From Vicki (a faithful listener to one of my radio ministries)
To: ed@edbradyradio.com
RE: “Jesus Gave Us [His Believers] His Power”

Good morning Pastor Brady,
I’m listening to your broadcast as I write. I am a faithful listener of your program and look forward to it every Sunday.
I don’t like your program being split up but it’s really nice of you to share your spot on the radio.
(Country Gospel with Pastor Ed Brady used to be on BOB-FM Radio from 8:30 AM to 11 AM, but BOB-FM sold a half-hour in the middle to a local church to broadcast their pastor’s sermon. You can hear “Country Gospel” on BOB-FM 107.5 FM (Faribault MN tower), (and on BOB-FM 106.1 FM (Ramsey, MN tower, or 105.5 FM in Saint Cloud, MN) …or on the internet at www.mybobcountry.com.)

Every day I thank Jesus for dying for my sins, for his gift of healing, and for the power he left with me to fight the enemy. Last week I started wondering where it is in the Bible that Jesus left with me the power to fight the enemy. I can’t find it.

Am I wrong about that or do you know where it is?
Thank you very much.
[Name deleted to protect privacy]
Q? – Questions for me? A! – Here are your Answers?
Bible Verses regarding: “the power he left with me to fight the enemy”
Jesus Gave Us All Authority And Power – We must believe that by Faith in Jesus.

Verse 1
🕮 Luke 10:19 – New King James Version – 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

🕮 Luke 10:19 – New Living Translation – 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

🕮 Luke 10:19 – Amplified Bible – 19 Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on [a]serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.
Footnotes
Luke 10:19 Perhaps a reference to demonic powers (evil spirits). There are good spirits and evil spirits.
18-20 Jesus said, “I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”

Verse 2
🕮 James 4:7-8 – New King James Version – Humility Cures Worldliness – 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

🕮 James 4:7-8 – New Living Translation – 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

🕮 James 4:7-8 – Amplified Bible – 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].

🕮 James 4:7-10 – The Message – 7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud “NO” to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

Verse 3
🕮 John 14:12 – New King James Version – The Answered Prayer – 12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

🕮 John 14:12 – New Living Translation – 12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

🕮 John 14:12 – Amplified Bible – 12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.

🕮 John 14:12 11-14 “Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that—believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.

Verse 3 – other translations.
EXPANDED BIBLE
I tell you the truth [L Truly, truly, I say to you], whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [C They will do greater things because all believers—not just Jesus—will have the Holy Spirit living in them and empowering them.]

PHILLIPS Translation
“Have I been such a long time with you,” replied Jesus, “without you really knowing me, Philip? The man who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The very words I say to you are not my own. It is the Father who lives in me who carries out his work through me. Do you believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? But if you cannot, then believe me because of what you see me do. I assure you that the man who believes in me will do the same things that I have done, yes, and he will do even greater things than these, for I am going away to the Father. Whatever you ask the Father in my name, I will do—that the Son may bring glory to the Father. And if you ask me anything in my name, I will grant it.”

In closing, do not only read God’s Word, the Bible, but “Apply the Bible to YOUR Life” and take meaningful action, now, because ‘faith without works is dead’ (James 2:14-26). Believe what the Bible says because it is God’s Inspired Word (given by God and written down by men).

Thanks for your question [email above]. I sincerely hope that my reply has helped you – and it has given me another interesting blog (JesusEdifies Brady Blog) for my website, edbradyradio.com.
God bless you. Thanks for your prayers. Pastor Ed
Next – More information follows. Be inspired and enjoy.

Faith without works is dead because true faith transforms a life. It is also true that works without faith are dead. Jesus said that some would call Him “Lord, Lord,” but would not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).
What does it mean that faith without works is dead?

Credits: www.compellingtruth.org/faith-without-works-dead.html
What does it mean that faith without works is dead?
People act in line with what they believe. For instance, if we believe a stove top is hot, we will not place our hand on it. If we believe vitamins are essential for good health, we will take them. Good marketers persuade people to believe they need a certain product in order to induce people to buy it. The actions that result from our faith are no different from those that result from other of our beliefs. If we genuinely believe God is who He says He is and that the Bible means what it says, we will act accordingly.

The New Testament is replete with descriptions of the works that result from our faith. James 2:14-26 is the most well-known passage regarding the lifelessness of claimed faith unsubstantiated by works. In essence, it explains the way that faith is demonstrated by our actions. John 15:1-17 compares the believer’s relationship with Christ to that of branches to a vine. A branch that is truly connected to the vine will bear fruit. Those who have true faith will also have works. Philippians 1:9-11 says, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Similarly, Galatians 5:22-25 describes what our lives will look like if we live by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:10 talks about good works for which we have been created.

