I had once been an atheist actor in the entertainment industry and my purpose in life had been defined by my resume. In 2004, Christ Jesus saved me from myself. I now preach GOD's Word and my purpose is found in dying to myself daily while living for others.
If you’ve heard my testimony and have ever sent me a similar message, thank you for your kind words. However, I want to use this opportunity to build you up, and anyone else who is watching this. A lot of Christians struggle with the thought that because they don’t have an extreme testimony that they don’t have an awesome testimony. But that’s not true. Listen, comparison is of the devil. Everyone’s testimony is different, but everyone’s testimony is awesome if it leads you to the Lord and your name is written in the Book of Life. You don’t have to have an extreme testimony to have an awesome testimony.
Noah got drunk one time when he shouldn’t have gotten drunk (Genesis 9:20–23) — How many people in the world were drunks before they encountered Christ and the Lord changed their lives and they became sober-minded servants of the Kingdom? That transformation is awesome!
Hagar felt unloved and as if she had nowhere to go yet GOD loved her, saw her affliction, pursued her, and then blessed her (Genesis 16:7-13) — How many people in the world never experienced true love until the Lord pursued them and loved them? That testimony is awesome!
Abraham and Sarah considered themselves to be too old to experience GOD’s miracles (Genesis 17:17; 18:11–12) — My grandpa didn’t give his life to the Lord until he was on his death bed at an old age. Whatever happened in that room with my grandpa and my uncle is a testimony just as awesome as mine.
Jacob was a liar and wrestled against GOD (Genesis 27:19–24; 32:24–32) — How many people lived their lives deceiving others until they discovered the Truth of Jesus? That transformation is awesome!
Leah was considered to be ugly and felt unloved (Genesis 29:17,30). Dinah was raped (Genesis 34:2). But GOD loved them both enough to include them in the Bible, which is the Word of Life and salvation to all human kind — How many people believe they are invisible and live a loveless existence only to discover later on that they are written in the Book of Life and GOD gives them rewards according to their faithful deeds (Matthew 19:27-30; Luke 6:23,35; John 14:2-3; Colossians 3:24; Hebrews 10:35; 11:6; Revelation 22:12)? What a heavenly surprise!
Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and ended up in prison after a false accusation of being a rapist, but GOD had his hedge of protection around Joseph the entire time and positioned him so that he could help save the lives of many (Genesis 37:18–36; 39:7-23; 50:20) — How many people sentenced to prison ended up finding the Lord in their jail cell? How many prisoners have helped to lead other prisoners to the Lord? How many of those awesome testimonies have we never even heard? Some of the most awesome testimonies often go unheard. And that’s sad.
Moses murdered someone and also had some sort of a speech impediment (Exodus 2:11–12; 4:10). David was an adulterer and murderer (2Samuel 11) — How many people in this world were murderers before the Lord redeemed them and worked through them in order to bring others to eternal life? That’s an awesome testimony! But I wouldn’t want that testimony.
Rahab was a prostitute yet she ended up being written in the Hall of Fame for her faith (Joshua 2:1; Hebrews 11:31) — How many women were prostitutes on the streets before they became evangelists for the Lord? That’s awesome! But I wouldn’t wish that testimony on anyone. I don’t want girls to have to learn the hard way that their bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit. I would rather a little girl have a simple testimony than one of abuse.
The prophet Elijah was suicidal at one point (1Kings 19:4) — How many people, like myself, wanted to end their lives only for the Lord to call them to live for Him so that others might not perish? Yeah it’s an awesome testimony, but I wouldn’t wish those suicidal thoughts even on my enemies.
Job lost everything – his possessions and family. Even his friends turned on him and accused him of being a sinner who deserved his afflictions (Job 1:13–19; 16:1-4). Yet GOD deemed Job to be highly favored and blessed because Job suffered innocently and kept his faith and then GOD restored him (Job 42:7-17) — How many people don’t believe they have an awesome testimony because they believe all they have is a life that fell apart? But haven’t you kept your faith? If you keep your faith after your life falls apart, that’s an awesome testimony! But again, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. And that’s not a testimony you need to seek out. You don’t have to crash and burn and lose everything and everyone in order to have an awesome testimony.
Mary Magdalene had been possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2) — How many people in this world were possessed and lived for the devil before proclaiming Christ as Lord and Savior? My brother in Christ, Ray, was possessed prior to Jesus saving him. That’s an awesome testimony, but I know he wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Saul (who became Paul) was too religious and persecuted Christians (who are GOD’s adopted children), yet he ended up becoming blind, only to see again, and then planted churches in multiple areas (Acts 7:54–58; 9:1–2; 23:6). Paul was imprisoned, scourged, beaten with rods, almost stoned to death, three times he was shipwrecked, a night and a day he spent in the ocean. He was in danger from robbers, from the wilderness, and from harm of false brethren; he had many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And to top it all off, he had daily pressure of concern for all the churches he helped start (2Corinthians 11:23-28) — Did you know that you enduring persecution and hardships while remaining steadfast in faith is an awesome testimony? But you don’t have to be beaten with rods and almost stoned to death to have an awesome testimony.
Listen, my testimony might fall into the extreme category — and that might make it seem incredible to some people — but I wouldn’t wish my testimony even on my enemy. In Matthew 18:1-4, it is written: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ ”
Understand this: I’d rather you possess that childlike faith and your testimony be that you never needed to reach rock bottom because your faith and hope in the Lord caused you to rise to the top and never sink down. I was like Thomas who needed to see to believe. But do you remember what Jesus said to Thomas? “Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’ ” (John 20:29). In my personal opinion, the most awesome testimony a person could ever have is that he/she possessed childlike faith from youth and never departed from that faith because they were trained up in the way to go (Proverbs 22:6). I don’t have that testimony. But that’s okay. I have mine and you have yours. I was rebellious and had to crash and burn before being rescued. I was blessed that a Father in Heaven loved me enough to adopt me as a His child even though I never deserved it. So, please, do not discredit or discount your testimony. Don’t ever compare your testimony to others’ testimonies as if yours is less-than. Even if you think you have the most boring and uneventful testimony, I promise you it’s awesome in the sight of the Lord.
In Matthew 10:32, Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.” — When all is said and done, all children of GOD are going to have the same testimony in that they confessed Christ before men. Therefore, everyone’s testimony is awesome.
Satan is our accuser who tries to belittle us and fills our minds with doubts and comparisons: “Are you truly saved? You don’t have that person’s testimony. Are you truly loved and one of GOD’s chosen? We both know your history. You’re not that special.”
Those are lies! It is written that we overcome Satan. How? It is written in Revelation 12:11: “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
Listen, you know why you proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. That’s your testimony. Stand on that and you’re an overcomer with an awesome testimony. Don’t let the enemy deceive you — your testimony is awesome even if it isn’t extreme in the sight of other humans. It is written in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
We don’t need to impress people with our testimonies; rather, we need only to share our testimonies. They are what they are. Be obedient by sharing your testimony. Because I promise you that your testimony is awesome. And so I challenge you today, record your testimony and then share it with the world. Who cares what others say about it? You know why you proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. Share your testimony and point people to the One who set you free. And may GOD open the ears of those who listen and soften hardened hearts so that your testimony may be seed planted in good soil. May those who hear your testimony decide to seek Christ Jesus with all their hearts, minds, and soul and receive a testimony of their own. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray, amen.
