A Bible Study on Authority

Some time ago, a very sad event happened. It took place in a certain large church that was sound in doctrine. The pastor had a special event scheduled for the people on Sunday night, which he felt was important for their spiritual growth. He stood in the pulpit and told the congregation, he wanted them to be there that Sunday night for the service. He then quoted the following verse from God’s Word: Heb 13:17-OBEY THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS, AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, THAT THEY MAY DO IT WITH JOY, AND NOT WITH GRIEF: FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU.
When he had finished quoting the verse, much laughing could be heard throughout the congregation. Very few took him seriously. They did not understand God’s authority, the authority of God’s Word, or the authority that God had given to their pastor, who himself was under authority to watch for their souls.

    From childhood, children sometimes disobey their parents. They may lie to them and not recognize their authority over them. Some children have even tried to divorce their parents. At school, children often disobey their teachers. The generation in which we live often disregards authority.
    When children grow up and become adults, they disobey traffic lights and signs. People, by nature are rebellious against authority. Some people speak evil of policemen and government officials, even those that are in authority over them. Wives seldom recognize the authority God has given to their husband, and husbands seldom understand the responsibility that goes along with the authority that God has given them. Born-again ministers of God are accused, joked about, and mocked openly by comedians and others. Few people fear God and tremble at His Word in this lukewarm generation-ref Ps 89:7 and Isa 66:5.
    It is a stubborn and rebellious generation that often will not regard any authority that hinders what their evil imagination wants to do. They do not want to come under any person’s authority so they question it, try to find fault with it, accuse it, ridicule it, and even make excuses to justify themselves in their own eyes so they don't have to yield to those in authority over them.
    When a person is in the military, some learn quickly about authority. The general is over the colonel. The colonel is over the major. The major is over the captain and so on down the line. There is an established chain of command. Without it, there would be chaos. Rebellion against authority in the military can get a person court-martialed and thrown into prison.
    Rebellion and stubbornness against God can bring eternity in the lake of fire. It is written 1 Sam 15:23-FOR REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, AND STUBBORNNESS IS AS INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY. Indeed, most people (ref Mt 7) will not allow Jesus Christ (the Word) to reign over them, as it is written, Luke 19:27-BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY THEM BEFORE ME.
    Some rebellious and stubborn people try to go around God’s authority. They try to sidestep God reigning over them by turning to another authority as the people did in 1 Sam 8:7-AND THE LORD SAID UNTO SAMUEL, HEARKEN UNTO THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE IN ALL THAT THEY SAY UNTO THEE: FOR THEY HAVE NOT REJECTED THEE, BUT THEY HAVE REJECTED ME, THAT I SHOULD NOT REIGN OVER THEM.
    This is what many people do regarding churches. God may send them to a good Bible-teaching church, but as they are confronted with their sin and the resulting judgment through God’s Word, they decide to go to a more lukewarm, fun type of church. They want to believe they can go to heaven without truly repenting and yielding to God’s Word.

Most people speak evil about television or radio preachers, their own preacher, governments, others in authority, and things they don't understand. God warns about this. It is written 2 Pe 2:9-12-THE LORD KNOWETH HOW TO DELIVER THE GODLY OUT OF TEMPTATIONS, AND TO RESERVE THE UNJUST UNTO THE DAY OF JUDGMENT TO BE PUNISHED: BUT CHIEFLY THEM THAT WALK AFTER THE FLESH IN THE LUST OF UNCLEANNESS, AND DESPISE GOVERNMENT. PRESUMPTUOUS ARE THEY, SELFWILLED, THEY ARE NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK EVIL OF DIGNITIES (or authorities). WHEREAS ANGELS, WHICH ARE GREATER IN POWER AND MIGHT, BRING NOT RAILING ACCUSATION AGAINST THEM BEFORE THE LORD. BUT THESE, AS NATURAL BRUTE BEASTS, MADE TO BE TAKEN AND DESTROYED, SPEAK EVIL OF THE THINGS THAT THEY UNDERSTAND NOT; AND SHALL UTTERLY PERISH IN THEIR OWN CORRUPTION.

    The following is the order of authority God has ordained.
    The Godhead. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
    The twelve apostles come next. Other apostles are mentioned in the Bible as well.
    After the apostles, prophets come next, then teachers (or ministers), and others. (The term "elders" applies to apostles, ministers, and those ordained to this position in the church.)
    Then comes the rest of the body of Christ, the rest of the born-again saints.
    From apostles to saints, all are called, chosen, and ordained by God, who obey Him and stand firm in the faith.

    God the Father is listed first. It is God the Father that ordained Jesus. It is written Acts 17:31-BECAUSE HE (God the Father) HATH APPOINTED A DAY, IN THE WHICH HE (God the Father) WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THAT MAN (Christ Jesus) WHOM HE (God the Father) HATH ORDAINED; WHEREOF HE (God the Father) HATH GIVEN ASSURANCE UNTO ALL MEN, IN THAT HE (God the Father) HATH RAISED HIM (God the Son) FROM THE DEAD.
    1 Tim 2:5-7-FOR THERE IS ONE GOD, AND ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS.
    Again, God the Father ordained Jesus. It is written Acts 10:42-AND HE (Jesus) COMMANDED US TO PREACH UNTO THE PEOPLE, AND TO TESTIFY THAT IT IS HE (Jesus) WHICH WAS ORDAINED OF GOD (the Father) TO BE THE JUDGE OF QUICK AND DEAD.

    1 Cor 11:3-BUT I WOULD HAVE YOU KNOW,…THAT THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD.
    God the Father is all in all. It is written in Mt 28:19-…THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST. God the Father is listed first. Jesus, Who is also God is named second. The Holy Spirit Who is also God is listed third.
    1 Cor 15:24,28-THEN COMETH THE END, WHEN HE SHALL HAVE DELIVERED UP THE KINGDOM TO GOD, EVEN THE FATHER; WHEN HE SHALL HAVE PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER. AND WHEN ALL THINGS SHALL BE SUBDUED UNTO HIM, THEN SHALL THE SON ALSO HIMSELF BE SUBJECT UNTO HIM THAT PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIM, THAT GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.

Jesus in turn ordained the apostles. It is written Mk 3:14-AND HE (Jesus) ORDAINED TWELVE, THAT THEY SHOULD BE WITH HIM, AND THAT HE MIGHT SEND THEM FORTH TO PREACH,
Apostles of God are ordained not by men, but by God. It is written Gal 1:1-PAUL, AN APOSTLE, (NOT OF MEN, NEITHER BY MAN, BUT BY JESUS CHRIST, AND GOD THE FATHER, WHO RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD;)

Jesus also calls and ordains preachers. 1 Tim 2:7-WHEREUNTO I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST, AND LIE NOT;) A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND VERITY. Who called Paul? Who ordained Paul? Jesus did on the road to Damascus-ref Acts 9:5.

The apostles in turn ordained the elders. It is written Acts 14:23-AND WHEN THEY (the apostles) HAD ORDAINED THEM ELDERS IN EVERY CHURCH, AND HAD PRAYED WITH FASTING, THEY COMMENDED THEM TO THE LORD, ON WHOM THEY BELIEVED.

    Christ is the head of the church. Then there is an order of authority to be followed. Eph 5:23-…CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOUR OF THE BODY.
    1 Cor 12:18-27-BUT IN FACT GOD HAS ARRANGED THE PARTS IN THE BODY, EVERY ONE OF THEM, JUST AS HE WANTED THEM TO BE. IF THEY WERE ALL ONE PART, WHERE WOULD THE BODY BE? AS IT IS, THERE ARE MANY PARTS, BUT ONE BODY. THE EYE CANNOT SAY TO THE HAND, "I DON'T NEED YOU!" AND THE HEAD CANNOT SAY TO THE FEET, "I DON'T NEED YOU!" ON THE CONTRARY, THOSE PARTS OF THE BODY THAT SEEM TO BE WEAKER ARE INDISPENSABLE, AND THE PARTS THAT WE THINK ARE LESS HONORABLE WE TREAT WITH SPECIAL HONOR. AND THE PARTS THAT ARE UNPRESENTABLE ARE TREATED WITH SPECIAL MODESTY, WHILE OUR PRESENTABLE PARTS NEED NO SPECIAL TREATMENT. BUT GOD HAS COMBINED THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY AND HAS GIVEN GREATER HONOR TO THE PARTS THAT LACKED IT, SO THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO DIVISION IN THE BODY, BUT THAT ITS PARTS SHOULD HAVE EQUAL CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER. IF ONE PART SUFFERS, EVERY PART SUFFERS WITH IT; IF ONE PART IS HONORED, EVERY PART REJOICES WITH IT. NOW YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND EACH ONE OF YOU IS A PART OF IT-NIV.
    1 Cor 12:28-AND GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH, FIRST APOSTLES, SECONDARILY PROPHETS, THIRDLY TEACHERS, AFTER THAT MIRACLES, THEN GIFTS OF HEALINGS, HELPS, GOVERNMENTS, DIVERSITIES OF TONGUES.
    Eph 4:11-AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS; AND SOME, EVANGELISTS; AND SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS;

Jesus also calls and ordains the born-again saints. It is written Jn 15:14-16-YE ARE MY FRIENDS (referring to those that are called to salvation), IF YE DO WHATSOEVER I COMMAND YOU. HENCEFORTH I CALL YOU NOT SERVANTS; FOR THE SERVANT KNOWETH NOT WHAT HIS LORD DOETH: BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS; FOR ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE HEARD OF MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN UNTO YOU. YE (the saints) HAVE NOT CHOSEN ME (Christ Jesus), BUT I (Christ Jesus) HAVE CHOSEN YOU (the saints), AND ORDAINED YOU (the saints), THAT YE SHOULD GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN.
Col 2:10-THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST.

Then there are the saints in the church. They are under the authority of their minister and the elders. To the saints it is written, Heb 13:17-OBEY THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS, AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, THAT THEY MAY DO IT WITH JOY, AND NOT WITH GRIEF: FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU.

In the unsaved world, people may say man, or the Pope, or some other authority ordains preachers or priests. However, it is truly God Himself that ordains apostles and ministers. All other ministers and elders are ordained by Satan; as it is written 2 Cor 11:13-15-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.

Those mixed-up, accusing, rebellious, and stubborn thoughts people have towards authority are not from God. Those up-tight knots a person gets in their stomach when doing God’s will are not from God. Those angry and argumentative thoughts a person gets when they are corrected are not from God. These are from the dark world which we do not see, but certainly can feel and hear. It is amazing how a person can know these things, yet when they are encountered with wrong thoughts, they believe that they are correct thoughts as their corrupt heart agrees with them. Eph 6:11-12,16-PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES (or schemes) OF THE DEVIL. FOR WE WRESTLE (or struggle) NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT (AGAINST THE RULERS, AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES, AGAINST THE POWERS OF THIS DARK WORLD-NIV), AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS (or forces) IN HIGH PLACES (or heavenly realms). ABOVE ALL, TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH, WHEREWITH YE SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS (or flaming arrows) OF THE WICKED (or evil one). Those flaming arrows are those wrong thoughts and uptight feelings a person gets in their stomach, especially when seeking to obey God’s Word and do what is right in God’s eyes.

The saint is to obey authority. He is to obey the laws of the land. He is to obey traffic laws. It is written, Ro 13:1-7-LET EVERY SOUL BE SUBJECT UNTO THE HIGHER POWERS (or it may be said authority). FOR THERE IS NO POWER (or authority) BUT OF GOD: THE POWERS (or authorities) THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD. WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESISTETH THE POWER (or authorities), RESISTETH THE ORDINANCE OF GOD: AND THEY THAT RESIST SHALL RECEIVE TO THEMSELVES DAMNATION. FOR RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, BUT TO THE EVIL. WILT THOU THEN NOT BE AFRAID OF THE POWER (or authority)? DO THAT WHICH IS GOOD, AND THOU SHALT HAVE PRAISE OF THE SAME: FOR HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD TO THEE FOR GOOD. BUT IF THOU DO THAT WHICH IS EVIL, BE AFRAID; FOR HE BEARETH NOT THE SWORD IN VAIN: FOR HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD, A REVENGER TO EXECUTE WRATH UPON HIM THAT DOETH EVIL. WHEREFORE YE MUST NEEDS BE SUBJECT, NOT ONLY FOR WRATH, BUT ALSO FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE. FOR FOR THIS CAUSE PAY YE TRIBUTE ALSO: FOR THEY ARE GOD'S MINISTERS, ATTENDING CONTINUALLY UPON THIS VERY THING. RENDER THEREFORE TO ALL THEIR DUES: TRIBUTE TO WHOM TRIBUTE IS DUE; CUSTOM TO WHOM CUSTOM; FEAR TO WHOM FEAR; HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR. (Note, the word power can sometimes also be synonymous with authority, thus it has been added in these verses.)

The Centurion was a man under authority. He understood taking and giving orders. He understood the responsibility and obligations that go with authority. He understood the authority that Jesus had over diseases. He understood Who Jesus was. He understood humbleness and how unworthy he was. Jesus said of this person that understood authority, I HAVE NOT FOUND SO GREAT FAITH, NO, NOT IN ISRAEL. Understanding authority is directly related to faith.
It is written Mt 8:5-10,13-AND WHEN JESUS WAS ENTERED INTO CAPERNAUM, THERE CAME UNTO HIM A CENTURION, BESEECHING HIM, AND SAYING, LORD, MY SERVANT LIETH AT HOME SICK OF THE PALSY, GRIEVOUSLY TORMENTED. AND JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM, I WILL COME AND HEAL HIM. THE CENTURION ANSWERED AND SAID, LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY THAT THOU SHOULDEST COME UNDER MY ROOF: BUT SPEAK THE WORD ONLY, AND MY SERVANT SHALL BE HEALED. FOR I AM A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY, HAVING SOLDIERS UNDER ME: AND I SAY TO THIS MAN, GO, AND HE GOETH; AND TO ANOTHER, COME, AND HE COMETH; AND TO MY SERVANT, DO THIS, AND HE DOETH IT. WHEN JESUS HEARD IT, HE MARVELLED, AND SAID TO THEM THAT FOLLOWED, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, I HAVE NOT FOUND SO GREAT FAITH, NO, NOT IN ISRAEL. AND JESUS SAID UNTO THE CENTURION, GO THY WAY; AND AS THOU HAST BELIEVED, SO BE IT DONE UNTO THEE. AND HIS SERVANT WAS HEALED IN THE SELFSAME HOUR.

