"We see, in many a land, the proudest dynasties and tyrannies still crushing, with their mountain weight, every free motion of the Consciences and hearts of men. We see, on the other hand, the truest heroism for the right and the greatest devotion to the Truth in hearts that God has touched. We have a work to do, as great as our forefathers and, perhaps, far greater. The enemies of Truth are more numerous and subtle than ever and the needs of the Church are greater than at any preceding time. If we are not debtors to the present, then men were never debtors to their age and their time. Brethren, we are debtors to the hour in which we live. Oh, that we might stamp it with Truth and that God might help us to impress upon its wings some proof that it has not flown by neglected and unheeded." -- C.H. Spurgeon . . . "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31, 32 . . . . .

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The MILLENNIUM: REIGN of the MESSIAH - Part Two: Beginning the New Testament Examination.

~ by James Fire

For the convenience of our readers, we began a revisitation of the New Testament Scriptures in summary fashion so that they may determine (not just on the basis of this study, but upon their own personal study to either confirm or deny the findings of this author) if the Millennial Reign of Christ is (1) still the destiny of the Messiah as the up and coming Holy Ruler on planet Earth in a physical, actual ruling over the nations from the nation of Israel and (2) If Israel is in fact likewise destined to receive such blessings as a result of her coming Messiah-King.

We started in the Gospel of Matthew and concluded the previous article with Ch. 21.
So, let us continue this most exciting and fascinating study! I don’t mind reminding you that as I pore over such Scriptures, it sets my heart racing with thrilling hope and intense longing to see such things transpire in our near future! 

Read more!

Monday, December 28, 2020

EPHESIANS: The Body of Truth and Love! Parts I and II Chapter 4:12-32

As we began this study in chapter 4:1-11, Paul was admonishing that the saints there in Ephesus, and all of us who are "the faithful in Christ Jesus" to walk worthily of the vocation wherewith [we] are called". With meekness and patience, and a forgiveness towards one another, we saints are commanded to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace". The scripture then went on to describe this unity in all its properties (vs. 4-6).

The remainder of the last study pondered the many gifts that God has granted to His body: spiritual men of God ordained as "apostles, prophets, evangelists and some pastors and teachers." This is where we concluded the last study, and thus, we pick it up in vs. 12.

PART ONE - (due to the rather lengthy nature of this study, I've divided it in half, please review part 2 as the LORD leads)

Any body will require nourishment in order to grow, and growth can be expected of any body. Bodies that can't assimilate nutrition or don't grow are ill, and in need of attention.

This is why any healthy fellowship will be one that is well fed spiritually. The dietary menu we have at our disposal is God's Word, from Genesis to Revelation, and nothing else! There are no other writings, books, texts or scriptures that are necessary, but in fact can bring tremendous harm and even ruin! For the healthy edification and growth of the body of Christ let us feed on God's Word, not on the artificial substances of mere man.

We should not be 'New Testament' Christians, for as it states in Romans concerning the Old Testament:

ROMANS 15:4
For whatsoever things were written
[Old Testament] aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
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Sunday, December 27, 2020

The TTUF STUDY on The REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST – Chapter EIGHTEEN

~ by James Fire

Introduction: In the preceding chapter (REV 17) I had made the following statements:
Babylon from its origin, the city of Babel “gateway to the gods” (read that, ‘fallen angels’) has as its own destiny, the glory of man through the agency of Satan, who is seeking his own glory by bringing Babylon to the fore in these last days. He will use this abominable system as an instrument of his diabolical design, whereby he will receive worship from “the earth-dwellers”, the people of this fallen world for a brief time period (of just three and a half years – the latter half of the tribulation period of “Jacob’s Trouble” lasting a total of seven years).

Here in REV 18 (and 17) we have the culmination of corruption with its ecumenical evils that promote man’s way of worship over GOD’s prescribed manner (JOHN 4:23), and whose very anti-Christ spirit is being judged by GOD. The justification of her judgment is based upon her being drunk with “the blood of the saints”.

This culminating judgment on Babylon is seen for her immediate offenses made against GOD in the last days prior to the coming of Christ, as well as all of her offenses observed, from antiquity to the near future: from start to finish.

