“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

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

Jesus did not train men to take His place on earth…He sent the Holy Spirit. Government of 12, 7 Mountains and NAR are nothing more than a pyramid scheme to “train” disciples with the “Apostles” taking the place of Jesus as the Head of the Church. The apostles and disciples have complete control of those under them in the pyramid and free labor comes under the title of “volunteer”.

“In HIM (Jesus) was Life; and the Life was the Light of men” John 1:4

As disciples of Jesus Christ we lead the people to the Source of Life…Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Looking unto Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we give 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) and teach us all things according to the Word of God. This is the difference in intellectual knowledge and revelation.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, that we are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) and able to willingly submit unto God. Intellectual knowledge accompanied by various laws of a hierarchical religious doctrine leads to death because it lacks the power of the Holy Spirit. Sin revives under law. Any law, method or philosophy revives the sin nature.

“And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” Romans 7:10-11.

Don’t attempt to replace Jesus nor usurp the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Believer’s life. Lead them to the Source of life and life more abundantly, Jesus Christ. Be determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2).

-Donna Clark Warren

“²⁰ Again, When a righteous man does turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because you have not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at your hand.

²¹ Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also you have delivered your soul.” Ezekial 3:20-21

When a Believer goes into sin and refuses to repent, the Lord will lay a stumbling block before him and they will spiritually die.  This is the danger of the leaven which leavens the whole lump…that leaven is not stagnant.  The devil’s target is our faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life.  If he can get our faith placed on a vain philosophy of man, no matter how much sense it makes to our intellect, satan knows we will lead a defeated Christian life.  We will not grow in grace but will in fact perish in our dead works.  Our faith is in danger of destruction.  The fact of the matter is if a Brother or Sister in Christ does not want the Truth, God will see to it they are sent a strong delusion.

“¹⁰ And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ¹² That they all might be damned who believed not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Many who declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified to the lost at the same time refuse to warn the righteous who turn away from their righteousness in Jesus Christ. Warning the Brethren of error is a huge responsibility for any born again Believer.  The blood of the one who turned from their righteousness and died eternally lost in their sin will be required at the hand of the one who failed warn them.

Many today would rather have blood on their hands instead of offending a Brother or Sister because the professing Believer in fact does not truly believe.  There is no fear of God because their god is not the God of the Bible but a god who would never send anyone to hell.  Let me be clear…God does not send anyone to hell; they choose hell.  Jesus Christ came to die on Calvary’s Cross to pay the penalty of sin for whosoever will believe and break the power of sin in the life of the Believer.  Knowing Who He is and what He has done, there is no question of His Resurrection.  Jesus now sits at the Right Hand of God and in HIM, in Jesus Christ, the Believer has been freely given the Source of life.  Jesus is the Source and the Cross His means by which life flows abundantly.  IN Jesus is Life and this life is the Light of men (John 1:4)…there is no other way,

“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 vs. 3

We are not responsible for their response; we’re responsible for the message.  Warn them…earnestly contend for the faith.

-Donna Clark Warren

^“11 But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

¹² Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own Blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained Eternal Redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:11-12

If our worship is not based on Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on Calvary’s Cross, it is strange fire.  Sadly, many believe that any fire will do.  All true worship is praise but not all praise is worship.

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not.

² And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” Leviticus 10:1-2

Nadab and Abihu did not understand the importance of offering fire only from the Brazen Altar, the Altar of Sacrifice which typified what Jesus would do on the Cross, and poured coals of fire from another place on the Altar of Incense.  They were in effect saying there was no sacrifice needed to offer up praise and that any fire would do.

The only way to God is through the Blood of Jesus Christ.  Jesus without the Cross is another Jesus.  It is Who Jesus is and what He did on Calvary’s Cross that affords the Child of God access to the Holy of Holies…not just any fire will do.

“And, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in Heaven.” Colossians 1:20

Not just any fire will do.  Recognize strange fire and turn away.

-Donna Clark Warren

“Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Belief, which is a verb, is the action part of faith, which is a noun.  Faith not put into action will bless no one.  I will probably get a hardy “amen” from many in the works based religions.  However, please understand the action I speak of is belief.

“And the Scripture was fulfilled which said, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” James 2:23-24

Faith when proclaimed merely as a dogma or creed without belief is dead.  Now I’m speaking to you, my “Message of the Cross” friends.  Many of us have come to the knowledge of Grace through faith for dominion over sin but haven’t yet believed.  We have the faith but have not put it into action through belief.  We know that Righteousness is not an activity but a Man…THE Man Christ Jesus and it is HIS Righteousness imputed to us through our belief in Him as our Lord and Saviour.  We now understand the difference in our works based religion and grace through faith but have yet to understand the difference between faith and belief.  I include myself in this group…there is no graduating class this side of glory.  We are all learning precept upon precept, line upon line.