It is important to note that works follow faith. Works are a good diagnostic barometer of where our truth faith lies. Our good works in no way relate to our salvation. Paul makes very clear in Ephesians 2 that apart from Christ we are dead in sin (Ephesians 2:4-9); we are therefore incapable of truly good works. However, after our salvation, we can perform the “good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). Works are a fruit of our salvation, not a means by which to earn it.

That being said, once we are saved, we are expected to do good works. We reflect Christ. As such, we do good to those around us (Galatians 6:10). We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), so we act in new ways. The works we do should come from a transformed heart. Jesus said that people would know His followers by their love (John 13:35). In this way we are a light to the world (Matthew 5:14). Good works, then, demonstrate the veracity of our faith and the character of the God in Whom we believe.

Faith without works is dead because true faith transforms a life. It is also true that works without faith are dead. Jesus said that some would call Him “Lord, Lord,” but would not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). Some of these people will not have demonstrated the fruit of good works. Others will have done works apart from faith in an effort to save themselves. All our works are as filthy rags to God apart from Christ (Isaiah 64:6). They are tainted by our sin and not sufficient to take us from being dead in our trespasses (Colossians 2:13) to being alive.

When we have true faith in Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our lives are transformed and good works result. Faith is not intellectual assent only; it involves life change. Our faith is evidenced by the way we live.

James 2:14-26 – New Living Translation – Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
14 What good is it, dear brothers, and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[a] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”[b] He was even called the friend of God.[c] 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath,[d] so also faith is dead without good works.
Read full chapter
Footnotes
2:19 Some manuscripts read that God is one; see Deut. 6:4.
2:23a Gen 15:6.
2:23b See Isa 41:8.
2:26 Or without spirit.

Question: “Why is faith without works dead?” – Credits: www.gotquestions.org

Answer: James says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).
Faith without works is a dead faith because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart.
There are many verses that say that true saving faith will result in a transformed life, that faith is demonstrated by the works we do. How we live reveals what we believe and whether the faith we profess to have is a living faith.

James 2:14–26 is sometimes taken out of context in an attempt to create a works-based system of righteousness, but that is contrary to many other passages of Scripture. James is not saying that our works make us righteous before God but that real saving faith is demonstrated by good works. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, plus nothing. Works are not the cause of salvation; works are the evidence of salvation. Faith in Christ always results in good works. The person who claims to be a Christian but lives in willful disobedience to Christ has a false or dead faith or is not saved. Paul basically says the same thing in 1 Corinthians 6:9–10. James contrasts two different types of faith—true faith that saves and false faith that is dead.

Many profess to be Christians, but their lives and priorities indicate otherwise. Jesus put it this way: “By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So, by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers’” (Matthew 7:16–23).

Notice that the message of Jesus is the same as the message of James. Obedience to God is the mark of true saving faith. James uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate the obedience that accompanies salvation. Simply saying we believe in Jesus does not save us, nor does religious service. What saves us is the Holy Spirit’s regeneration of our hearts, and that regeneration will invariably be seen in a life of faith featuring ongoing obedience to God.

Misunderstanding the relationship of faith and works comes from not understanding what the Bible teaches about salvation. There are really two errors in regard to works and faith. The first error is “easy believism,” the teaching that, as long as a person prayed a prayer or said, “I believe in Jesus,” at some point in his life, then he is saved, no matter what. So, a person who, as a child, raised his hand in a church service is considered saved, even though he has never shown any desire to walk with God since and is, in fact, living in blatant sin. This teaching, sometimes called “decisional regeneration,” is dangerous and deceptive. The idea that a profession of faith saves a person, even if he lives like the devil afterwards, assumes a new category of believer called the “carnal Christian.” This allows various ungodly lifestyles to be excused: a man may be an unrepentant adulterer, liar, or bank robber, but he’s saved; he’s just “carnal.” Yet, as we can see in James 2, an empty profession of faith—one that does not result in a life of obedience to Christ—is in reality a dead faith that cannot save.

The other error in regards to works and faith is to attempt to make works part of what justifies us before God. The mixture of works and faith to earn salvation is totally contrary to what Scripture teaches. Romans 4:5 says, “To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” James 2:26 says, “Faith without works is dead.” There is no conflict between these two passages. We are justified by grace through faith, and the natural result of faith in the heart is works that all can see. The works that follow salvation do not make us righteous before God; they simply flow from the regenerated heart as naturally as water flows from a spring.