8-THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS IS QUESTIONED, CHALLENGED, DISCREDITED,
AND NOT BELIEVED BY UNBELIEVERS AND SO-CALLED CARNAL CHRISTIANS
(If people will question and not believe the authority Jesus or John the Baptist had,
how much more will they not believe the authority God has given to His servants)

In many verses, the Pharisees, elders, Herodians, Sadducees, scribes, and lawyers did not want to submit to the authority of God. They challenged the authority of Jesus, hoping to find some way to accuse and discredit Him. It is written, Mt 21:23-AND WHEN HE WAS COME INTO THE TEMPLE, THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE ELDERS OF THE PEOPLE CAME UNTO HIM AS HE WAS TEACHING, AND SAID, BY WHAT AUTHORITY DOEST THOU THESE THINGS? AND WHO GAVE THEE THIS AUTHORITY?
In addition, the authority of Moses was challenged. God’s Word was challenged. The apostles were challenged. Born-again Christians, from ministers to lay people, sometimes find themselves being questioned, accused, discredited, or challenged in some way. Following are more examples from God’s Word regarding these matters. As a person studies these, one can only imagine how the people around them responded. Those with evil hearts undoubtedly agreed with the lying accusations that were spoken by the Pharisees and others against Jesus, Moses, and others. Those with pure hearts undoubtedly disagreed with the false accusations.

Mt 12:24-(regarding Jesus) BUT WHEN THE PHARISEES HEARD IT, THEY SAID, THIS FELLOW DOTH NOT CAST OUT DEVILS, BUT BY BEELZEBUB THE PRINCE OF THE DEVILS. The Pharisees were trying to discredit the authority of Jesus in the eyes of the people. They lied and in doing so they also committed the unforgivable sin by what they said.
Mt 13:54,55,58 (regarding Jesus) AND WHEN HE (Jesus) WAS COME INTO HIS OWN COUNTRY, HE TAUGHT THEM IN THEIR SYNAGOGUE, INSOMUCH THAT THEY WERE ASTONISHED, AND SAID, WHENCE HATH THIS MAN THIS WISDOM, AND THESE MIGHTY WORKS? IS NOT THIS THE CARPENTER'S SON? IS NOT HIS MOTHER CALLED MARY? AND HIS BRETHREN, Ja, AND JOSES, AND SIMON, AND JUDAS? AND HE DID NOT MANY MIGHTY WORKS THERE BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF. Mk 6:6-AND HE MARVELLED BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF. Again, we note that Satan put wrong thoughts in their heart and their evil heart chose to believe the thoughts rather than the truth. People in this generation greatly underestimate the power of Satan to deceive. Some of the finest ministers of God from the past never attended a Bible school. There were almost none to attend. They simply studied God’s Word in humbleness, and God gave them great understanding and exalted them. In this generation of many Bible schools but little understanding, it is no longer enough to be anointed by God. Today people want to see a degree or signs and miracles. Without these, one may be discredited. The people said of Jesus WHENCE HATH THIS MAN THIS WISDOM.

Mk 2:6,7-(regarding Jesus) BUT THERE WERE CERTAIN OF THE SCRIBES SITTING THERE, AND REASONING IN THEIR HEARTS, WHY DOTH THIS MAN THUS SPEAK BLASPHEMIES? WHO CAN FORGIVE SINS BUT GOD ONLY?
Mk 3:21 (regarding Jesus) WHEN HIS FAMILY HEARD ABOUT THIS, THEY WENT TO TAKE CHARGE OF HIM, FOR THEY SAID, "HE IS OUT OF HIS MIND" (or beside himself-KJV) (or we might say crazy). Note the words—His family went to do this. It is common when a person commits their life to Jesus that his relatives and friends think he is crazy. It is common for a new believer to hear the words, "Now don’t go overboard with this religion thing."

    Lk 4:18-(regarding Jesus) He came to Nazareth and spoke in the synagogue. Note the first few words He spoke—THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HATH ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL…They did not believe what He said and were filled with wrath. They tried to kill him. They did not believe the authority He had.
    Lk 6:1,2-(regarding Jesus) AND IT CAME TO PASS ON THE SECOND SABBATH AFTER THE FIRST, THAT HE WENT THROUGH THE CORN FIELDS; AND HIS DISCIPLES PLUCKED THE EARS OF CORN, AND DID EAT, RUBBING THEM IN THEIR HANDS. AND CERTAIN OF THE PHARISEES SAID UNTO THEM, WHY DO YE THAT WHICH IS NOT LAWFUL TO DO ON THE SABBATH DAYS? The Pharisees made lying accusations against the disciples trying to discredit Him. The authority of Jesus and what he did was being challenged.
    Lk 6:6,7-(regarding Jesus) AND THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES WATCHED HIM, WHETHER HE WOULD HEAL ON THE SABBATH DAY; THAT THEY MIGHT FIND AN ACCUSATION AGAINST HIM. THEN SAID JESUS UNTO THEM, I WILL ASK YOU ONE THING; IS IT LAWFUL ON THE SABBATH DAYS TO DO GOOD, OR TO DO EVIL? TO SAVE LIFE, OR TO DESTROY IT?…HE SAID UNTO THE MAN, STRETCH FORTH THY HAND. AND HE DID SO: AND HIS HAND WAS RESTORED WHOLE AS THE OTHER. AND THEY WERE FILLED WITH MADNESS; AND COMMUNED ONE WITH ANOTHER WHAT THEY MIGHT DO TO JESUS. Unbelievers sometimes seek to accuse men of God and discredit the authority of God on them.
    Lk 7:33,34-(regarding Jesus and John the Baptist) JOHN THE BAPTIST CAME NEITHER EATING BREAD NOR DRINKING WINE; AND YE SAY, HE HATH A DEVIL. THE SON OF MAN IS COME EATING AND DRINKING; AND YE SAY, BEHOLD A GLUTTONOUS MAN, AND A WINEBIBBER, A FRIEND OF PUBLICANS AND SINNERS! It seems no matter what a man of God does, some will find a way to accuse and discredit both him and the authority God has given him.
    Lk 7:39-(regarding Jesus) NOW WHEN THE PHARISEE WHICH HAD BIDDEN HIM SAW IT, HE SPAKE WITHIN HIMSELF, SAYING, THIS MAN, IF HE WERE A PROPHET, WOULD HAVE KNOWN WHO AND WHAT MANNER OF WOMAN THIS IS THAT TOUCHETH HIM: FOR SHE IS A SINNER. Again, it is noted how the Pharisee was looking for some way to discredit the authority of Jesus. It appears he had convinced himself with Satan's help that Jesus could not be a prophet. If Satan did not exist, he would not have even had this wrong thought.
    (Satan fills our mind with thoughts to discredit and justify why we should not believe the authority God has given a person—especially one He has placed over us.) An example of the thinking an unsaved or carnal Christian can have when corrected by someone God ha put over them is—that they will often think, "He doesn’t understand my situation." Thus, he renders the counsel that God gave him through that person of no effect. Even before the person speaks one word of correction, he may have put up a wall against it. Many people do this same thing with God’s Word. They put up a wall against correction from the Bible as they don't want to yield to God and change their attitude and lifestyle in certain areas. Lying voices in your thoughts, emotions, and flesh can cause you to disregard the authority of those God has placed over you in the Lord.
    Lk 11:53-54-(regarding Jesus) AND AS HE SAID THESE THINGS UNTO THEM, THE SCRIBES AND THE PHARISEES BEGAN TO URGE HIM VEHEMENTLY, AND TO PROVOKE HIM TO SPEAK OF MANY THINGS: LAYING WAIT FOR HIM, AND SEEKING TO CATCH SOMETHING OUT OF HIS MOUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT ACCUSE HIM. They wanted to discredit Jesus and undermine His authority. It is much the same today in many churches. People look to accuse and undermine the authority of their God-fearing preacher.
    Lk 13:14-(regarding Jesus) AND THE RULER OF THE SYNAGOGUE ANSWERED WITH INDIGNATION, BECAUSE THAT JESUS HAD HEALED ON THE SABBATH DAY, AND SAID UNTO THE PEOPLE, THERE ARE SIX DAYS IN WHICH MEN OUGHT TO WORK: IN THEM THEREFORE COME AND BE HEALED, AND NOT ON THE SABBATH DAY. The synagogue ruler tried to discredit Jesus and undermine His authority before the people.
    Lk 15:2-(regarding Jesus) AND THE PHARISEES AND SCRIBES MURMURED, SAYING, THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS, AND EATETH WITH THEM. One can see how the accusations of the Pharisees and scribes might be agreed with by those with an accusing, wicked, or impure heart themselves.
    Lk 16:14-(regarding Jesus) AND THE PHARISEES ALSO, WHO WERE COVETOUS, HEARD ALL THESE THINGS: AND THEY DERIDED (or were sneering at) HIM. They did not like what He spoke, so they were trying to discredit Him among the people.
    Lk 19:38-40-(The people were) SAYING, BLESSED BE THE KING THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: PEACE IN HEAVEN, AND GLORY IN THE HIGHEST. AND SOME OF THE PHARISEES FROM AMONG THE MULTITUDE SAID UNTO HIM, MASTER, REBUKE THY DISCIPLES. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, I TELL YOU THAT, IF THESE SHOULD HOLD THEIR PEACE, THE STONES WOULD IMMEDIATELY CRY OUT. Jesus was being glorified. God’s Word was being fulfilled, but the unrighteous were trying to discredit Jesus and those that followed Him.
    Lk 20:20-(regarding Jesus) KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON HIM, THEY SENT SPIES, WHO PRETENDED TO BE HONEST. THEY HOPED TO CATCH JESUS IN SOMETHING HE SAID SO THAT THEY MIGHT HAND HIM OVER TO THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR (NIV). Once again, we note the unrighteous were seeking to accuse and discredit Jesus in some way. They wanted Him stopped. They would not submit to His authority.
    Lk 22:48-(regarding Jesus) BUT JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, JUDAS, BETRAYEST THOU THE SON OF MAN WITH A KISS? Even though Judas had worked with Jesus, he still did not understand who Jesus really was and the authority He had. If he did, he would never have betrayed Him. It is much the same in many churches. Congregations sometimes become highly irritated with preachers that preach on sin, repentance, judgment, hell, the Rapture and the coming Tribulation. They betray the minister and try to cause problems and sometimes do cause the church to split. They form their own church that teaches what their own wicked itching ears want to hear rather than truth.
    Lk 23:2-(regarding Jesus) AND THEY BEGAN TO ACCUSE HIM, SAYING, WE FOUND THIS FELLOW PERVERTING THE NATION, AND FORBIDDING TO GIVE TRIBUTE TO CAESAR, SAYING THAT HE HIMSELF IS CHRIST A KING. The wicked lied, perverted the truth, and then made an accusation out of it in order to condemn Him.

Jn 7:15-(regarding Jesus) AND THE JEWS MARVELLED, SAYING, HOW KNOWETH THIS MAN LETTERS, HAVING NEVER LEARNED? In this generation it may be said, how can this preacher or Bible teacher know these things, seeing he never attended a Bible school? He doesn’t have a diploma. The bottom line is that as they tried to discredit Jesus and His authority, so people do the same today to their pastors or Bible teachers that say things they don't want to hear. This occurs especially against those preachers that teach on sin, repentance, judgment, hell, and the soon coming Rapture and Tribulation. It is amazing how the Bible shows there will indeed be a one-world type of government. There already is a world health organization, world bank, and many other world organizations, yet people still refuse to believe. It is just as was written, as the days of Noah were, so it is becoming today. People do not want to believe what is about to happen. Neither did they believe the flood would come and kill them. Their unbelief changed nothing. It happened, and they perished.
Jn 8:53,54-(regarding Jesus) (The Jews said) ART THOU (Jesus) GREATER THAN OUR FATHER ABRAHAM, WHICH IS DEAD? AND THE PROPHETS ARE DEAD: WHOM MAKEST THOU THYSELF? JESUS ANSWERED, IF I HONOUR MYSELF, MY HONOUR IS NOTHING: IT IS MY FATHER THAT HONOURETH ME; OF WHOM YE SAY, THAT HE IS YOUR GOD. (People say they are saved—they may say HE IS (their) GOD, yet they do not recognize the authority of God in His servants—isn’t the answer obvious why this is so?)

Lk 22:67-(regarding Jesus) The elders, chief priests, and scribes asked Jesus, ART THOU THE CHRIST? TELL US. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, IF I TELL YOU, YE WILL NOT BELIEVE.
This may summarize much of what has been said. The accusers and those that seek to discredit God’s authority on His servants will not believe, even if they would raise someone from the dead-ref Lk 16:30,31 and Lk 11:46-48.