Many have made the preaching of the Cross of Christ a creed and no longer a belief and their fruit is beginning to wither away.  Faith without active belief cannot produce Salvation (John 3:16), nor can it produce the Victory of which we so often proclaim.  Sadly, some are no longer growing in Grace and knowledge because their faith is not active…they do not believe.  They will strongly deny this fact because they do have faith…but faith in what?  Where their faith is “active” is what they believe. God only recognizes faith in Jesus Christ and His redeeming work.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

I want you to notice something in this Scripture, we “…live by THE faith OF the Son of God…”.  You see, faith is a noun and belief is an action.  I’m not speaking of Salvation here but of the Child of God’s victory in day to day living.  The faith placed in philosophies, which could also be stated as ‘the faith of philosophies’, our flesh will easily believe but this faith will not produce life…it may produce “works” but they are dead works birthed from dead faith.  Faith without works is dead…dead faith.

I hope at least some of you understand what I have clumsily tried to say today.  Don’t make the preaching of the Cross of Christ a dogma.  BELIEVE in the Cross of Christ and allow THE faith OF the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to produce in you life and labor according to God’s Word and His work…we are HIS workmanship.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  Have you believed?

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁸ And the Lord said unto satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil?

⁹ Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Does Job fear God for nought?

¹⁰ Have not You made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.“ Job 1:8-10

According to satan, mankind doesn’t care anything about the Lord. The devil accuses the Brethren of pretending to love God only because of the blessings He bestows upon us.  To accuse God’s highest creation, the one who was made in His image, of having no regard for Him is the highest insult satan could level against God.

Sadly, this argument is well founded.  I’m speaking directly to you prosperity preachers, who have led many into a ditch and made a mockery of God.  God is a blessing God.  He blesses His Children.  In Him we find rest, peace and joy unspeakable.  We know His keeping power even as we walk with fear and trembling in a world that we are merely passing through.  As a Child of God, we SEE the Salvation of the Lord daily in our walk with Him and THAT is prosperity.  Material blessings are certainly not sinful but that is not a measure of one’s prosperity.  That is indeed exactly how Job’s friends and the Pharisees measured prosperity; by their material blessings.

We should all consider our spiritual testimony in spite of our circumstances.  If the devil leveled the same accusation against you, have you feared God for nothing?  If the Lord lowered His hedge round about you and allowed satan access to kill, steal and destroy, what would your spiritual testimony be to satan and the entirety of the spirit world?

Would you still fear God and hate evil?

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9

I have news for the devil today.  There remains a great company of people who love the Lord and gladly serve Him.  God will always have a remnant who praise Him…in spite of present circumstances.  Silver and gold, they (we) may have none but such as they have, they will give unto whosoever will hear…Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, the power of God for whosoever will believe.

“For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knows whether you are come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Let the worshippers arise today.  Praise His Holy Name!

-Donna Clark Warren

“A scorner seeks wisdom, and finds it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understands.” Proverbs 14:6

Until we understand, we know not what we don’t know.  We seek wisdom but it continues to elude us.  The Pharisees sought wisdom but they did not understand, therefore they stumbled.

“²³ But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; ²⁴ But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-24.

Many scorners do not understand the preaching of Christ crucified to the Believer.  The Atonement has become a stumbling block or foolishness as they seek wisdom to overcome daily life and living.  They are saved by the atoning work of Jesus Christ and Him crucified but they do not live, the Atonement is not the source, of their daily living.  Simply stated, they do not understand.  Seeing they see not, hearing, they hear not and neither do they understand (Matthew 13:13).

Many have knowledge of a glass ball and knowledge of a diamond but not all understand the difference in the glass and the diamond.  Without understanding it is impossible to discriminate/discern between the two.  Our understanding will recognize the diamond and dismiss the glass.

“⁷ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge. ⁸ The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:7-8

Our understanding will discern between wisdom and foolishness.  The Word of God says that the preaching of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.  Yet many Believers have indeed declared the Atonement foolishness for the answer to their problem…whatever their problem may be and they are perishing.  As they seek worldly wisdom to overcome, the seeds of death begin to sprout.  They know the Atonement for Salvation but they know vain philosophies for Sanctification and sadly they do not understand the difference.

Be careful of scorning those who are determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified…they (we) are Saved by the power of God and Sanctified by the power of God.  Precept upon precept, line upon line we are being made into the image of God by the power of God through faith, not of works lest any man should boast.  None of us are perfect, no not a one, but we know in Whom we have believed and are persuaded that our Lord is able to keep that in which we have committed unto Him (1 Tim. 1:12).

“For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

Let us each prayerfully consider our own understanding.

-Donna Clark Warren