Salvation is a sovereign act of God whereby an unregenerate sinner has the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” poured out on him (Titus 3:5), thereby causing him to be born again (John 3:3). When this happens, God gives the forgiven sinner a new heart and puts a new spirit within him (Ezekiel 36:26). God removes his sin-hardened heart of stone and fills him with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then causes the saved person to walk in obedience to God’s Word (Ezekiel 36:26–27).

Faith without works is dead because it reveals a heart that has not been transformed by God. When we have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, our lives will demonstrate that new life. Our works will be characterized by obedience to God. Unseen faith will become seen by the production of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22). Christians belong to Christ, the Good Shepherd. As His sheep we hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:26–30).

Faith without works is dead because faith results in a new creation, not a repetition of the same old patterns of sinful behavior. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Faith without works is dead because it comes from a heart that has not been regenerated by God. Empty professions of faith have no power to change lives. Those who pay lip service to faith but who do not possess the Spirit will hear Christ Himself say to them, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers” (Matthew 7:23).
Recommended Resource: Faith Alone, The Doctrine of Justification: What the Reformers Taught…and Why It Still Matters by Thomas Schreiner

Q? – Questions for me?
Reach me through my Website: http://www.edbradyradio.com.
Pastor Ed Brady
-0-

People are in pain.  People in America, and all over the world, are suffering mental and emotional pain caused by the Corona Crisis.  It seems to go on and on, right?  It is a pain that we have never encountered before because we’ve never been quarantined and separated like this before.  We have limited resources to find and answer to the pain.

All people want to find a place where they can interact with friends and family, because social distancing has caused an inner longing for the good old days.  We may not ever get fully get back to normal like it was in the good old days.  However, people hurt inside from an extremely strong desire to feel like things are like they used to be even one year ago.

Let’s get back to normal, as soon as possible, at church, our place where we worship God together.  The only thing that has to happen for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing.  Good people have to stand up and say enough is enough.

We can’t visit our favorite restaurant anymore.  We cannot go in and do banking anymore. We cannot go into the Post Office, or drug store, without standing 6-feet apart.  Among strangers, in a bank, the Post Office, or drug store we are afraid that other people might attack us, if we don’t have our facemask on or we don’t maintain social distance.  

At some level, we understand that the corona virus may be half-true and half-hype, with fear forced on us by major media sources.  When things begin get back to normal, and we will run enthusiastically to a place, like our local church, if the pastor and staff welcome us with open arms.  It makes spiritual sense that the church would be the first place to welcome us home because that is where we find God and trust Him to be with us through any crisis.

Why can we open the church on a normal schedule, even though the bank or drug store cannot?  We can gather together in church because there is a God and He will protect us. The folks at the bank aren’t saying prayers of protection asking for God’s help, but in church that’s the first thing we do. The good news is that God will bless us and protect all who honor and pray to Him.

God’s Word, The Bible, does not say, “Thou shalt not steal” (unless you have no food).  The Bible does not say, “Honor your father and mother” (unless your father was a horrible jerk).  In Hebrews, The Bible does not say, “Do not forsake assembling together” (unless there is a flu epidemic).  There is nothing in parenthesis following the clear directions from God that we find in The Bible.  We must believe by faith and apply the Bible to our lives, now.

Hebrews 10:25  Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but gather encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  

Even though we may have to sit on every other seat, that’s okay.  Even though we may have to Christians have hope when others do not.  Yes, because we have faith in God.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Can Christians gather together without fear, even when other people are suffering in their fear?  Yes, because we have the peace of Jesus in us that is different than the world offers.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When we, unfortunately, fall and break our arm, the doctor puts the cast on us for 6-weeks.  The cast have to come off because leaving the cast on too long could damage the muscles in our arm so drastically that we may never recover.

There’s a funny story about two sparrows in a tree talking that says, “Look at how those humans worry about everything.  They must not have a God that protects them like we do.”

Philippians 4:6-9 NLT New Living Translation “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

As for me, Pastor Ed, I have been 100% un-afraid throughout this COVID-19 pandemic because, as a born-again Christian, I know that I am safe because I am covered and protected by the blood of Jesus.

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

As a believer in Christ, I am protected from harm by God because I put on the full armor of God every day.  This may not make sense to non-believers, but I believe it by faith in God. However, I have no faith in the facemasks that the government is forcing us to wear.  The fabric on most masks is so porous that it could not stop the virus from entering our nose or mouth.  The facemasks only offer a false sense of security, in my opinion.

Ephesians 6:11-13 NKJV 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Let’s get back to church, with a bold confidence in God’s Promises. Teach the people to overcome fear with faith.  Let’s gather together, now, and show the world that God protects His believers as we gather in church.  Even though we may have to sit on every other seat, that’s okay.  Even though we may have to have an over-flow room to give people who come late a place to sit, that’s okay. Let’s get back to normal, as soon as possible, at church, our place where we worship God together as the Body of Christ.

