Between Hevan and Hell. pt 2. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Act 5:38-39 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. [Act_7:51, Act_9:5, Act_23:9; Exo_10:3-7; 2Ki_19:22; Job_15:25-27, Job_40:9-14; Isa_45:9; 1Co_10:22] (Barnes) Ye cannot overthrow it - Because:
(1) God has almighty power, and can execute his purposes;
(2) Because he is unchanging, and will not be diverted from his plans, Job_23:13-14.
The plan which God forms “must” be accomplished. All the devices of man are feebleness when opposed to him, and he can dash them in pieces in an instant. The prediction of Gamaliel has been fulfilled. People have opposed Christianity in every way, but in vain. They have reviled it; have persecuted it; have resorted to argument and to ridicule; to fire, and faggot, and sword; they have called in the aid of science; but all has been in vain. The more it has been crushed, the more it has risen, and it still exists with as much life and power as ever. The “preservation” of this religion amidst so much and so varied opposition proves that it is of God. Job 23:13-15 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. Many are offended by my use of the word of God to discuss all things pertaining to this life, they say, “Why cant you speak for yourself?” But when I speak of Gods word I am speaking for myself, for the word of God is my life, my substance, my very being, without God I am nothing. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: He is the one that speaks for me when I am unstable in my voice, as was Aaron with Moses. Exo 4:10-12. And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
They are not fighting against Gods Ministers, they are fighting against God. Hung between Heaven and Hell. Act 23:9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, “We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” Psa 37:12-15. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. More and more man has gone in the way of their own lust, fighting without gain, worshiping without a God, Lusting without reward. Flesh is Flesh and Spirit is Spirit. Changing the church into a den of thieves and liars, non righteousness and filth have taken over the lives of many because they seem to fight against all truth. When something is killing you wouldn’t it be wise to remove yourself from it? The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The New Church, The Upgraded Church, Spiritual Activism, Liberated Christians, The Church of Tomorrow, who gave them the authority to Change the living word? Who gave them the authority to Change the Foundation by which Jesus established His Church. When did God relinquish His authority over the Church or over to man? Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Who among all that declair that Gods word is wrong, that it is flawed, that it needs to be changed, let Him contend with God alone and let He who wins declair all to the world. Let those of the synagogue of Satan stand alone against the Almighty and fight as he would the Great Lion with bare hands and his mind shall the unrightious drag down their children as well, shall they put a curse upon their unborn as with the Pharesses.[Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.] Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. When you denigh one part of the Bible you have denighed all, for one cannot take away nor add to the word of God. Rom 1:24-32. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Barnes)Haters of God - There is no charge which can be brought against people more severe than this. It is the highest possible crime; yet it is a charge which the conduct of people will abundantly justify, and the truth of which all those experience who are brought to see their true character. To an awakened sinner there is often nothing more plain and painful than that he is a hater of God. His heart rises up against Him, and his Law, and his plan of saving people; and he deeply feels that nothing can subdue this but the mighty power of the Holy One. This is a charge which is not unfrequently brought against people in the Bible; [Joh_7:7; Joh_15:18, Joh_15:24-25; Joh_3:19-20.] (Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Surely, if this be the native character of man, then it is “far gone from original righteousness.”) No more striking proof of depravity could be given; and in no creed or confession of faith is there a more painful and humiliating representation given of human wickedness, than in this declaration of an inspired apostle, that people are by nature haters of God.
Can you say to others,”I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” or do you say ,”I am still between Hevan and Hell.”
