Demonic UFO and UAP Incursions

During November and December 2024, the news media and government have all been buzzing for weeks about the sudden appearance of what they call "drones" flying nightly over the state of New Jersey in the United States. These entities are swarming over New Jersey, and that is the focus of everyone's attention. However, they are not just limited to New Jersey. This is a worldwide event!

So far I have seen reports, comments, and videos regarding drone and other UFO/UAP sightings in November and December 2024 in the following locations: California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Florida, Puerto Rico, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Romania, Russia, China, Thailand, India, Norway, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Sudan, Uganda, Guinea, and the country of Georgia. That's 43 states, 19 foreign countries, one US district, and one US commonwealth. And the list of locations where they have been sighted keeps growing daily. The FBI says they have received 3,000 reported sightings since November, an average of 92 per day in the US alone. 

These are signs of the times, people. Jesus said: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luk 21:10-11). Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 in the Bible. 

Jesus Christ, God's Son, died on the cross for you and me. He was buried and rose again from the dead on the third day. He paid the price for all our sins, and does not want anyone to perish, but all to believe in Him, so that they may have eternal life. Repent, believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, and be baptized in His name for the forgiveness of your sins. He is coming very soon. 

UAP/UFOs are Demonic

Many people think these Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) are drones, manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), angels, or aliens. Others say they have been sent by foreign countries like Iran, and one Congressman even went to far as to say that Iran has a mother ship off the east coast of New Jersey that is sending these "drones" ashore to fly over New Jersey. One man said they are "gravitic propulsion" drones, which he claims is a technology that only the US and China have. However, while there are certainly drones in our skies, unmanned aerial vehicles, and manned aircraft, most of the sightings that have occurred in November and December 2024 are none of these. They are demonic.

They defy the laws of physics. They appear and disappear. They shape shift, and can mimic the sound and appearance of essentially anything. They can hover, move slowly in any direction, and even travel at hypersonic speeds faster than any vehicle known to mankind can travel. 

They have interfered with electronic devices. For example, in England, one man's digital display on his microwave began to go berserk, and continued to flash all kinds of numbers repeatedly, right after he made a UFO sighting. Others have reported that when they drove their cars under these entities, the UFOs took over their car radio and began to produce strange sounds of various kinds, which did not sound like normal radio interference. Another person following a UFO said that the time displayed on their car's clock suddenly changed, but later following the incident, the clock returned to the correct time. Another person said that while they were recording a UFO with their smartphone, the video camera malfunctioned and became jammed. People have seen parking lot lights, street lights, and stadium lights flashing on and off like strobes for no known reason, as well as the hazard lights of parked cars flashing without any alarm sounding. I have seen videos of all these things. 

I have also seen videos of these phenomena appear in just about any form you can imagine. They have appeared as lights, orbs, flashing lights like you see on aircraft, as a silver ball the size of a car, as flying cubes, circles, discs, saucers, stars, triangles, airplanes, a parallelogram, as bright white parallel cylinders floating vertically in the sky, and as a cylinder with rounded ends floating across the sky, which is considered a spherocylinder - essentially a cylinder with hemispherical caps on each side. I have seen one that was an orange, square-shaped entity that was broiling like the surface of the sun when viewed in a telescope. It had a jagged indentation on the right side that looked like an open mouth on an angry face. And I've seen a myriad of other combinations, some of which are difficult to describe. These have even been spotted by airline pilots and passengers in airplanes. I have seen them followed by helicopters, chased by an F15 fighter jet, and travel many times faster than the F15's top speed, which is believed to be over Mach 2.4. I have also seen a video showing a glowing orb that was "dripping" other similar orbs down toward the earth. I have seen another one in which the craft seemed to drop a net from the sky down toward the earth.

I have also seen them appear as the sun, moon, and stars, but they morph into different shapes and move in ways that the sun, moon, and stars don't.

In the spirit realm, the identity of entities, including angels, demons, and humans, are known not by their appearance, but by their character. So you know them by their fruits, not by their appearance, just as the Lord taught us to distinguish false prophets this way. 

In order to explain how demons work, let me first explain how angels can operate, since demons are fallen angels. Angels can appear as men, women, or children. Many people have reported seeing them, and many such encounters with angels that appeared as men are recorded in Scripture. They can also sometimes appear in a vehicle, such as a man showing up in an old pickup truck to help someone whose vehicle has broken down on the side of a lonely road at night. Then afterwards, once the man has provided help, he gets into his vehicle and begins to drive off, but a second later the vehicle disappears. Angels can perform miraculous signs and wonders, defying the laws of physics. They can travel at hypersonic speeds, probably as fast as the speed of light. They can pass through solid objects like cars, walls, roofs, etc. Weapons of this world like guns and bullets cannot harm them. 

Likewise, demons can do all the same things the angels do, except demons do them for nefarious reasons. They use their power for evil to steal, kill, and destroy. The use tactics like deception, temptation, intimidation, and accusation to accomplish their purposes. They too can appear in any form, and they can perform supernatural miracles, signs and wonders. They can appear and disappear. They can come in a vehicle of any kind they choose, including an aerial one. This causes people to be deceived and think they are from another planet. They can even appear as aliens, if they want to, since they shape shift and change their appearance at will. Don't be deceived by them.

The apostle Paul warned:

"For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming. 

"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. 

"They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."  (2Th 2:7-12)

The passage above speaks of the lawless one, which is the antichrist, who will rule the whole earth for a period of time, according to Scripture. He is being restrained until the one who holds him back is taken out of the way. I believe, as many do, that the Holy Spirit is the one restraining him, and when the rapture occurs before the Great Tribulation begins, the Holy Spirit will cease to restrain him, which will cause all hell to break loose on earth, once the saints are removed.

The government and the media will all say that the UFOs came and abducted the saints, so people will believe that's what happened. But the real reason for the disappearance of all the children and the true, godly Christians, will be because they were raptured. The rapture is what we call the yet future event in Scripture, when the Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds and the saints will be caught up to meet Him in the air. Paul spoke of this in 1 Thesallonians 4:16-17. I encourage you to read it, because it is set to happen very soon.

The passage in 2 Thesallonians  2:7-12 says the lawless one will enter the world stage in accordance with how satan works. His coming will be by satan's working. And you may ask, "How will that be specifically?" Scripture says that he will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie. Or as the NET version states, it will be "with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders." 

Paul also taught that the lawless one will also come with all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. It is those who are perishing that are deceived by all of these lying signs and wonders. It's mass deception and they fall for it. The reason they are deceived and perishing is that they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie. The whole world is witnessing this before its very eyes. God has sent that powerful delusion to those who have refused to love the truth, and now they are believing the lie. Mass deception is occurring, and they don't even know they've been fooled. 

Once again, people may realize that the government is not fully disclosing what's going on, or that it is spreading misinformation or disinformation, but they still don't realize that what's happening is demonic. They don't understand the reality of the things of the spirit realm. They don't know, because the natural man does not accept the things of the spirit and cannot comprehend them. As Paul states, "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." (1Co 2:14).