I recently received an email from a girl. After responding to her, I realized that this subject matter needs to be addressed and this response might help others. And so I’m posting it here on my site.
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Hey there Pastor Trent, your email was shared with me from a friend. We both recently became Christians. Aside from that I wanted to ask you for advice on how to deal with self harm. I have been dealing with this for such a long time and I don’t know what to do. Sometimes I lack self esteem and confidence in God and I hurt myself. Do you have any advice on how I can go on about this? Please and thank you from *********. God bless you
Thank you for the email!
First and foremost, because you have confessed that you are follower of Christ, if this is a serious problem for you, then I recommend you talk to a Christian counselor. (Not a secular counselor. They will only try to fill you with drugs.) However, studying GOD’s Word for depth beyond the surface and remaining in constant communication with the Holy Spirit should be enough to help you.
Next, you must immediately recognize that self harm is demonic. Consider the following examples.
(Mark 9:21-23)
“21And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.22It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”23And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.”
(Mark 5:1-5)
“1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes.2When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him,3and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain;4because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.5Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones.”
Therefore, if you are partaking in self harm,you are listening to the wrong voice. As a follower of Christ, it is of the utmost importance that you know GOD’s Word so that you will recognize the Lord’s voice.
(John 10:3-5,14,27)
“3To him the doorkeeper opens, andthe sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, andthe sheep follow him because they know his voice.5A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” …. “14I am the good shepherd, and I know My own andMy own know Me. …. “27My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”
Next, you must recognize that you are essentially cutting Jesus every time you partake in self harm. Why? Because you were created in the image of GOD!
(Genesis 1:26-27)
“26Then God said, “Let Us make manin Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
It is for this reason Jesus says that whatever is done to humans is done to Him.
(Matthew 25:40,45)
“40The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” ….”45Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’”
And your body is the temple because the Holy Spirit dwells in you!
(John 2:18-22)
“18The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?”19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”20The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”21But He was speaking of the temple of His body.22So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.”
(1Corinthians 6:19-20)
“19Or do you not know thatyour body is a temple of the Holy Spiritwho is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?20For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
(Ephesians 1:13-14)
“13In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed,you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spiritof promise,14who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”
(Ephesians 4:30)
“30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealedfor the day of redemption. ”
Therefore, if you are to honor GOD and glorify GOD in your body, you need to bless and honor your body. Once you truly know and believe that your body is the temple of GOD, you will naturally treat it with reverence and take care of it. Your body is the instrument that you use to accomplish the good work of the Kingdom.
Next, we need to discuss your struggle with self-esteem. GOD does not look at the physical appearance like humans do. No! Rather, GOD judges the heart!
(1Samuel 16:6-7)
“6When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.”7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearanceor at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; forGod sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””
And finally, to help you with your self-esteem and also realize your GOD-given potential, I highly recommend you watch the following video:https://youtu.be/e0oRBKbRYnY
If you would rather read this message, I have provided the words below:
INTRODUCTION:
What do you do when you first meet someone? Let’s examine some examples from both teenage and adult perspectives:
(1)Teen Friendship only:
Get his/her name?
Ask what he/she likes to do?
Find out where he/she typically hangs out?
Do you know any of the same people?
Find out what you have in common.
Discern who the person is and if you want that person to be in your life.
(2)Teen Romantic interest:
Robot mode: Judge by appearance. Scan the subject.
Facial recognition: Approved. Does not need a bag over the head.
Body: mid-section: Approved.
Body: lower-section: there’s some junk in the trunk but that’s okay because I like big butts and I cannot lie—
We don’t even think about who they are! They could be the most attractive serial killer you’ve ever met.
(3)Adult friendship only:(we are worse than teens)
What’s your name? (I don’t really care and I probably won’t remember it)
What do you do for a living? (Do I have a better career than you? Do I make more money than you? Am I better than you?)
(4)Adult romantic interest:
Adults basically do the same thing as teens.
(5)Is it any wonder why so many friendships last a long time — even a lifetime? Is it any wonder why so many romantic relationships end in heartache, pain, and divorce?
When seeking friendships, we typically seek to find who the person is – we seek to discover that person’s identity.
When seeking romantic relationships, we typically seek to find what is physically attractive to look at and then try to force that person to become the best friend we’re hoping to find.
SCRIPTURE READING:
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ ‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.’ Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.’ ”
(Matthew 16:13-17) -NLT
GAMESHOW:GUESS WHO
How To Play:
Get out a piece of paper and a writing utensil. Write numbers 1-7, going down. I am going to describe to you seven different people, one at a time. As I am describing each person to you, I want you to try to imagine what each person looks like. First, imagine whether the person is male or female. Write it down — male or female. After you assume the gender of the person, I want you to imagine the age, height, and even the weight of the person. I want you to also imagine if the person has a lot of facial hair or if the person is clean shaven. Imagine the person’s skin tone, hair color and even the eye color. Does the person have freckles? Wrinkles? Does the person have scars? What clothing would the person be wearing? Be as specific as possible in your guess as to who this person is. If you know who the person is, simply write the name of the person.
IDENTITY #1
Description:
This person had a sister and a brother who both died at an early age. Not too much longer after the death of both siblings, this person’s mother also died. This person eventually became a part-owner of a store, but the business failed. This person studied law. This person eventually fell in love; however, this person’s love interest also eventually died. With only two saddlebags to hold all of this person’s possessions, this person moved to a new city to live in at the age of 28. This person eventually got into politics. This person ran for president year after year and got rejected year after year; however, this person finally got elected as the president of the United States at the age of 52.
Identity Revealed:
It was only after years of rejection and ‘failure’ that this man succeeded. That man was Abraham Lincoln.
IDENTITY #2
Description:
This person was born in 1929. This person lived in a confined space with many other people and felt as if the atmosphere was suffocating at times. At the age of only 15, this person got arrested. At the young age of 16, this person died from typhoid fever; in addition, all family members with the exception of the father ended up dying. But the father found this person’s diary and this diary became famous.
Identity Revealed:
The young girl named Anne Frank eventually went on to inspire millions of people despite the fact that she wasn’t even alive here on Earth. Her father — the only remaining family member — found Anne’s diary, was amazed by her maturity and character and then he got it published into a book. Anne provided wonderful insight into a dark moment of history inundated with Nazis and also showed the world that maturity can be found in youth and a hero can look like a female.
{She was 16! You are not too young to make a difference!}
IDENTITY #3
Description:
This person was born in Australia. As a child, this person struggled mentally, emotionally, and even physically. At one point, this person considered suicide. At the age of 21, this person graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and with a double major in accountancy and financial planning. This person is now a Christian evangelist and motivational speaker.
Identity Revealed:
This person is Nick Vujicic; he was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. Nick has encouraged, motivated and inspired millions of people simply because he overcame and never quit. Though he lives a life without limbs, his heart propels him in the direction he needs to go.
IDENTITY #4
Description:
This person was one of eight siblings and was also the runt of the litter. Being the smallest, this person was sent to watch over sheep rather than being in war or hunting. On one occasion, a special visitor came to the father and desired to choose one of the siblings for a special task and rare position. But on this occasion, this person was excluded from the other siblings and wasn’t even presented as a choice to the special visitor. Neither the father nor the siblings thought very much of this person.
Identity Revealed:
This person is the great David of the Bible. Even Samuel — a prophet — admitted he wanted to choose David’s brother over David. But GOD’s response in 1Samuel 16:6-7 tells us that GOD does not look at appearance, but looks at the heart.
