“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

The only fight the Believer is called to fight is the fight of faith.  That fight of faith is faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.  On the Cross, Jesus paid the penalty of sin for whosoever will believe.  Once the sinner willingly chooses Jesus Christ as their Lord and His atoning work on Calvary’s Cross as that which saves them from an eternal hell, the sinner is born again…they are saved to the uttermost.  In short, Jesus Christ is their Lord and Saviour.  This is not a mere acquiesce, a “mental nod” if you will, of Jesus Christ but an understanding of our condition as a sinner in need of a Saviour.  This understanding comes only through the conviction of the Holy Spirit under the anointing of the Word of God being preached and Jesus Christ being lifted up among the people (John 6:44, John 12:32).

So why is this fight of faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ for the BELIEVER also? After all, the Believer is already Saved, right?  Absolutely!  In the eyes of God, we are justified through the Blood of Jesus when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.  However, what so many don’t understand is the Atonement, the finished work of Jesus, is a double cure.  It is there, on the Cross that Jesus broke the power of sin for the Believer.  Jesus is the Source and His cross the means by which the power of sin is broken in the Believer’s life.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the Law, but under Grace.”  Romans 6:14

Under Grace sin does not have dominion over us. Amen?  Amen!

“¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:18-19

However, sometimes we want to do good but the good that we would do, we do not.  We know WHAT we are supposed to do but we do not have the power NOT to do.  So many have walked away from their faith because they could not live up to the “Christian standards”.  Just like so many of us, they were told what NOT to do but not how to do the NOT to do’s.  They were given philosophies and methods of man “to do” but those methods could never give them dominion over the “not to do’s”, namely sin.  Even the most Scriptural doctrines, when they are given to overcome sin will fail and fail they must. Only by faith through Grace, Jesus Christ and what He did on Calvary’s Cross, are we given dominion over sin.  There is simply no other way.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

The Holy Spirit is not commissioned to free us from the law of sin and death; to give us dominion over our sin nature when our faith is placed in philosophies, methods of man or our own self efforts.  However, He is fully and wholly capable of performing that which God the Father has sent Him to do when we, the Believer, look unto Jesus Christ…the Author and the Finisher of our faith.

Precept upon precept, line upon line old things pass away and all things become new.  We are a NEW creature in Christ Jesus, not a refurbished image of worldy statutes under the banner of Christ. God forbid no!  The world will look to us and wonder…wonder how, wonder why there is a joy unspeakable deep down in our soul.  We are indeed a peculiar people and often times will in fact be hated as the storms begin to rumble, yet we stand still in the blessed assurance of our Father in Whom we have believed.

Look…look unto HIM, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Fight the good fight of faith in Jesus and His atoning work.  We don’t have to fight this fight daily for our Salvation but for our Sanctification.  We are called to be a holy people yet we cannot until we deny ourselves and look unto Him – Jesus Christ.  HE is the answer for dominion over sin…and make no mistake, sin is the problem in the world today.

” ⁶ Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief Corner Stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded.

⁷ Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner,

⁸ And a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, an Holy Nation, a Peculiar People; that you should show forth the praises of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:6-9

-Donna Clark Warren

“²⁴ He that says unto the wicked, you are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: ²⁵ But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. ²⁶ Every man shall kiss his lips that gives a right answer.” Proverbs 24:24-26

The respecter of persons will tell the wicked they are righteous in order not to offend.  The world calls this “political correctness” built upon feelings to determine right and wrong…it is the religion of the world.

Spiritually speaking, in the church it is referred to as “seeker sensitive” as they too condone wickedness in order not to offend.  Frankly, one who has respect of persons is for sale themselves.  Those who call wicked righteous are in fact sold out to the wicked.

Calling the wicked righteous, whether in the world (political correctness) or spiritually speaking (seeker sensitive), will bring destruction to a nation, as well as Christianity. However, for those who rebuke the wicked for their wickedness and follow the statutes of the Lord, they will be blessed.  I remind you of King Cyrus, the heathen king who was charged with the rebuilding of the Temple (2 Chronicles 36:21-23).

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common Salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints.” Jude 1:3

As a Believer, we should always contend for the faith and defend our Christian doctrines.  Be careful of calling the wicked righteous in order not to offend the wicked.  By doing so, we are aligning ourselves with their wickedness and offending righteousness.  In reality, we are believing the wicked to have more power than righteous.  Compromising with wickedness, the Lord cannot bless.