Another reason they don't understand what's happening, as I've already mentioned, is all that they refuse to love the truth. They've rejected the truth of the gospel that can save them, so whenever we speak truth of any kind, they can't accept or understand it. That is because they have delighted in wickedness, which is why they've rejected the truth. They prefer their wickedness to the truth. And the Bible says that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness

But those of us who are saved, who love the truth, and are filled with the Spirit, know exactly what's happening. We know that satan and his angels can appear in any form, because the Scripture says so. "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." (2Co 11:14). Moreover, in the Bible, satan is referred to as "the prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2.

Finally, let me say that I believe these craft and other manifestations that people are sighting in the air are most likely Nephilim coming out of portals. Those portals have been opened up by the evil, demonic things that people (and even governments) have been doing for many years, even in the skies, inviting these demonic entities and opening doors for them to come. If you would like to know more about the Nephilim, then you may read my article about them linked here.

Trump's Alibi for the "Drones"

While Trump was President-elect, he said the government surely must know what these "drones" are, and he vowed to find out and tell the public after taking office. Later as President, after his inauguration, he stated that most of the New Jersey sightings were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be flying for research and other purposes, I don't believe that. 

First of all, it was shown that the FAA was not even able to see most of these drones on radar. If they were approved, they would be visible on radar, and the FAA would have told the military and police what was going on. But the military and police didn't know what was going on, and even the FBI and Homeland Security said they didn't know who was behind the drones. In fact, they even sent fighter jets and helicopters up to chase after them. 

Secondly, while the FAA acknowledged these mysterious sightings, they claimed that the cause was unknown. I even listened to a recording of Air Traffic Control (ATC) transmissions with airline pilots over Oregon, regarding such sightings by pilots, in which the controller  called them UFOs (U stands for "unidentified"). And ATC works for the FAA, so it would make no sense for them to speak like that if they knew what these were. 

Thirdly, the only ones Trump referred to were those over New Jersey, but he never mentioned the other 42 states, 19 other countries, plus one US district and one commonwealth. I think there was a more nefarious purpose behind these UAPs. 

Fourthly, if the FAA lied to the military, the police, the airline pilots, and the public during these sightings, and is now saying the sightings were authorized flights for research and other purposes, then they should be investigated and prosecuted for fraud and terrorizing the public and creating mayhem. Trump is normally one to hate corruption and fraud, and to go after it to root it out, so why did he give them a free pass? 

The FAA is under the Department of Transportation (DOT), which at the time of these sightings was headed up by the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg. If the FAA authorized most of these drones, then surely Buttigieg should have known about it. Why isn't he under investigation for possible involvement in this? 

Lastly, there should be ATC employees coming out to either confirm or deny Trump's claim that the FAA authorized most of these aerial vehicles. They would certainly know if the FAA had authorized them or not, and should be able to tell us whether that was true or not.

Closing Words

In conclusion, the vast majority of the UFO/UAP, so-called "drones" and other mysterious sightings are demonic in nature. This is a sign of the times, and it's mass deception from the devil. Believers need to remember that Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." But He also warned us that we must properly interpret the signs of the times, so that we will recognize the day of the Lord and be ready for His coming. That's why even we as believers should repent and get ourselves ready to meet the Lord in the air when He comes. No man knows the day or the hour.

If you see these craft or manifestations in the sky, and you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then don't be afraid, but boldly rebuke them in the name of Jesus and command them to leave. He has given us power and authority over all the power of the enemy (Lk 10:19). And always be sure to put on the full armor of God before you start each day.

If you want to see video footage of many of these sightings, look up "Drone Incursions around the World" on the Black Bronco Productions channel on Youtube. You'll see many of them there. There's a part I and a part II video. However, I must warn you that people in some of the clips use foul language, sometimes because they are so afraid of these things, and other times just because that's the way they always speak. 

Jesus is real and He is coming very soon!

Attribution Notice: Scriptures takes from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Images used according to Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only.

Author's note: The US military also used the term UAS (Unidentified Aerial Systems) for UFOs/UAPs. If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the other posts in this blog like The Evil Nephilim Giants, Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God, and others available through the Home page for this blog, and you can also find my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." 

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God

Our enemy is spiritual and invisible. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph 6:12).

There's no question we are in a struggle, but how do we fight? Are we supposed to bind the principalities and powers? Are we supposed to tear down regional strongholds? I heard of one Christian leader, who climbed one of the world's highest mountains to do this. That's a valiant effort. But is this kind of behavior true spiritual warfare according to Scripture? Let's get our Bibles out and see.

Armor of God
Let's continue with the passage I've just cited, which is Paul's most explicit teaching on spiritual warfare. He went on to write, "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:13-17). God has given us this armor of light as a highly effective protection from darkness when used properly. Now let's review each piece of armor.

The six pieces of armor are the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 

The Armor of God is Literal, Spiritual Armor

The armor of God is God's actual armor of light, and is not figurative or symbolic. It comes down from Him in heaven, and it goes on your spirit body. We each have a physical body made of flesh and blood, as well as a spirit body (1 Cor 15:44b). The armor of God is spiritual armor to wear on our spirit bodies.

How to Put On the Armor of God

You may be wondering how to put on the full armor of God, as Scripture instructs us to do. Here is how to do it. Pray like this: "Father, would you please put your complete armor on me now, I ask and thank you for it, in the name of Jesus."

This is what Dr. Rebecca Brown, MD was shown by her guardian angel, as she wrote in her book called, He Came to Set the Captives Free: A Guide to Recognizing and Fighting the Attacks of Satan, Witches, and the Occult. I highly recommend reading this book, which is available from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other major retail outlets, as well as used book retailers online.

How Often Must You Armor Up

In Rebecca Brown's book, regarding the frequency with which we must put on the armor, she wrote: "Father says that once every 24 hours will be sufficient. Even as the Lord Jesus told you when He was here on earth that you must take up your cross daily, so must you put on the armor and prepare for battle daily. You must understand that this is very important. Don't forget to ask for it each day. If you don't have the armor on you will get hurt." 

Pray in the Spirit
Lastly, Paul taught that with our armor on we should pray in the Spirit. He wrote: "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." (Eph 6:18). He clarified for the Corinthians, in his teaching about tongues, what it means to pray in the spirit. "Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also." (1Co 14:13-15). When you pray in an unknown language, your spirit prays.

Resisting the devil
One way to combat the enemy is to resist him. Paul wrote: "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." (Eph 6:13) When you take up the full armor, you are able to resist the devil.

James put it like this, "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (Jam 4:7) To resist is to not back down. Don’t give up to the enemy. Don’t give yourself over to the enemy. Don’t give in to the enemy. No matter what tactics he uses, he will be unable to move you off your ground. Stand your ground. The devil will be unable to take control of any area of your life, which is God's territory.