IDENTITY #5
Description:
This person dressed with clothing that proclaims importance and that is because this person possesses an important title or position. This person was one of the few who comprised the ruling class in the area. This person was a successful person by human standards. However, this person eventually caused an innocent and much loved man to receive a death sentence and was later despised because of it.
Identity Revealed:
This person is one of the many Pharisees whom Jesus opposed and often rebuked. These are the people who seemed like they had it all together and were doing everything right! Though the Pharisees had the appearance of importance and right character, they lacked heart. Examine the words of Jesus regarding the Pharisees:
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others…. Woe to you, blind guides…. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness…. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?” (Matthew 23:1-5, 16, 27-28, 33) -ESV
IDENTITY #6
Description:
This person grew up agnostic and eventually became a performer in Hollywood for the entertainment industry and had been in dozens of television shows. This person became a nihilistic atheist whose only concern was experiencing fun. Sadly, this person’s nihilism brought this person to write out a suicide letter, considering everything in life to be worthless and meaningless — even life itself. After failing to commit suicide, this person eventually left the entertainment industry and ended up receiving unemployment checks until working such jobs as a janitor for an elementary school and as a groundskeeper for an apartment community. By the world’s standards, this person became a failure and an insignificant and invisible nobody.
As a baby, this person was born in a dirty place where animals typically go to eat. There never seemed to be anything remarkable about this person; in fact, this person worked an ordinary job as a typical carpenter. When this person was around 30 years of age, this person went above and beyond to love people. And yet despite of this person’s great love, this person was condemned to a death sentence on false accusations and died a horrible death. People mocked this person as this person died.
Identity Revealed:
This person is Christ Jesus. Jesus — fully GOD — became fully human in order to save us from ourselves. By His great sacrificial love, our bloodstained sinful selves have been whitewashed and cleansed and we will be able to live in His presence for all eternity.
SUMMARY
When I described each person, did the physical appearance ever make a difference as to who they ended up becoming? Did physical appearance have anything to do with the person’s identity?
(1)Think:
Did age or gender make a difference?
Did all of their ‘current’ jobs, tasks, labels or titles ever define who they would end up becoming?
Did their history determine their future?
(2)The heart is the start and most important part:
From examples in this game and everyone we read about in the Bible, what matters most is the heart.
CONCLUSION: GAME’S OVER; NOW WHAT? REAL LIFE STARTS.
(1)Examine yourself:
If I were to write a description about you and share it with someone else, would that person picture you?
Is the current description of you the person you want to be in the future?
What do you care about most in life?
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
What are your dreams?
Who do you want to become?
You need to know your identity. Otherwise, people will tell you who you are and you just might believe them.
(2)Examine others:
Are you judging someone by their appearance instead of looking at their heart?
Do you even know enough about someone to write a description about that person’s heart?
If you don’t know a person well enough to write a description about that person’s heart, then you don’t truly know who they are.
REAL LIFE APPLICATION
Pastor Steve Fender from Livingway Church of San Antonio, Texas once shared with me one of the most amazing testimonies I’ve ever heard. After an alter call at one of Steve’s services, a man by the name of Ernest had asked Steve to talk to him and pray with him. Eventually, Ernest confessed to being a Mexican mafia hitman and that he had killed a lot of people. Ernest asked if GOD would still accept him because of all the murders he had committed and pastor Steve told Ernest that no one is too far gone to be saved. Pastor Steve asked Ernest to lift up his hands in surrender to GOD; Ernest told Steve that he would, but only if Steve would hold his shirt down so that no one would see his gun while his arms were up. Ernest — a hitman with a loaded gun in church service — gave his life to Christ that day and eventually led many other people to Christ. One day, Ernest was shot while walking the streets. When pastor Steve arrived at the scene, Ernest was face down on the ground, already dead. In Ernest’s hand appeared to be a gun; however, it was a copy of the New Testament. The world labeled Ernest as a murderer; Ernest proclaimed himself to be a murderer at one point; however, Ernest was made new in Christ and was called to be a preacher. Ernest’s title of ‘hitman’ wasn’t his true identity. And once Ernest realized his real identity, he received his true calling and his true title. Repentance and faith bring salvation. Despite his past, Ernest was a preacher and that is how we should remember him.
CALL TO ACTION:
(1)Perhaps you genuinely desire to have a relationship with GOD, but you are guilty of judging people by their appearances. If that’s you, repent and ask GOD to help you see people in the loving way He sees them. “GOD, remove the veil of lies from my eyes! Open my eyes to see Truth! Help me to see people as you see them!”
(2)Perhaps you don’t judge people by their appearances and assume the worst of them, but you do distance yourself from people who seem questionable. If that’s you, ask GOD to cast out fear and to fill you with the love and courage necessary to go introduce yourself to those people. You just might introduce yourself to someone who needs love the most.
(3) Perhaps you view yourself as the person who has only been judged by his/her appearance. Is it possible that you’ve closed yourself off and have prevented people from establishing relationships with you because you’re afraid of getting hurt? If that’s you, open yourself up again and allow people to get to know who you truly are. If possible, link up with someone else and then together go introduce yourselves to someone else.
(4)Perhaps you just found yourself here but you’re not a committed follower of Christ. If that’s you, perhaps it’s time to get to know the One who died for you. Perhaps it’s time to get to know the GOD who desires to have a relationship with the person He created. GOD created you for a purpose. If you want to discover that purpose and know more, let it be known to GOD. Seek and you will find.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, please inundate our hearts and convict us of the truth. Please open our eyes and help us to see beyond the superficial surface and to dive deep into the depth of Truth. Open our minds and enable us to see true identity beyond the facade of the face or the build of the body. Help us to love people the way you love them. I proclaim in the name of Jesus, the person reading this will discover his/her true identity in You.
If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…
This is Part 20 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth. In Part 16, we saw that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In Part 17, we saw that superheroes are always ready to walk with purpose. In Part 18, we saw that superheroes are always ready to deflect the enemy’s attacks by holding up the shield of faith. In Part 19, we saw that by wearing the helmet of salvation, superheroes always protect themselves from evil penetrating their minds with parasitic seeds of thought that contaminate, corrupt, and control.
In this message (Part 20), we will see that by using the Sword of the Spirit, superheroes can not only block the enemy’s attacks, but also drive the enemy away.
Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, we are now instructed to take the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Roman soldiers had different types of swords at their disposal, but the word for “sword” here is taken from the Greek word machaira. This sword was approximately 19 inches long and both sides of the blade were sharp; it was a double-edged sword.
Consider the following comic book characters: Katana (DC), Deadpool, The Swordsman, and Black Knight (Marvel) – they all use swords as their weapon of choice to fight their opponents. Though the sword is not a popular weapon of choice for superheroes, those who choose to use it find the sword to be extremely useful. And like the aforementioned superheroes, ancient Roman soldiers also considered the sword to be extremely useful. Because the sword is capable of cutting through things or even taking life away from people, it is a symbol of power. The mere sight of the sword being drawn out from its sheath could strike fear into a person’s heart. The Roman Empire equipped all soldiers with this symbol of power and fear as a reminder of their dominance and control. And just as apostle Paul used the soldier’s armor to call attention to ways of defending ourselves, Paul also calls attention to the sword as an offensive weapon. Why? Because defense without offense is unsustainable stamina.