    In the same way that they challenged the authority of Jesus, the religious leaders also challenged the authority of the apostles. It is written, Acts 4:7-(regarding the apostles) AND WHEN THEY HAD SET THEM IN THE MIDST, THEY ASKED, BY WHAT POWER, OR BY WHAT NAME, HAVE YE DONE THIS? They then went on to threaten them. Often the authority of ministers, elders, and lay people that follow Jesus are challenged. Satan has devised many schemes to discredit God’s ministers in the eyes of some people. Of some they may say, "He's lacking a Theology degree," or of another they may say, "He speaks so much Scripture that he cannot relate to the people." The number of excuses people have for undermining God’s authority on a minister could fill a book.
    Acts 5:28-(regarding the apostles) (The high priest said) DID NOT WE STRAITLY COMMAND YOU THAT YE SHOULD NOT TEACH IN THIS NAME? AND, BEHOLD, YE HAVE FILLED JERUSALEM WITH YOUR DOCTRINE, AND INTEND TO BRING THIS MAN'S BLOOD UPON US. The religious leaders could not understand the authority of God on the apostles. They did not understand it was not the apostle's doctrine, but rather it was God speaking through them. Peter and the apostles told them, WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN-Acts 5:29. The religious leaders were cut to the heart and threatened them, beat them, and wanted to kill them.
    Even of Paul, it is written Acts 26:24-25-(regarding Paul) AND AS HE THUS SPAKE FOR HIMSELF, FESTUS SAID WITH A LOUD VOICE, PAUL, THOU ART BESIDE THYSELF; MUCH LEARNING DOTH MAKE THEE MAD. BUT HE SAID, I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS; BUT SPEAK FORTH THE WORDS OF TRUTH AND SOBERNESS. The bottom line is that these faultfinding people do not want God to reign over them. They do not want to repent and submit to God in some particular way. There may be something God wants them to do, or they may be doing something they know is wrong, and they do not want to repent. Thus, they challenge the authority of those God has put over them.
    Acts 17:5-7-(regarding Paul and Silas) BUT THE JEWS WERE JEALOUS; SO THEY ROUNDED UP SOME BAD CHARACTERS FROM THE MARKETPLACE, FORMED A MOB AND STARTED A RIOT IN THE CITY. THEY RUSHED TO JASON'S HOUSE IN SEARCH OF PAUL AND SILAS IN ORDER TO BRING THEM OUT TO THE CROWD. BUT WHEN THEY DID NOT FIND THEM, THEY DRAGGED JASON AND SOME OTHER BROTHERS BEFORE THE CITY OFFICIALS, SHOUTING: "THESE MEN WHO HAVE CAUSED TROUBLE ALL OVER THE WORLD HAVE NOW COME HERE, AND JASON HAS WELCOMED THEM INTO HIS HOUSE. THEY ARE ALL DEFYING CAESAR'S DECREES, SAYING THAT THERE IS ANOTHER KING, ONE CALLED JESUS." The Jews were trying to discredit the Word that was being preached, saying it was against the law to say or do these things. Ungodly people do the same today.
    Acts 18:12,13-(regarding Paul) THE JEWS MADE INSURRECTION…AGAINST PAUL, AND BROUGHT HIM TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT, SAYING, THIS FELLOW PERSUADETH MEN TO WORSHIP GOD CONTRARY TO THE LAW. It is very common that when preachers of God teach as God directs them (that is, they teach on such things as sin, repentance, judgment, hell, the Rapture and soon coming Tribulation) that people get riled up and speak against them. Other preachers and even denominational leaders may accuse the preacher of being a doomsday preacher and not preaching love and pleasant things. Jesus may be called a dooms day preacher. He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem. It came to pass. Jeremiah and others prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem. It came to pass. People of this generation do not like to hear the truth if it is bad. They try to discredit the preacher and the authority God has given him.
    Acts 19:8,9-(regarding Paul) AND HE (Paul) WENT INTO THE SYNAGOGUE, AND SPAKE BOLDLY FOR THE SPACE OF THREE MONTHS, DISPUTING AND PERSUADING (or arguing persuasively about) THE THINGS CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD. BUT WHEN DIVERS (or some of them) WERE HARDENED (or became obstinate), AND BELIEVED NOT, BUT SPAKE EVIL OF (or maligned) THAT WAY BEFORE THE MULTITUDE, HE DEPARTED FROM THEM, AND (took) THE DISCIPLES (with him). The authority and words of Paul were not believed by some. As a result, it may be said, a church split occurred. The faithful disciples of Jesus stayed with Paul. The wicked accusers that tried to discredit Paul did not go with him. It is much the same today, if a minister teaches as God would have him teach. Regretfully, there are very few that do any more. Before the Rapture comes, expect preaching to become even more diluted, which is what the people want.

    The authority of Moses was challenged. It is written, Acts 7:27-(regarding Moses) BUT HE THAT DID HIS NEIGHBOUR WRONG THRUST HIM AWAY, SAYING, WHO MADE THEE A RULER AND A JUDGE OVER US?
    Moses’ authority was also challenged by his own family. It is written, Num 12:1-2-(regarding Moses) AND MIRIAM AND AARON SPAKE AGAINST MOSES BECAUSE OF THE ETHIOPIAN WOMAN WHOM HE HAD MARRIED: FOR HE HAD MARRIED AN ETHIOPIAN WOMAN. AND THEY SAID, HATH THE LORD INDEED SPOKEN ONLY BY MOSES? HATH HE NOT SPOKEN ALSO BY US? AND THE LORD HEARD IT.
    Num 16:3-(regarding Moses and Aaron) AND THEY GATHERED THEMSELVES TOGETHER AGAINST MOSES AND AGAINST AARON, AND SAID UNTO THEM, YE TAKE TOO MUCH UPON YOU, SEEING ALL THE CONGREGATION ARE HOLY, EVERY ONE OF THEM, AND THE LORD IS AMONG THEM: WHEREFORE THEN LIFT YE UP YOURSELVES ABOVE THE CONGREGATION OF THE LORD? Here we see the authority of Moses and Aaron being challenged by those with evil hearts. They were jealous. They envied Moses. They didn’t understand that it was God that exalted Moses. They accused him of exalting himself, even though he was very meek above all men-ref verse 3. In like manner, many of God’s servants are also challenged and accused.
    Num 16:41-(regarding Moses and Aaron) BUT ON THE MORROW ALL THE CONGREGATION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL MURMURED AGAINST MOSES AND AGAINST AARON, SAYING, YE HAVE KILLED THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD. It is very common in many places of the world that when something happens the people with accusing hearts accuse those anointed by God and try to discredit their work and authority.

Jere 26:8-9-(regarding Jeremiah) NOW IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN JEREMIAH HAD MADE AN END OF SPEAKING ALL THAT THE LORD HAD COMMANDED HIM TO SPEAK UNTO ALL THE PEOPLE, THAT THE PRIESTS AND THE PROPHETS AND ALL THE PEOPLE TOOK HIM, SAYING, THOU SHALT SURELY DIE. WHY HAST THOU PROPHESIED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, SAYING, THIS HOUSE SHALL BE LIKE SHILOH, AND THIS CITY SHALL BE DESOLATE WITHOUT AN INHABITANT? AND ALL THE PEOPLE WERE GATHERED AGAINST JEREMIAH IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. Jeremiah had spoken the Word of God to people that did not want to repent and that had an accusing heart. They were angry and wanted to kill him. How many so-called Christians are the same way today? Their minister will try to give them godly advice and correct them, but they lose their temper and then go about to discredit their minister’s authority to other people behind his back. They accuse him and ridicule him and try to turn others against him—only because he gave them God’s Word.
Jere 43:2-(regarding Jeremiah) THEN SPAKE AZARIAH,…AND JOHANAN,…AND ALL THE PROUD MEN, SAYING UNTO JEREMIAH, THOU SPEAKEST FALSELY:…GOD HATH NOT SENT THEE TO SAY, GO NOT INTO EGYPT TO SOJOURN THERE. Jeremiah had given them God’s Word which meant they would have to trust in God to protect them from the king of Babylon rather than Egypt. However, these were men of no faith. Even though they had witnessed that all of Jeremiah’s prophecies had come to pass, they still could not walk in faith and believe what God had told them to do through the prophet Jeremiah. They accused Jeremiah of lying to them and forsook his advice. They undermined the authority of God on Jeremiah. They went to Egypt and perished just as Jeremiah had said. Is it so different today? Countless numbers of people sit in Christian churches as God’s Word comes forth from their minister. Yet they will not believe God is speaking to them by His Word through their preacher. They forsake God’s advice given to them and ultimately perish.

Many other verses could be used. In Acts 13:45,50; 21:27,28,38, the people spoke against what Paul taught trying to discredit his authority. In Acts 24:1,2,5,6, Paul was accused of many things, including being a ringleader of what people today would undoubtedly call a cult. In Acts 22:22, they wanted to kill Paul. In Acts 23:1,2, the high priest commanded Paul to be smitten. In Acts 6:10-14, false accusers came against Stephen.

Gen 3:1-5-(regarding God’s Word) NOW THE SERPENT WAS MORE SUBTIL THAN ANY BEAST OF THE FIELD WHICH THE LORD GOD HAD MADE. AND HE SAID UNTO THE WOMAN, YEA, HATH GOD SAID, YE SHALL NOT EAT OF EVERY TREE OF THE GARDEN? The devil was challenging the words that God himself had spoken. AND THE WOMAN SAID UNTO THE SERPENT, WE MAY EAT OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREES OF THE GARDEN: BUT OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREE WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THE GARDEN, GOD HATH SAID, YE SHALL NOT EAT OF IT, NEITHER SHALL YE TOUCH IT, LEST YE DIE. AND THE SERPENT SAID UNTO THE WOMAN, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE. At this point, the devil was trying to convince Eve that God had lied to her. He then uses a bit of psychology to go along with what he had said to persuade Eve to sin. The serpent said, FOR GOD DOTH KNOW THAT IN THE DAY YE EAT THEREOF, THEN YOUR EYES SHALL BE OPENED, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL. It worked on Eve, and it has worked on countless millions of people throughout history, and it works on people today as well. Satan undermined the authority of God and His Word. This is why one can hear many of Satan’s ministers make comments like, "We are not to take the Bible literally," or "Those words do not mean quite what they seem to say because." Some would say, "All the Bible is not for today. It is only symbolic." Yet God’s Word is clear on this subject. It is written 2 Tim 3:16-ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. Some would say we are to only go by the New Testament. God’s Word says in Deut 8:3-MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY BREAD ONLY, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THE LORD DOTH MAN LIVE. Pv 30:5-EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE. Lk 4:4-AND JESUS ANSWERED HIM, SAYING, IT IS WRITTEN, THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD.

