CATEGORY: Character
All four Gospels of the New Testament, in their first few chapters, testify of one whom the prophets had spoken of, saying, “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me” – Malachi 3:1, KJV. This messenger was known as John the Baptist. He was, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” – Isaiah 40:3.
Just like Josiah, every leader and every believer in Christ has a purpose for their lives given by God. Like Josiah, if we continue to seek and obey the Lord, He will ensure His good purposes are fulfilled in and through our lives.
A fire begins with a small spark; but when conditions are favourable it catches on and turns into an inferno!!
The worship of Baal and Asherah in the Old Testament of the Bible was characterized by its false prophets. There were 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah who sat to eat at Queen Jezebel’s table. Asherah in the Bible was a sexual goddess known by various different names depending on the region. She was often worshipped alongside Baal by many different people groups – including later, by the people of Israel. Many, unknowingly, are still worshipping these false deities today. Both are characterized by their love of war.
The spirit of Baal is only one of the many manifestations of witchcraft. While witchcraft is openly acknowledged in many third world countries, in the Western world it goes largely undiagnosed and therefore untreated, especially in the modern day Church.
God has specifically designed and gifted each one of us for His purposes and for the plans He has for our individual lives and ministries.
In life we have the opportunity to warn others. And sometimes love confronts.
Every believer in Christ has been given an area, a role, or a calling in which God has both anointed and appointed them to lead.
In the New Testament of the Bible, the Apostle Paul speaks on the diligent use of spiritual gifts among the brethren. Right at this time, he makes the following statement: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.”
Romans 12:9 & 10