Just as bread/manna is actually the Word of GOD (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 6:35,41,48,51), Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword is also the Word of GOD. The term “word” is taken from the Greek word rhema, which describes something that is spoken clearly; spoken vividly; spoken in undeniable language; or spoken in unmistakable, unquestionable, certain, and definite terms. Thus, this word is a special word of clarity that supernaturally comes into a believer’s mind. Some excellent examples of this can be seen in Matthew 10:19-20, John 14:26, and Acts 4:8-13. But we must understand that the rhema comes out from the logos. In other words, the Holy Spirit uses the written Word (that’s already within us) to extract and highlight a special Word of clarity for a specific time and for a specific purpose. If you don’t consume the written Word, then the Holy Spirit cannot highlight which specific Word to use at a specific time. Logos is prerequisite for rhema.
When Jesus told us that all who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52), Jesus was telling us that if we use violent, forceful, or underhanded methods against other people, we can expect those same methods to be used against us. Violence begets violence. Those who practice violence will come to violent ends. Essentially, the measure and method you use toward others will be the measure and method by which you also will be judged (Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:23-25).
If those who live by the sword also die by the sword, why did Paul call the Word of GOD the Sword? Are we supposed to strike people down like the Crusaders did? Are we supposed to beat people over the head with our Bibles and subdue them into submission until they claim to be Christians? No! Conquest and forced conversion only has the power to change minds, but never hearts. And even the change of mind will most likely be superficial and temporary. If threatened, someone might proclaim to be converted; however, that same person will most likely revert to earlier beliefs once the threat of dying is no longer a possible outcome.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) -ESV
As is evident from Revelation 1:16; 2:12, the double-edged sword comes from the mouth of the Lord — it is the spoken Word! The phrase “two-edged” or “double-edged” is taken from the Greek word distomos, which is a compound of the word di, meaning two, and the word stomos, which is the Greek word for one’s mouth. Thus, this double-edged sword is a two-mouthed sword. How so? GOD’s Word cuts in two ways. As explained in Hebrews 4:12, GOD’s Word cuts through sin, pride, and disobedience when it enters us humans. However, because GOD’s Word boomerangs and never returns void (Isaiah 55:10-11), the Word moves through us and out of our mouths, which then becomes the other side of the blade. So, GOD’s Word goes out from His ‘mouth,’ cuts into us, and then boomerangs back and out from our mouths, which not only strikes down the enemy, but also supernaturally splices into other humans. However, it is important to understand that GOD’s Word is not a sword that cuts people down; rather, it is the Sword used to cut people free from their enslavement of sin. GOD’s Word cuts through calloused and hardened hearts, exposing lies, revealing Truth, causing conviction, and leads to repentance and alignment with the absolute moral standard of GOD’s will. While striking the enemy down, the Word also sets people free (John 8:32)!
Words Are Powerful:
How powerful are words? Let’s begin by realizing that GOD spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24) – that’s how powerful words can be! When GOD created everything, He did it by starting with a formless void and then shaping it with His Word. Likewise, our lives are a formless void until GOD’s Word comes in to bring life and peace, beauty and order. The opposite is true as well: when GOD’s Word departs from our lives, they descend back into chaos.
But let’s also recognize the fact that words possess power even if they come from finite and fallible human beings. Words possess the power to affect emotions and even alter the direction in which a person will travel. Harmful words are like swords that cut people down (Psalm 55:21; 64:3; Proverbs 12:18). How many negative memories do you still have in your mind of hurtful words? Perhaps they came from strangers, friends, family, or even someone you loved most. I still carry with me a memory from my childhood when someone told me I should have been a girl because I had been crying. I also have a memory from my early adulthood when a relative of mine commented on how much time I ‘wasted’ on playing guitar and writing songs: “That will never amount to anything; dreams don’t pay bills.” But I also have memories of hearing the pretty girl I liked talk about what a perfect male looked like and me realizing I looked nothing like the male she described. I also have memories of hearing people tell me that either I wasn’t good enough or the work I presented wasn’t good enough. The old saying that “sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a lie. As the old joke goes, those who don’t think that words hurt has never been hit in the head with a dictionary. Words can hurt; they do hurt. The power of the spoken word is so great that many people have ended up committing suicide due to their inability to block the hurtful words from penetrating their hearts and minds. In fact, at the age of 17, I even wrote out my own suicide letter because I had not been able to handle the heavy load of hurtful words I collected throughout the years.
“The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.” (Proverbs 12:6) –MSG
“What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.” (Proverbs 18:21) –GNT
“I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty.” (Matthew 12:36-37) –GW
How powerful are words? Words penetrate both mind and heart. Words can cut people down, but words can also build people up. So, what words will we speak? If we are all to be judged by our words, then it would be wise to speak life by speaking GOD’s Word. In fact, Paul tells us that GOD’s Word is our Sword and offensive weapon in our spiritual battle against evil. Like a fencing match or real sword fight, GOD’s Word is the Sword that blocks the enemy’s sword from connecting with our hearts and minds and also helps us to drive the enemy away.
Jesus provided the example for us when He spent 40 days in the wilderness to be tempted. The devil knows Scripture. When the devil spit out sword thrusts of destructive words, Jesus responded by using the Sword in a counter attack to not only block the attack, but to also drive the enemy away. Just as Jesus said, “it is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10) as His offensive attack against the enemy, that must also be our response. With the shield of faith in one hand and GOD’s Word as your Sword in your other hand, you can block the enemy’s attacks and launch your own attack to drive the enemy away. Ultimately, GOD’s Word enables us to fight the lies of the great Liar and be more than conquerors in Christ (Matthew 4:10; Romans 8:37; James 4:7).
In the 1999 movie, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the scene where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan battle against Darth Maul can provide a visual depiction of what our spiritual battle looks like against evil. Darth Maul kills Qui-Gon and then immediately turns his attention toward Obi-Wan. Imagine Darth Maul as a demon, Qui-Gon as an unprepared human who allowed evil to overtake him, and Obi-Wan as yourself. Obi-Wan screamed in horror at the sight of Qui-Gon falling. Likewise, we should all be screaming in horror at the knowledge that millions of people are succumbing to the devil and his demonic deeds. But we are not exempt (1Corinthians 10:11-13). The demons are going to turn their attention toward us. Obi-Wan was prepared to battle against evil and prevailed over Darth Maul. Are you prepared to effectively battle against the devil and his demons? If the adversary knows how to use the Sword, how much more should you know how to use it? Have you been trained up in the ways of the Lord? Do you know how to handle the Sword?
The Sword Is A Weapon:
Without GOD’s Word, we have no offensive weapon to drive the enemy away. In the 2010 movie, The Book Of Eli, the evil villain, Carnegie, spoke the truth when he reprimanded his henchmen, informing them that capturing the Bible was of utmost importance because, “It’s a weapon!” And because GOD’s Word is the best weapon against evil, Satan has done everything possible in this life to ban it, burn it, discredit it, and disregard it. But of course, we already know that GOD’s Word lasts forever (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) and Satan knows this as well. And because the enemy knows that GOD’s Word is forever, he often uses the tactic of twisting the text in order to manipulate the masses. There are many buildings proclaiming to be Christian churches, but upon closer investigation, the pastors are devils in disguise. There are many wolves in sheep clothing. We shouldn’t be surprised by this – Jesus and His disciples told us it would be this way (Matthew 7:15; 10:16; Acts 20:28-31; Romans 16:17-18; 2Corinthians 11:13-15; 1Timothy 4:1-2; 6:3-5; 2Timothy 3:1-9; 4:2-5; 2Peter 2:1-3; 1John 4:1,5-6). GOD’s Word warns us about false teachers in the world. And this is why it is important for us to have the Sword. However, an available weapon won’t be of any use to a person who doesn’t know how to use it. In order to use GOD’s Word, you must know GOD’s Word. Do you know the Word of GOD? Is it in you?