    It is written, Hos 4:6-"MY" PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I WILL ALSO REJECT THEE. (Satan blinds the hearts of many so they reject God’s Word. They reject His knowledge and authority. They reject life.)
    Ex 6:9-AND MOSES SPAKE SO UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL: BUT THEY HEARKENED NOT UNTO MOSES FOR ANGUISH OF SPIRIT (or discouragement), AND FOR CRUEL BONDAGE. (There are times when Satan can use the hurts we are enduring to blind us. As a result, we refuse to hearken to God’s Word or the authority of the one God has put over us. In many cases, Satan is so successful that the person will perish.)
    Mt 25:25-26-I WAS AFRAID, AND WENT AND HID THY TALENT IN THE EARTH: LO, THERE THOU HAST THAT IS THINE. HIS LORD ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, THOU WICKED AND SLOTHFUL (or lazy) SERVANT. (Satan often uses fear to deceive and stop God’s servants from obeying and serving Him. Perhaps they get ready to witness, but because of fear they do not go. Perhaps they are called to be a missionary, but because of fear they will not go. They know they should confess Jesus openly, but because of fear of persecution from other family members or people at work they hide their testimony and don't speak. They know they should go to church and perhaps even sing in the choir, but because of fear they don't do it. God calls this kind of person wicked and lazy. They perish. They ought to have feared God more than men as He has power to cast a person into hell.
    Lk 11:15-BUT SOME OF THEM SAID, HE CASTETH OUT DEVILS THROUGH BEELZEBUB THE CHIEF OF THE DEVILS. (Satan put lying thoughts into their heart. Their evil heart chose to believe the lies. Satan succeeded in deceiving them. They committed the unforgivable sin. They tried to deceive others also.)
    Lk 16:14-AND THE PHARISEES ALSO, WHO WERE COVETOUS,…THEY DERIDED HIM.
    Jn 6:53,60,63,66-THEN JESUS SAID…EXCEPT YE EAT THE FLESH OF THE SON OF MAN, AND DRINK HIS BLOOD, YE HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU. MANY THEREFORE OF HIS DISCIPLES, WHEN THEY HAD HEARD THIS, SAID, THIS IS AN HARD SAYING; WHO CAN HEAR IT? (Jesus said) THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK UNTO YOU, THEY ARE SPIRIT, AND THEY ARE LIFE. FROM THAT TIME MANY OF HIS DISCIPLES WENT BACK, AND WALKED NO MORE WITH HIM. (Again, Satan was able to blind the hearts and minds of many of the disciples that followed Jesus. These were disciples—they had apparently repented and were also probably baptized. They undoubtedly saw the miracles He did—yet they still left Him.)
    Satan does the same with many people today that start to read the Bible. They begin reading but there are many things they do not understand so they give up. They would find as they obey the things they do understand, God will open up more to understand. When a child begins first grade, he is not expected to understand what will be taught in the third grade. He first must learn the basics. So it is with God’s Word. As a person learns, understands, and obeys the milk of the Word (basic doctrines), the Holy Spirit reveals more from Scriptures. Humility, faithfulness, obedience, and patience are needed. Study God’s Word every day faithfully—suggest at least 5 or more chapters a day beginning in the New Testament. Beware that Satan does not deceive you, and you forsake Jesus and the authority of His Word as these disciples did.
    Jn 7:20-THE PEOPLE ANSWERED AND SAID (to Jesus), THOU HAST A DEVIL. (Satan put lying thoughts into their heart. Their evil heart chose to believe the lies. Satan succeeded in deceiving them.)
    Jn 7:27-HOWBEIT WE KNOW THIS MAN WHENCE HE IS: BUT WHEN CHRIST COMETH, NO MAN KNOWETH WHENCE HE IS. (They had wrong thoughts. The Old Testament which they used said no such thing. Satan succeeded in deceiving them, and they tried to deceive others.)
    Jn 7:41-42-OTHERS SAID, THIS IS THE CHRIST. BUT SOME SAID, SHALL CHRIST COME OUT OF GALILEE? HATH NOT THE SCRIPTURE SAID, THAT CHRIST COMETH OF THE SEED OF DAVID, AND OUT OF THE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, WHERE DAVID WAS? (They did not know or understand the other Scriptures regarding Jesus and the Galilee. Satan succeeded in deceiving them, and they tried to deceive others.)
    Jn 7:48-HAVE ANY OF THE RULERS OR OF THE PHARISEES BELIEVED ON HIM? (Satan tries to use peer pressure and humiliation on people. He often succeeds in deceiving people this way.)
    Jn 7:50-52-NICODEMUS SAITH UNTO THEM,…DOTH OUR LAW JUDGE ANY MAN, BEFORE IT HEAR HIM, AND KNOW WHAT HE DOETH? THEY ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, ART THOU ALSO OF GALILEE? SEARCH, AND LOOK: FOR OUT OF GALILEE ARISETH NO PROPHET. (They tried to humiliate or discredit what Nicodemus said. They did not understand many of the Scriptures that told of the coming of the Messiah. Satan succeeded in deceiving them, and they tried to deceive others.)
    Jn 9:16-THEREFORE SAID SOME OF THE PHARISEES, THIS MAN IS NOT OF GOD, BECAUSE HE KEEPETH NOT THE SABBATH DAY. (They heart did not understand the Scriptures, so they believed Satan’s lie. Satan succeeded in deceiving them, and they tried to deceive others.)
    Jn 9:22-THESE WORDS SPAKE HIS PARENTS, BECAUSE THEY FEARED THE JEWS: FOR THE JEWS HAD AGREED ALREADY, THAT IF ANY MAN DID CONFESS THAT HE WAS CHRIST, HE SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE. (Fear can cause people to choose to believe Satan’s lies in their thoughts. Some people will not follow Jesus, because they are afraid they will lose their wife, husband, or job. They are afraid they will suffer persecutions from their parents or friends. Satan succeeds in deceiving them.)
    Jn 9:24-THEN AGAIN CALLED THEY THE MAN THAT WAS BLIND, AND SAID UNTO HIM, GIVE GOD THE PRAISE: WE KNOW THAT THIS MAN (which is Jesus) IS A SINNER. (Satan put lying thoughts into their heart. Their evil heart chose to believe the lies. Satan succeeded in deceiving them.)
    Jn 10:20-AND MANY OF THEM SAID, HE (Jesus) HATH A DEVIL, AND IS MAD (or crazy); WHY HEAR YE HIM? (Satan lied to them in their thoughts and hearts. He succeeded in deceiving them, and they, in turn, tried to deceive others.)
    Jn 11:47,48-THEN GATHERED THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE PHARISEES A COUNCIL, AND SAID, WHAT DO WE? FOR THIS MAN DOETH MANY MIRACLES. IF WE LET HIM THUS ALONE, ALL MEN WILL BELIEVE ON HIM: AND THE ROMANS SHALL COME AND TAKE AWAY BOTH OUR PLACE AND NATION. (These were fearful. They loved their job and this present world. They were envious of Jesus. He challenged their teaching.)
    Jn 12:43-FOR THEY LOVED THE PRAISE OF MEN MORE THAN THE PRAISE OF GOD. (Human nature often wants and enjoys the praise of men. This is one reason some ministers use a lot of jokes and foolishness. Often people want to be highly thought of. This is more important to them than the praise of God. Their heart desires the praise of men more than the praise of God so Satan is able to deceive them.)
    Jn 19:12-The Jews cried out…(This man) MAKETH HIMSELF A KING…(Satan had so blinded their hearts so they didn’t recognize Jesus’ authority was from God. Satan blinds the hearts of many today in the same way. They do not recognize that there is a God and that the Bible is God’s Word speaking to them. They have wrong thoughts and are deceived and do not even know it until they perish to hell.)
    Acts 4:15-18,21-BUT WHEN THEY HAD COMMANDED THEM (Peter and other apostles) TO GO ASIDE OUT OF THE COUNCIL, THEY CONFERRED AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING, WHAT SHALL WE DO TO THESE MEN? FOR THAT INDEED A NOTABLE MIRACLE HATH BEEN DONE…BUT THAT IT SPREAD NO FURTHER AMONG THE PEOPLE, LET US STRAITLY THREATEN THEM, THAT THEY SPEAK HENCEFORTH TO NO MAN IN THIS NAME. SO WHEN THEY HAD FURTHER THREATENED THEM, THEY LET THEM GO. (Satan often uses threats to try and terrify people so they will not follow Jesus or speak His Word.)
    Acts 24:5,6-FOR WE HAVE FOUND THIS MAN A PESTILENT FELLOW, AND A MOVER OF SEDITION AMONG ALL THE JEWS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, AND A RINGLEADER OF THE SECT OF THE NAZARENES: WHO ALSO HATH GONE ABOUT TO PROFANE THE TEMPLE. (Satan deceived their evil hearts with four twisted accusations against Paul. They were deceived and tried to deceive others.)
    Acts 24:14-BUT THIS I (Paul) CONFESS UNTO THEE, THAT AFTER THE WAY WHICH THEY CALL HERESY, SO WORSHIP I THE GOD OF MY FATHERS, BELIEVING ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAW AND IN THE PROPHETS. (Satan had successfully put in the minds of Paul’s accusers that what is right and truth was wrong and what is wrong and lies was right. Most of the religious leaders of those days as well as this generation believe they are following God, but in truth they are following the deceiver. They are unable to rightly discern God’s Word. Indeed, Satan deceiveth the whole world.)
    Acts 26:24-FESTUS SAID WITH A LOUD VOICE, PAUL, THOU ART BESIDE THYSELF; MUCH LEARNING DOTH MAKE THEE MAD. (Satan deceives people. He puts in the hearts of some accusers that their preacher doesn’t have enough Bible school training. He puts in the hearts of other accusers that their preacher has too much Bible school training and thus cannot relate to the people. He is crazy. They accuse their preacher no matter what he does. Satan deceives them, and they try to deceive others by spreading their wicked thoughts. The bottom line is that they do not want the authority of Jesus or God’s Word to reign over them.)
    Acts 28:22-AS CONCERNING THIS SECT, WE KNOW THAT EVERY WHERE IT IS SPOKEN AGAINST. (If Paul were alive today, he would be called a cult leader even as he was when he lived. Paul did not compromise his preaching as many do today. He did not preach about the Bible. He preached THE WORD and used it as it is meant to be used—as a two-edged sword. As Paul was hated by most in his day, he would also be hated today. Many wanted to kill him then, and today it would be the same as people do not want to submit to the authority of God’s Word. Satan deceived the people regarding Paul and his followers by having many people everywhere speak against it. How has Satan deceived you?)
    Ex 5:22,23-AND MOSES RETURNED UNTO THE LORD, AND SAID, LORD, WHEREFORE HAST THOU SO EVIL ENTREATED THIS PEOPLE? WHY IS IT THAT THOU HAST SENT ME? FOR SINCE I CAME TO PHARAOH TO SPEAK IN THY NAME, HE HATH DONE EVIL TO THIS PEOPLE; NEITHER HAST THOU DELIVERED THY PEOPLE AT ALL. (Even Moses had times when he did not understand and had wrong thoughts as can be seen in these verses. Do not underestimate the power of the devil to put lies into your heart and deceive you. It is written, 1 Pe 5:8,9-BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR: WHOM RESIST STEDFAST IN THE FAITH, KNOWING THAT THE SAME AFFLICTIONS ARE ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR BRETHREN THAT ARE IN THE WORLD.

    Mt 13:4,19-They have a WAY SIDE heart, so Satan is able to catch away the Word that was sown in their heart. Satan deceives them, and they perish. They never understood the Word or the authority of God.
    Mt 13:5,21-These have a STONY heart. The Word gets into their heart, and they understand for a while but then it withers away. Satan after a time deceives them, and they perish.
    Mt 13:7-These have a thorny heart. The Word gets into their heart and they understand for a while but then it is choked out through cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, lusts, and pleasures. Satan, after a time, is able to choke the Word out of these people. They perish.
    Jn 3:19-MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL.
    Jn 3:20-FOR EVERY ONE THAT DOETH EVIL HATETH THE LIGHT, NEITHER COMETH TO THE LIGHT, LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED.
    Jn 8:37-I KNOW THAT YE ARE ABRAHAM'S SEED; BUT YE SEEK TO KILL ME, BECAUSE MY WORD HATH NO PLACE IN YOU.
    Jn 8:39-YE…DO (not) THE WORKS OF (God)
    Jn 8:41-YE DO THE DEEDS OF YOUR FATHER (which is Satan).
    Jn 8:43-WHY DO YE NOT UNDERSTAND MY SPEECH? EVEN BECAUSE YE CANNOT HEAR MY WORD.
    Jn 8:47-GOD'S WORDS: YE…HEAR THEM NOT, BECAUSE YE ARE NOT OF GOD.
    Acts 28:23-27-(ref Mt 13:13-15)-THERE CAME MANY TO HIM INTO HIS LODGING; TO WHOM HE EXPOUNDED AND TESTIFIED THE KINGDOM OF GOD, PERSUADING THEM CONCERNING JESUS…AND SOME BELIEVED…AND SOME BELIEVED NOT….(Paul then said) WELL SPAKE THE HOLY GHOST BY ESAIAS THE PROPHET UNTO OUR FATHERS, SAYING, GO UNTO THIS PEOPLE, AND SAY, HEARING YE SHALL HEAR, AND SHALL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND SEEING YE SHALL SEE, AND NOT PERCEIVE: FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE IS WAXED GROSS, AND THEIR EARS ARE DULL OF HEARING, AND THEIR EYES HAVE THEY CLOSED. (What people are Satan able to deceive? Actually everyone at one time or another. Some will say, "Satan cannot deceive me." These are already deceived and do not even know it. When a person is deceived, it is rare that they know it. Many people’s hearts are hard and calloused. They hear and think they understand, but they do not. They see and think they see correctly, but they do not because their hearts are hard and calloused. The Scriptures show us that if a person thinks they are in the light or thinks they are saved, but in reality they are in darkness and not saved-HOW GREAT IS THAT DARKNESS-Mt 6:23. When a person is positive he is saved but is not, it is nearly impossible to get him to see his sin and error. It is nearly impossible to get them to repent and submit to the authority of God’s Word.)
    1 Cor 2:14-BUT THE NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: FOR THEY ARE FOOLISHNESS (or nonsense) UNTO HIM: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW (or grasp) THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.
    Col 1:21-YOU,…WERE SOMETIME ALIENATED AND ENEMIES IN YOUR MIND BY WICKED WORKS.
   Eph 4:18-HAVING THE UNDERSTANDING DARKENED, BEING ALIENATED FROM THE LIFE OF GOD THROUGH THE IGNORANCE THAT IS IN THEM, BECAUSE OF THE BLINDNESS OF THEIR HEART.
    Jude 11-THEY…RAN GREEDILY AFTER THE ERROR OF BALAAM FOR REWARD.
    Titus 1:15-16-UNTO THE PURE ALL THINGS ARE PURE: BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING IS NOTHING PURE; BUT EVEN THEIR MIND AND CONSCIENCE IS DEFILED. THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM, BEING ABOMINABLE, AND DISOBEDIENT, AND UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK REPROBATE.

    They have a wayside, stony, or thorny heart.
    They practice evil or sin.
    God’s Word has no place in them.
    They do not do the works of God.
    They do the works of Satan.
    They cannot hear or understand God’s Word.
    Their heart is waxed gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed.
    They are worldly, natural, carnal. They cannot spiritually discern.
    They do wicked works.
    They have a blind heart.
    They run after error for profit.
    They do not have a pure heart.
    They have unbelieving and defiled thoughts.
    Their mind and conscience is even defiled.
    They are abominable and disobedient and reprobate regarding every good work.

    Mt 16:17-AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, BLESSED ART THOU, SIMON BARJONA: FOR FLESH AND BLOOD HATH NOT REVEALED IT UNTO THEE, BUT MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.
    Jn 14:26-BUT THE COMFORTER, WHICH IS THE HOLY GHOST, WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, HE SHALL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS.
    1 Cor 2:13-WHICH THINGS ALSO WE SPEAK, NOT IN THE WORDS WHICH MAN'S WISDOM TEACHETH, BUT WHICH THE HOLY GHOST TEACHETH; COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL.
    1 Jn 2:27-BUT THE ANOINTING WHICH YE HAVE RECEIVED OF HIM ABIDETH IN YOU, AND YE NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU: BUT AS THE SAME ANOINTING TEACHETH YOU OF ALL THINGS, AND IS TRUTH, AND IS NO LIE, AND EVEN AS IT HATH TAUGHT YOU, YE SHALL ABIDE IN HIM.

Mt 5:8-BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.
Ja 4:8-10-DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YE SINNERS; AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE MINDED. BE AFFLICTED, AND MOURN, AND WEEP: LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING, AND YOUR JOY TO HEAVINESS. HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP. The Bible commands the double-minded person to purify their hearts.

    Acts 15:9-AND PUT NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THEM, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH.
    1 Pe 1:22-SEEING YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY.
    I Jn 3:2-3-BELOVED, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, AND IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE: BUT WE KNOW THAT, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS. AND EVERY MAN THAT HATH THIS HOPE IN HIM PURIFIETH HIMSELF, EVEN AS HE IS PURE.

    1-FAITH. Purification comes from faith. This faith comes only from hearing (or reading, studying, and meditating in God’s Word) AND
       BELIEVING IT.
    2-OBEDIENCE. A person needs to obey God’s Word.
    3-LOVE. A person needs to love the brethren (even when being corrected).
    4-HOPE. A person must have the hope of knowing when Jesus shall appear, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.

    Mk 1:34 (Lk 4:41)-(The) DEVILS;…THEY KNEW HIM.
    Lk 4:34-(The devils said) ART THOU COME TO DESTROY US? I KNOW THEE WHO THOU ART; THE HOLY ONE OF GOD.
    Lk 4:41-AND DEVILS ALSO CAME OUT OF MANY, CRYING OUT, AND SAYING, THOU ART CHRIST THE SON OF GOD.
    Lk 9:1-THEN HE CALLED HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES TOGETHER, AND GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ALL DEVILS, AND TO CURE DISEASES.
    Lk 10:17-AND THE SEVENTY RETURNED AGAIN WITH JOY, SAYING, LORD, EVEN THE DEVILS ARE SUBJECT UNTO US THROUGH THY NAME.
    Acts 19:15-AND THE EVIL SPIRIT ANSWERED AND SAID, JESUS I KNOW, AND PAUL I KNOW; BUT WHO ARE YE?
    Ja 2:19-THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.