God bless you, Pastor Ed Brady – JesusEdifies BradyBlog

Questions?  Contact me at ed@edbradyradio.com

Spiritually speaking, God wants us to live forever because He created us as a Spirit (in the image of God) that will live on earth now and later in heaven for eternity.

Physiologically speaking, God wants us to live on earth in our human body for 120 years.  Does that surprise you?  Are you among the people who believe that most people are supposed to die at 70 or 80 years old?  The fact is that most humans, in today’s world, think that they’re supposed to die at age 70.  Since that idea has been implanted in their brain, and their brain tells their body to die at that age!  What humans think programs their brains.  What humans say programs their life, for better or worse.  Please, be careful what you think, and more importantly, be careful what you say.  God created the whole world, the stars, and the entire universe with words.  You can create your whole world, failures, and successes, by what you say.  Our words have power.  God’s words have divine power and must be followed exactly, if you want to live up to the potential that God created you to aspire to in this life.

Here comes the truth, and the proof, that we are created to live 120 years on earth.  If you don’t want to live to 120, that is in God’s permissive will.  If you choose to live to 120, just imagine all that you could do for God, for your family and you, too. 

Genesis 6:3 – Amplified Bible – 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive and remain with man forever, because he is indeed flesh [sinful, corrupt—given over to sensual appetites]; nevertheless his days shall yet be [a] a hundred and twenty years.”

Footnotes – a. Genesis 6:3 This may refer to the time given man to repent before the flood, or to the normative human life span after the flood.

There it is! – God said in sacred scriptures in Genesis 6:3 that we are to live 120 years here on this earth.  The footnotes give us cause to wonder if the directive to live 120 may have been for humans to repent before the flood.  This writer (Ed Brady) believes the second half of the footnote. It suggests that that 120 years is how long you and I are to live.  How about you?  Do you want to live according to God’s word in Genesis?  It could give you so much time to succeed in the desires and passions that God has placed in your heart.

120 years, you ask? – You may feel that 120 years is too long to live, but perhaps you need to re-think your paradigm and learn to understand that we are a spirit, with a soul (mind, will, emotions) living in a body for 70 or 120 (depending upon which we choose).  And yes, we choose the age and time we die, not God.  When you are ready, you can release your spirit.  Or, when you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you can choose to live.   

Acts 7:59-60 – Amplified Bible – 59 They continued stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive, accept, and welcome my spirit!” 60 Then falling on his knees [in worship], he cried out loudly, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them [do not charge them]!” When he had said this, he fell asleep [in death].

God does not need another angel. – Scripture teaches us that when we are ready to die, we can ‘release’ our spirit and it goes to heaven or hell.  It bothers me when people think that God killed (or took) their loved one.  It bothers me when people say things like, “God must have needed another angel.”  The statement itself is wrong, and it is wrong to believe that humans become angels.  God created humans and God created angels to honor God, help humans, and deliver messages to humans.  Nope, you won’t ‘get your wings’ because you will not become an angel.  Up in heaven you will be you, in spirit form, in a new resurrection body that looks like you, but better!  Remember when Jesus was crucified, rose from the dead, and came out of the tomb He had a body that looked like Him, but better!

What about the 70 years verse? – It is not a blessing, but a curse.  The anger of God is expressed in this biblical verse against the people of Israel who chose, on their way to the Promised Land, go a different way than God had told them.  

Psalm 90:10 – Amplified Bible – The days of our life are [a]seventy years—Or even, if because of strength, eighty years; Ye their pride [in additional years] is only labor and sorrow, for it is soon gone and we fly away.

Footnotes – 

1. Psalm 90:10 This psalm is credited to Moses, who is interceding with God to remove the curse which made it necessary for every Israelite over twenty years of age (when they rebelled against God at Kadesh-barnea) to die before reaching the promised land of Canaan (Numbers 14:26-35). Moses himself lived to be 120 years old, Aaron 123, Miriam several years older than Aaron, and Joshua 110 years of age; but it is conceivable that Moses considered such longevity the exception. The ancient Israelite Rabbis taught that by the time of David, 70 was the age of death for an old man and 80 for a vigorous old man.

Go the way that God tells you. – God had told the Israelites to take a route that would have gotten them there in about a dozen days.  However, the Nephilim tribe who were directly in front of the Israelites.  They were large men whom the Israelites would have to fight and defeat, if they took God’s planned route.  The key here is to do what God says, even if you don’t feel like it.  Please, do what God says (and live as Jesus lived) even if you’re afraid, do it afraid, but do it, okay?