The Word Saves:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
(2Timothy 3:16-17) -ESV
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) -ESV
“Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.’Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation!’Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.”
(Acts 2:37-41) -NLT
GOD’s Word is the Sword that cuts people free from the Counterfeiter’s cage of captivity. Those who have been released from the the devil’s dungeon (like myself) find themselves shouting praises of gratitude for the gift of GOD’s grace. Like Paul, I was once blind to the Truth, but now I see! Think about it! How did 3,000 people get saved in one day? Because Peter was so amazing? No. Peter finally allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him and he used the Sword of the Spirit. Thousands of people were saved due to Peter and the apostles slicing through Satan’s snares with the Sword of the Spirit – GOD’s Word! In fact, in Acts 4:4, it is written that 5,000 men had been saved due to the preaching of the Gospel – and that number didn’t even include women or children! Thousands of people can be saved if we would only allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we share the Gospel with them! Do you know GOD’s Word? Are you sharing the Gospel like Jesus commanded us to do?
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) -NLT
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
(2Timothy 4:2-5) -NLT
Are you able to defend the faith like the apostles had been able to do (2Corinthians 10:5; 1Peter 3:15)? If you don’t know GOD’s Word, then you are not trained to use the Sword. If you’re not able to use the Sword, the devil and his demons will use the Sword against you. How do you know if someone is preaching the true Word of GOD? What if someone uses GOD’s Word by twisting the text like Satan did? Without GOD’s Word, we cannot know Truth. If we do not know Truth, we will inevitably believe lies. If you have the Bible in your possession, then you have the Sword in your possession. If you do not know GOD’s Word, you do not know how to use the Sword. If, however, you do know GOD’s Word, then you know how to use the Sword. Understand this: Satan has targeted you and is coming after you. Are you prepared to not only block the enemy’s attacks but to also drive him away? If you don’t know how to use the Sword, you better start training before it’s too late. If you do know how to use the Sword, you need to start training others how to use it. It’s time to take up the Sword! It’s time to cut people free from bondage and to release them from the darkness of the devil’s dungeon! How do we do that? We reflect the Light and shine bright!
It is written in Psalm 119:130 that GOD’s Word gives light. Why? Because GOD is able to bring unbelievers out of the darkness and into the light. Jesus is the Light
(2Samuel 22:29; Job 12:22; Psalms 18:28; Isaiah 42:16; John 1:5; 8:12; 12:46; Acts 26:16-18; Ephesians 5:8; 1Peter 2:9-10; 1John 1:5-10). And Jesus commanded us to be the light in the darkness of this world (Matthew 5:14). So, we are the light? But John 9:5 states that Jesus is the Light. So, which is it? Both. The first half of John 9:5 is the key to understanding this. Jesus “passed the torch” to His followers. Jesus is the primary Light; we are the secondary light, a reflection of the Light. We are light-bearers. As the light of the sun is to the moon, so the light of the Son is to us. Jesus shines the Light, the light enters us, casts out darkness, and then we reflect that light to everyone around us.
However, examine Matthew 5:14 in context. Jesus spoke about salt and light. But right before He spoke about salt and light, He gave the Sermon on the Mount and spoke about the “Beatitudes,” which is a list of blessings. In this, there are nine individual promises that come together to form one: we will be blessed if we are in alignment with GOD’s will. Within the entirety of the Beatitudes, there is only one command: rejoice and be glad. It happens to be in the midst of the warnings about persecution. The command is immediately followed by a promise that we will have a great reward in Heaven. This means we need to begin with the end in mind and make decisions based on our eternal destination, not our temporal circumstances (Psalm 30:5). Like Paul, we need to keep our eyes on the prize if we are to obtain the Beatitudes’ promise of being blessed (1Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14).
Jesus then goes on to say that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We already discussed the light, but what about the salt? Salt is a necessity of life and has been used as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, and even used on icy conditions. Think: Are we preserving all the good qualities of life? Are we enhancing the ‘flavor’ of life? Are we a disinfectant, helping to eliminate the ‘germs’ of false doctrines? Are we being used for icy conditions? Are we thawing ice-cold hearts with our love? Are we helping people gain traction on slippery slopes? Our salty ‘flavor’ should cause people to salivate for salvation. Are we shining the Light and sharing the Gospel or are we hiding under a basket, thereby making it a casket? Hiding the Light under a basket is remaining silent when we should be speaking the Word. Superheroes don’t hide under baskets! Couch potato Christians are consumers in comfort-coffins.
Comfort Is The Coffin Of Christianity:
When Jesus told us not to hide our light under a basket (Matthew 5:14-16), He meant that we should not go into hiding and remain sheltered. In fact, Jesus commanded us to go out into the world, sharing the Gospel (Matthew 28:28-20). Do not be content with the knowledge of your own salvation!
“None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others.” (1Corinthians 10:24) –GNT
“Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts,and snatch others out of the fire to save them. Be merciful over and over to them, but always couple your mercy with the fear of God. Be extremely careful to keep yourselves free from the pollutions of the flesh.”
(Jude 1:22-23) -TPT
If you are content with your own comfort and decide to build protective walls around yourself and refuse to leave that safety-box, it is more than likely that you will shelter yourself into non-existence. How can superheroes save anyone if they are hiding in a box? Evil wants you to build walls of comfort around yourself and for you to stay in your safety-box – the longer you stay inside your sheltered life, the more that shelter becomes your coffin. And if you stay inside your sheltered life, how could you have relationships with others and lead people to Christ? If you cut yourself off from the rest of the world, you cut yourself off from GOD’s plan for your life. If you cut yourself off from GOD’s will, you will be the substance without its source and you will slowly wither and die. Don’t shelter yourself; however, don’t live as the rest of this world lives. Rise above with love and speak out and reach out while inviting others in.
The safety-box of a sheltered life is a comfort-coffin. People try to justify their sheltered lives in many different ways, but here is the truth: those who are content with their own salvations and live sheltered lives don’t obey GOD’s laws nor live by His decrees. GOD has called us to love others – it’s not possible to reach out (with love) to those in the darkness if we are hiding in our safety-box (hiding our light).
Everyone’s coffin is different, yet they are all the same: the coffin is crafted to contour to your comfort. What does your coffin look like? It’s important to know what your coffin looks like – knowing what it looks like will help you stay out of it! A coffin can look like the car that someone loves to work on and invest in, it can look like the sports team someone spends all his/her time studying, it could look like the beer can someone can’t let go of long enough to use his/her hands for a better purpose, or it could even look like someone’s television set or his/her own apartment/house. Understand this: a coffin can even look like protection against evil. Although the coffin appears to be protection that keeps evil away from you, is the opposite – you need to realize that it is a trap, designed to keep you out of the world. Evil doesn’t want Christians out in the world. A comfort-coffin can even look like a church building.