One way to resist the devil is to act in the opposite spirit. This displaces the enemy. What do I mean by displace? When a ship is put into the water, it displaces water. Likewise, if you fill a tub with water all the way to the top, and then get into the tub, you will displace the water, and it will spill out. Where there is a stronghold of pride, walk in humility. This is real warfare. There may be pride all around you, yet in the place where you are standing there is only humility. Your life, which is God's territory, remains under the control of the Holy Spirit. When you act this way, you effectively displace the enemy. You don't have to worry about the enemy reducing you to nothing when you already know you are nothing apart from Christ. It's only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, because only the Holy Spirit can bring forth this fruit in our lives. We cannot do it in our own strength.

Likewise, where there is a stronghold of envy, walk in kindness and share with others. In place of hatred, walk in love. As Jesus said, bless those who curse you. Love your enemies.  

Pray in the Spirit

Paul the apostle taught us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions for all the Lord's people. He wrote: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." (Eph 6:18). Notice that we must be alert, too! 

Putting it All Together
Spiritual warfare is more than just casting out demons. It's not just confronting demonic entities that seek to harm, hinder, intimidate, deceive or tempt you. That's just one aspect of it.

You need to make sure that you put on the complete armor of God once per day by asking the Father to put His complete armor on you at that moment, asking for it in the name of Jesus, and thanking Him for doing so. Then walk in confidence. It's very important to do so once every 24 hours, in order to protect yourself from getting hurt. You need not be afraid of the enemy when you are wearing your armor. Pray in the spirit, especially for all the saints.

Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. Don't back down. Stand your ground and don’t give in to the enemy. And be sure to stay alert, praying in the Spirit on all occasions for all the saints.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Quotations also taken from He Came to Set the Captives Free: A Guide to Recognizing and Fighting the Attacks of Satan, Witches, and the Occult, by Rebecca Brown, MD, copyright 1986, Whitaker House.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the other posts in this blog available through the Home page for this blog, and you can also find my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

True Freedom

The world may define freedom as being free to do whatever you want and being free from all oversight, all government, all rules, and all laws, being free to come and go as you please. However, the Bible has a different definition of freedom.

The Truth Will Set You Free
"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (Joh 8:31-32)

Notice He said this to the Jews who had believed in Him, which means they were believers. He said that the way he would know if they were really His disciples was if they would hold to His teachings. In other words, if they would put His words into practice (Mt 7:24), they would really be His disciples. And we all know that the only people who ultimately make it to heaven are disciples of Christ. This is the difference between believers and disciples.

I observe a cause and effect relationship in these verses. The first cause is "if you hold to My teachings." The effect is "then you will know the truth." From this we learn that the way you come to know the truth intimately and personally is by holding to Jesus' teachings. It is not simply through head-knowledge of the truth, but through putting it into practice that you come to know the truth much like you come to know a dear friend through experience together. 

The second cause I observe here is the same as the above effect. In other words, "then you will know the truth" now becomes the second cause. That second cause brings about another effect, which is "the truth will set you free." It's the truth that sets you free, and Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6). The converse of this statement is that the devil's lies keep you in bondage. The world falsely believes that indulging the sinful nature is true freedom, which is a lie of the devil, but in reality it is the truth that sets you free. It sets you free from all sorts of bondage, including (but not limited to) fears, phobias, mental illnesses, physical illnesses, sin, and addictions of all kinds.

If you could come to know the truth just by learning it in your head, then everyone that has memorized a few Bible verses would be set free. But we know that many people who have memorized Bible verses are not free but still in bondage. What Jesus taught was that when we come to know the truth by holding to His teachings, then the truth would set us free. As I said, Jesus the Son of God is the One who sets you free.

Sinners are Slaves, But Jesus Sets You Free Indeed
"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'"  (Joh 8:34-36)

He plainly taught here that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but if the Son sets you free, then you will be free indeed. You will be truly liberated from the sin that once enslaved you. He's a chain breaker.

I have personally experienced this in my own life. I used to be in bondage to so many different sins, including cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, and sexual sins, but Jesus set me free indeed.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is There is Freedom
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2Co 3:17-18).

Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, you will find freedom. In that atmosphere, anything is possible. You might dance, or laugh, or cry, or fall down under the power of God, or lift your hands in worship, or leap for joy, or weep with repentance for your sins, or speak in tongues, or even prophesy. You are free to worship God in Spirit and in truth.

Illustration
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose." (Act 16:25-26).

This is a great illustration of what happens in the spirit when we worship God in spirit and in truth. Doing so brings about a shaking in the spiritual atmosphere and chains are broken off of you. 

God's Word is Not Chained
Paul wrote, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained." (2Ti 2:8-9).

Even when Paul was chained like a criminal, God's Word was not chained, because it cannot be chained. It is invincible! Nothing can stop it or hold it down.

Death Could Not Hold Him
Jesus is the Word, and even death could not hold Him down.

"As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, "He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."'" (Mar 16:5-7)

"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Act 2:24). Since death is the last enemy to be conquered and death could not even hold Him down, Jesus has proven that He is victorious over all. There is nothing that can stop Him, and nothing in your life that He cannot set you free from.

He Frees Those in Slavery to the Fear of Death
"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." (Heb 2:14-15)

The devil uses the fear of death to keep people in slavery to sin. It's one of his biggest tricks. But Jesus has broken the devil's power and frees those who are held in slavery by their fear of death.

Jesus Proclaims Freedom for the Prisoners
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..." (Luk 4:18)

The good news is that Jesus came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. So if you are a prisoner to sin, I am proclaiming freedom to you today in Jesus' name! If you are a prisoner of anything, He can set you free. If you are oppressed, He can set you free. He died on the cross for you, shed His blood, and rose from the dead to make it all possible. 

He Liberates Us From Bondage and Brings Us Into Freedom and Glory
"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." (Rom 8:20-21)

This passage teaches us that all creation (including all people) has been subjected to bondage, but it will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God

Through Faith In Him We May Approach God With Freedom
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Eph 3:12)

We Were Once in Slavery
"So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world." (Gal 4:3)

We Are No Longer Slaves
"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods." (Gal 4:6-8)

Hagar - Mount Sinai - Present Jerusalem in Slavery with Her Children
The apostle Paul taught that Hagar represents Mount Sinai where the Law of Moses was given, which represents the present city of Jerusalem. "Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children." (Gal 4:25)

Heavenly Jerusalem is Free
"But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother." (Gal 4:26)

The heavenly Jerusalem is free and that is our home if we know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

We Are Children Of The Free Woman
"But what does Scripture say? 'Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son.' Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman." (Gal 4:30-31)

For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Gal 5:1)

Christ set us free to experience true freedom, so don't let yourselves go back under slavery again.

Called to Be Free, Not to Indulge the Flesh
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Gal 5:13-14)

Grace is not a license to sin. Jesus didn't set you free so that you could go and do whatever you want. You are His slave now.

"Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves." (1Pe 2:16)

A Man is a Slave to Whatever Has Mastered Him
"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for 'a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.'" (2Pe 2:19)

There are preachers and others who promise people freedom, but are actually themselves slaves to depravity. Watch out that they don't deceive you with their lies. Whatever has mastered a man, that is what he is a slave to. When I was mastered by alcohol, I was a slave to it. When I was mastered by cigarettes, I was a slave to it. It's that simple. Check yourself to see if you are mastered by anything, because if you are, then you are a slave to the thing that has mastered you.

