THE ACCUSER

Satan, who has been thrown down by God from Heaven to the earth, is the accuser of our brothers and sisters, the true disciples of Jesus Christ.
He accuses them before our God day and night, reminding Him of all the wrongs they have done. (See Revelation 12:10)

But when we confess our sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness and God will never again remember our forgiven sins! (See 1. John 1:9, Hebrews 8:12)

That is why God will not keep a record of the wrongs we have done! (See 1. Corinthians 13:5) Only Satan and his followers do!

FROM THE PROPHETIC DESK

The apostle Paul said in the Bible book of Philippians chapter 4, verses 12 and 13:

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NLT

This is what Lord says: Like the apostle Paul you have learned to be quite content with whatever little you have. But now, in this New Year season, you will learn the secret of living with plenty, as much as I entrust you with, says the Lord of Hosts!

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS TO BE A SLAVE OF GOD

The Bible says, “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves!” 1. Peter 2:16 NLT

“And that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:24 NLT

“As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.” Ephesians 6:6 NLT

Yes, as a slave, I submit to my Master Jesus Christ with all respect and fear, and I obediently do whatever He tells me to! I serve Him sincerely and try to please Him all the time! I have no other choice!

I am like the apostle Paul, who wrote that he is “a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach His Good News.” Romans 1:1 NLT

2017 PROPHETIC WORD

Wisdom has entered this nation, says the Lord! Many will understand what it means to fear Me and they will gain My knowledge. I will straighten the crooked financial paths for My people and provide all that is needed to further My Kingdom message! I will break through the resistance against Me in the land! My Name will reappear and be talked about! I will demonstrate that all I prophesy through My servants will come true! I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to anyone else, says the Lord!

CAN CHRISTIANS BE POSSESSED BY DEMONIC SPIRITS?

No Christian who is a chosen born-again child of God can have both a demonic spirit and the Holy Spirit living in him or her. Why is that?

That’s because God’s children receive the Holy Spirit and they do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son, Jesus Christ holds them securely, and the evil one, the Devil, who is the author of sin, cannot touch them! (See 1. John 2:27, 1. John 5:18)

However, Christians can have a demonic spirit influencing them in their body and mind.

That is why Christians are being told through the scriptures to humble themselves and resist the Devil so he will flee from them, by using God’s mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments, bringing every rebellious thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ! (See James 4:7, 2. Corinthians 10:3-5)

This means to stay alert, stand on the Word of God in faith, and pray in the Spirit at all times! (See Ephesians 6:10-18)   

TRUE IDENTITY | Edwin Christiaan

The apostle Paul said, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more!” 1. Corinthians 9:19 NKJV

Being free from all men also means that you continue to serve God whether people honor you or despise you, whether they slander you or praise you. Whether they call you an impostor when you are honest, or whether they ignore you, even though you are well-known. (See 2. Corinthians 6:8-9)

In other words, our identity is not dependent on how people value us, but it is in Christ who truly loves us for who we are! That’s why it says that “nothing can ever separate us from God’s love!” Romans 8:38 NLT Yes! Nothing, NOBODY!

Because, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:31 NLT

DREAMING BIG? | Edwin Christiaan

 

Nowhere in the Bible does it say, that we are supposed to “dream big” for God and demand of Him to use us big league in the area of leading others. Why? Because those God has chosen to be His children, He works in them, giving them the desire and the power to do WHAT PLEASES HIM! (See Philippians 2:13)

Yes! God works in His children, transforming them by changing the way they think and in doing so, they learn to know His will, which is good and pleasing and perfect! (See Romans 12:2) 

God’s children then become like His Son, Jesus Christ, who did not come to this earth to be served, but to serve others! (See Romans 8:29, Matthews 20:28)

As Jesus taught His disciples: “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Mark 9:35 NLT

And, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant!” Mark 10:43 NLT

THE REAL DEAL | Edwin Christiaan

The Bible says that when a great wave of persecution began sweeping over the first church, many of the believers were dragged out of their homes and thrown into prison and others were scattered throughout the regions. But despite the persecution, they continued to preach the Good News about Jesus Christ wherever they went! (See Acts 8:1-4)

That tells me, that these Christians were the real deal, and not those Jesus referred to as ‘those who hear the Gospel and immediately receive it with joy, but then fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word!’ (See Mark 4:16-17)

CHURCH OBSESSION WITH GETTING RICH | Edwin Christiaan

 

The church is full of people who long to be rich. The prosperity preachers tell them that Jesus was rich while here on earth, and that God wants nothing more than to lavish His children with an abundance of material blessings! These preachers falsely teach that in order for you to get rich, you must tithe and sow large money seeds to them.