Numbers 13:33 – Amplified Bible – 33 There we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Unfortunately, the Israelites judged the problem by the size of the other tribe, but they should have judged the problem by the size of their God.  God could have helped them defeat the large Nephilim warriors, but they mistakenly thought that they had to fight their enemies by their own power.  Of the 12 spies that the Israelites sent to observe and evaluate their chances of winning in battle, only 2 men, Joshua and Caleb, had strong faith and belief in God and (based on that faith) told the Israelites that they could defeat the Nephilim in battle.  The other 10 spies said that they could not win and advised the tribe of Israel to go a different way, because of that, the House of Israel wandered in the desert for 40-years and none of the Israelites lived to enter the Promised Land.  Only the two men that showed their faith, Joshua, and Caleb, entered the Promised Land with the sons and daughters of the people who died before they entered.  Everybody who was over 20 years of age died in the desert before they got to go into the Promised Land.  During the 40 years in the desert they all died.

Old Versus New Testament – That’s an example of the Old Testament Wrath of God.  We’ll discuss the different manner that God views us in the New Testament (because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross) at another time.  For now, let’s wrap up this section of “How does God want us to live?”

This note is for YOU. – If the Israelites would have done what God told them to do, it is estimated that they would have entered the Promised Land in a dozen days instead of wandering for 40-years and never entering the Promised Land.  When God tells YOU to do something, by faith just do it because God will help you conquer any giants in front of you, okay?  The Bible says that God is no respecter of persons because He shows no partiality (Read Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11).  That could be interpreted in a negative manner, but by faith we can believe that what God does for other believers who have faith in Him, He will do for YOU.  Please, read the Bible daily, study it, and apply it to your life to have a wonderful 120 years on this earth.  Enjoy!  However, if you do not follow God’s directives/commands in the Bible, try enjoying your wandering in the desert for 40 years.  Ouch!

We must live by faith, not sight.  To get better at living by faith, spend more time reading and studying the Bible daily.  The main reason that most Christians believe wrong information about God, and life, is that they have no knowledge of scripture.  In closing, “How Does God Want Us To Live?”  He wants us to live our life the way He told us in the Bible.  Read it daily and apply it to your life, okay?  To make it easier for us live the way God wants us to live, He sent His son, Jesus, to make it very, very clear how God wants us to live.

2 Corinthians 5:7 – Amplified Bible – 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises].

Thanks, and God bless you, Pastor Ed Brady 

Questions?  You can reach me at: ed@edbradyradio.com 

A long time ago (at a radio station where I worked) there was a big sign that hung on the wall that said: “Blessed be the announcer who having little to say does not give us wordy evidence of that fact.”

Whether I’m speaking on the radio (or writing this blog page for my website) sometimes less is more. In other words, how can I address the topic of Christianity and Jesus without going into many pages of explanation?

To be clear and concise, Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and a willingness for us to submit everything we do to Him and for Him. Our Father in heaven loved everyone in the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, and whoever believes in Him will not go to hell but end up in heaven (John 3:16). All who follow Christ as our Lord and Savior are Christians and because the Word of God is true, and I believe it with all my heart, I know that Jesus Christ is the only way home to Our Father in heaven. (John 14:6) We cannot earn heaven because it’s a free gift for all who repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. (Got questions about that? Contact me, please.)

So, who is Jesus? He is the Son of God, the Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I dedicate my life and everything I do (including this website and my radio ministries) to Him and His glory. I trust that Our Lord will use this website and my talents according to the plan that He has for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s important for us to accept the truth of God’s Word, then put the past and move on so we can walk the paths that God has selected.

I ask God for a special blessing on all who helped me put this website together.

With my Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting, I might have a tendency to add a thousand words to what I’ve said. With my Master’s Degree in Divinity, I might be tempted to add pages of Theological investigation and explanation, but instead, I’ll close with a prayer that I wrote that is based on a Psalm that you know, the 23rd Psalm.

Remember, Jesus is either the biggest fake in the history of the world, or He really is the Son of God. Either forget Him or turn your life over to Him and serve Him and your Lord and Savior.

Now the prayer…and you can share it with others if you like.