    As already seen, God the Father gave authority to Jesus.
    Mt 8:26,27-(Jesus had authority over the weather)-THEN HE AROSE, AND REBUKED THE WINDS AND THE SEA; AND THERE WAS A GREAT CALM. BUT THE MEN MARVELLED, SAYING, WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS, THAT EVEN THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM!
    Mt 12:6-(Jesus was greater than the Temple)-BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IN THIS PLACE IS ONE GREATER THAN THE TEMPLE.
    Mt 12:8-(Jesus had authority over the Sabbath day)-THE SON OF MAN IS LORD EVEN OF THE SABBATH DAY.
    Mt 15:34-38-(Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes) (He had authority over atoms or matter).
    Mt 21:19-(Jesus had authority over the creation)-(Jesus) SAW A FIG TREE IN THE WAY,…AND SAID UNTO IT, LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD FOR EVER. AND PRESENTLY THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY.
    Mk 1:27 (Lk 4:36) (Mk 5:7)-(Jesus had authority over devils)-AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED,… SAYING, WHAT THING IS THIS? FOR WITH AUTHORITY COMMANDETH HE EVEN THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS, AND THEY DO OBEY HIM.
    Mk 2:10-12-(Jesus had authority to forgive sins)-BUT THAT YE MAY KNOW THAT THE SON OF MAN HATH POWER ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS, (HE SAITH TO THE SICK OF THE PALSY,) I SAY UNTO THEE, ARISE, AND TAKE UP THY BED,...AND IMMEDIATELY HE AROSE, TOOK UP THE BED, AND WENT FORTH BEFORE THEM ALL.
    Mk 5:41,42 and Jn 11:43,44-(Jesus had authority over death)-(Jesus raised the damsel from the dead) (He also raised Lazarus and others).
    Mk 6:49-(Jesus had authority over gravity)-THEY SAW HIM WALKING UPON THE SEA.
    Mk 6:56-(Jesus had authority over all sickness)-AND AS MANY AS TOUCHED HIM WERE MADE WHOLE.
    Mk 16:19-(Jesus had authority over gravity)-SO THEN AFTER THE LORD HAD SPOKEN UNTO THEM, HE WAS RECEIVED UP INTO HEAVEN, AND SAT ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. Lk 24:51-AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHILE HE BLESSED THEM, HE WAS PARTED FROM THEM, AND CARRIED UP INTO HEAVEN.
    Jn 5:27-(Jesus had authority to execute judgment)-AND HATH GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT ALSO, BECAUSE HE IS THE SON OF MAN.
    Acts 2:24-(Death or the grave could not hold Jesus)-GOD HATH RAISED UP, HAVING LOOSED THE PAINS OF DEATH: BECAUSE IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE THAT HE SHOULD BE HOLDEN OF IT.
    Phil 2:9-11-(Jesus had a name above every name)-WHEREFORE GOD ALSO HATH HIGHLY EXALTED HIM, AND GIVEN HIM A NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME: THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, OF THINGS IN HEAVEN, AND THINGS IN EARTH, AND THINGS UNDER THE EARTH; AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.
    Mt 28:18-(Jesus had all authority)-AND JESUS CAME AND SPAKE UNTO THEM, SAYING, ALL POWER (or it may be said authority) IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH.

Jesus did not teach as the religious leaders of his time. He did not teach as many do today—about the Bible. Jesus taught—THE WORD. He is the Word. Mt 7:29-FOR HE TAUGHT THEM AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY, AND NOT AS THE SCRIBES.
Mk 1:22-AND THEY WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS DOCTRINE: FOR HE TAUGHT THEM AS ONE THAT HAD AUTHORITY, AND NOT AS THE SCRIBES. In today’s churches, the Word is usually mixed with much other teaching such as stories about the minister, his family, things that happen to him, or other events, or even other books, or what other people say. The Word is seldom taught with authority, relating Scripture with Scripture. Indeed, the lukewarm people of this generation love to have it so.

    God gives authority to His apostles, ministers, and elders. It is written, 2 Cor 10:8-FOR THOUGH I SHOULD BOAST SOMEWHAT MORE OF OUR AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED:
    Titus 2:15-THESE THINGS SPEAK, AND EXHORT, AND REBUKE WITH ALL AUTHORITY. LET NO MAN DESPISE THEE.
    The true ordaining of God’s ministers is from God, not from men. It is written, Eph 3:7-WHEREOF I WAS MADE A MINISTER, ACCORDING TO THE GIFT OF THE GRACE OF GOD GIVEN UNTO ME BY THE EFFECTUAL WORKING OF HIS POWER.
    Col 1:23,25-WHEREOF I PAUL…AM MADE A MINISTER, ACCORDING TO THE DISPENSATION OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, TO FULFIL THE WORD OF GOD.

    Mt 10:1-AND WHEN HE HAD CALLED UNTO HIM HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES, HE GAVE THEM POWER AGAINST UNCLEAN SPIRITS, TO CAST THEM OUT, AND TO HEAL ALL MANNER OF SICKNESS AND ALL MANNER OF DISEASE.
    Lk 9:1-THEN HE CALLED HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES TOGETHER, AND GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ALL DEVILS, AND TO CURE DISEASES.
    Mk 6:7-AND HE CALLED UNTO HIM THE TWELVE, AND BEGAN TO SEND THEM FORTH BY TWO AND TWO; AND GAVE THEM POWER (or authority) OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS.
    Mk 13:34-FOR THE SON OF MAN IS AS A MAN TAKING A FAR JOURNEY, WHO LEFT HIS HOUSE, AND GAVE AUTHORITY TO HIS SERVANTS, AND TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK, AND COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH.
    Lk 10:19-20-BEHOLD, I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER TO TREAD ON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY: AND NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT YOU. NOTWITHSTANDING IN THIS REJOICE NOT, THAT THE SPIRITS ARE SUBJECT UNTO YOU; BUT RATHER REJOICE, BECAUSE YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.
    Mk 3:14-15-AND HE ORDAINED TWELVE, THAT THEY SHOULD BE WITH HIM, AND THAT HE MIGHT SEND THEM FORTH TO PREACH, AND TO HAVE POWER (or authority) TO HEAL SICKNESSES, AND TO CAST OUT DEVILS.

    God gives authority to born-again believers. Some of that authority is listed in the following verses.
    Mt 10:16-BEHOLD, I SEND YOU FORTH AS SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES: BE YE THEREFORE WISE AS SERPENTS, AND HARMLESS AS DOVES.
    Mk 16:15-AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.
    Mt 28:19-20-GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: AND, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD. AMEN.
    Mk 1:17-AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, COME YE AFTER ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU TO BECOME FISHERS OF MEN.
    Mk 6:11-AND WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE YOU, NOR HEAR YOU, WHEN YE DEPART THENCE, SHAKE OFF THE DUST UNDER YOUR FEET FOR A TESTIMONY AGAINST THEM. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR SODOM AND GOMORRHA IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THAT CITY.
    Mk 16:17-18-AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER.
    Mk 13:34-FOR THE SON OF MAN IS AS A MAN TAKING A FAR JOURNEY, WHO LEFT HIS HOUSE, AND GAVE AUTHORITY TO HIS SERVANTS, AND TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK, AND COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH.
   Jn 15:16-YE HAVE NOT CHOSEN ME, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, AND ORDAINED YOU, THAT YE SHOULD GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN: THAT WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK OF THE FATHER IN MY NAME, HE MAY GIVE IT YOU.
    2 Cor 3:5-6-GOD; WHO ALSO HATH MADE US ABLE MINISTERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT; NOT OF THE LETTER, BUT OF THE SPIRIT: FOR THE LETTER KILLETH, BUT THE SPIRIT GIVETH LIFE.
    2 Cor 5:18-20-AND ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD, WHO HATH RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION; TO WIT, THAT GOD WAS IN CHRIST, RECONCILING THE WORLD UNTO HIMSELF, NOT IMPUTING THEIR TRESPASSES UNTO THEM; AND HATH COMMITTED UNTO US THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION. NOW THEN WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, AS THOUGH GOD DID BESEECH YOU BY US: WE PRAY YOU IN CHRIST'S STEAD, BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD.
    1 Thes 2:4-BUT AS WE WERE ALLOWED OF GOD TO BE PUT IN TRUST WITH THE GOSPEL, EVEN SO WE SPEAK; NOT AS PLEASING MEN, BUT GOD, WHICH TRIETH OUR HEARTS.
    1 Tim 1:12-AND I THANK CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD, WHO HATH ENABLED ME, FOR THAT HE COUNTED ME FAITHFUL, PUTTING ME INTO THE MINISTRY.
    1 Tim 2:7-WHEREUNTO I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST, AND LIE NOT;) A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND VERITY.

    Jesus is the Word. The authority of Jesus is the authority of the Word. God’s Word tells us clearly, that we are to live by every word of God—in other words, we are to live by all the Bible. Since faith can only come from God’s Word, and it is by faith that we stand and overcome all things, Satan will do everything possible to keep a person from reading, studying, hearing, and meditating in God’s pure Word. When a person makes excuses why they can’t spend time in the Word, what they are actually repeating are thoughts that Satan has put in their heart, and their evil heart agrees with the deception. If a person puts other things before God’s Word, he is putting other things before Jesus, Who gave His very life so that we might have eternal life. If a person does not love God’s Word, he does not love Jesus, Who is the Word. It is written, Mk 12:30-AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH: THIS IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT. Very few people can understand that if they do not love God’s Word, they do not love God.
    Satan also does all he can to persuade preachers to tell all sorts of stories, to read out of various books, and to use very little Scripture. And if the preacher does determine to use Scripture, Satan will do all he can to persuade him to preach nice stories from God’s Word rather than teaching on sin, judgment, fearing God, repentance, etc.
    It is written, Jn 1:1,14-IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD (which is Jesus), AND THE WORD (which is Jesus) WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD (which is Jesus) WAS GOD. AND THE WORD (which is Jesus) WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, (AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, THE GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,) FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.
    Rev 19:11-13-AND HE (Jesus) WAS CLOTHED WITH A VESTURE DIPPED IN BLOOD: AND HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD.
    Mt 4:4-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, IT IS WRITTEN, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.

   BLOOD-shed for the remission of sins-ref Mt 26:28.
   BLOOD-Redemption through His blood-Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; Heb 9:12; 1 Pe 1:18,19; Rev 5:9.
   BLOOD-Justified by His blood-Ro 5:9.
   BLOOD-Reconciled by the blood-Lev 6:30; 8:15; 2 Chr 29:24.
   BLOOD-Washed us from our sins in His own blood-Rev 1:5.
   BLOOD-Even the forgiveness of sins-Col 1:14.
   BLOOD-Entered into the holiest by His blood-ref Heb 10:19.
   BLOOD-The church is purchased by the blood-ref Acts 20:28.
   BLOOD-Sanctify the people with His own blood-Heb 10:29; 13:12.
   BLOOD-Cleansed from all sin by the blood-ref 1 Jn 1:7.
   BLOOD-Propitiation through faith in His blood-Ro 3:25.
   BLOOD-Overcame Satan by the blood-ref Rev 12:11.
   BLOOD-Making peace through the blood of the cross-Col 1:20.
   BLOOD-Eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him-Jn 6:56.
   BLOOD-Purge your conscience-Heb 9:14.
   BLOOD-Almost all things are…purged with blood-Heb 9:22.

Most people are very ignorant of the Scriptures or have very little understanding. A man’s evil nature is rebellious against authority, even from his youth. Yet, God’s word commands His servants to obey those ministers and elders that He has placed over them.
It is written, Heb 13:17-OBEY THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU (your leaders), AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES (to their authority-NIV): FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS (they keep watch over you-NIV), AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT (obey them-NIV), THAT THEY MAY DO IT (their work) WITH JOY, AND NOT WITH GRIEF (or not a burden): FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE (or of no advantage) FOR YOU. The pastor has God’s authority over the flock that God has given to his charge. A person is to obey the pastor and the elders. They watch for the person’s soul and will have to give an account. It is unprofitable for a person to disobey God’s appointed minister over them. Indeed, if they will not obey their minister, neither will they obey God.

The minister has authority from God to be over the flock. 1 Thes 5:12-AND WE BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, TO KNOW THEM WHICH LABOUR AMONG YOU, AND ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD

The congregation is not only to obey their pastor, but they are to love him. It is written, 1 Thes 5:12-13-AND WE BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN,…TO ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK'S SAKE. AND BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES.

    It is the Holy Spirit that makes a minister an overseer of God’s flock. The authority of that preacher over the flock is from the Holy Spirit. It is written, Acts 20:28-TAKE HEED THEREFORE UNTO YOURSELVES, AND TO ALL THE FLOCK, OVER THE WHICH THE HOLY GHOST HATH MADE YOU OVERSEERS, TO FEED THE CHURCH OF GOD, WHICH HE HATH PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD.
    2 Cor 3:5-6-GOD;…HATH MADE US ABLE MINISTERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.
    2 Cor 5:18-GOD,…HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION.

    The saints are to follow their pastor (those that have spoken to you the Word of God). They are to follow his faith as he follows Jesus.
    It is written, Heb 13:7-REMEMBER THEM WHICH HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU (your leaders), WHO HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU THE WORD OF GOD: WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW, CONSIDERING THE END OF THEIR CONVERSATION.
    Again, the saints are to follow their pastor. It is written, 1 Cor 4:15-16-FOR IN CHRIST JESUS I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU THROUGH THE GOSPEL. WHEREFORE I BESEECH YOU, BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME.
    1 Cor 11:1-BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST.
    It is also written, 1 Cor 16:15-16-I BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, (…THAT THEY HAVE ADDICTED THEMSELVES TO THE MINISTRY OF THE SAINTS,) THAT YE SUBMIT YOURSELVES UNTO SUCH, AND TO EVERY ONE THAT HELPETH WITH US, AND LABOURETH.
    2 Thes 3:7-FOR YOURSELVES KNOW HOW YE OUGHT TO FOLLOW US: FOR WE BEHAVED NOT OURSELVES DISORDERLY AMONG YOU.
    Phili 3:17-BE FOLLOWERS…OF ME.
    2 Thes 3:9-NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT POWER, BUT TO MAKE OURSELVES AN ENSAMPLE UNTO YOU TO FOLLOW US.

Mt 23:2,3-THE SCRIBES AND THE PHARISEES SIT IN MOSES' SEAT: ALL THEREFORE WHATSOEVER THEY BID YOU OBSERVE, THAT OBSERVE AND DO; BUT DO NOT YE AFTER THEIR WORKS: FOR THEY SAY, AND DO NOT.

The minister is under authority to 1 Pet 5:2-3-FEED THE FLOCK OF GOD WHICH IS AMONG YOU, TAKING THE OVERSIGHT THEREOF, NOT BY CONSTRAINT, BUT WILLINGLY; NOT FOR FILTHY LUCRE, BUT OF A READY MIND; NEITHER AS BEING LORDS OVER GOD'S HERITAGE, BUT BEING ENSAMPLES TO THE FLOCK.

The minister is to be the chief servant. He should be willing to give his life for the sheep God has given him. It is written, Mt 20:25-28-JESUS…SAID,…THE PRINCES (or rulers) OF THE GENTILES EXERCISE DOMINION (or lord it) OVER THEM, AND THEY THAT ARE GREAT EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON THEM. BUT IT SHALL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU: BUT WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR MINISTER (or servant); AND WHOSOEVER WILL BE CHIEF AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SERVANT (or slave): EVEN AS THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO, BUT TO MINISTER, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.