To Be Led By the Spirit Is To Be Free
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal 5:16-21)

You don't get to do whatever you want. You must be led by the Spirit, and then you will not be under the law, nor will you do anything in conflict with the Spirit. When you walk by the Spirit, you will not carry out the acts of the flesh, which are diametrically opposed to the Spirit. This is how to continue in the freedom you have received.

No Law Against the Fruit of the Spirit
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Gal 5:22-23)

This is what the Spirit will produce in your life when you walk by the Spirit, and there is no law against any of these things.

The Word is the Perfect Law That Gives Freedom
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." (Jas 1:22-25)

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom..." (Jas 2:12)

What is this law he was talking about?

James was speaking in this passage of the perfect law of love. John Wesley said, "He who keeps the law of love is free. He that does not, is not free, but a slave to sin, and a criminal before God."

Matthew Henry wrote: 
Observe here, [1.] The gospel is a law of liberty, or, as Mr. Baxter expresses it, of liberation, giving us deliverance from the Jewish law, and from sin and guilt, and wrath and death. The ceremonial law was a yoke of bondage; the gospel of Christ is a law of liberty. [2.] It is a perfect law; nothing can be added to it. [3.] In hearing the word, we look into this perfect law; we consult it for counsel and direction; we look into it, that we may thence take our measures. [4.] Then only do we look into the law of liberty as we should when we continue therein - “when we dwell in the study of it, till it turn to a spiritual life, engrafted and digested in us” (Baxter) - when we are not forgetful of it, but practice it as our work and business, set it always before our eyes, and make it the constant rule of our conversation and behaviour, and model the temper of our minds by it. [5.] Those who thus do, and continue in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in their deed; blessed in all their ways, according to the first psalm, to which, some think, James here alludes. He that meditates in the law of God, and walks according to it, the psalmist says, shall prosper in whatsoever he does. And he that is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work which God's word sets him about, James says, shall be blessed. The papists pretend that here we have a clear text to prove we are blessed for our good deeds; but Dr. Manton, in answer to that pretence, puts the reader upon marking the distinctness of scripture-phrase. The apostle does not say, for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. This is a way in which we shall certainly find blessedness, but not the cause of it. This blessedness does not lie in knowing, but in doing the will of God. Joh_13:17, If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven.

As the psalmist said, "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." (Psa 119:45)

Closing Words
Through this study in God's Word we have been reminded that true freedom is not like the world sees freedom, where you can do whatever you feel like doing and indulge your sinful nature. True freedom that Christ gives is the freedom to truly live life to the fullest the way God intended it. It's an abundant life, free from sin, free from bondage, free from fear, free from addictions, free from vain religion, and free from slavery to the devil and his lies. This is what it means to be free indeed. If you hold to Jesus' teachings, then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. True freedom is found only in Christ through a personal relationship with Him.

Attribution notice: Most Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan. 

Author's note: I also recommend reading my articles, The Evil Spirit of Alcohol, Sin and Consequence, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, The Kingdom of Darkness, Demonology 101, Demons Disguised as Humans, Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Five Divine Revelations, Alcohol and Cigarettes -- Ten Divine Revelations, as well as the articles available through the Home page of this blog.  You may access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org. 

To Sin or Not to Sin

Actor Edwin Booth as Hamlet, 1870

Perhaps the all-time most famous line from any drama play or literature is "To be, or not to be: that is the question." It would probably be one of the first to come to mind for most English-speaking people if they were asked to quote a line of Shakespeare. Of course, it comes from Shakespeare's 1602 play, best known as Hamlet, in which the main character by that name considers to himself aloud whether or not to take his own life. In the end, he did not commit suicide, which is a tragic mistake for anyone to make, since it is a great sin in the sight of God to murder oneself.

I would like to consider another question in this post, and that is: to sin or not to sin. I recently wrote to someone who was seeking God and wanting to know the truth, but who kept putting off giving his life to Jesus and being born again. I asked him why it is that man delays being saved when salvation is a free gift from God and it is so simple. It only takes a short time to repent and give your life to Jesus, so why does man put it off for later, when he knows that is what he needs to do? He replied to me that he supposed it is because it is easier to sin than not to sin. Therefore, I'd like to address that notion that it is easier to sin than not to sin. The lessons to be learned from this study apply not only to non-believers who are considering the claims of Christ, but also to believers who are already following Christ as their Lord and Savior.

To Sin
First let's approach the matter from the perspective that most people assume to be true, which is the one that assumes it is easier to sin. Is that really true? Well, that is what the devil wants people to believe. He has led the whole world astray and deceived mankind into thinking it is actually easier to sin than not to sin. How does he do that? There are various ways that satan lures people into sinning, in order to kill, steal and destroy. Three of his most common ones involve deception, temptation, and intimidation.

Deception
The devil is the father of lies and he does not stand in the truth. He was a murderer from the beginning. For Jesus said of the devil, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (Joh 8:44).

As the father of lies, the devil is a master of deception. According to Webster's dictionary, to deceive means "To mislead the mind; to cause to err; to cause to believe what is false, or disbelieve what is true; to impose on; to delude." It also may mean to cheat someone or rob them. He misleads the minds of people to cause them to err and believe what is false or disbelieve what is true. He misleads the minds of people to believe that it's easier to sin, and it is harder not to do so. He deludes people into thinking that the easiest thing to do is just give in to their desires to do wrong.

For example, if a person's weakness is drinking alcohol, he will mislead their mind into thinking that it would be easier to consume those beverages, convincing them that it will make them feel better. He uses the same approach with drugs. And in fact it may make them feel better temporarily, but the devil does not tell people about the immediate and long-term effects of their sin that will ruin their lives and the lives of others. He does not tell them about the hangover they will have the next morning with its headache, dizziness or vomiting, or about the fact that it will cost them a lot of money that will leave them in poverty. He doesn't tell them about the motor vehicle accident they may have while driving drunk that may kill another human being, even someone they love. He doesn't tell them about the humiliation, the shame it will cause, the pain, and the trouble they will have with the law, losing their license, being fined, or even sent to jail for the rest of their lives. He doesn't tell them about the loss of their job that may result from their substance abuse habit or about the loss of their marriage, their children, or their health.

He convinces them that they can handle it and they don't really have a problem with substance abuse. He convinces them that they are a good person and that they will make it to heaven. He doesn't tell them that they will spend eternity with him in hell.

In fact, he also misleads people into disbelieving that which is true, such as the short and long-term consequences of their sin. The truth he convinces them to disbelieve may be the obvious negative effects that occur as a result of their sin during this lifetime, which we don't have to read the Bible to know about (e.g., liver cirrhosis, AIDS, divorce, etc), and he may also mislead them to disbelieve or twist spiritual truths found in the Word of God (e.g., the gospel, heaven, hell, etc). He may convince someone that since they are religious, or a person who does a lot of good for others, that God will overlook their sin and not punish them for it. He may convince them that they will still go to heaven and escape hell, because their good works will supposedly outweigh their sins. Or he may delude them to disbelieve that hell even exists.