“Hello Lord, I love you and I praise you. From Your righteousness and from your riches and glory I have everything I need in Christ Jesus. You are my shepherd and because you supply all my needs each day, I shall not want. You have sent your Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with me and in me each day. You let me lie down and rest in green pastures. You lead me beside still waters and peaceful streams. Like the deer pants for water, Lord, let me always seek first the Kingdom of God and desire to drink from your Living Water. As I rest in You, Lord, You renew my strength, the strength I need to live for you, and to my best work each day for you. You guide me along the right paths for your name’s sake, for I am a walking, talking ambassador for Christ everywhere I do and how I live I must bring honor and glory to you. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I remember not to stop there, but to keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue to walk through the dark and tough times in this life. I’m not afraid, for you are always close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. I know by faith in your Word that you have assigned angels to watch over me day and night. I welcome your angels into my daily life, Lord, and command all evil and demonic forces to leave, in Jesus’ name. “Jesus” is the name above all names. Despite my confusion and complaints, You love me so much that you prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies; and because Jesus told me to do so, I forgive all, I pray for my enemies and bless those who persecute me. I ask a special blessing, a covering of your blood on all the members of my family, my friends, all who read this prayer, my co-workers, my employers, my business associates, and all their families too. You welcome us all to your banquet table, Lord, and anoint our head with oil. My cup and the cups of all who love you overflow with divine blessings daily. Our blessings pour forth from heaven each day overflowing, pressed down, shaken, and overflowing again each day. You bless us, Lord to your glory and so that we may be a blessing to others. Surely your goodness and mercy and unfailing love will pursue me and protect me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

🕮 Matthew 6:12-15   Jesus said this:          

12 And forgive us our trespasses, as we have forgiven those who trespass against us. 13 And do not let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one. 14 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

If you forgive, your heavenly Father will also forgive. We must forgive if we hope to be forgiven. You do not have to be their friend, but you must forgive.  If you do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive you.

Refuse to Forgive and God Won’t Forgive You?  Yes.

When people are saved by grace through faith, they come into a new relationship with God. God’s former enemies (Colossians 1:21-23) become His children. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). When God saves us, He saves us completely and forgives us of all of our sins.

No one who is born-again has their faith walk with Jesus complete.  None are perfect and God knows it. In fact, it takes the Spirit’s work in our lives over time for us to resemble Christ. Some bad habits persist. Wounds need healing. Negative thinking needs renewal. Bad behaviors require repentance. Neil Cole puts it this way, “Sinful people produce great growth because there’s more fertilizer in their lives.”  While God saves completely, we cannot discount Jesus’ words. Forgiveness is a weighty issue. But, if unforgiveness doesn’t jeopardize our salvation, how does it affect us?  

Think about the relationships in your life: your marriage, your children, your parents, your closest friends. There are lasting commitments that define these relationships. But what happens when your spouse or a close friend offends you? Do you immediately part ways and end the relationship? Probably not, because more than likely we’ve also offended them.  Eventually, the offender will seek forgiveness, and we will forgive. We hope that they will change. They probably hope that we would change as well. If you forgive, your entire life will get better…and I mean every aspect of your life. Try it, okay?

Let’s say that your spouse offends you, but you don’t forgive. You decide instead to hold the issue over their head. How’s that going to play out? There will definitely be tension in the relationship. You will interpret what he/she says and does through her hurtful actions. She will interpret you through your stubbornness and lack of forgiveness. What initially happened, in and of itself, is not necessarily bad enough to cause a divorce, but the issue and the reaction have created a rift in the relationship. Unless you decide to work on forgiveness, the truth is that you and your spouse are slowly parting.  Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, hoping the other person will die (< Credits for that line: Joyce Meyer).

Now, think about your relationship with God. If you have trusted Him for your salvation and have committed your life to Christ, God has saved you. God has declared you as righteous (Romans 3:21-26) and has adopted you as His child (Ephesians 1:4-6). 

Out of His love, God doesn’t want to leave us in such a miserable state. God doesn’t want us to be bound by bitterness and resentment. He wants us to be free. We have to live life His way, okay?  We can only experience freedom when we’ve exercised His grace and forgiven others their sins.  While our salvation is not in jeopardy, unforgiveness causes a miserable existence. Freedom comes through generously extending God’s grace to others. Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Who has sinned against you? Who do you need to forgive? Forgive them. If you feel that it’s impossible to forgive someone, ask God to help you and He will.  Believe that by faith, please.

Who do you need to forgive?  Write down their names and pray for each one and forgive each one because Jesus commands it, please.  As you forgive and forgive and forgive, you will see proof that your life is getting better…and your relationship with Jesus gets better, too.

Question: “What does the Bible say about forgiveness?  
Answer: The Bible never gives a “dictionary” definition of forgiveness, but it shows us many examples of it and how to ‘apply’ it to our lives. It is particularly important to “Apply the Bible to your life,” please.  If you read the Bible and don’t ‘apply’ it to your life, why did you read it in the first place?  The ultimate truth is God’s Word, The Bible.  Everything you need to know for this life (and the next) is clearly explained in The Bible.  Unfortunately, many people don’t like God’s instructions.