The true shepherd or minister of God will not desert the sheep when the wolf comes, because he cares for the sheep. He will stand by them and guard them; as it is written, Jn 10:11-15-I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP. BUT HE THAT IS AN HIRELING, AND NOT THE SHEPHERD, WHOSE OWN THE SHEEP ARE NOT, SEETH THE WOLF COMING, AND LEAVETH THE SHEEP, AND FLEETH: AND THE WOLF CATCHETH THEM, AND SCATTERETH THE SHEEP. THE HIRELING FLEETH, BECAUSE HE IS AN HIRELING, AND CARETH NOT FOR THE SHEEP.

The minister has authority from God to try to, 1 Thes 3:10-PERFECT THAT WHICH IS LACKING IN YOUR FAITH.

The minister has authority from God to try to find out where your faith is, 1 Thes 3:5,6-I SENT TO KNOW YOUR FAITH.

The minister has authority from God to investigate to know, 2 Cor 2:9-WHETHER YE BE OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS.

The minister has authority from God, Jere 3:15-(to) FEED YOU WITH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.

The minister has authority from God, 2 Cor 10:2-TO BE BOLD AGAINST SOME (people), WHICH THINK OF US AS IF WE WALKED ACCORDING TO THE FLESH (or. think that we live by the standards of this world-NIV).

The minister has authority from God to be bold and order you, Phile 8-THEREFORE, ALTHOUGH IN CHRIST I COULD BE (much) BOLD AND ORDER YOU TO DO WHAT YOU OUGHT TO DO (NIV).

The minister has authority from God, 2 Cor 13:2-TO THEM WHICH…HAVE SINNED, AND TO ALL OTHER, THAT, IF I COME AGAIN, I WILL NOT SPARE.

The minister has authority from God to lay hands on the sick, Ja 5:14, 15-IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK, AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HAVE COMMITTED SINS, THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM.

The minister has authority to be a helper of your joy. It is written, 2 Cor 1:24-WE…ARE HELPERS OF YOUR JOY: FOR BY FAITH YE STAND.

    A person that resists one that God sends is also resisting God. A person that will not receive one that God sends is also not receiving God. A person that resists the authority of their God-fearing minister is also resisting God Himself. A person that receives one He sends, receives God; and one that obeys their God-fearing minister, obeys God Himself. It is written, Jn 13:20-VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT RECEIVETH WHOMSOEVER I SEND RECEIVETH ME; AND HE THAT RECEIVETH ME RECEIVETH HIM THAT SENT ME.
    Mk 9:37-WHOSOEVER SHALL RECEIVE ONE OF SUCH CHILDREN IN MY NAME, RECEIVETH ME: AND WHOSOEVER SHALL RECEIVE ME, RECEIVETH NOT ME, BUT HIM THAT SENT ME.
    Lk 9:48-AND SAID UNTO THEM, WHOSOEVER SHALL RECEIVE THIS CHILD IN MY NAME RECEIVETH ME: AND WHOSOEVER SHALL RECEIVE ME RECEIVETH HIM THAT SENT ME: FOR HE THAT IS LEAST AMONG YOU ALL, THE SAME SHALL BE GREAT.
    Jn 15:20-REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I SAID UNTO YOU,…IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY SAYING, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO.

    The Holy Ghost makes overseers (not men).
    Lead the flock.
    Take heed to all the flock.
    Watch for their souls.
    Give an account of those God has put under you.
    Addict yourself to the ministry of the saints.
    Labor in the Word and doctrine-1 Tim 5:17.
    Willingly feed the flock of God and be of a ready mind.
    Feed the church of God.
    Feed you with knowledge and understanding.
    Do not be a lord over God’s heritage.
    To try to perfect that which is lacking in your faith.
    To find out where your faith is at.
    To try to find out whether you are obedient in all things.
    The true minister of God will not desert the sheep when the wolf comes, because he cares for the sheep. He will stand by them and guard them.
    To be bold against some.
    To not spare some.
    To lay hands on the sick.
    Be an example to the flock of Christ.
    Restore a man that has been overcome in some way by the adversary-ref Gal 6:1.
    Be the chief servant and ready to die for the flock.

31-THE FLOCK IS UNDER COMMANDMENT TO DO THE FOLLOWING
AS LONG AS IT IS NOT CONTRARY TO GOD'S WORD
(Taken from the previous Scriptures)

    Obey them.
    Remember them.
    Submit yourselves.
    Follow them as they also follow Christ.
    Follow their faith in Christ.
    Whatsoever they bid you, observe and do.
    Keep their sayings.
    Allow their minister to help restore them that have been overcome.
    Receive him.

    1 Tim 5:17-LET THE ELDERS THAT RULE WELL BE COUNTED WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOUR, ESPECIALLY THEY WHO LABOUR IN THE WORD AND DOCTRINE.
    Ja 5:14-IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD:
    1 Tim 3:1-THIS IS A TRUE SAYING, IF A MAN DESIRE THE OFFICE OF A BISHOP, HE DESIRETH A GOOD WORK.

Lk 19:17-AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, WELL, THOU GOOD SERVANT: BECAUSE THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL IN A VERY LITTLE, HAVE THOU AUTHORITY OVER TEN CITIES.

The proper attitude of a servant of God that has been given authority is to be a humble servant. Mk 10:42-45-BUT JESUS CALLED THEM TO HIM, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, YE KNOW THAT THEY WHICH ARE ACCOUNTED TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM; AND THEIR GREAT ONES EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON THEM. BUT SO SHALL IT NOT BE AMONG YOU: BUT WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT AMONG YOU, SHALL BE YOUR MINISTER: AND WHOSOEVER OF YOU WILL BE THE CHIEFEST, SHALL BE SERVANT OF ALL. FOR EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO, BUT TO MINISTER, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.

    1 Pe 3:1-LIKEWISE, YE WIVES, BE IN SUBJECTION TO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS; THAT, IF ANY OBEY NOT THE WORD, THEY ALSO MAY WITHOUT THE WORD BE WON BY THE CONVERSATION OF THE WIVES.
    Col 3:18-WIVES, SUBMIT YOURSELVES UNTO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, AS IT IS FIT (or fitting) IN THE LORD.
    Eph 5:22-24-WIVES, SUBMIT YOURSELVES UNTO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, AS UNTO THE LORD. FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOUR OF THE BODY. THEREFORE AS THE CHURCH IS SUBJECT UNTO CHRIST, SO LET THE WIVES BE TO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS IN EVERY THING.
    1 Cor 11:3-BUT I WOULD HAVE YOU KNOW, THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN.
    The husband should be an example of Christ for his wife, exhibiting all the fruits of the Spirit; but even if he isn’t, 1 Pe 3:1 shows that she is to be in subjection to him anyway. Yet the following Scripture is a good guideline of how the husband should be. It is written, 1 Pet 5:2-3-…NEITHER AS BEING LORDS OVER GOD'S HERITAGE, BUT BEING ENSAMPLES TO THE FLOCK.

Children are to obey also. God’s authority rests on the parent in the Lord; as it is written, Eph 6:1-2-CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN THE LORD: FOR THIS IS RIGHT. HONOUR THY FATHER AND MOTHER; (WHICH IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE;)

Employers also have authority from God, and their employees are to obey them. It is written, Col 3:22-SERVANTS, OBEY IN ALL THINGS YOUR MASTERS ACCORDING TO THE FLESH; NOT WITH EYESERVICE, AS MENPLEASERS; BUT IN SINGLENESS OF HEART, FEARING GOD:

    It is written, Acts 9:14-AND HERE HE HATH AUTHORITY FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS TO BIND ALL THAT CALL ON THY NAME.
    Acts 26:10-WHICH THING I ALSO DID IN JERUSALEM: AND MANY OF THE SAINTS DID I SHUT UP IN PRISON, HAVING RECEIVED AUTHORITY FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS; AND WHEN THEY WERE PUT TO DEATH, I GAVE MY VOICE AGAINST THEM.
    Acts 26:12-WHEREUPON AS I WENT TO DAMASCUS WITH AUTHORITY AND COMMISSION FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS.

    It is written, Lk 20:20-AND THEY WATCHED HIM, AND SENT FORTH SPIES, WHICH SHOULD FEIGN THEMSELVES JUST MEN, THAT THEY MIGHT TAKE HOLD OF HIS WORDS, THAT SO THEY MIGHT DELIVER HIM UNTO THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR.
    Lk 22:25-AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, THE KINGS OF THE GENTILES EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM; AND THEY THAT EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON THEM ARE CALLED BENEFACTORS.
    Acts 8:27-AND HE AROSE AND WENT: AND, BEHOLD, A MAN OF ETHIOPIA, AN EUNUCH OF GREAT AUTHORITY UNDER CANDACE QUEEN OF THE ETHIOPIANS, WHO HAD THE CHARGE OF ALL HER TREASURE, AND HAD COME TO JERUSALEM FOR TO WORSHIP.
    Jn 19:10-11-THEN SAITH PILATE UNTO HIM, SPEAKEST THOU NOT UNTO ME? KNOWEST THOU NOT THAT I HAVE POWER (or authority) TO CRUCIFY THEE, AND HAVE POWER TO RELEASE THEE? JESUS ANSWERED, THOU COULDEST HAVE NO POWER AT ALL AGAINST ME, EXCEPT IT WERE GIVEN THEE FROM ABOVE: THEREFORE HE THAT DELIVERED ME UNTO THEE HATH THE GREATER SIN.

    It is written, Acts 26:18-TO OPEN THEIR EYES, AND TO TURN THEM FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, AND FROM THE POWER (or authority) OF SATAN UNTO GOD, THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, AND INHERITANCE AMONG THEM WHICH ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH THAT IS IN ME.
    Lk 22:53-WHEN I WAS DAILY WITH YOU IN THE TEMPLE, YE STRETCHED FORTH NO HANDS AGAINST ME: BUT THIS IS YOUR HOUR, AND THE POWER (or authority) OF DARKNESS.
    Col 1:13-WHO HATH DELIVERED US FROM THE POWER (or authority) OF DARKNESS, AND HATH TRANSLATED US INTO THE KINGDOM OF HIS DEAR SON.
    Eph 2:2-WHEREIN IN TIME PAST YE WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER (or authority) OF THE AIR, THE SPIRIT THAT NOW WORKETH IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE.
    Heb 2:14-FORASMUCH THEN AS THE CHILDREN ARE PARTAKERS OF FLESH AND BLOOD, HE ALSO HIMSELF LIKEWISE TOOK PART OF THE SAME; THAT THROUGH DEATH HE MIGHT DESTROY HIM THAT HAD THE POWER OF DEATH, THAT IS, THE DEVIL.
    Note the words that are used—POWER OF SATAN, POWER OF DARKNESS, THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, AND THE POWER OF DEATH, THAT IS, THE DEVIL.

41-THE DEVIL ALSO HAS AUTHORITY AND CAN GIVE IT TO WHOM HE WILL:
HE WILL GIVE IT TO THE ANTICHRIST

    Satan has authority to give us glory, money, riches, pleasures, even the whole world, but the end leads to death. All these will he give, if a person will follow his ways and forsake God. It is written, Lk 4:5-7-AND THE DEVIL, TAKING HIM UP INTO AN HIGH MOUNTAIN, SHEWED UNTO HIM ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD IN A MOMENT OF TIME. AND THE DEVIL SAID UNTO HIM, ALL THIS POWER WILL I GIVE THEE, AND THE GLORY OF THEM: FOR THAT IS DELIVERED UNTO ME; AND TO WHOMSOEVER I WILL I GIVE IT. IF THOU THEREFORE WILT WORSHIP ME, ALL SHALL BE THINE. Satan does understand the THINGS…THAT BE OF MEN-Mt 16:23. He knows how to tempt you with what you want.
    Rev 13:2-AND THE BEAST (which is the Antichrist) WHICH I SAW WAS LIKE UNTO A LEOPARD, AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR, AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION: AND THE DRAGON (which is Satan) GAVE HIM HIS POWER, AND HIS SEAT, AND GREAT AUTHORITY.
    It is written, 2 Thes 2:9-EVEN HIM, WHOSE COMING IS AFTER THE WORKING OF SATAN WITH ALL POWER (or authority) AND SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS.

42-THE LUKEWARM GENERATION OF TODAY DOES NOT UNDERSTAND
THE AUTHORITY SATAN STILL HAS

    We are living in a generation that has let down their guard against Satan Few, if any, understand spiritual warfare as Paul did. Satan was defeated at the cross; however, between now and the time he will be cast into the lake of fire, he will yet deceive billions of people that will perish for eternity. While some misled preachers mock Satan and say they can stamp him under their feet, Satan goes right on stamping him and millions of others under his feet with deceptions, persecutions, and things of this world that are in people’s hearts.
    Why was Satan created? He was created to do exactly what he has done in the past, what he is doing in the present, and what he will yet do in the future as it is written.
    The Bible give us multitudes of Scripture on how Satan works and how to deal with him. It gives us thousands of verses on how Satan has deceived Israel, Christians, and even the whole world. How is it then that most churches spend little or no time at all preparing their flock for what Satan will do to them. An army that teaches nothing but the psychology or the emotionalism of, "We have the victory," and does not prepare its troops for the battle, will find the troops being slaughtered by the enemy from a surprise attack. Satan has a job to do—that is, to deceive you so you will perish to hell. He is an expert and does his job well. He has had thousands of years of practice. His intelligence is far above any person ever born of women, except Jesus.
    It is written and is a command from God for your good—1 Pe 5:8-BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT (or alert); BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY (or enemy) THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH (or prowls) ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR (or looking for someone to devour-NIV).
    It is further written, Mk 14:38-WATCH YE AND PRAY, LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION. THE SPIRIT TRULY IS READY, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK.