There are countless ways he can deceive. Sometimes he does it directly by invisible demons speaking to their minds, but he can also use other people like friends, family, spiritual leaders, role models, culture, literature, media, music, and a host of other possible ways including demons disguised as humans. While the devil tries to convince people that sin is precious gold, it is actually only fool's gold. It is just rocks painted to look like gold, but it is not genuine. In the end, those who are fooled by him end up with nothing but a handful of gravel.

Temptation
As I said, another one of his tactics is temptation. According to Webster's dictionary, to tempt means "To incite or solicit to an evil act; to entice to something wrong by presenting arguments that are plausible or convincing, or by the offer of some pleasure or apparent advantage as the inducement." This is closely connected with deception, and may involve deception, but is a separate action of its own.

The devil may incite a person to say something cruel, hurtful, or mean to another person, such as a friend, neighbor, enemy, or even someone they love. He may present the argument that they will feel a lot better if they tell the person what they are thinking and how they are feeling at that moment. He may tempt the person to enjoy having feelings of hatred toward the other person, or harbor unforgiveness toward someone who has hurt them. He may solicit someone to engage in sexually immoral behavior with another person my making strong arguments for the immediate pleasure they will experience. Again, he has countless ways to tempt people by presenting some apparent advantage as an enticement or inducement to sin.

In my article, The Temptation of Christ, I explained how he tempted the Lord Jesus during His earthly life and how the Lord resisted his temptations. He has been tempting man for thousands of years, ever since he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden to eat the forbidden fruit of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3:1-6). He tempted David to commit adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, which led to David having Uriah murdered, in order to take his wife from him and cover up his sin. And as I explained in my article, Sin and Consequence, David's sin with Bathsheba cost him very dearly by the serious consequences that arose from it afterward and troubled him for the rest of his life. Although God forgave him when he repented, it left a trail of problems in its wake including rape and rebellion in his family.

James wrote: "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." (Jas 1:13-15). And you can be sure that the devil and his demons are behind temptation.

Therefore, you cannot overcome temptation in your own strength, since you are up against a powerful spiritual enemy. You need supernatural power to resist, and that is why Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mt 26:41, NIV).

Intimidation
Another key tactic that the devil uses against humans to kill, steal, and destroy is intimidation. According to Webster's dictionary, to intimidate means "To make fearful; to inspire with fear; to dishearten; to abash." To abash means "To make the spirits to fall; to cast down the countenance; to make ashamed; to confuse or confound, as by exciting suddenly a consciousness of guilt, error, inferiority, etc." All of these are part of what I mean by intimidation. The devil likes to scare people and make them fearful in order to cause them to sin. He also likes to discourage people and get them down, make them feel ashamed, confused, guilty, or inferior.

For example, when Moses sent the twelve spies to spy out the Promised Land, they saw the giants there and ten of the spies came back with an evil report for Moses. They were fearful of the giants and felt inferior to them. They were disheartened from going into the Promised Land. The devil still does the same thing today. He may intimidate someone into thinking they could never live for God, that they could never live a righteous or holy life. He may intimidate them into thinking that if they confess their sin, everyone would look down upon them and they would be rejected. He uses guilt and shame like that to keep people trapped all their lives in a perpetual cycle of sin. He may intimidate someone into thinking that they will go to jail if they confess to the police what they have done, or he may intimidate someone into thinking that people will reject them if they testify for Christ, or that they will lose their job for it, and that without a job their family would starve. He may intimidate someone to commit sin out of fear of being hurt by others. He may scare someone into denying Christ out of fear of being killed.

However, the Lord Jesus said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Mat 10:28)

The fear of death is what the devil uses to keep people in bondage to sin. The apostle wrote, "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, [Jesus] Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." (Heb 2:14-15). Jesus has set us free through his death on the cross from the devil, who once had the power of death, and who still keeps people in slavery to sin through the fear of death.

Those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior can say with David: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" (Psa 27:1)

Therefore, the devil often uses one or more of these three weapons against people: deception, temptation, and intimidation. And he often uses more than one of them together to increase his effectiveness. All of these explain why he is able to convince people that it is easier to sin. It's no wonder people actually believe the lie that it is easier to sin.

Instant Gratification
Another reason why someone may consider it easier to sin is that it is a means of instant gratification. Since they get to immediately fulfill their lust or craving, or get relief from their feelings, they find it easier to cope that way. Of course, this is a very myopic view that fails to consider the broader picture of what happens after that.

Slaves of Depravity
Another reason that a person may consider it easier to sin is that before a person comes to Christ, he is a slave to sin, therefore he must sin, since he is compelled to do so (Ro 6:16). He is a child of the devil, who wants to carry out the desires of his father the devil (Jn 8:44; 1 Jn 3:10). For a sinner, it is his nature to sin, so sin comes naturally to him. Sin reigns in his mortal body, so that he obeys its lusts (Ro 6:12). He is a slave to the one he obeys, which is sin, resulting in death. "For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2Pe 2:19b, NIV). Sinners have a ruthless taskmaster who never relents, never has enough, and is never satisfied, but always requires more. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can set sinners free from that bondage, and until He does so, it may be difficult or impossible for them to imagine what it would be like to be free.

Loving the Darkness
Another reason that man thinks it is easier to sin is that he loves darkness rather than light. Jesus said, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." (Jn 3:19, NIV). So when people love darkness, they enjoy their sin too much to part with it.

Not only do they love darkness, but they hate the light, so that explains why it seems harder to them not to sin. Jesus said, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." (Jn 3:20, NIV). The reason they hate the light is they are afraid that their evil deeds will be exposed. They don't want to come under conviction for sin or be reproved. Therefore, they remain in the darkness and demonstrate no remorse, no regret, and no repentance. There is no departing from iniquity.

Walking in Darkness
Furthermore, those who are walking in darkness do not know what makes them stumble. "But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." (Pr 4:19, NIV). Before a person comes to Christ, he doesn't truly understand the reasons why he does the things he does, which are actually sinful in God's sight. He is bound to keep stumbling over and over in sin, until He comes into the light to Christ. As Jesus said, "Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (Jn 11:9b-10, NIV). Therefore, the man walking in darkness feels that it is easier just to keep stumbling than not to stumble.

Now let's consider the other point of view, which is based on God's Word.

Not To Sin
Let's look at the truth of the matter, which is that it is actually easier not to sin, once you come to Christ. This truth is simple to explain in light of all that I have just covered, up to this point. Considering the short-term and long-term consequences of sin that we experience during this life, as well as the eternal consequences, it is actually easier not to sin.

Momentary Nature of Sin
On the one hand, the pleasure derived from committing a sin is very brief and momentary when compared with the rest of a person's life. The pleasure of sin itself may last for a night, but then there are the painful difficulties and hardships it causes, which may endure for years or the rest of your life. A person could be crippled or maimed for life as a result of indulging in one moment of sinful pleasure. Sin lasts only for a season, and Moses was wise enough to choose to be afflicted with God's people than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.