“For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Psalms 1:6

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁴³ Why do you (Jews) not understand My (Jesus) speech? even because you cannot hear My Word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. ⁴⁵ And because I tell you the truth, you believe Me not.” John 8:43-45

The religious yet unconverted Jews could not understand the Word of God and neither can the religious but unconverted today comprehend the Word of God. Such is why it is a fruitless task to debate Scripture with an unbeliever, the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God (2 Cor. 2:14).

As a Believer, we know the devil is a lie.  We know that he comes to kill, steal and destroy.  He is the devil and that is what he does.  However, do we understand that satan himself is grossly deceived?  Yes, he has read the back of the Book but he doesn’t believe what it says.  Deception is powerful and it’s very premise is to cause one to believe a lie.  The devil is the father of lies because he is so deceived himself.

“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the Salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.”  2 Chronicles 20:17

Many give the devil more credit than he is due.  Please don’t misunderstand, satan is a powerful adversary who in fact has dominion over the unconverted man…just watch the news to see.  The Believer’s weapons are not carnal but mighty through God.  Our armor is God’s Armor and STAND in His Armor.  The only fight the Believer is called to fight is the fight of faith…faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 6:12).

“¹¹ Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

What we, the “converted”, must also understand is that not only is it not our fight to fight…it’s not the devil’s either.  He is a defeated foe.  As a Child of God, we have been redeemed and our Redeemer has the power to possess that which belongs to Him, namely you and me…whosoever will believe.  Our Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ, not only paid the price for our redemption, He also has the power to possess that which He has redeemed.

I want to say it again, the devil is indeed the father of all lies because he himself is in fact deceived.  The very purpose of deceit is to get one to believe a lie.  The fight satan is calling you to fight is not yours, but understand this…it is not his either.  The fight belongs to God, submit to HIM.  Fight the good fight of faith…faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and the power He has through His finished work on Calvary’s Cross to possess that which He has redeemed. Be determined to know nothing else.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

The devil won’t flee unless we are submitted to God.  The fight is not ours, it belongs to God.

-Donna Clark Warren

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Shortly after I was saved, in my zealous sincerity, I attended a discipleship class.  It was an hour away and the required books was expensive, so I did not attend long.  It was during that time, while also attending a word of faith church, that I had a dream and all I could remember was the phrase “paradigm shift”.  A paradigm is simply an example for a change process.  At the time I had no idea what that dream or term meant but now I see with my eyes wide open.  Seeing this brings this humble servant of God to her knees in gratitude…not pride.

As I stated earlier a “paradigm shift” is associated in a change process; a change in the way of thinking.  As a born again Believer, our thinking process should be a didactic paradigm which is built on the view that states the Word of God is true with moral absolutes.  Amen!

However, here is the danger that the seeker sensitive, purpose driven and many other modern churches are bringing to the Body of Christ; they are bringing in a new paradigm.  This new paradigm is also known as dialectic and is built upon the view that feelings determine what is right and wrong and compromise is for the perceived common good of everyone. Political correctness is the religion of unbelievers and is being brought into the church through this “paradigm shift”.

So how is this “dialectic paradigm” presented to the church?  Well, communist China’s success was manifested in the cell group.  A cell group is exactly what I was in while attending these “discipleship classes”.  The cell groups serve as the change agent.  These cell groups are presented to unsuspecting members as Bible studies, ministry groups, ladies groups, etc., etc..  In these cell groups the leader is the facilitator.  Silly games are played to help break down proper inhibitions, which is followed by the loss of common sense as we are persuaded that reform is needed in our church.

As the group meets weekly, ego and self esteem are built.  One’s importance and ministry is determined by various questionnaires given by the facilitator.  As we become more and more accountable to the group and not God and family; peer pressure keeps us in the flock.  Everyone is asked to share something about themselves.  Friends tell more than you ever thought they would say which results in the next person spilling their personal thougts and experiences and finally your up and you too talk and tell entirely too much of your own personal business.  Conversations that should be held between you and God or you and family are now opened up to the cell group; THEY are your confidant and you are now accountable to them.