On the subject of this chapter (18) Dr. Scofield comments
“Babylon, "confusion," is repeatedly used by the prophets in a symbolic sense (See Scofield Note: ISAIAH 13:2), note 2. Two "Babylons" are to be distinguished in the Revelation: ecclesiastical Babylon, which is apostate Christendom, headed up under the Papacy; and political Babylon, which is the Beast's confederated empire, the last form of Gentile world-dominion. Ecclesiastical Babylon is "the great whore" (REV 17:1) and is destroyed by political Babylon (REV 17:15-18) that the beast may be the alone object of worship (2 THESS 2:3,4; REV 13:15). The power of political Babylon is destroyed by the return of the Lord in glory. (See "Armageddon," REV 16:14; 19:17). The notion of a literal Babylon to be rebuilt on the site of ancient Babylon is in conflict with ISAIAH 13:19-22. But the language of REV 18:10,16,18 seems beyond question to identify "Babylon," the "city" of luxury and traffic, with "Babylon" the ecclesiastical centre, viz. Rome. The very kings who hate ecclesiastical Babylon deplore the destruction of commercial Babylon.”
Let us not forget that the judgment on Babylon as seen in ISA 13; 14 as well as JER 50; 51 is something to keep in mind. The things mentioned here haven’t been witnessed in all of history, strongly suggesting that these are yet future!

So let’s get into the study!
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Friday, December 25, 2020

EPHESIANS: Walking Worthily of the King According to Grace - Chapter 4:1-11

~ By James Fire

As we continue in this study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, we enter into chapter 4. Chapters 1-3 entailed a doctrinal review of such things as the divine origins of the church, the plan of salvation, a rich spiritual inheritance as well as resurrection; spiritual enlightenment by the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as the sealing by Him which secures the believer in Christ Jesus and His work of salvation in all of its aspects. 

This epistle emphasizes that our life as Christians is based on grace, not on works, as is our very salvation. Good works in our lives demonstrate and follow salvation; salvation is not derivative or based on our good works.
These first three chapters speak on the unity between Gentiles and Jews as one body in Christ; it elaborates on the divine purpose of God, both for Paul and for the church. The last half of chapter three comprises of another marvelous prayer by Paul for the church. 

Now we are ready to embark on the 2nd half of this journey, that is, the practical (compared with the doctrinal) aspects of the epistle. It should be noted that a 'head knowledge' of scripture, while useful, is ultimately meaningless, in fact it is damning, if such knowledge does not lead to obedience to Christ Jesus in 'living out' that which He has instilled in us (PHIL 2:12).

'Practice what you preach', 'walk the talk', that sort of thing: this is vitally important, for its in the obedience to the Word of God, that further revelation comes, thus greater understanding of the scriptures, which prompts us to further obedience. Such are the trademarks of our love for God.

In chapter four we have the following -

What the divine plan and purpose of God calls for on the part of the church.

The Unity of Believers:

In the Spirit - vs. 1-3
Seven unities mentioned - vs. 4-6
Diversity of gifts but unity in one body of Christ - vs. 7-16

Consistent Christian Life:

The believers walk:
Not as other sinful people - vs. 17-21
In newness of life, abandoning the old sins - vs. 22-32
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Thursday, December 24, 2020

EPHESIANS: His Purpose; Our Passion! Chapter 3:10-21

~ by James Fire

Now we continue with the blessing of looking into God's Holy Word, and mining (in part) its depths to discover the treasure trove of this Divine Love Letter, written especially for US, accepted into the beloved!

Since we ended half way through chapter 3, we need to back up just a bit to recap the context. We finished up to and included vs. 10 so we can begin here.

EPHESIANS 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God
,

Paul was addressing the "manifold wisdom of God" and how by such wisdom we have entered into "the fellowship of the mystery" (vs.9), that is, the mystery of Christ, and all of the spiritual dynamics that this encompasses. There can be no such "fellowship" apart from the blood atonement of Jesus Christ, Who was the true Veil rent (MATT 27:50-51; HEB 10:20), so that we may enter into the Holy of Holies, and there have fellowship with God as our heavenly Abba!
This verse tells us that angelic hosts in heavenly places, who have witnessed the glory and beauty, the wisdom and power of Christ for ages beyond telling, have a knowledge that is being imparted to the church, this "manifold wisdom of GOD". And yet there are deep mysteries neither heavenly host (1 PET 1:12) nor church have yet discovered, because the riches of Christ are "unsearchable" (EPH 3:8). It is our privilege, blessing and calling to search out these riches by the Spirit of grace and the light granted through the Word!
From vs. 10, we proceed onto vs. 11 (is that a gasp of shock I hear, due no doubt from the profound nature of my statement?) which declares the "eternal purpose . . . in Christ Jesus our Lord
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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

The MILLENNIUM: REIGN of the MESSIAH - Part One: Beginning the New Testament Examination.