I urge you – do not seek shelter! I urge you to step outside of your sheltered life; I urge you to get out of your comfort-coffin. Batman does not stay in the Batcave! If he did, he would never save anyone. Too many men are hiding in their man-caves. Do your hobbies consume all of your free time leaving you unable to help others? Examine your decisions and the motives behind your decisions. With the time you do have, do you use it to advance the Kingdom of GOD? Are you willing to leave your comfort-coffin in order to save others? Are you willing to go places you might not want to go and help people regardless of your opinion of them? Do your video games, beer pong, sports, etc. stand in the way of leading people to Christ? We are called to love others and to lead people to Christ. Let us go out and do exactly that! How? By knowing GOD’s Word and sharing the Good News! But how can you do that if you don’t know GOD’s Word? Is it in you?
The Word Is The Link To Your Sword:
Because rhema (a special word of clarity from the Holy Spirit) only comes from logos (the written Word of GOD), we must first know the Word of GOD in order to receive the Sword. Some people sit idly by in the darkness of their comfort-coffins, hoping to receive a Sword from GOD. But we will only receive the Sword by living in the light and reading our Bibles.
Consider the classic 1986 video game, Legend of Zelda. The main character, Link, can find and collect helpful items that enable him to live a victorious life. In the game, you are able to uncover hidden areas and discover game-changing items such as a map, compass, food, potion, shield, candle, bomb, key, boomerang, or even an upgraded sword.
To be a superhero in the name of the Savior, we must go on a quest much like Link does in the Legend of Zelda. Think about it. The only way Link will ever find and attain any game-changing items and reach the end of the game is by advancing forward, examining everything, and using his gifts while battling evil. To Link, game-changing items help him to be victorious and reach the end; likewise, superheroes end up as conquerors for Christ due to the life-changing Word. Link has a map and compass to help him find his way; likewise, we have GOD’s Word and moral compass to guide us in life. Link is sustained by food he finds; GOD’s Word is our food. Link has potion to give him life; GOD’s Word comes from the Lord, the Lord is Life and gives life. Link has a shield to protect him from evil’s attacks; we have the whole armor of GOD. Link has a candle to give him light to use in the darkness; the Lord is the Light and we are the light of the world. Link has a bomb he can use to blast his way through walls; we destroy strongholds with Truth-bombs. Link has a key to unlock new areas; by reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help us understand ‘secret passages’ and this will unlock new areas of life for us. Link has a boomerang that returns to him; we have GOD’s Word, which also acts as a boomerang because it never returns void. Link can get an upgraded sword; we receive a Sword as an upgrade after knowing the Word. According to zeldauniverse.net, Link can attain an upgraded Magical Sword by following these steps:
“Requirement: Min. 12 Heart Containers
From the starting screen, head right one screen, up five screens, left two screens, down one screen, left one screen up one screen, left two screens, down one screen, left two screens, and up one screen to find yourself in part of the graveyard.
Push the middle grave in the third column from the left to reveal a stairwell leading to the sword.”
Likewise, in order for superheroes (Christians) to receive a rhema (Sword), we must be willing to take the required action of the necessary steps. What are these necessary steps? Just as there was a minimum requirement of 12 heart containers for Link to receive the Magical Sword, there is a minimum requirement for us to receive the Sword: we must read the Bible. Just as there are directions to follow in order for Link to receive the Magical Sword, there are directions we must follow to receive the Sword: read the Bible, study the Bible, meditate on what is written, and trust the Holy Spirit to present you with the Sword at the right time. Link received the Magical Sword only after the secret passage was revealed. Likewise, the special Sword we receive from the Holy Spirit is like a secret passage being revealed. But if we have not read GOD’s Word, then the Holy Spirit cannot help us bring it to mind at the right time for a specific purpose. Link had to put forth effort in order to attain game-changing items. Likewise, we must also put forth effort in order for the life-changing Sword. All we need to do is know the Word. Have you consumed the Word? By consuming the Word you can receive the Sword. Is it in you?
If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below:
FROM CAVEMAN TO CONQUEROR
What’s up everybody! My name’s Trenton. I’m going to share a little bit about myself, but before I do that, I want to show you a clip from a television show. Does anybody like the television show Grey’s Anatomy? Real quick, watch this clip and then I’ll continue…
[Clip from Grey’s Anatomy]
Ew! That guy was bloody! Bloody good, right?! I’m not sure if you noticed or not, but that scrawny pale dead guy was me! Yes! I died, I came back, I’m here, it’s strange — I know! I used to be an actor in Hollywood. I’ve been in over 20 television shows, a couple movies and a few commercials. (see my acting resume here!)
That scene where I got zipped up in the body bag was not fun to film. The cast and crew actually played a practical joke on me and left me in the body bag even after they had finished filming.
That scene of me being inside the body bag is actually a very fitting description of what my life was like back then. By the world’s standards, I had made it. I had made money from acting jobs and I had accomplished what many people can never say they’ve done. But there was one problem: I was an atheist and I didn’t believe in GOD. I also suffered from severe depression, thoughts of suicide, and felt dead inside even though I was very much alive.
I was alive while I had been filming that scene, but I was trapped in darkness. I knew that life was going on all around me, but I wasn’t able to comprehend the truth of what was going on. All I knew was darkness.
Now imagine this: when the joke was over and they unzipped the body bag, I was not only able to see, but I was able to comprehend the truth of what I saw.
I want to share a message with you about what it’s like to come out of the darkness and into the Light of Truth.
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) -ESV
[Prayer]
(If you have a Bible, turn to 1Samuel 22 and leave it open there.)
The people of Israel demanded that they receive a king like other nations had. GOD warned them against it, but they demanded it anyway. GOD gave them what they wanted. And the type of king they wanted was a guy named Saul. But Saul wasn’t a good king. Eventually, GOD had Samuel the prophet go anoint David as the new future king to replace Saul. Instead of having a king who reflected the people’s desires, GOD chose a man after His own heart. (Tag! You’re it!)
When David got anointed, the Holy Spirit filled David and left Saul. Saul had darkness within him, was bitter, envious, paranoid, etc. A lot of things happened after that, but David ended up working in the palace under Saul. So, David wasn’t king yet, but he was going to be. To make a long story shorter, Saul kept trying to kill David until David went on the run. And that’s where we are at in this story.
In 1Samuel 22, it is written that David escaped and hid in the cave of Adullam. Everything seemed to be working against David. Saul wanted to kill him and he wasn’t even safe in his own home — Saul sent thugs to David’s house to try to kill him. So, David ran somewhere else. But that didn’t work either — he had more enemies there than where he came from. Let me ask you this: Do you run from your problems, going from this to that, here to there?
David eventually escaped and hid in a cave. How many times in life do we all ‘escape’ and hide in a ‘cave’? You may not escape to a literal cave, but perhaps you escape to your bedroom or a bathroom. Maybe you don’t have a physical location where you can go to feel safe, but you shut your mind down and you hide within yourself. Where is your cave? Why do you go there? When you get discouraged? Distressed? Depressed? Deflated? Defeated? When you don’t see the results you wanted? When people are talking bad about you? When you see your parents fighting? When you feel like a failure? Some people even go to the extremes and hide in the caves of alcohol, drugs, or sexual relations outside of marriage because they think they’re safe there. I hope and pray that’s not you, but if it is, I have Good News to share with you.
Yeah — David found himself in the cave, but while David was in the cave, he did something that would forever change his seemingly hopeless situation — he wrote Psalm 34! (I want you to find in your Bible where 1Samuel 21 ends and 1Samuel 22 begins and write, “Psalm 34” between them.) David was being hunted like wild game. Meanwhile, he was hiding in a cave, praising GOD in the darkness of the den and declaring deliverance from all his fears! The faith of David! And why not? Look at the faithfulness of GOD! Listen — GOD has a plan! When we call out to GOD in loving trust and praise like David did, we will find that GOD will find us in whatever bad situation we’re in and use it to take us to where He wants us to go.
