Thursday, February 28, 2013

Who Are the Children of God?

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke
the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.
They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches,
I command you to come out."
Seven sons of Sceya, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
One day, the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know
about Paul, but who are you?"
Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered
them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked
and bleeding. 
When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus,
they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
(Acts 19:13-17)
 
"Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, BUT WHO ARE YOU?"
  (v.15)
In this passage of the Scriptures "WHO ARE YOU?"
In this case scenario it means that the devil doesn't know anything
about these people, the false witnesses of God, because they do not
have the Spirit of Christ in them.
Have you thought about this verse? The Devil knows more about
Gods people (those who received Christ and Lord of their lives)
more than the lost, rebellious, or wicked person.
So the devil actually focusing more on the people of God,
the devil know you more, your name. You are his target, concentrating
more and chased after those people who are in God's business. Be aware!
(1Peter 4:8-9)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like
a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him standing firm in the faith.
 
Watch out also that those who called themselves Christians are not all Christians,
Those who are religious (showy, actors like the Pharisees) and not having the
Spirit of God in them, only human made effort.
Jesus said in Mathew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, 
  but only HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER who is in heaven.
  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name
  and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 
  The I will tell them plainly, 'I NEVER KNEW YOU. AWAY FROM ME YOU
   EVILDOERS!"
 
So Let's regard the name of the Lord with high honor, respect and in fear as the
people in Ephesus learned and heard about in verse 17...
They were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
The most important lesson to learn about in this chapter is our true relationship
with the Lord. Those who hear God's voice and obey are his people! 
"I KNOW MY SHEEP AND MY SHEEP KNOW ME."  (John 10:14)