~ by James Fire

We have traversed the length of the Old Testament in a thorough, yet hardly exhaustive treatment in examining what the Word of GOD has to say about the Millennial Reign of Christ. With the enormous weight of evidence (if one reads with a straight forward method of a plain, literal interpretation) of the Scriptures pointing to a time immediately following Christ’s arrival on planet Earth – after executing judgment upon the anti-Christ, the false prophet, the Beast’s various leaders, as well as the judgment of nations determined on how they treated the LORD’s brethren (the Jewish nation) during “the time of Jacob’s Trouble” and the banishment of Satan in the bottomless pit, of a thousand year reign – such evidence is extremely hard to ignore by the honest Bible student.

There are those however (and these with increasing numbers) who disparage a literal reign of Christ, come in His glorified flesh, to rule in Israel as her Messiah King, claiming that the LORD is already reigning on Earth in a spiritual sense, through His church.
Among these, there are those who deny that Israel has any further pertinence in the plan of GOD, having forfeited the promises that the LORD made to them when they rejected Jesus as their Messiah and had Him crucified.

They then conclude that any and all Old Testament prophecies predicting Israel’s future glory under the benevolence and sovereignty of the Messiah-King Y’shua are null and void (and even worse, try to apply those covenant promises to the church – a heresy known as Replacement Theology). It behooves us then to examine the New Testament Scriptures, especially those post-resurrection (after the rejection, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ) and see if any such promises are still valid where Israel is concerned and the promised Kingdom of Israel that is associated with both the Abrahamic covenant as well as the Davidic covenant.

Such New Testament verses that verify the promises of the Old Testament are strewn throughout the Old Testament TTUF study which you can read here (all twelve parts). 

For the convenience of our readers, we will revisit the New Testament Scriptures in summary fashion so that they may determine (not just on the basis of this study, but upon their own personal study to either confirm or deny the findings of this author) if the Millennial Reign of Christ is (1) still the destiny of the Messiah as the up and coming Holy Ruler on planet Earth in a physical, actual ruling over the nations from the nation of Israel and (2) If Israel is in fact likewise destined to receive such blessings as a result of her coming Messiah-King.

So, let us begin this most exciting and fascinating study! I don’t mind telling you that as I pore over such Scriptures, it sets my heart racing with thrilling hope and intense longing to see such things transpire in our near future!
Read more!

Sunday, December 20, 2020

EPHESIANS: Mystery From the Messiah - The Church - Chapter 3:1-10

~ By James Fire

We will now return to the study in the book of Ephesians!
We begin with chapter three of this marvelous book that Paul the Apostle wrote to the church at Ephesus, but also "to the faithful in Christ Jesus." (EPH 1:1) Is this book then applicable to you and I? Are we faithful in Christ?

If you find yourself lacking in faithfulness, bring it before the One who loves you supremely; He can work this good fruit into your lives; sow the seed of God's Word into your heart, be diligent in prayer in this matter, yield to His power by the Spirit who alone can empower us to obedience, then march out in faith, trusting that He will in fact perform this good work in you (PHIL 1:6; EPH 2:10)!
Paul continues to elaborate on the body of Christ, which is the holy habitation, the building of God, of which each and every saint is a "living stone" but then he takes it a step further; "Paul the prisoner of Jesus Christ for [us] Gentiles" starts out in vs. 2 in speaking of "the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward":
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Saturday, December 19, 2020

The TTUF STUDY on The REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST – Chapter SEVENTEEN

~ by James Fire

Introduction: The BIBLE can be seen as a “Tale of Two Cities” which thematically are polar opposites: Jerusalem and Babylon. Jerusalem is the city of GOD, literally “the city of peace (shalom)” and whose destiny is the glory of GOD through the Messiah, the PRINCE of PEACE, Who is destined to rule the world from this “city of David” as its capital, for a literal thousand year period.

Babylon from its origin, the city of Babel “gateway to the gods” (read that, ‘fallen angels’) has as its own destiny, the glory of man through the agency of Satan, who is seeking his own glory by bringing Babylon to the fore in these last days. He will use this abominable system as an instrument of his diabolical design, whereby he will receive worship from “the earth-dwellers”, the people of this fallen world for a brief time period (of just three and a half years – the latter half of the tribulation period of “Jacob’s Trouble” lasting a total of seven years).

Babylon, or specifically, the spirit of Babylon is fiercely opposed to the saints of GOD; no doubt at the Tower of Babel, their ungodly ways was an extreme offense to the saints of GOD (Noah and his family), and certainly the opposite was the case as well.
Throughout the length and breadth of Scripture, every false religious and pagan system was an enemy to GOD and His people (the type established even before the Tower of Babel was the martyrdom of Abel (by his brother) who offered by faith an acceptable sacrifice to the LORD as opposed to Cain, who offered a sacrifice wholly unacceptable to the LORD (GEN 4).