Psalm 34 — like many other psalms — is an excellent example of trusting in the Lord. In Psalm 34:8, David said: Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the person who takes refuge in GOD! He was basically saying, “Try it for yourself — you’re going to like it! You’re going to love it!”
David was down, but he was not out! It was there in the darkness of that den that the light of the Lord shined on David! Why? David had placed his focus on the Lord!
“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalm 18:28)-NIV
His physical body may have been in the darkness of that cave, but his thoughts were on the Lord and His ways! David invited the light of the Lord to come into the cave so that he would not cave into temptation to collapse in his current situation. Where the Light is, darkness simply cannot be!
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5)-NLT
Are you complaining about your current cave while dying in your darkness? Or are you inviting the Lord into your situation so He can bring light to your life? With the Lord leading the way as the Lamp who guides our path, we will walk out of the darkness and into the Light. And that’s exactly what David does!
In 1Samuel 22:1-2, it is written that first, his family found out he was there and came to him. But then all the outcasts of society joined him. They were broke, busted, and disgusted. They owed people money, they were filled with stress, anxiety, and worry, felt like they didn’t fit in or belong anywhere, and people always talked about them behind their backs. These were people who experienced loss and weren’t happy about the way life was going. And If we’re all honest with ourselves, we will be able to admit that maybe we’re kinda like David and all the outcasts who joined him in the cave. Because it’s human nature that when life doesn’t go our way, we often run to the cave. We run to whatever feels good. We hide because we don’t want to face our problems.
Hide and seek is the worst when someone hides with you in your spot. David was trying to hide, and hundreds of people hide with them. And of course you’ll have that one dodo brain who will have half his body sticking out, yet he thinks he’s hidden because he covered his head. Meanwhile, his body that’s sticking out is basically shouting, “Hey Saul! We’re over here! You can come kill us! Me and every single person hiding in this same spot!” (You’re blowing my cover! Get your own spot!) But that’s not what David thought. David welcomed them.
In 1Samuel 22:5, Gad the prophet delivered a word from GOD to David and told him to leave that cave and go into the land of Judah. David was obedient to GOD, acting on what he heard, which showed him to be faithful. Though David was surrounded by evildoers who served Saul and Satan, he had complete confidence in the Lord’s love and faithfulness. Though David mentions his problems, his focus is on his relationship with GOD. David basically says, “I’m too blessed to be stressed! Ain’t nobody got time for stress and worry! Ain’t nobody want to live in this dank dark depressing cave anyway! So why not leave?! It’s time to get up on out of here! I will leave this cave!”
That’s obedience! When you say, “Yes, Lord! Yes!” and you actually act on what you hear. David was obedient and left the cave. Had David stayed in the cave of Adullam, GOD would not have been with him and he would have died in his darkness because Saul was on the way.
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) -ESV
We may find ourselves in darkness — it happens sometimes. But we must walk with the Lord if we are to live in the light! GOD is on the move! We need to go on the move with Him!
That’s why it says in Psalm 23, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”— No, this ain’t gangsta’s paradise. We don’t take a look at life and realize there’s none left.
“Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted. (Psalm 23:4)-Voice
We are to look at life and realize that GOD has so much more in store! But the key is that you have to be traveling with the Lord. The sheep travel with the Shepherd! And David left the cave to walk with GOD. And guess what happened — everyone else followed David. Why? They saw something in David they wanted. David wrote psalms while in the cave, praised GOD while in the cave, and kept his focus on his relationship with the Lord. David had been speaking life into those outcasts the entire time they were in the cave. Those who were lost found everything they needed through David and in the Lord. And guess what — David’s ragtag motley crew bunch of nobodies eventually forms the core of his military leadership after he becomes king of Israel (2Samuel 23:8~)!
Linda, listen!
Pay attention! Just for clarification: the cave is not the final destination; it’s not where we find ultimate salvation. The cave is a rest stop location during migration. How many people experience frustration because they give into the temptation to lay foundation in the depths of darkness where death destroys creation? Dwell in the darkness? That’s abomination! Don’t accept that invitation! Satan will lie and say it’s acceptable to stay; it’s your home, your life, you don’t need authorization. But after the presentation, if you sign on the dotted line, Satan the salesman becomes your boss and affiliation because you never took into consideration the contradiction of the special stipulations that states your soul is now available for confiscation and condemnation. The decision for sinful cohabitation is a deadly combination. Without hesitation, the boss becomes abuser and you live under constant accusation, intimidation, manipulation, and dehumanization. But it was your negotiation created the situation for suffocation and termination. But GOD’s Word is full of truthful information; some can be difficult to understand and requires further explanation. I’ll save you some aggravation; I’ll provide the translation: (And yeah — go ahead and write down the quotation, unless you’re good at memorization.) Are you ready for the translation? The cave ain’t yo crib, casa, cabin, or cottage! The cave is not the central campground! We should never make the hideout our home!
David’s army grew from a few wimps and knuckleheads to 400 in number, and then to 600, and then David was eventually crowned king of Judah and then all of Israel. But in 2Samuel 23, we find out that David had 37 best of the best warriors, but considered three of them the greatest. (You can be the greatest, you can be the best — these guys were king kongs banging on their chests!)
And the three had been with David since the cave of Adullam! These are the same guys who had once been on the run and now they’re running people out! They went from wimps to warriors! These guys are what legends are made of! These were the guys who were once broke, busted, and disgusted! Everywhere they went, people told them, “You dusty, you musty, you crusty! Ew!) And now they’re taking territory, getting paid! (Standing in the hall of fame! And the world’s gonna know your name!) “Go ahead and talk about me in the Bible because I’m living right. It’s every day bro!” Bu why? the change? Imagine Dragons: (First things first, I’ma say all the words inside my head, I’m fired up and tired of the way that things have been – oh – the way that things have been – oh)
Josheb-basshebeth took out 800 men in a single battle setting using only a spear. This guy had once been on the run, and now he’s immovable. He said, “C’mon, I will cut you foo!” He went from running and hiding to hunting and gathering! He went from hiding behind David in the cave (“Yo, where they at?”) to standing in front of David on the battlefield (“Yo, where they at?!”)
Eleazar got stranded when other soldiers ran away during battle. But he stood his ground and struck the enemies down one after another until his hand was weary and locked onto his sword handle. He gripped that mug so tight that his hand just locked in place and refused to let go. He said, “I ain’t scurred! I’ve been running away from my problems for too long! I’m done running! I’m done caving in to evil! I’m never going back to the cave of darkness! I’d rather die living in the light than merely existing in the darkness! David showed me that our GOD is greater! And I’m experiencing that for myself! That’s the truth!”
Shaman — Like Eleazar, he also stood his ground when other soldiers ran away during battle and he defended an area by himself.
So why the change? Why not?! Some people have been hiding in the cave of darkness for too long! GOD is on the move! It’s time to come out of the darkness and into the light.
Austin Riesen, professor of psychology, did research into how early visual experience, or the lack of it, affects vision. He raised infant chimpanzees in complete darkness. After about two years, the animals were tested in light conditions and were found to be visually blind though not organically blind. In other words, they could see but could not comprehend. They had lived in the darkness for too long and didn’t know what to do in real life where the light exists. It was only after living in the light-filled condition for a while that they were finally able to distinguish between harmful or not harmful, friend or foe. Likewise, David’s men didn’t automatically become warriors and righteous men after coming out of the darkness and into the light. They had to adjust to the light, change the way they lived, let go of old harmful habits, pick up and learn new good and healthy habits.