The Scripture says, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" (Heb 11:24-25, KJV).

Momentary Nature of Life
Not only is sin momentary, but life is also very brief, as I wrote in my article, Life is Short, Eternity is Not. When you compare this earthly life with eternity, it is like a short moment in time. Even if you live a long life to be eighty years old, that is nothing compared to eternity.

Even a long life like that would be as momentary as a vapor coming off of boiling water that quickly dissipates into the air, or like a morning fog that is soon gone when the heat of day consumes it. James said, "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (Jas 4:14).

For the psalmist said, "As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more." (Ps 103:15-16, NIV78).

We need to understand that the things that are seen are only temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Paul said, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2Co 4:18).

Abundant Life
It's actually much easier to enjoy abundant life in Christ. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (Joh 10:10). Before I was saved, when I was living in sin, abusing drugs and alcohol, when I was confronted with the gospel, the devil tried to deceive me into believing that living for Jesus would be dreary and boring. I thought that I would never again enjoy fun times of hilarious laughter like I did when I was drunk or high on drugs. How foolish! That could not be farther from the truth!

Since I came to know Christ thirty-two years ago, I have experienced an abundant life in Christ filled with more joy, laughter, and fun than I could have ever imagined. There have been times when the Holy Spirit has come upon me and I have experienced a holy laughter that was pure and wonderful, unlike anything this world has to offer. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit and living the Spirit-filled life has been far more enjoyable than living that old life of sin and shame. I'm so glad I decided to give my life to Jesus and follow Him in this abundant life, rather than stay in sin. If I had remained in sin, I would never have come to know such joy unspeakable and full of glory! I would have probably ended up dead or in jail eventually, but instead he has blessed me with a wife and children and all the happy moments that we have enjoyed together. He has blessed me with the joy of preaching the gospel in countries around the world, as well as here in the United States, seeing people give their lives to Jesus. I have experienced the glory of His manifest presence, as well as the wonder of seeing people miraculously healed and set free from demons. I am able to sing and rejoice with a clear conscience. Nothing I had before Christ could ever compare with the abundant life He has given to me. The truth is that it's easier to live the abundant life than to live in sin.

Slaves of Righteousness
Those who have repented of their sins and come to Christ have been set free from sin and become slaves of righteousness. Paul said, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." (Rom 6:18, NIV). Now instead of being enslaved by sin, we are free from that master, and we have become slaves to obedience which leads to righteousness (Rom 6:16). Those who were once "slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness" now become "slaves to righteousness leading to holiness" (Rom 6:19). Those who were once free from the control of righteousness are now under its control. Paul said, "Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." (Rom 6:22, NIV). Therefore, a slave of sin will feel that it is easier to sin, while a slave of God receives His power to live a righteous life. Thus they do so, not in their own strength, but by His glorious grace.

Reaping What You've Sown
There is a basic principle that you reap what you've sown, and this holds true both in this present life, as well as the life to come. Paul said, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Gal 6:7-8). It's much easier to reap eternal life than eternal corruption.

Eternal Consequences of Sin
Consider all that a person trades for mere sin. It's not worth it, considering that sin is so brief and momentary and eternal punishment lasts forever. You're only hurting yourself to your own shame.

Jesus said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mar 8:36-37)

Hell is forever and there are no exits. There is nothing easy about it. Every moment is filled with pain, torment, sorrow, regret, loneliness, and fear. The intense heat is unbearable, and there is no water to drink, so there is nothing to quench your thirst. It's a place of outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt 8:12, 22:13, 25:30), where the worms that eat them do not die, and the flames are never quenched (Mk 9:44,48).

You cannot repent after you die, and mercy is only available while you are on this earth, so you need to give that serious consideration. It is hard to suffer the punishment for sin for eternity in hell, and countless millions of people have already gone to that horrible place. They are ready to repent right now if they could just come back to earth for one minute. They believe in Jesus now. But it's too late for them. They had their chance. Now they must pay the price for all eternity, because the wages of sin is death.

The apostle Paul said, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23). And in Proverbs it says, “The wages of the righteous is life, The income of the wicked, punishment.” (Pro 10:16). In other words, the pay back that man gets for sin is just like the wages he earns for his labor. Wages are paid to you for what you do, so you earn them and you deserve them. That is why death is the pay back for sin. That means eternal separation from God, and it doesn't get any harder than that. As the proverb says, "the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction." (Pr 13:15b, NIV). And as the psalmist said, "The way of the wicked will perish." (Ps 1:6).

Eternal Rewards 
On the other hand, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23). That means that you cannot earn eternal life, since it is a gift from God to you. He desires to give you this wonderful gift, but you cannot try to earn it through your own good works. Neither can you receive this gift unless you repent of your sin and believe on Jesus Christ. You must have a personal relationship with Him.

Peter said, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Act 2:38). Whether you are a non-believer or someone who has already given their life to Jesus who is backslidden in sin, you cannot be forgiven unless you repent. But if you will repent, then mercy is available for you, and you will be saved through faith in Christ. You need not perish in hell like so many others have.

God loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him in heaven. He doesn't want you to perish. In fact, He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. John said, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (Joh 3:16). As I have said, eternal life is easier than perishing.

God has so many wonderful rewards for those who repent and follow Jesus. Those rewards are real and they are eternal, unlike the fool's gold that the devil offers. In heaven there is no death, no pain, no tears or sorrow (Rev 21:4). The city is made of pure gold, as pure as glass (Rev 21:18). Even the great street of the city is made of pure gold (Rev 21:21 ). It's walls are decorated with every kind of precious stone (Rev 21:19). The city shines brightly with the glory of God (Rev 21:11,23). There is a pure river of the water of life there that is clear as crystal, and there are many mansions (Jn 14:2). The tree of life is there, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month (Rev 22:2). There are countless myriads of holy angels, as well as the spirits of righteous men made perfect (Heb 12:22-23; Rev 5:11). There is no sin there, because nothing impure may enter that place, and nobody who does what is shameful or deceitful will ever enter it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27). God is reigning over the universe there on his throne at the center of it all, and Jesus Christ sits at his right hand with great power and glory -- with angels, powers, and authorities in submission to Him (1 Pe 3:22).

The apostle Peter said, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you," (1Pe 1:3-4).

I am not saying the way to heaven is easy or that if you follow Jesus you won't have any more problems. Certainly it's a straight and narrow path, as I have written in my article by that name. And as Paul said, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Act 14:22b). It's true that we must enter the kingdom of God through many hardships, but it's well worth it! Our afflictions are actually light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory. There is no comparison, as Paul said, "For [our] momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." (2Co 4:17)

Nothing Can Compare
Some gospel songs come to mind that express what I am trying to say, such as the one that says:

"Lord, You are more precious than silver
More costly than gold.
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with You."

Truly nothing I desire compares with Jesus. Another song goes:

"He is fairer than the lily of the valley
He is brighter than the morning star
He is purer than the snow
Fresher than the breeze
Lovelier by far than all of these."