During my short stint in a cell group, I was being transformed from a didactic paradigm (Biblical truth) to a dialectic paradigm (humanistic truths according to feelings).  I had no idea what was happening.  It all sounded good and certainly not sinful.  However, it was justifying compromise of Biblical truths…just as satan did to Eve.  Satan himself was the first facilitator when he told Eve “you shall not surely die…”.

“⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Prayerfully consider the various discipleship classes and cell groups offered in the modern church.  They are nothing more than a new model to facilitate humanistic psychology into the church and many are being led astray.  If you believe the Word of God to be true, contend for the faith and the doctrines of Christianity.   If the Child of God will not contend for the Biblical Christianity according to the Word of God, who will?

“Also I heard the Voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8

From Genesis to Revelations, the Word of God points to Jesus Christ, Who He is and what HE did for whosoever will believe.  We are not here to replace Jesus Christ. The Lord sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us into all Truths according to the Word of God.  God has given us Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Preachers and Teachers to lift up the Word of God to the congregation and the Holy Spirit will witness to our spirit when God’s Truth is given.  The witness of the Holy Spirit is not a goose bump, it is a knowing in your spirit that what has been said is true…true according to the Word of God; not feelings.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁸ Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

⁹ Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as you shall find, bid to the marriage.

¹⁰ So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

¹¹ And when the king (God the Father) came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment (the wedding garment was supplied by the king):

¹² And he said unto him, Friend, how did you think you could come in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

¹³ Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

¹⁴ For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:8-14.

In the Parable of the Marriage Feast, God the Father is represented by the king.  Israel rejected the wedding invitation of His Son, Jesus Christ.  They did not have time nor were they interested in attending this wedding. The Israelites in fact treated God’s servants spitefully, therefore He had the city destroyed in 70 AD by Titus.

Because those who were “bidden” (invited) were not worthy, the king sent his servants into the highways to gather as many as they found, both bad and good, and the wedding was indeed furnished with guests.  Let me tell you something today my friends, the wedding is indeed furnished.

And when the king, symbolic of God the Father, came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had rejected the wedding garment which was freely supplied by the king.   This guest had deemed his own garment as sufficient, much as Cain had deemed his own sacrifice as sufficient. The cloak of self righteousness had suited the guest very well until the king arrived and it was exposed.

“Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the Will of My Father which is in Heaven.

²² Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name? and in Your Name have cast out devils? and in Your Name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23

Sadly, there are many today among the wedding party who do not walk in the Will of God.  They have deemed their garment as sufficient and know not of their own filthy rags.  Wandering around in self will, they have been tossed to and fro and have exposed themselves to great danger.  Those who have been called of God, the “whosoevers”,  have had their ears tickled by the workers of iniquity as they prophesied, cast out devils and done many wonderful works all in the Name of Jesus…yet the Lord does not know these workers of iniquity.  The Name of Jesus is used as a “magic charm” for the workers of iniquity in an attempt to manipulate the spirit world.  As a result, that which they refer to as “faith” is not faith at all, but witchcraft with religious overtones.

Prophesying, casting out devils and doing many wonderful works are not the requirements for entering into the Kingdom of Heaven…into the marriage feast of God.  Faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross for whosoever will believe, is the only requirement for entering into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Believing that Jesus Christ paid the penalty of sin for the sinner and broke the power of sin for the Child of God gives the Holy Spirit latitude to do that which He is commissioned to do…free us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).  Being free from the law of sin and death allows the Believer to willingly submit to God (Romans 6:11) and to partake in His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4).  The promises of God are yes and amen to those who walk in His Will.

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.

Many are called…but few are chosen.  Many will hear but few are obedient to the Word of God.

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14

Perhaps you have been called.  Perhaps you have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  But have you obeyed?  Are you chosen?

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8

When the Believer looks back to their “good” works they performed before Salvation and compares them to another’s actions, whether they be good or bad, the Believer fails to understand that even an unbeliever’s “good works” are sinful in the sight of God because they come from a place of pride and/or self righteousness.

They that are in the flesh cannot please God.  This applies to carnal Christians as well my friends.  God cannot use anything that He has not ordained.  The Lord does not have a permissive Will.  Just because it’s right, doesn’t mean it is good.  However, just because it is good doesn’t necessarily mean it is right for the particular Believer according to the Will of God.

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:33

-Donna Clark Warren