With the dispersal of the people of Babel, due to GOD’s confusion of their one world language into a multiplicity of such, the promotion of the false religious system originating there was spread across the globe, reinforced and established – and thus the way was prepared for the persecution of the saints who alone would be worshiping GOD “in Spirit and in truth” (JOHN 4:24) and defy the mysticism of this world-system.
Here in REV 17 (and 18) we have the culmination of corruption with its ecumenical evils that promote man’s way of worship over GOD’s prescribed manner, and whose very anti-Christ spirit is being judged by GOD; the justification of her judgment is based upon her being drunk by “the blood of the saints”.

While this culminating judgment on Babylon is seen for her immediate offenses made against GOD in the last days prior to the coming of Christ, there is an inclusion of all of her offenses observed, from antiquity to the near future: from start to finish.

The judgment on Babylon as seen in ISA 13 and 14 as well as JERE 50 and 51 can be seen from the time when Israel was decimated by that nation (as GOD used Babylon as the means of Israel’s chastening, yet nevertheless was judged for persecuting His people). 

What is seen in these two pairs of Old Testament chapters is a wholesale ruination of Babylon; yet history tells us that Cyrus the Persian took Babylon without a battle – but through cunning and subterfuge: the city wasn’t even aware that their government had fallen until sometime thereafter!

While lessened in important through the centuries, Alexander the Great during his own reign of the Greek Empire used it as his second capital. Thus, much if not all of the destruction (rather than a mere wasting away of a domain due to the long passage of time and neglect) we read about in ISAIAH and JEREMIAH must yet be future, as is of course REV 17 and 18.

There may well then be an immediate application for Babylon (an actual city in Iraq today that has some rather fascinating implications) in current events that will play out during the time of Tribulation.
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Sunday, December 13, 2020

EPHESIANS: Aliens No More - One In Christ - Chapter 2:11-22

~ by James Fire

We now continue in our study of the book of Ephesians, and will conclude chapter two. Last time we ended at vs. 10, and so we will pick it up at vs. 11 and on to the end (vs.22).

There is a lot of controversy today in our government and our nation regarding illegal aliens, and there is a push for amnesty among these; that with a stroke of a pen, some 18 million illegals could become citizens without due process (an excellent way to tear down national identity and sovereignty by the way). Without touching this extremely hot topic, I simply use it to illustrate a point:

We were once strangers, aliens as it were to God; truly alienated from God, separated from the Almighty by our sin (ISAIAH 59:2). Yet we have become citizens of His glorious kingdom, indeed - born into the family of God and forming an entirely new race, a new nation and a new life unto eternity! And this was conducted not with some legal contrivance and the stroke of a pen, but rather by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our LORD! Not with ink on some legal document, but by the blood of the Lamb on a Cross!
And everyone and any one who desires to come to God may do so, freely, through His Son Jesus Christ. Repentance and giving over the rights to one's own life, surrendering them and oneself over to the LORD and receiving by grace His gift of salvation is all that's required.
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Saturday, December 12, 2020

EXODUS – GOD’s MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE of ISRAEL FROM EGYPT – Chapter ELEVEN

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez and James Fire
EXODUS 11: “How did we get Here?” – by Albert Lopez, Facebook video.

INTRODUCTION: The Lord had given Pharaoh a command from the mouth of Aaron and Moses. Moses didn’t come out and say You have to let the people go because I’m Moses the anointed of God All mighty. No Moses who as we have heard was the most humble man, in fact we can see how humble in NUMBERS. 12:3 “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any person who was on the face of the earth.” 

I don’t know about you, but I consider such a compliment to be very dangerous because it is easy for anyone to get a big head and add a big ego with a side of I am so great. However, Moses was probably the second humblest man that ever lived; second to Jesus our Lord. 

What makes this verse we just read about Moses’s humbleness more powerful is that in the previous verses we read how Aaron and Miriam spoke against him and were challenging him saying does God only speak through you? What makes you so special? I don’t know about you, but I can’t say that I would have reacted in such a humble way. I’m sure those words hurt Moses and more coming from his brother and sister right? However I’m sure that in the back of Moses’s mind were the words we find in the Bible for the battle is not yours but God’s.
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Thursday, December 10, 2020

EPHESIANS: The QUICKENED Chapter 2:1-10

~ by James Fire

As was previously outlined in Chapter One, we saw much in the way of doctrinal truth expounded upon by the apostle Paul. These scriptures spoke of our being born into God's family (vs. 3 "in Christ"; vs. 4 "in Him"; "accepted in the Beloved" vs. 6); as well as receiving a "predestined inheritance" (vs. 11, 14, 18). 