Those of us who've come to know the Lord know firsthand that when you look into His holiness,
and gaze into His loveliness, when you've found the joy of reaching His heart, all things that surround you here on earth become mere shadows in the light of Him. Everything else pales in comparison, as that song goes by Kent Henry, When I Look into Your Holiness.

The last lyrics I'd like to mention are from a song by Jim Reeves called I'd Rather Have Jesus, that goes like this:

"I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold I'd rather be his than have riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land
Yes I'd rather be led by his nail pierced hands
Than to be the king of a best domain and be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today."

Putting it All Together
Having looked at the question of whether it is easier to sin than not to sin, we can easily conclude that it is actually easier not to sin, when you consider all things. The assumption that it is easier to sin is actually a false perception based on the instant gratification experienced by the flesh. However, it is not based on reality. Don't fall for the devil's deception, temptation, or intimidation. For he comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. He wants to take as many souls down to hell with him as he possibly can. Don't go to that horrible place!

Just as I said in my opening that it is a tragic mistake for anyone to commit suicide, it is just as tragic for anyone to remain in sin, because they will suffer the same fate. To sin or not to sin is just as profound a question as the one Shakespeare's character Hamlet asked. However, it is not just a question for some actor on stage in a fictitious drama, but a crucial question that every human being must face up to and decide for themselves what they are going to do. Perhaps you have either never given your life to Jesus, or you once did so and then returned to a life of sin, and this message has spoken to you. Dear friend, why should you perish?

Repent of your sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Follow Jesus, listen to Him, put His words into practice, and do the will of God. Only those who follow Him will be saved (John 14:6). Only those who put His words into practice will be saved (Mt 7:24-27). Only those who do the will of God will be saved (Mt 7:21). The grace of God is not a license for you to sin (Rom 6:1). It teaches us to say "No!" to ungodliness (Tit 2:12).

Heaven is a glorious and beautiful place that is real, not fictitious. God wants you there with Him for eternity. He wants to give you eternal rewards and a glorified body. The rewards there will far outweigh anything this world or satan has to offer. But the only way to get there is to repent and follow Jesus all the days of your life. Whether you are a saved already or not, you need to know that it is not easier to sin. It is easier not to sin. While it may be a straight and narrow way, marked by sorrow, troubles, and afflictions, it will result in an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. It will result in glory, honor, and immortality. Let me encourage you to follow that way.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, except where noted. Other Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan. The "Deception" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm of Inspired Art, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note: I also recommend reading my articles, The Evil Spirit of Alcohol, Sin and Consequence, The Dangers of Disobedience, Life is Short, Eternity is Not, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, The Kingdom of Darkness, Demonology 101, Pleasing the Lord, Piercing the Darkness, The Book of Life, Demons Disguised as Humans, Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Five Divine Revelations, Alcohol and Cigarettes -- Ten Divine Revelations, Angelica Zambrano Hell and Heaven, and Godly Attire & Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations,  Spiritual Warfare, as well as the articles available through the Home page of this blog.  You may access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org

The Rise and Fall of Lucifer the Musician

1592 painting of Pied Piper

In my previous post, I explained the Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music. Today I would like to provide further proof of my point by doing a side-by-side comparison of two prophecies about the devil. These prophecies were originally given to earthly kings, but they have a double-reference to satan. It's obvious from these passages that they cannot apply solely to any earthly king.

In this study, I will show that satan was originally a holy angel, known in Latin and English as Lucifer ("Helel" in Hebrew), who fell into sin. There are Christians who actually deny that satan and Lucifer are one and the same being. These people do not believe that satan was originally an angel. So let's compare these two prophecies side-by-side, and we will see that they are both speaking about the same person.

Topic	Isaiah's Prophecy	Ezekiel's Prophecy
Original perfection, beauty, and wisdom as an angel in heaven		"You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  (Eze 28:12b) "You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, Was in you. On the day that you were created They were prepared.  (Eze 28:13) "You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire.  (Eze 28:14) "You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you.  (Eze 28:15)
Original sin		"By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire.  (Eze 28:16) "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, That they may see you.  (Eze 28:17) "By the multitude of your iniquities, In the unrighteousness of your trade You profaned your sanctuaries. Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you; It has consumed you, And I have turned you to ashes on the earth In the eyes of all who see you.  (Eze 28:18)
Welcome to hell	"Sheol from beneath is excited over you to meet you when you come; It arouses for you the spirits of the dead, all the leaders of the earth; It raises all the kings of the nations from their thrones.  (Isa 14:9)
Humiliation	"They will all respond and say to you, 'Even you have been made weak as we, You have become like us.  (Isa 14:10) "Those who see you will gaze at you, They will ponder over you, saying, 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms, Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities, Who did not allow his prisoners to go home?' "All the kings of the nations lie in glory, Each in his own tomb. "But you have been cast out of your tomb Like a rejected branch, Clothed with the slain who are pierced with a sword, Who go down to the stones of the pit Like a trampled corpse. (Isa 14:16-19)	'Will you still say, "I am a god," In the presence of your slayer, Though you are a man and not God, In the hands of those who wound you?  'You will die the death of the uncircumcised By the hand of strangers, For I have spoken!' declares the Lord GOD!"'"  (Eze 28:9-10) "All who know you among the peoples Are appalled at you; You have become terrified And you will cease to be forever."'"  (Eze 28:19)
Splendor and Music	'Your pomp and the music of your harps Have been brought down to Sheol; Maggots are spread out as your bed beneath you And worms are your covering.'  (Isa 14:11)	“…The workmanship of your tambourines and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created.”  (Eze 28:13b, MKJV)
Fallen from heaven to earth	How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (Isa 14:12. KJV)
Pride, blasphemy, claiming to be a god	"But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'  (Isa 14:13-14)	"Because your heart is lifted up And you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods In the heart of the seas'; Yet you are a man and not God, Although you make your heart like the heart of God--  (Eze 28:2b)
Avarice and pride		Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; There is no secret that is a match for you.  "By your wisdom and understanding You have acquired riches for yourself And have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great wisdom, by your trade You have increased your riches And your heart is lifted up because of your riches--  (Eze 28:3-5)
Thrust down to the pit of hell	"Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit."  (Isa 14:15)	Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, 'Because you have made your heart Like the heart of God, Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you, The most ruthless of the nations. And they will draw their swords Against the beauty of your wisdom And defile your splendor.  'They will bring you down to the pit, And you will die the death of those who are slain In the heart of the seas.  (Eze 28:6-8)
Peace for the righteous when he is removed	"When the LORD will have compassion on Jacob and again choose Israel...And it will be in the day when the LORD gives you rest from your pain and turmoil and harsh service in which you have been enslaved, that you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon, and say, "How the oppressor has ceased, And how fury has ceased!  (Isa 14:1a,3-4) "The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, The scepter of rulers  (Isa 14:5) Which used to strike the peoples in fury with unceasing strokes, Which subdued the nations in anger with unrestrained persecution.  (Isa 14:6) "The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; They break forth into shouts of joy.  (Isa 14:7) "Even the cypress trees rejoice over you, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, 'Since you were laid low, no tree cutter comes up against us.'  (Isa 14:8)	"And there will be no more for the house of Israel a prickling brier or a painful thorn from any round about them who scorned them; then they will know that I am the Lord GOD."  (Eze 28:24) 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and will manifest My holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their land which I gave to My servant Jacob.  (Eze 28:25) "They will live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgments upon all who scorn them round about them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God."'"  (Eze 28:26)