The greatest of all example of all, regarding enjoying a wonderful like, is the forgiveness of God. Although the following passage does not use the word forgive, it describes the concept of God’s forgiveness perfectly:

🕮 Psalm 103:8–12: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

It is important to note that un-forgiveness is a sin.  One interesting way to look at UN-Forgiveness is from TV Evangelist Joyce Meyer: “Unforgiveness is like you drinking poison hoping that the person who hurt you will die.” 

In the majority of the passages in the Bible that contain the word forgive or forgiveness, sin is also mentioned. 

🕮 Genesis 50:17: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly. Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.

🕮 Exodus 32:32: But now, please forgive their sin.

🕮 Leviticus 4:35: In this way the priest will make atonement for them for the sin they have committed, and they will be forgiven.

🕮 1 Samuel 25:28: Please forgive your servant’s presumption.

🕮 Matthew 12:31: And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

🕮 Luke 5:20: Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”  < Click the blue links to see the scripture.

Credits: Part of the above is from www.gotquestions.org – Edited for content and space available by Pastor Ed Brady.

The Warrior’s Prayer – by Dr. David Jeremiah – “Heavenly Father, I praise you for allowing me to be a Born-Again Christian! As your warrior prepares for battle, I claim victory over Satan. 

• I put on the Helmet of Salvation, so I can keep my mind focused on You, so Satan will not have a stronghold on my thoughts.
• I put on the Girdle of Truth so that I may stand firm in the Truth of Your Word, so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies.
• I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness and it guards my heart from evil, so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the divine blood of Jesus Christ.
• I put on the Shoes of Peace, so I may stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel, so Your peace will shine through me and I can be salt and light to all I encounter.
•  I take the Shield of Faith and I will be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat. 
• I take the Sword of the Spirit which is the two-edged sword of Your Word be ready in my hands – and in my mouth – so I can fight the tempting words of Satan.

By faith, I am Your warrior and I have put on the full armor of God!

I am prepared to live with Jesus every day in spiritual victory! AMEN.

Question: “What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?”

Answer: There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare—over-emphasis and under-emphasis. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible tells us our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance. Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no mention of the demonic. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Read Romans 6) and warns us to oppose the schemes of the devil (Read Ephesians 6:10–18). 

Ephesians 6:10–12 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This text teaches some crucial truths: we can only stand strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is ultimately against spiritual forces of evil in the world. There is a ‘Spiritual” world and the world that we can see with our eyes.

🕮 Ephesians 6:13–18 is a description of the Spiritual Armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to know the truth, believe the truth, and speak the truth. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we face. We are not to waver in our faith, trusting God’s promises no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to pray in the power and will of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus is our ultimate example of resisting temptation in spiritual warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness (Read Matthew 4:1–11). Each temptation was combatted with the words “it is written.” The Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

A word of caution concerning spiritual warfare is in order. The name of Jesus is not a magic incantation that causes demons to flee from before us. The Seven sons of Sceva are an example of what can happen when people presume an authority they have not been given (Read Acts 19:13–16). 

Even Michael the archangel did not rebuke Satan in his own power but said, “The Lord God rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9). When we start talking to the devil, we run the risk of being led astray as Eve was (Read Genesis 3:1–7) in the Garden. Our focus should be on God, not demons; we speak to Him. If we speak to them, please quote Scriptures out loud.

In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare? We rely on God’s power, not our own. We put on the whole armor of God. We draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God. We stand firm (Ephesians 6:13–14); we submit to God; we resist the devil’s work (James 4:7), knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2).

Source: Got Questions? www.gotquestions.org.

Winning Spiritual Warfare – Are you facing a spiritual battle that seems too big to win? A sense of hopelessness or defeat that you can’t seem to beat? Winning Spiritual Warfare provides a guide to overcoming the strategies of the devil. Discover who the enemy is and how he can influence your life. Then see Jesus’ freedom and protection for you as you prepare to enter the cleansing stream.  Jesus has given us the power to defeat the devil.  We do not have to wait for Jesus to do something. By the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can order the devil to ‘get out’ now. Pray and speak the truth.  God has given saved persons His power, love and a sound mind. – by Neil T. Anderson

Video #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8mqRrvDJHA  Beth Moore –                                                              Life Today with James and Betty Robison – Start at 13:43 Betty Robison – End 19:50 “every word from the mouth of God.” (James Robison)

Spiritual Warfare – The Christian concept of taking a stand against supernatural evil forces. It is based on the belief in evil spirits (and good spirits) which are able to intervene in human affairs. Various Christian groups have adopted practices to repel such forces, as based on the Bible and their doctrine of Christian demonology. Prayer and Holy  Scripture is a common form of spiritual warfare. Other practices may include exorcisms, laying-on of hands, fasting and/or anointing with oil. 

