“And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.” 1 Kings 22:20-23, KJV
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1, KJV
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20, KJV
“I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” Isaiah 66:4, KJV
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, KJV
“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9, KJV
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44, KJV
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11, KJV
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2, KJV
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25, KJV
This two-part article is a discussion concerning divine will, free will, personal choice, foreknowledge, predestination, faith, love, obedience to God, making the right choices, and the consequences when we don’t.
That great old tree grew big and proud,
Its highest branch could touch a cloud.
But over the years it became so corrupt,
God determined its end would be abrupt.
So then the Lord His axe He laid bare,
Leaves and branches flew through the air.
Oh sinful America, is this your plight?
Will you disappear in one single night?
Your sins angered Heaven, do not doubt,
Now the furious God has called you out.
Your time grows short, you better repent,
For if you don’t, your roots He will rent.
There has been no blood or prison bars,
No electric shock so you see the stars,
You haven’t been crucified on a cross,
Nor suffered any kind of serious loss,
Yet you whine, murmur and complain,
You say that you are in so much pain,
It is time to wake up my dear friend,
Your trials are by no means the end,
Your troubles are really quite few,
If persecution came what would you do?
Would you really stand up to the test?
Would you backslide like all the rest?
