struggled with sin but was without sin.

And remember God has not left us to struggle on our own. Not only do we have the Spirit of God and his Word to help us and guide us but he has also given us each other. That is why the writer to the Hebrews says in chapter 10 – ―Do not give up meeting with one another as some are in the habit of doing but encourage one another‖. So in your struggle, let them encourage you to read and pray and meet with other Christians and TALK about how hard it is We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

Christians Persecuting Other Christians

by Jack Wellman

Many Christians suffer persecutions in their daily walk with Christ.

This should not be surprising. Jesus predicted it for those who believed in Him (John 15:20) and the Apostle Peter told the church that they should not be surprised when they suffer insults because of their faith in Christ (I Peter 4:14). What is surprising is that other Christians receive persecutions – and some of the fiercest at that – from other Christians. This ought not to be so.

Blessed Magazine Page 54

We are told to put on the whole armor of God and to protect ourselves from spiritual attacks (Eph 6:10-18). The only offensive weapon mentioned is the sword which is the Word of God. This weapon is intended to fight off spiritual attacks from wicked spirits but all too often believers wield this weapon against other Christians, however this is not the intended use for this weapon. The last thing that Christ would have us to do is to attack other Christians using the Word of God (Bible). Yes, we should challenge false teachings and false gospels when we see them and the Bible tells us that there will be many of these in the last days, but we are not to attack each other over non-essentials. When Christians fight with each other over things that are not central to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Calvary, Jesus atoning sacrifice, etc.), then we send a strong message to unbelievers – that we can not even get along with each other. Where is Christ in that!

Some Christians go so far as to sue one another in a court of law. This grieves God greatly. The Corinthian church was so carnal that they were fighting and arguing over who had the best spiritual gifts, even though these gifts were from God and not gifts that they themselves had developed. The were suing each other too, as Paul angrily stated in I Corinthian 6:5-6, ―I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!‖ By doing this in full view of non-believers, we shame the reputation of Christ. We are redeemed, but many times we don‘t live like the redeemed and we don‘t reflect the Redeemer. Gandhi once said that ―I love your Christ…it is your Christians that I don‘t like very much.‖ This is because he saw the two-faced nature of many believers.

Jesus said that a house divided can not stand...

not stand…and Christians are sometimes divided over issues that are not central to Calvary.

The Body of Christ should not be divided against itself, yet many times we are attacking each other over beliefs or any belief that differs from ours. I love to quote the saying, “In Essentials Unity, In NonEssentials Liberty, In All Things Charity.” This means that above all things should be love.

We all have differences…yet these differences should not make us divided; they should make us complete.

Paul spoke about the gifts of the Spirit and said that the hand can not say to the foot that I have no need for you…or the eye can not tell the ear that you are not needed. No, we all need each other. We should be praying for one another. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 12:25 ―that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.― Jesus told us that the world would know us if we loved one another – not if we argued against each other (John 13:35). That is exactly what Satan must delight in. What would Christ say to us if He returned to see that we are fighting over issues that are not essential to our own salvation and to tell others about Christ for the Great Commission? I think He would honestly be ashamed of us or worse yet, angry that we can not get alone with each other. He expects that from those who don‘t have the Holy Spirit – but for believers who have Christ in them?

The book of Romans has much to say about living with differences among Christians.

Romans 14 - 1 “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

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4 -6 “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.”

10 your them stand

“You, then, why do you judge brother or sister? Or why do you treat with contempt? For we will all before God’s judgment seat.”

13 “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

22 “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.”

Romans 15 2 “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”

7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” The Apostle John spelled it out clearly, leaving no room for doubt about who are Christ‘s: ―Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen‖ (I John 4:20).

If we are constantly attacking other believers,

then the love of God is not indwelling in us…and if anyone hates their brother or sister for their beliefs, then God says that they are a liar if they say the love God. No one loves God and hates his brother or sister. That is totally inconsistent with Christianity. In I John 1:6, John is saying that we are living in duplicity or being a hypocrite if we say that we are in fellowship with God and yet do not live like it with other believers: ―If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.‖ Can it be any clearer?

Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies; how much more should we be praying for other believers and loving one another?

We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

Temptation Understanding and Overcoming Inspired by Dave

God does not promise that we will never be tempted, but that when we are, He will provide a way of escape. However, there are things that we can do as a Christian to avoid unnecessary temptation. Many times temptation can be completely avoided by following these simple tips.

therefore is not at all tempting.

James 1:14 says that we are drawn away with our own lusts. This indicates that each person has their own weak areas to deal with. You need to understand your own weakness so that you will know how to combat and avoid it.

Pray Flee Temptation In the model prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples in Matthew 6, He taught them to ask God to lead them away from temptation (Matthew 6:13). A daily relationship with God in prayer is a first step to avoiding temptation.

Use the Word of God There are many good verses that will help you overcome certain temptations.

Memorizing Bible verses targeted to combat your areas of temptation will be a protection and defense. 2 Corinthians 10:4 and 5 talk about pulling down things that get a stronghold in our life.

You need to work on memorizing a list of Bible verses that will help you avoid temptation. You cannot rely on finding a Bible at the moment of temptation. These verses have to become second nature to you.

Spend time in God‘s word daily. Make it a habit. By knowing you will be confronted by the Bible in your reading tomorrow it can help you stay focused on God today.

Understand Your Personal Weaknesses Not everyone is tempted in the same way.

What is a struggle for one person may not be the least bit tempting to another person.

For example one person may be tempted with smoking. For the next guy, smoking has never had a foothold on the person and

God has promised to make a way to escape temptation. If you will look for the escape route then you can flee the temptation.

Many times this way of escape is to literally walk (or run) away. Temptation often comes when you find yourself in certain situations or places. When you recognize one of those situations it is time to pack up your stuff and get out of there. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22) Create an Accountability Network As Christians we have direct access to God. There is no place in the Bible where we are taught that we must confess our sins to others to have forgiveness from God.

However, the Bible does teach that creating accountability with someone else can help you in your struggle against temptation (James 5:16).

You do not need to go into detail with your accountability partner about your struggles, but they do need to know how to pray for you. Find someone who is a mature Christian. Often your pastor can fill this role, but it can also be a fellow church member. Tell them that you are struggling in a certain area.

Look through the Bible together finding verses that will be a help to you. Have your Story continued next page

friend ask you occasionally how you were doing in this area.

Once a week is usually often enough. Make a promise to your friend that you will not lie to them when asked about how you are doing. You only hurt yourself when you lie to the other person. Ask your friend to pray for you—not stand in judgment.

Don’t be Discouraged You should not become complacent about your sin. But you should also not allow it to defeat you. Sin is much more serious than eating too much dessert, but allow me to make an analogy. If you are on a diet and eat an extra cookie that you were not supposed to, does it make sense to quit your diet and eat the rest of the bag? The truth is that one extra cookie is a minor thing compared to how many good choices you made the previous week. It sounds silly to quit a diet because of 100 extra calories.

Yet people do it all the time.

Realize that you probably will fall to temptation on occasion, but that is no reason to quit your Christian walk.

Don‘t accept your sin as if it doesn‘t matter, but also realize that you have a choice in your future actions.

Confess and Repent When you fall to temptation, go to God and confess. He already knows about your sin.

You are not telling Him anything that is a surprise. But for your own sake you should humble yourself before God and confess your sin. The truth is, He has already forgiven you if you‘re a Christian. Going to Him in confession makes it easier for you to have clear communication with Him. We would love to hear from you in regards to this article, please write us at contact@blessedmagazine.org and voice your opinion

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