Doctrines of demonology – “There are angels and demons – in a spiritual realm.”

In Christian evangelism, doctrines of demonology are influenced by interpretations of the New Testament, namely with the Gospels, in that dealing with spirits became a customary activity of Jesus’ ministry. Mark states that, “He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.” (Mark 1:39).

Jesus’ comment is, “If I drive out demons by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is upon you.” (Matt.12:28; Luke 11:20)

Evangelical Christian traditions believe that Satan and his minions exercise significant influence over this world and its power structures. A hostile realm in conflict with the kingdom of God is recorded in the Bible by the Apostle John, “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19) and by Jesus who referred to Satan as “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Paul elaborates on demonic hierarchy in Ephesians 6 where he also mentions, by way of metaphor, those qualities needed for defense against them. Two pieces of armor, the Helmet of Salvation and the Breastplate of Righteousness, were from the book of Isaiah. Put on the “Full Armor” every day in your morning prayers.

Question: What was your favorite part of last Sunday’s Sermon? You don’t know? Suggestion: Take notes during the Sermons. Study them after Church at home, please.

It is also believed that Satan occupies a temporal existence when the Apostle Paul refers to the devil as “the god of this age” (2 Cor.4:4). Further, Paul’s epistles focus on the Victory of Christ over principalities and powers. Evangelical interpretation has history divided into two eras: the present evil age and the age to come which supports the concept of the Second coming of Christ.

Images of spiritual warfare is displayed in the Book of Revelation when after the War in Heaven (Rev.12:7), the beasts and kings of the earth wage war against God’s people (Rev.19:19), and a final battle ensues with Satan and the nations of the earth against God himself (Rev.20:8). Realize that God has assigned Angels to protect you every day/night.

Practices in Christianity – In the American revival tradition among evangelicals, the famous preachers such as D. L. Moody, Billy Sunday, R. A. Torrey and Billy Graham have all affirmed their belief in the existence of the demonic and had occasions to recount some of their own spiritual warfare encounters.  One important key is to rid your life, your home and your workplace of anything that has to do with the occult, demon spirits and witches. Rid your home of all sources of pornography and temptation to sin. Check the movies on DVD in your home. Dispose of any DVDs about vampires, witches, etc. These invite demons into your home. Get rid of them.

Spiritual warfare has been applied to spiritual growth in holiness, or what is technically called sanctification. A preacher may discern that parishioners are experiencing obstacles in their faith, prayer life and general spiritual well-being. That process of discernment may yield an awareness of spiritual oppression caused by a combination of personal sin and demonic influence. The obstacles are then removed through prayer, delivering a parishioner from demonic possession, and breaking down false beliefs about God. Believers need to stop struggling with the devil, and instead they need to start enforcing their authority as believers in Christ!

Invite friends to join us at Sunday School. Invite friends to join us at Sunday Worship.

Video #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQWBrynbIPg Jensen Franklin.  Start @ 00:00 and End at 6:48 His Righteousness.

Video #4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FBC4G1hU90&spfreload=10

                    Neil Anderson.  Start @ 00:00 to 5:00 “Bump in the Night.”

“The victory is yours when you are well-dressed for warfare.” – Rev. Tony Evans

Spiritual Warfare – The world is at war… a conflict that is wreaking havoc on civilians, injuring and killing many, even innocent children. Countless lives have been lost in battle after battle, and many people are uncertain about a decisive victory. You won’t read about this in the newspaper, because there is a spiritual battle going on every day.

Spiritual warfare is an epic battle between good and evil, which began when Satan was cast out of heaven. This confrontation escalated to the Garden of Eden, where the first man, Adam, received a near fatal blow that echoes throughout the history of God’s people.

Jesus came to earth and faced this battle daily. The devil tempted Him in the wilderness, and the battle raged for three years. Jesus was sent to the cross to die… and the battle raged. He rose victoriously on the third day… but the enemy still hasn’t surrendered. This spiritual battle continues to rage today, and the destiny of the entire world’s population lies in its outcome. We cannot fight spiritual battles on our own. Please rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit within you.  Note: To have the Holy Spirit in you, you must be a ‘born-again’ Christian. Thank you.

Questions for me?  Reach me through my Website: http://www.edbradyradio.com. Pastor Ed Brady

-0-

To add audio (podcast player) to my blogpost, here’s how.

https://wordpress.com/blog/2020/05/22/podcast-player-post-carousel-blocks/