In this study, the younger the animal, the greater the loss of vision altogether. The visual cortex in the brain fails to develop properly in the absence of a visual input or stimulation. What does that mean? The longer you live in the darkness, the more you become accustomed to living a life of darkness. And then you won’t be able to function in the real world where the lights exists.
When you come out of a movie theater in the middle of the day, the light is uncomfortable and you can’t see at first. It takes time to adjust. And that’s not even two hours watching a movie — that’s not even in complete darkness.
All studies have confirmed that the early experience of the environment contributes to perceptual competence in adulthood. What that means is that your adult life is being determined by the decisions you’re making right now. Everything you do or do not do is extremely important. Your childhood and teenage years is your development stage. If you grow up in the darkness, it is likely that you will be blind as an adult. And please understand I’m talking about your spiritual health. It is possible to see but not comprehend. As an adult, you’ll be a darkness dweller, creeping and crawling around in the dark like cave creatures do, simply living out the ways of the world because that’s what society will tell you to do.
I’m not here to condemn you if you happen to be in a cave right now. But I am here to tell you — like the prophet told David — do not remain in the cave. The only reason why David went into the cave was to seek the Lord. Do you know what that’s called when you go into a cave to seek the Lord? A prayer closest! A prayer room! You need to turn that cave of darkness into a prayer room full of Light. David went into the cave seeking the Lord and then came out of the cave walking with the Lord.
Bruce Wayne ran into a cave, but it was so that he could become Batman, leave the cave, and go out and help people, rescue them, and save them. Likewise, Jesus calls us out of the darkness and into the light so we can go out and help, love, and serve people, and lead them to the One who can actually save them! Jesus is the Light that casts out the darkness of the cave so that it may be our prayer room full of light!
There was about 400 outcasts and David became commander over them. He was a leader of losers! The rejects! Sound familiar? That’s what Jesus did in His ministry (blind, lame, poor, sinners, etc.). And BTW, Jesus went into a cave too; some call it a tomb. But guess what — He came out of the cave! There’s only darkness and death in the cave, but death couldn’t hold Jesus down because He had the crown! He conquered the cave; He conquered the grave!
Romans 8:35-39 says that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We are more than conquerors in Christ!
What is your cave? Where do you run to when problems come your way?
Are you currently in the darkness of the cave and want to come out?
Do you want to know how to make your cave of darkness into a prayer room full of light, love and laughter?
Do you know someone who is in the darkness you need to help out?
May the church be the cave you run into to seek the Lord. And every time you leave church you walk with the Lord. Now, some of you may feel like you don’t need church. By all means, if you’re perfect I suppose you don’t need church. Because the church is not a holier-than-thou social club for super spiritual saints; rather, it’s a hospital for sinners and place where imperfect people can seek a better life and improvement. We’re all growing together here! This is the cave we come to so that we can be challenged and so we can grow.
Look around you. How many wimps do you see? Some of you might see some wimps; some of you might even feel like wimps. But when I look at you, all I see are future warriors in Christ. I’m going to speak life into you and show you that GOD is greater. And when you go out into the spiritual battlefield we call life, your hand is going to lock onto the handle of that double-edged Sword, which is the Word of GOD, and you won’t let go!
First, I want to speak to those of you who are already believers. Maybe you’re already a believer and you’ve been hiding out in the darkness of the cave. But there’s only two types of believers who hide in the darkness of the cave. Either you’re the believer seeking the Lord and you’re at a rest stop location or you’re the believer trying to hide certain sinful actions from GOD because it’s what you want to do. And you’ve somehow convinced yourself that if you do it in the secrecy of the dark that it’s somehow acceptable.
“ ‘Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:24) -NLT
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14) -NIV
(1) If you’re the believer who is in the darkness because you’ve been trying to hide certain sinful actions, I’m not trying to beat you up — I want to encourage you to come back to Christ. May this be your moment to repent and come out of that cave and join the rest of your committed comrades in the light and come together in the fight.
(2) If you’re the seeker, I just want to encourage you and let you know that you came to the right place — because this is a prayer room full of Light! Keep doing what you’re doing! Keep seeking the Lord so that we may continue to walk with the Lord!
(3) Maybe you’re not a follower of Christ — you’re not a believer — but you happen to be here right now. Do you think it’s a coincidence that I traveled through different states to come here and give you the message that you should not remain in the cave anymore? Maybe the Holy Spirit spoke into your heart and you feel like you finally see some light in the darkness of your cave. If that’s you, I want to invite you into a personal relationship with Jesus. This is not some self-help seminar or inspirational feel-good-about-yourself pep talk. Jesus is is real; He is there; He is aware; He does care. He sacrificed Himself for us on our behalf to save us from ourselves. That’s how much He loves you! And I promise you that in seeking the Lord, you will walk out of the darkness and into the light and you will be more than a conquerer in Christ!
(All eyes on me…)
Your eyes were closed for a little while and then you opened them and you saw. Let that be symbolic for your spiritual walk with Christ.
Whether this is your first time making a commitment to Christ, or you’re repenting and coming back to Christ, or you’re simply making a declaration to advance forward with Christ, I want to invite every single one of you to participate in something if you raised a hand. Even if you didn’t raise your hand but you know in your heart you should have. I want you all to stand to your feet. (Not yet!) And I’m asking you to do this for two reasons: [1] It takes effort to leave your old ways behind and to walk with Christ. The physical action of standing up takes effort. This is more so that you can show yourself that you’re not only willing to do this, but that you’re able. You can rise up! You can take a stand! [2] I want you to see just how many people around you are on your team. (Okay, now!) On the count of three, if you had raised your hand or knew you should have, stand up. 1,2,3!
Now look around at each other. You’re looking at warriors in Christ. You might want to get to know every single one of them because they are the ones who are going to have your back in the spiritual battle. But also look around and be sure to take notice of anyone not standing up.
Extra: If you see someone sitting down, I want you to love them, encourage them, motivate them, and inspire them! They are not outcasts because they’re not standing up with you! You better invite them in just like David did. And how many people not in this room are out there in the world who feel isolated, alone, and rejected? How many can you love and invite in? How many people feel dead inside yet are very much alive? YOU could be the one to unzip the body bag so someone can come out of the darkness and into the light!
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:
(1) What are the problems in life you tend to run away from most often? Why?
(2) Where is your cave? Where do you usually go when problems come your way?
(3) Are you teaming up with others to conquer problems or are you trying to win a war by yourself?
(4) Do you have a righteous mentor (like David) speaking life into your life? If not, what is your next step to finding one?
(5) What are things we can do to ensure that we turn the cave of darkness into a prayer room full of light?
(6) How many people do you think are lost in the darkness and trapped in a cave? What can we do to help others out of the darkness?
(7) Who do you know that’s an outcast, reject, loner, or loser? What are you doing to love that person and invite them into your life?
(8) Are you willing to be the one to help someone out of the bodybag of death by unzipping it? Are you willing to be the one to help someone comprehend the Truth of what they see?
(9) Do you need someone to talk to? If so, I’ll make myself available. Reach out to me!
But why am I a Christian? To find out, read my other article: “Why I Am A Christian“
Quest For Truth 