But what you see happening, is that the people despite of giving all their money, are not getting rich! Instead, as the Bible says, they fall into the temptation of gambling their money away, getting into debt and because of it, they are now being trapped by this foolish and harmful desire of getting rich, that plunge them into financial ruin and destruction (see 1. Timothy 6:9-10).

Jesus Christ was not rich while He was living on this earth! During His public ministry, Jesus and His disciples depended entirely on the hospitality of others as they ministered from town to town. He told His disciples:

“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.” Matthew 10:9-10 NLT

And Jesus said about Himself,

“Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Luke 9:58 NLT

Jesus did not come to make you financially rich, but He will take care of your needs, as He said,

“For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” Matthew 6:8 NLT

Therefore,

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need!” Matthew 6:33 NLT

That’s why the apostle Paul, a disciple of Jesus Christ, taught that,

“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.  After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.  So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1. Timothy 6:6-8 NLT

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:19 NLT

YOU ARE URGED TO STAY AWAY | Edwin Christiaan

The Bible says: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1. Corinthians 15:33 NLT

This means, being in relationships with people that God did not mean for you to be in, is bad! The consequences of having relationships with unrepentant people can be devastating and painful and open the doors to all sorts of curses in our lives, which includes always being sick and having financial problems! It will not lead us to the heart of Jesus Christ and His blessings, but on the contrary, away from God into confusion, loss of peace with God, and ultimately corrupting our good behavior! Being in bad relationships almost always bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking and malice (see Ephesians 4:31).

That is why the Scriptures warns us to stay away from people who are unloving and unforgiving; who slander others and have no self-control and are cruel and have no interest in what is good. We must stay away from those who betray their friends, are reckless, puffed up with pride, and who love pleasure rather than God. These are the kind of people who will act as if they are religious, but they will reject God’s power that could make them godly (see 2. Timothy 3:2-5)!

We also need to watch out and stay away from people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith, by teaching things that are contrary to what the Bible, the Word of God, teaches us. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord, they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people (see Romans 16:17-18).

And, we are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian and yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with such people (see 1. Corinthians 5:11)!

BUT YOU FORGOT TO STAND ON THIS ONE PRINCIPLE, TED! | By Edwin Christiaan

And that is, the unconditional pledge you signed to endorse, in this case, Donald Trump! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty1eETVIFMs

Under pressure today, Ted Cruz admitted that he holds a grudge against Donald Trump for “maligning” his wife and father. http://www.foxnews.com/…/trump-calls-cruz-non-endorsement-n…

I said this all along: Ted Cruz, who calls himself a born-again Christian, is nothing but a religious deceiver and a liar and was never called by God to become president!

“God said to be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing!” 1. Peter 3:8-9 NLT

“And when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25 NLT

Ted Cruz’s behavior is that of a man who acts all religious, but in reality he is unloving, unforgiving and puffed up with pride! (See 2. Timothy 3:3-5)

“Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20 NLT

GOD CONTROLS THIS WHOLE THING | By Edwin Christiaan

The Bible says in Daniel 2:21 NLT that,

“God controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings.”

That’s why it says that,

“For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God!” Romans 13:1 NLT

Make no mistake!

“The LORD does whatever pleases Him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths.” Psalm 135:6 NLT

PERIOD!

MOST PASTORS HAVE BAD MARRIAGES | Edwin Christiaan

So many pastors have bad marriages, and yet they continue to teach the church how to obtain God’s breakthrough in their personal lives and be blessed! How in the world is that possible?

Let me explain.