    Eph 4:27-NEITHER GIVE PLACE TO THE DEVIL. So few understand that when they sin and do something wrong, they may give a place to the devil to attack them in ways they may have never expected. 1 Jn 5:18-HE THAT IS BEGOTTEN OF GOD KEEPETH HIMSELF, AND THAT WICKED ONE TOUCHETH HIM NOT.
    The Christian’s strength comes from God’s Word. It is called faith (or trust). Thus Satan tries to hinder a person from partaking of God’s Word. Most people spend very little time reading or hearing God’s Word. After all, when the average American family has the television on for about 7.2 hours a day, there is very little time for Bible reading. Then throw in the radio, newspapers, work around the house, and the Bible sits on the shelf collecting dust. Satan entertains many people right to hell. People have all kinds of excuses for not reading their Bibles. Housework, cares of this life, so many things to do, places to go, repairs to be made, things to see, spending time on the Internet, all sorts of games, and listening to music just seem to take all their time. Yet Jesus said ONE THING IS NEEDFUL-Lk 10:42. That one thing is spending quality time in God’s Word. How skillful Satan is at persuading people that all these worldly things are more important than being in God’s Word. The Bible tells them how Satan will attack and how to fight Him, so he keeps them from learning these things and then easily defeats them, and they perish to hell. So few people—probably including you—understand SATAN…DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD-Rev 12:9.
    He tells preachers not to preach much of God’s Word, but tell lots of worldly stories and have the congregation sing lots of songs. It works. Many preachers do this. He tells preachers to preach nice things that will attract large numbers of people. It works. Many do this. He tells preachers not to preach much on sin, repentance, judgment, hell, good sound doctrine, and the Revelation. It works. Most preachers do not preach on these things any more, and people love to have it so. Most people sing to and worship a God they know very little about. Most people do not even bring their Bibles to the house of God, and they certainly would be too embarrassed to carry a Bible with them when they go out of the house. Most people would never even think to pray over their food and give thanks in a public restaurant. It would be too embarrassing. How subtly and skillfully Satan has deceived people—probably including YOU.

43-SATAN HAS AUTHORITY FAR BEYOND WHAT MOST PEOPLE REALIZE
TO TRY TO STOP GOD’S SERVANTS
(To try to stop you, to persecute you, to tempt you, and much, much more)
Does it sound like Paul or others could just stamp Satan under their feet? Absolutely not.

1 Thes 3:4-FOR VERILY, WHEN WE WERE WITH YOU, WE TOLD YOU BEFORE THAT WE SHOULD SUFFER TRIBULATION; EVEN AS IT CAME TO PASS, AND YE KNOW.
Acts 14:22-CONFIRMING THE SOULS OF THE DISCIPLES, AND EXHORTING THEM TO CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, AND THAT WE MUST THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

1 Thes 3:3-THAT NO MAN SHOULD BE MOVED BY THESE AFFLICTIONS: FOR YOURSELVES KNOW THAT WE ARE APPOINTED THEREUNTO.
Acts 20:24-BUT NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME, NEITHER COUNT I MY LIFE DEAR UNTO MYSELF, SO THAT I MIGHT FINISH MY COURSE WITH JOY, AND THE MINISTRY, WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED OF THE LORD JESUS, TO TESTIFY THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD.

2 Cor 2:11-FOR WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF HIS DEVICES.
Eph 6:11-THE WILES OF THE DEVIL.

2 Cor 11:13-15-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.
Lk 11:44-WOE UNTO YOU, SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, HYPOCRITES! FOR YE ARE AS GRAVES WHICH APPEAR NOT, AND THE MEN…ARE NOT AWARE OF THEM.

2 Cor 11:14-AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT.

Mk 13:22-FOR FALSE CHRISTS AND FALSE PROPHETS SHALL RISE, AND SHALL SHEW SIGNS AND WONDERS.
2 Thes 2:9-WORKING OF SATAN WITH ALL POWER AND SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS (Satan can enable people to have power and do miracles).

Mt 4:5-6 THEN THE DEVIL TAKETH HIM UP INTO THE HOLY CITY, AND SETTETH HIM ON A PINNACLE OF THE TEMPLE, AND SAITH UNTO HIM, IF THOU BE THE SON OF GOD, CAST THYSELF DOWN: FOR IT IS WRITTEN, HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING THEE: AND IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP, LEST AT ANY TIME THOU DASH THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE.

                    (SATAN CAN TEMPT YOU AND TRY TO CAUSE YOU TO GO ASTRAY THROUGH)
       PHILOSOPHY                                      VAIN DECEIT                                       TRADITIONS OF MEN
       RUDIMENTS OF THE WORLD        PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE               RICHES OF THIS WORLD
       LUSTS OF OTHER THINGS              LOVE THIS PRESENT WORLD        CARES OF THIS LIFE

    Col 2:8-BEWARE LEST ANY MAN SPOIL YOU THROUGH PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT, AFTER THE TRADITION OF MEN, AFTER THE RUDIMENTS (or basic principles) OF THE WORLD.
   Lk 8:14-AND THAT WHICH FELL AMONG THORNS ARE THEY, WHICH, WHEN THEY HAVE HEARD, GO FORTH, AND ARE CHOKED WITH PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION.
    Lk 8:14-AND THAT WHICH FELL AMONG THORNS ARE THEY, WHICH, WHEN THEY HAVE HEARD, GO FORTH, AND ARE CHOKED WITH…RICHES OF THIS LIFE, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION.
    1 Tim 6:10-THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL: WHICH WHILE SOME COVETED AFTER, THEY HAVE ERRED FROM THE FAITH.
    Mk 4:19-AND THE LUSTS OF OTHER THINGS ENTERING IN, CHOKE THE WORD, AND IT BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL.
    Lk 8:14-AND THAT WHICH FELL AMONG THORNS ARE THEY, WHICH, WHEN THEY HAVE HEARD, GO FORTH, AND ARE CHOKED WITH CARES…OF THIS LIFE, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION.
    2 Tim 4:10-FOR DEMAS HATH FORSAKEN ME, HAVING LOVED THIS PRESENT WORLD.

    Mk 13:22-TO SEDUCE, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, EVEN THE ELECT.
    Mt 4:8-9-AGAIN, THE DEVIL TAKETH HIM UP INTO AN EXCEEDING HIGH MOUNTAIN, AND SHEWETH HIM ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD, AND THE GLORY OF THEM; AND SAITH UNTO HIM, ALL THESE THINGS WILL I GIVE THEE, IF THOU WILT FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME.
    1 Thes 3:5-THE TEMPTER HAVE TEMPTED YOU, AND OUR LABOUR BE IN VAIN.

Mk 14:56-MANY BARE FALSE WITNESS AGAINST HIM.
Acts 6:13-AND SET UP FALSE WITNESSES.

(SATAN CAN CAUSE PEOPLE TO PERSECUTE, REVILE, FIND FAULT,
AND SPEAK EVIL FALSELY AGAINST YOU)

Mt 5:10-11-BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE (and) WHEN MEN…REVILE YOU,… PERSECUTE YOU, AND SHALL SAY ALL MANNER OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY.
Mk 7:2-THEY FOUND FAULT.

Acts 24:5-FOR WE HAVE FOUND THIS MAN…A RINGLEADER OF THE SECT OF THE NAZARENES.

   Acts 16:20-THESE MEN…DO EXCEEDINGLY TROUBLE OUR CITY.
   Acts 17:6-THESE THAT HAVE TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN.
   Acts 17:8-AND THEY TROUBLED THE PEOPLE AND THE RULERS OF THE CITY.
    Acts 24:5-FOR WE HAVE FOUND THIS MAN A PESTILENT FELLOW, AND A MOVER OF SEDITION AMONG ALL THE JEWS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

Acts 21:28-CRYING OUT, MEN OF ISRAEL, HELP: THIS IS THE MAN, THAT TEACHETH ALL MEN EVERY WHERE AGAINST THE PEOPLE, AND THE LAW, AND THIS PLACE: AND FURTHER BROUGHT GREEKS ALSO INTO THE TEMPLE, AND HATH POLLUTED THIS HOLY PLACE.

Lk 7:33-34-FOR JOHN THE BAPTIST CAME NEITHER EATING BREAD NOR DRINKING WINE; AND YE SAY, HE HATH A DEVIL. THE SON OF MAN IS COME EATING AND DRINKING; AND YE SAY, BEHOLD A GLUTTONOUS MAN, AND A WINEBIBBER, A FRIEND OF PUBLICANS AND SINNERS!

Acts 5:40-THEY…CALLED THE APOSTLES, AND (beat) THEM.
Acts 16:23-AND WHEN THEY HAD LAID MANY STRIPES UPON THEM.

Acts 13:45-BUT WHEN THE JEWS SAW THE MULTITUDES, THEY WERE FILLED WITH ENVY (or jealousy).

   Acts 8:3-HE…HALING MEN AND WOMEN COMMITTED THEM TO PRISON.
   Acts 12:4-HE PUT HIM (Peter) IN PRISON.
   Acts 16:23-THEY CAST THEM INTO PRISON.
   Acts 5:18-PUT THEM IN THE COMMON PRISON.

Acts 4:1-3-THE SADDUCEES…BEING GRIEVED THAT THEY TAUGHT…THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD…THEY LAID HANDS ON THEM, AND PUT THEM IN HOLD.

Acts 6:12-AND THEY STIRRED UP THE PEOPLE.
Acts 13:50-BUT THE JEWS STIRRED UP THE DEVOUT AND HONOURABLE WOMEN, AND THE CHIEF MEN OF THE CITY.

   Acts 6:12-AND THEY CAUGHT HIM, AND BROUGHT HIM TO THE COUNCIL.
   Acts 16:20-AND BROUGHT THEM TO THE MAGISTRATES.
   Acts 18:12-PAUL,…BROUGHT HIM TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT.

1 Thes 2:14-15-FOR YE ALSO HAVE SUFFERED LIKE THINGS OF YOUR OWN COUNTRYMEN, EVEN AS THEY HAVE OF THE JEWS.

1 Thes 2:2-WE…DARED TO TELL YOU HIS GOSPEL IN SPITE OF STRONG OPPOSITION -NIV.

    Acts 13:50-RAISED PERSECUTION AGAINST PAUL AND BARNABAS.
    Gal 1:23,24-HE…PERSECUTED US.
    Gal 4:29-BUT AS THEN HE THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE FLESH PERSECUTED HIM THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE SPIRIT, EVEN SO IT IS NOW.
    1 Thes 2:15 WHO…HAVE PERSECUTED US; AND THEY PLEASE NOT GOD, AND ARE CONTRARY TO ALL MEN.

Acts 13:50-EXPELLED THEM OUT OF THEIR COASTS.
Acts 14:6-THEY…FLED UNTO…CITIES OF LYCAONIA.

Ja 2:6-DO NOT RICH MEN…DRAW YOU BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEATS (or dragging you into court)?

Acts 5:33-WHEN THEY HEARD THAT, THEY WERE CUT TO THE HEART, AND TOOK COUNSEL TO SLAY THEM.
Acts 14:5-6-AND WHEN THERE WAS AN ASSAULT MADE…OF…GENTILES, AND…JEWS…TO STONE THEM.

    Acts 7:59-AND THEY STONED STEPHEN.
    Acts 1:2-HE KILLED JAMES…WITH THE SWORD.
    Acts 14:19-CERTAIN…HAVING STONED PAUL, DREW HIM OUT OF THE CITY, SUPPOSING HE HAD BEEN DEAD.

2 Cor 11:3-(Satan) (Corrupt your minds) FROM THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST.

Acts 14:2-THE UNBELIEVING…MADE THEIR MINDS EVIL AFFECTED AGAINST THE BRETHREN.

Gen 3:1-NOW THE SERPENT…SAID…YEA, HATH GOD SAID, YE SHALL NOT EAT OF EVERY TREE OF THE GARDEN?

Gen 3:4-AND THE SERPENT SAID UNTO THE WOMAN, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.
Gen 3:5-FOR GOD DOTH KNOW THAT IN THE DAY YE EAT THEREOF, THEN YOUR EYES SHALL BE OPENED, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL.

Jn 8:44-45-HE SPEAKETH A LIE,…YE BELIEVE ME NOT (Satan lies to people's mind and causes them to not believe God’s Word).

Jn 7:27-HOWBEIT WE KNOW THIS MAN WHENCE HE IS: BUT WHEN CHRIST COMETH, NO MAN KNOWETH WHENCE HE IS.

(SATAN CAN CAUSE PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THEY CAN BE THEIR OWN GOD, THEY DO NOT NEED GOD, AND THAT THEY CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG WITHOUT GOD)

    Gen 3:5-FOR GOD DOTH KNOW THAT IN THE DAY YE EAT THEREOF, THEN YOUR EYES SHALL BE OPENED, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL.
    Pv 12:15-THE WAY OF A FOOL IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES: BUT HE THAT HEARKENETH UNTO COUNSEL IS WISE.
    Pv 16:2-ALL THE WAYS OF A MAN ARE CLEAN IN HIS OWN EYES; BUT THE LORD WEIGHETH THE SPIRITS.
    Pv 21:2-EVERY WAY OF A MAN IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES: BUT THE LORD PONDERETH THE HEARTS.
    Pv 30:12-THERE IS A GENERATION THAT ARE PURE IN THEIR OWN EYES, AND YET IS NOT WASHED FROM THEIR FILTHINESS.

Acts 2:13-OTHERS MOCKING.
Acts 2:4,13-(They spake with other tongues) OTHERS MOCKING SAID, THESE MEN ARE FULL OF NEW WINE.

Mk 4:15-WHEN THEY HAVE HEARD, SATAN COMETH IMMEDIATELY, AND TAKETH AWAY THE WORD THAT WAS SOWN IN THEIR HEARTS.

Gal 1:6-7-I MARVEL THAT YE ARE SO SOON REMOVED FROM HIM THAT CALLED YOU INTO THE GRACE OF CHRIST UNTO ANOTHER GOSPEL.

Acts 13:45-THE MULTITUDES…SPAKE AGAINST THOSE THINGS WHICH WERE SPOKEN BY PAUL, CONTRADICTING AND BLASPHEMING.

2 Cor 4:4-IN WHOM THE GOD OF THIS WORLD HATH BLINDED THE MINDS OF THEM WHICH BELIEVE NOT.

    Acts 8:3-SAUL…MADE HAVOCK OF THE CHURCH.
    Acts 12:1-HEROD THE KING STRETCHED FORTH HIS HANDS TO VEX CERTAIN OF THE CHURCH.
    Gal 1:13-I PERSECUTED THE CHURCH OF GOD, AND WASTED IT.

Acts 15:1,2-AND CERTAIN MEN WHICH CAME DOWN FROM JUDAEA TAUGHT THE BRETHREN, AND SAID, EXCEPT YE BE CIRCUMCISED AFTER THE MANNER OF MOSES, YE CANNOT BE SAVED. WHEN THEREFORE PAUL AND BARNABAS HAD NO SMALL DISSENSION AND DISPUTATION WITH THEM, THEY DETERMINED THAT PAUL AND BARNABAS, AND CERTAIN OTHER OF THEM, SHOULD GO UP TO JERUSALEM UNTO THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS ABOUT THIS QUESTION.