Harmony of Scripture
Isaiah's prophecy against the king of Babylon in chapter 14 is a single oracle (14:3-23). Ezekiel's prophecy against the king of Tyre in chapter 28 is given in two oracles (28:1-10 and 28:11-19). Both passages are obscure and ambiguous. Yet there is unity between Isaiah's and Ezekiel's prophecies that becomes clear when they are viewed and understood together. While they were intended for two different earthly kings, they have a double meaning, one of which is not about those kings. The one oracle in Isaiah 14 speaks of the same person as the two oracles in Ezekiel 28. To use an analogy, the harmony between the two passages is similar to that which we see in the mathematical equation 14 x 2 = 28, which happens to contain the actual chapter numbers connecting these two passages together.

Angels Referred to As Men
One of the reasons some people deny that these passages refer to an angel is their reference to a man. Indeed, the word "man" is used in both of these two passages in Is 14:16 and Eze. 28:2,9,12,21. However, the word "man" is used to refer to angels all throughout Scripture, and these passages are no exception to that pattern.

When the Lord appeared to Abraham with two angels, the text refers to them as three men (Gen 18:2). When two angels went to Sodom to rescue Lot, before they destroyed the city, they were referred to as men (Gen 19:1-12). When the angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah, he and his wife referred to the angel as a man (Jdg 13:6,8,10). When angels appeared to Daniel, he referred to them as men (Dan 8:15; 9:1; 10:5; 12:6-7). In fact, he even referred to one of them as having human appearance, resembling a human being (Dan 10:16,18), and he described the archangel Gabriel as one who looked like a man (Dan 8:15). When Ezekiel saw six angels with weapons of destruction in their hands and one with a writing kit at his loins, he referred to them as men (Ez 9:2,11; 10:2,6-7). When Zechariah saw angels, he referred to them as both men and angels (Zech 1:8-14; 2:1-3).

Immediately after the resurrection of Christ, the angel that appeared to the women at the empty tomb was described in Mark's gospel as a young man wearing a white robe (Mk 16:5), and in Luke's gospel as two men in dazzling clothing (Lk 24:4), while John's gospel described them as two angels in white (Joh 20:12). Immediately after the ascension of Christ, the angels that appeared and spoke to the disciples were referred to as two men in white clothing (Ac 1:10). Cornelius referred to the angel that appeared to him as a "man in shining clothes (Ac 10:3,7,22,30; 11:13).  Therefore, when Lucifer, the anointed cherub, now known as satan, is referred to as a man, it is consistent with the rest of the Scriptures.

Putting it All Together
It should be abundantly clear by comparing these two prophecies given by Isaiah and Ezekiel that they are both speaking about that same evil musician, who is the adversary of God and man. These Scriptures reveal to us his original perfection, beauty, and wisdom as an angel in heaven. He was an anointed cherub on the holy mountain of God. The Scriptures speak of the day he was created, so he was a created being. He was a musician with great splendor. In fact, some believe that he was in charge of music in heaven.

All of this magnificence continued until unrighteousness was found in him. His original sin is clearly explained to us. There was avarice, which is greed, and pride. With the great wisdom God had given him he acquired gold and silver and filled his treasuries with them. Then his heart was lifted up with pride because of his riches (1 Tim 3:6). This led to his sin of blasphemy, claiming to be a god. He exalted himself above all the other angels and wanted to be like God, enthroned on high.

Therefore, since he committed sin in the holy sanctuary, God cut him off from the midst of the fiery stones in His presence, and cast him down as profane from His holy mountain in heaven. He thrust him down to earth, even to the pit of hell, along with his music.

He has fallen from heaven to earth. And for the time being, he is allowed to be a ruler with a kingdom for himself in this world (2 Cor 4:4; Jn 12:31; Eph 2:2). He is allowed to oppress mankind, which is made in God's image, and is placed on this earth. He is able to weaken the nations and persecute people (also see Rev 12:7-12).

But there will come a day when it will all be over. His final end will come, when he will be removed and cast down forever to his place of eternal punishment (Rev 20:10). He will never again be allowed to harm the righteous. And then, when he is welcomed to hell by all the kings and people of the earth that were oppressed by him, and who ended up there, they will be appalled at him. Then he will suffer utter humiliation before all of them, when they see that he has been ruined. Then there will be peace for the righteous.

Don't be deceived into hell by satan. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy (Joh 10:10). And one of his tactics is to use music to steal worship from God. He has many different styles of music to suit everyone's taste. And all who listen to or sing to his secular music are following his tune. They are like the rats that followed the Pied Piper.

The Pied Piper leads the children out of Hamelin

There is an old legend from the Middle Ages about the Pied Piper of Hamelin. He is the rat-catcher, dressed in multi-colored ("pied") clothes, hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe (wind instrument). But when the town refuses to pay for his service, he uses his musical instrument to magically lure the children away from the town. Thus he led them away like he led the rats, becoming a child abductor, who stole their children.

Likewise, satan uses his secular music that he has produced in hell in order to lead people astray. And when they follow his tune, he is able to steal worship from God, since all music was originally meant for worship of the Most High. Those who listen to secular music may not realize they are following satan, because he is invisible, and he is a very crafty deceiver. But they are, nonetheless, still following him. He is leading them away from heaven, away from God, and down to hell to torment them, where they will ultimately be destroyed.

Jesus warned of the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, and said that all the wicked will go to that place as well (Mt 25:41). Turn back, people! Don't go to that place!

If you are listening to or singing secular music, then repent now before it's too late. The Lord Jesus is coming back right away, but He is only coming for the holy ones. He is not coming for those who are compromising with the world. Mercy is only available while you are on earth, so repent, for the kingdom of God is near.

Part I of this article is The Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, except where noted. 1592 painting of Pied Piper copied from the glass window of Marktkirche in Hameln. It is the oldest picture of the Pied Piper copied from the glass window of the Market Church in Hameln/Hamelin Germany (c.1300-1633). "The Pied Piper leads the children out of Hamelin," illustration by Kate Greenaway for Robert Browning's "The Pied Piper of Hamelin"

Author's note: I also recommend reading my articles, The Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music, Sin, Satan, and the Submerged Sphere, Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Five Divine Revelations, Avoiding Worldly Worship, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, For the Glory of God Alone, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, Alcohol and Cigarettes -- Ten Divine Revelations, Angelica Zambrano Hell and Heaven, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Godly Attire & Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, The Kingdom of Darkness, Australian Pastor Raised from the Dead, and The Marine Kingdom and Queen of the Coast, as well as the articles available through the Home page of this blog.  I recommend viewing a video called Hell’s Bells: The Dangers of Rock ‘N’ Roll (parental guidance is suggested for young people). You may access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org