First of all, the Scriptures clearly teach, that a pastor must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.  For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? (See 1. Timothy 3:4-5)

Now, what you often see from pastors who have bad marriages is that their wives are not submissive to them, but instead they dominate and take authority over them. These ambitious wives are basically the ones who are leading the church (behind the scenes), teaching and instructing the men. This is the exact opposite of what the apostle Paul taught, namely that,

“Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them!” 1. Timothy 2:11-12 NLT

It is no wonder, that there is so much confusion and disorder in the church! The Bible says,

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 NLT

Furthermore, the Bible says, that the wives of pastors must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do! (See 1. Timothy 3:11)

“For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do!” 1. Timothy 2:10 NLT

WARNING: BE AWARE OF JUST SUBMITTING TO A CHURCH LEADER | By Edwin Christiaan

The church, or the Body of Christ, today is split and fractured into literally countless denominations, fellowships, associations, and the like. Many of them will not allow fellowship with a brother or sister from another church or denomination. Many pastors, church leaders, and ministers tend to be very judgmental and look down their noses at others, who do not belong to the same group as they do. They are proud and arrogant. Too many are prone to “judge their brother” because of doctrinal errors on minor points (or what some might call “major points”), when they themselves have major problems with attitudes, hidden sins, and a wrong spirit. They control the flock with false teachings and doctrines, fleecing them financially, and in doing so, these leaders cause major wounds and hurts in the people!

So, before you commit or submit yourself to a church and its leader or leaders and support them financially, it is important that you should follow these guidelines:

·      First of all, a church leader or pastor must be a man and not a woman! (See 1. Timothy 3:1) Why? Because the Bible does not allow women to teach men or have authority over them!  (See 1. Timothy 2:12)

·      Secondly,

“A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall!” 1. Timothy 3:6 NLT

·      Thirdly,

“A church leader or pastor’s life must be above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.  He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.  He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.  For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1. Timothy 3:2-5 NLT

·      Furthermore, a church leader must care for the flock of God that is entrusted to him. He is supposed to watch over it willingly, not grudgingly — not for what he will get out of it (moneywise), but because he is eager to serve God. He should never control the people assigned to his care, but lead them by his good example. (See 1. Peter 5:2-3)

·      A church leader should never impose the Old Testament Law of Tithing on the people, obligating them to pay 10% of their income, and in doing so, binding them to his church or ministry. Why? Because the Bible clearly says in the New Testament that, 

^“You must each decide in your heart how much to give!” 1. Corinthians 9:7 NLT

And,

“On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned!” 1. Corinthians 16:2 NLT

·      A church leader must preach the word of God! He must be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. He must patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage the people with good teaching, leading the people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ! (See 2. Timothy 4:2)

·      A church’s leaders’ responsibility is to equip the people to do God’s work and build up the church, the body of Christ! (See Ephesians 4:12)

ONLY if a church leader or leaders pass the above qualifications, can you obey them joyfully and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your soul, and they are accountable to God. (See Hebrews 13:17)

The Bible says that you should,

“Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God! Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.” Hebrews 13:7 NLT

It also says,

“Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.” Galatians 6:6 NLT

And furthermore that,

“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” 1. Timothy 5:17-18 NLT

Conclusively, we should always be like the people of Berea in the Book of Acts, who searched the Scriptures day after day to see if what the apostles Paul and Silas were teaching was indeed the truth! (See Acts 17:11)

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOUL AND SPIRIT | By Edwin Christiaan

Even though the soul and the spirit are connected, they are separable

The Bible says in Hebrew 4:12 NLT:

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.”

And in 1. Thessalonians 5:23 NLT, it says:

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.”

These passages make it very clear, that there is a distinction between the soul and the spirit.

Humans are spirit beings, who live in a body and possess a soul. The real person inside of us is our spirit. Our soul consists of our mind, will, and emotions. Our bodies are what we live in, while we are here on earth.

When Jesus Christ chooses us to become His follower, our spirit is instantly reborn and made new, as stated in 2. Corinthians 5:17:

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

On the other hand, our soul is not born again, but instead needs to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, as it says in Romans 12:2 NLT:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

This is why so many believers can continue to struggle with sin even after accepting Jesus Christ. Their soul still needs be purified and washed clean!