Acts 20:29-FOR I KNOW THIS, THAT AFTER MY DEPARTING SHALL GRIEVOUS WOLVES ENTER IN AMONG YOU, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK.
Acts 20:29,30-FOR I KNOW…OF YOUR OWN SELVES SHALL MEN ARISE, SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, TO DRAW AWAY DISCIPLES AFTER THEM.

Gal 2:4-AND THAT BECAUSE OF FALSE BRETHREN UNAWARES BROUGHT IN…TO SPY.

Jude 1:9-YET MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, WHEN CONTENDING WITH THE DEVIL HE DISPUTED ABOUT THE BODY OF MOSES, DURST NOT BRING AGAINST HIM A RAILING ACCUSATION, BUT SAID, THE LORD REBUKE THEE.

Acts 28:22-FOR AS CONCERNING THIS SECT, WE KNOW THAT EVERY WHERE IT IS SPOKEN AGAINST.

1 Thes 2:18-PAUL,…SATAN HINDERED US.
Ro 15:22-I HAVE BEEN MUCH HINDERED FROM COMING TO YOU.

Acts 23:3-THEN SAID PAUL…GOD SHALL SMITE THEE, THOU WHITED WALL: FOR SITTEST THOU TO JUDGE ME AFTER THE LAW, AND COMMANDEST ME TO BE SMITTEN CONTRARY TO THE LAW?

Lk 13:16-SATAN HATH BOUND, LO, THESE EIGHTEEN YEARS.
Acts 10:38-OPPRESSED (or under the power) OF THE DEVIL.

2 Thes 2:4-WHO OPPOSETH AND EXALTETH HIMSELF ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD, OR THAT IS WORSHIPPED; SO THAT HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHEWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD (Satan wants to be God).

1 Tim 4:1-SOME SHALL (give) HEED TO SEDUCING SPIRITS, AND DOCTRINES OF DEVILS.

    Jn 10:10-THE THIEF COMETH NOT, BUT FOR TO STEAL, AND TO KILL, AND TO DESTROY.
    Jn 8:44-45-THE DEVIL,…WAS A MURDERER FROM THE BEGINNING.
    Jn 8:44-THE DEVIL,…IS A LIAR, AND THE FATHER OF IT.
    Jn 8:44-THE LUSTS OF YOUR FATHER YE WILL DO.
    Acts 5:3-SATAN FILLED THINE HEART TO LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST.

Gen 3:6-AND WHEN THE WOMAN…GAVE ALSO UNTO HER HUSBAND WITH HER; AND HE DID EAT.

1 Chr 21:1-AND SATAN STOOD UP AGAINST ISRAEL, AND PROVOKED DAVID TO NUMBER ISRAEL.

2 Thes 3:2-AND THAT WE MAY BE DELIVERED FROM UNREASONABLE AND WICKED MEN: FOR ALL MEN HAVE NOT FAITH.

Eph 2:3-FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, EVEN AS OTHERS.

2 Cor 12:7-THERE WAS GIVEN TO ME A THORN IN THE FLESH, THE MESSENGER OF SATAN TO BUFFET ME, LEST I SHOULD BE EXALTED ABOVE MEASURE.

Eph 6:12-WE WRESTLE…AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES.

Phili 1:28-WITHOUT BEING FRIGHTENED IN ANY WAY BY THOSE WHO OPPOSE YOU. THIS IS A SIGN TO THEM THAT THEY WILL BE DESTROYED, BUT THAT YOU WILL BE SAVED-- AND THAT BY GOD-NIV.

    Many churches and cults have ungodly traditions and rules that they have exalted over the commandments of God set forth in the Bible. Some of these traditions come from unsaved denominational leaders, some from council meetings of the denomination, and some from other sources. A church does not have authority to promote their own traditions over God’s Word, yet many do. Jesus spoke out against these.
    Mt 15:3-(Jesus) ANSWERED…WHY DO YE ALSO TRANSGRESS THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD BY YOUR TRADITION?
    Mt 15:6-YE MADE THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NONE EFFECT (or nullify the Word of God) BY YOUR TRADITION.
    Mt 15:12-THEN CAME HIS DISCIPLES,…SAID…THE PHARISEES WERE OFFENDED, AFTER THEY HEARD THIS?
    Mt 15:14-(Jesus said) LET THEM ALONE: THEY BE BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND. AND IF THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND, BOTH SHALL FALL INTO THE DITCH.
    Mk 7:7-13-HOWBEIT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN. FOR LAYING ASIDE THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD, YE HOLD THE TRADITION OF MEN,…FULL WELL YE REJECT THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD, THAT YE MAY KEEP YOUR OWN TRADITION. FOR MOSES SAID, HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER; AND, WHOSO CURSETH FATHER OR MOTHER, LET HIM DIE THE DEATH: BUT YE SAY, IF A MAN SHALL SAY TO HIS FATHER OR MOTHER, IT IS CORBAN, THAT IS TO SAY, A GIFT, BY WHATSOEVER THOU MIGHTEST BE PROFITED BY ME; HE SHALL BE FREE. AND YE SUFFER HIM NO MORE TO DO OUGHT FOR HIS FATHER OR HIS MOTHER; MAKING THE WORD OF GOD OF NONE EFFECT THROUGH YOUR TRADITION, WHICH YE HAVE DELIVERED: AND MANY SUCH LIKE THINGS DO YE.
    Col 2:8-BEWARE LEST ANY MAN SPOIL YOU THROUGH PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT, AFTER THE TRADITION OF MEN, AFTER THE RUDIMENTS OF THE WORLD, AND NOT AFTER CHRIST.
    2 Thes 3:6-NOW WE COMMAND YOU, BRETHREN, IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT YE WITHDRAW YOURSELVES FROM EVERY BROTHER THAT WALKETH DISORDERLY, AND NOT AFTER THE TRADITION WHICH HE RECEIVED OF US.
    To understand some of the ungodly traditions that have crept into today’s churches, take note of BIBLE PROPHECY—TODAY’S CHURCH.

It is written, Mt 22:29-JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, YE DO ERR, NOT KNOWING (or it may be said-not understanding) THE SCRIPTURES, NOR THE POWER (or authority) OF GOD.
This is repeated in Mark’s Gospel, as it is written in 12:24-AND JESUS ANSWERING SAID UNTO THEM, DO YE NOT THEREFORE ERR, BECAUSE YE KNOW NOT THE SCRIPTURES, NEITHER THE POWER OF GOD?

Pv 29:2-WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS ARE IN AUTHORITY, THE PEOPLE REJOICE: BUT WHEN THE WICKED BEARETH RULE, THE PEOPLE MOURN.

1 Tim 2:1-3-I EXHORT THEREFORE, THAT, FIRST OF ALL, SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND GIVING OF THANKS, BE MADE FOR ALL MEN; FOR KINGS, AND FOR ALL THAT ARE IN AUTHORITY; THAT WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE IN ALL GODLINESS AND HONESTY. FOR THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR;

The bottom line for the rejection of authority outlined in God’s Word is being self-centered, prideful, stubborn, and rebellious and—Lk 19:27-BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM.

    Titus 3:1-PUT THEM IN MIND TO BE SUBJECT TO PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, TO OBEY MAGISTRATES, TO BE READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK.
    How few people understand that, Acts 5:29-WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD.
    So few people understand that God does not give the Holy Spirit to the disobedient, but Acts 5:32-TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM.
    So few understand that, Ro 2:8-UNTO THEM THAT ARE CONTENTIOUS, AND DO NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, BUT OBEY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, INDIGNATION AND WRATH,
    So few people understand that Jesus, Heb 5:9-BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM.
    It is written, 1 Pe 4:17-18-FOR THE TIME IS COME THAT JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD: AND IF IT FIRST BEGIN AT US, WHAT SHALL THE END BE OF THEM THAT OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL OF GOD? AND IF THE RIGHTEOUS SCARCELY BE SAVED, WHERE SHALL THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER APPEAR?

The question is asked in Gal 3:1-O FOOLISH GALATIANS, WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU,
THAT YE SHOULD NOT OBEY THE TRUTH…?
Gal 5:7-…WHO DID HINDER YOU THAT YE SHOULD NOT OBEY THE TRUTH?

2 Thes 1:7-8-AND TO YOU WHO ARE TROUBLED REST WITH US,
WHEN THE LORD JESUS SHALL BE REVEALED FROM HEAVEN WITH HIS MIGHTY ANGELS,
IN FLAMING FIRE TAKING VENGEANCE ON THEM THAT KNOW NOT GOD, AND THAT
OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

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1-INTRODUCTION 2-A SOCIETY AND WORLD IN REBELLION AGAINST AUTHORITY 3-THESE SPEAK EVIL OF THINGS THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND 4-GOD’S KINGDOM OPERATES UNDER AUTHORITY: THERE IS AN ESTABLISHED ORDER OF AUTHORITY BY WHICH GOD’S CHURCH IS TO OPERATE 5-THE SAINT’S STRUGGLE IS AGAINST THE RULERS, AUTHORITIES, AND POWERS OF THE DARK WORLD 6-GOD COMMANDS, BE SUBJECT UNTO THE HIGHER POWERS (OR AUTHORITIES). 7-AUTHORITY UNDERSTOOD BY THE CENTURION 8-THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS IS QUESTIONED, CHALLENGED, DISCREDITED, AND NOT BELIEVED BY UNBELIEVERS AND SO-CALLED CARNAL CHRISTIANS 9-THE AUTHORITY OF THE APOSTLES IS QUESTIONED 10-THE AUTHORITY OF MOSES WAS CHALLENGED AND NOT BELIEVED 11-THE AUTHORITY OF OTHER MEN OF GOD WAS CHALLENGED AND NOT BELIEVED 12-OTHER EXAMPLES OF AUTHORITY BEING DISCREDITED 13-THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD WAS CHALLENGED AND NOT BELIEVED 14-A FEW REASONS AUTHORITY IS NOT BELIEVED 15-WHAT CAN CAUSE PEOPLE TO REJECT GOD’S AUTHORITY? 16-A SUMMARY OF WHAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO REJECT GOD'S AUTHORITY 17-UNDERSTANDING OF AUTHORITY COMES FROM GOD; A PERSON’S OWN HEART CAN STOP THIS UNDERSTANDING: YET A PERSON’S HEART CAN BE PURIFIED TO UNDERSTAND 18-HOW CAN A PERSON PURIFY THEIR HEART TO UNDERSTAND AUTHORITY? 19-THE BIBLE TELLS HOW TO OBTAIN A PURE HEART 20-PURIFYING ONE'S HEART COMES FROM A FOURFOLD COMMAND 21-THE DEVILS RECOGNIZE AUTHORITY 22-JESUS HAD AUTHORITY OR POWER OVER ALL: THE WEATHER, THE TEMPLE, THE SABBATH DAY, MATTER, THE CREATION, OVER DEVILS, SIN, DEATH, GRAVITY, SICKNESS, JUDGMENT, AND OVER HIS OWN DEATH; HE HAS ALL AUTHORITY 23-JESUS TAUGHT AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY 24-GOD GIVES AUTHORITY TO APOSTLES, MINISTERS, ELDERS, AND DEACONS 25-JESUS GIVES AUTHORITY OR POWER TO HIS BORN-AGAIN SERVANTS, TO HIS DISCIPLES 26-BORN-AGAIN BELIEVERS HAVE AUTHORITY FROM GOD 27-THE AUTHORITY OF THE WORD 28-THE AUTHORITY OF THE BLOOD 29-PASTORS HAVE AUTHORITY OVER THE LORD'S FLOCK 30-PASTORS ARE UNDER COMMANDMENT (OR AUTHORITY) TO DO THE FOLLOWING 31-THE FLOCK IS UNDER COMMANDMENT TO DO THE FOLLOWING AS LONG AS IT IS NOT CONTRARY TO GOD'S WORD 32-ELDERS AND DEACONS HAVE AUTHORITY TO RULE 33-JESUS GIVES AUTHORITY TO HIS SERVANTS AT THE JUDGMENT FOR THE MILLENNIUM 34-TO HAVE GREAT AUTHORITY AS A CHRISTIAN IS TO BE A SERVANT 35-A HUSBAND HAS AUTHORITY OVER HIS WIFE: SHE IS TO SUBMIT TO HIM AS UNTO CHRIST; HE IS TO EXHIBIT THE ATTITUDE AND FRUITS OF CHRIST 36-PARENTS HAVE AUTHORITY FROM GOD 37-EMPLOYERS HAVE AUTHORITY 38-UNGODLY CHIEF PRIESTS HAVE AUTHORITY AND CAN GIVE AUTHORITY 39-GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE AUTHORITY 40-SATAN AND THE DARKNESS HAS POWER (OR AUTHORITY): SATAN IS THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR 41-THE DEVIL ALSO HAS AUTHORITY AND CAN GIVE IT TO WHOM HE WILL: HE WILL GIVE IT TO THE ANTICHRIST 42-THE LUKEWARM GENERATION OF TODAY DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE AUTHORITY SATAN STILL HAS 43-SATAN HAS AUTHORITY
	A-INTRODUCTION B-SATAN’S TEMPTATIONS C-ACCUSING D-PERSECUTIONS E-KILLED F-THOUGHTS G-AGAINST GOD H-AGAINST GOD’S WORD I-THE CHURCH J-CONVERSATION K-FORSAKE YOU L-HINDRANCES M-YOUR HOUSE N-THE LAW AND LAWS O-PAIN AND SICKNESS P-SATAN AND THE ANTICHRIST Q-SATAN CAN CAUSE SOME PEOPLE TO FALL R-SIN AND REBELLION S-SIN AND WICKEDNESS T-THE WORLD AND SELF U-OTHER THINGS SATAN CAN DO TO PEOPLE V-CONCLUSION
44-THE FALSE AUTHORITY OF A CHURCH VERSUS THE AUTHORITY OF GOD 45-WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND AUTHORITY? 46-REGARDING THOSE IN AUTHORITY 47-WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN’S ATTITUDE BE TOWARD THOSE IN AUTHORITY? 48-THE BOTTOM LINE FOR REJECTING GOD’S AUTHORITY IS THIS 49-OBEY GOD: SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY 50-SUMMARY: UNDERSTAND AUTHORITY AND OBEY GOD’S WORD