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever!” 1. Peter 1:22-23 NKJV

Demonic spirits can also remain in our souls, and must be driven out, as Jesus commanded to do, when He said:

“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in My name!” Mark 16:17 NLT

Many find it very hard to believe, that a born-again Christian can have a demonic spirit. It is because they simply don't understand the difference between the soul and the spirit of a person. They believe everything is made new the moment a person accepts Jesus.

But, it is through the soul, that demonic spirits torments and possesses people! Like the woman that Jesus delivered, whom an evil spirit had crippled for eighteen years, causing her to bend double so she was unable to stand up straight. (See Luke 13:11)

Or, like the boy, who suffered from terrible seizures that caused him to oftentimes fall into fire or water. Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. In that very moment, the boy was well! (See Matthew 17:15, 17)

I pray that the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again! God will make this happen, for He, who calls you, is faithful! (See 1. Thessalonians 5:23-24)

PLEASE! YOU NEED TO KNOW… | By Edwin Christiaan

That when God has chosen you to be His child, He will be working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him! (See Philippians 2:13)

Then you will only be asking for things what pleases God!

You will know that He hears you when you make your requests, because He will give you what you ask for, which will be what He desires for you! (See 1. John 5:14-15)

That’s why Jesus said; “You didn’t choose Me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name!” John 15:16 NLT

LET ME TELL YOU THIS! | By Edwin Christiaan

God can do anything, anytime, anywhere with anybody!

That’s why it says that with God everything is possible! (See Matthew 19:26)

God is able to accomplish infinitely more than you might ask or think! (See Ephesians 3:20)

And God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them! (See Romans 8:28)

THE BIG ELECTION PICTURE! | By Edwin Christiaan

The fight for America is not against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (See Ephesians 6:12)

There is a spirit battle raging in America right now, as Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light, and his servants, who also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, are seeking to steal, kill and destroy this nation! (See 2. Corinthians 11:14-15, John 10:10)

Satan uses counterfeit power, signs and miracles, and every kind of evil deception to fool the people! (See 2. Thessalonians 2:9-10)

One of the most effective evil spirits that Satan is using to deceive the masses is the Jezebel Spirit! The Jezebel Spirit manifests itself in women, who are being used by Satan to emasculate men, as they usurp and disregard their God-given authority. The result is the destruction of the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, replacing it with the promotion and legalization of homosexual lifestyle and marriage. In doing so, they are also inadvertently supporting the LGBT agenda in their fight for transgenders to have the freedom to choose whichever public bathroom they want to use!   

The Jezebel Spirit is everywhere; in the government, our education system, the entertainment world, and yes, in the church!

One of the key people that Satan is using to lead America on the path of total moral destruction is Hillary Clinton! But God will put a stop to Hillary’s march to the White House, by instead electing Donald Trump to become the next president of the United States, and in doing so, bring an end to the reign of this wicked Jezebel Spirit over America!

Donald Trump, like John the Baptist, will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, and God will use him to bring back manhood to America, causing the hearts of the fathers to turn to their children, and the rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly! (See Luke 1:17)       

LOOKING FOR THE HUSBAND TO DIE FOR! | Edwin Christiaan

Christian women dream of having the ideal godly husband! 

What these women are actually looking for is a man that God knew in advance, and chose to become like His Son, Jesus Christ! (See Romans 8:29)

It is man who loves his wife unconditionally, just as Christ loves the church. He provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to His church, not by domineering, but by cherishing. 

It is a man who does not reject or hate himself, but is full of God’s love! He knows that a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself! His words evoke his wife’s beauty. 

Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her! He will make her look good, as she radiates with God’s holiness! (See Ephesians 5:22-30)

It is a man who loves and honors his wife and never treats her harshly! Instead, he treats her with understanding and as an equal partner in God’s gift of new life. He knows, that as he treats her as he should, his prayers will not be hindered! (See Colossians 3:19, 1. Peter 3:7)

It is a man who fulfills his wife’s sexual needs, and gives authority over his body to her! (See 1. Corinthians 7:3-4)

It is a man who thinks about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife! (See 1. Corinthians 7:33)