It was stated that the Holy Spirit is "the earnest" (down payment) of our redemption and that the fullness of this redemptive plan will ultimately be realized by the LORD Himself (vs. 13, 14) and also that we as Christ's church are enabled to receive spiritual enlightenment and understanding, not through secretive, hidden knowledge and wisdom carefully guarded by  esoteric societies, such as the Gnostics or through any sort of scholastic 'higher' education from the minds of mere humans but by the direct influence of the Holy Spirit, the LORD Jesus and our heavenly Father (vs. 17-18). 

The chapter closes with an examination of the power that we, as the body of Christ, His church possesses, in and through Him who was raised from the dead (vs. 19-23).

We now continue in Chapter Two by similarly outlining its content:
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COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM – A Call To The Last Days Church for Sanctified War

~ By James Fire

In the first epistle of Paul to the church of the CORINTHIANS, the apostle spoke to the saints in specific terms:

1 CORINTHIANS 1:2-6
2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you
:

“Sanctified in Christ Jesus” – being set apart, to be made holy (hagios Strong's Greek: 37. ἁγιάζω (hagiazó) -- to make holy, consecrate, sanctify (biblehub.com) in the Greek); the saints are not of this world (JOHN 17:14,16), but of the LORD, being born of His Spirit and are His children (JOHN 1:12-13).
It’s not that we should be taken out of the world itself (JOHN 17:15), for were that the case, how could we let the light of the LORD shine from our lives as “a city that is set on a hill” (MATT 5:14)?
Yet we are protected from its evil and corrupt influences as the Father keeps us (JOHN 17:15).

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

EXODUS – GOD’s MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE of ISRAEL FROM EGYPT – Chapter TEN

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez and James Fire


EXODUS 10: “Every Holy Hoof” – by James Fire, Facebook video.

INTRODUCTION: We are nearing the time of the Exodus of Israel, the very act of GOD that delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, that has become the name of this book: Exodus., “departure”.
When we became Christians, we were sanctified and set apart; we were baptized into the body of Christ and became part of the church – the ekklesia, who are the separated ones. We had a spiritual exodus – a departure from the spirit of this dark, sinful, rebellious world that is an enemy to GOD. As it says in:
EPHESIANS 2:2
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others
.
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EPHESIANS: Paul's Powerful Prayer for the Body of Christ Chapter 1:15-23

~ by James Fire

In this concluding segment of chapter One of the book of Ephesians we receive a prayerful message from Paul the Apostle. Judging from the content of his prayer, I'd say he was one serious prayer warrior! Imagine what it would've been like attending prayer meeting with Paul the Apostle?

Wow! His prayers are as powerful as his teachings, and I think there is a connection here; let me explain: A Preacher of Power is also a Preacher of Prayer! Anyone who desires to be powerful in their preaching and, or teaching must spend time in prayer, closeted with the Author of the Book. One can have acquired all the schooling, and knowledge of the Biblical languages, and learned from the best of the biblical scholars; all of this is meaningless without Holy Unction, and Divine anointing.
This can ONLY be cultivated by relationship with our precious LORD, and by a life consecrated to Him with a heart of obedience as our chief love and adoration. It's been said before: The LORD doesn't want to be number one on a list of ten. He wants to be number one on a list of ONE!
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Tuesday, December 1, 2020

EPHESIANS: Inheritance and Indwelling Chapter 1:7-14

~ by James Fire

The following are expositional studies from the book of EPHESIANS as published at FROM the MIND of FIRE. This version has been edited and revised from its original content.

EPHESIANS 1:10-11
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ . . . even in him:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance
. . .

We completed the first seven verses of Ephesians chapter one, and here we continue to pursue this incredible study and by God's Spirit, plumb the depths of this rich and lush epistle, teeming with spiritual truth!

EPHESIANS 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace
;


Redemption is 'to purchase back' and in the actual Greek, can imply to 'buy out of the market place'. Slaves, those in debt, and those conquered in war time were purchased in the market place in ancient cultures.

Certainly we were slaves to sin, indebted by such to a Holy God, whose Law we have transgressed and thereby deprived Him of His rightful rule in our lives as LORD. Instead we've been ruled and thereby conquered by sin nature; and have proven helpless to free ourselves from this bondage. This is why we were once the children of disobedience, children of darkness, those who are ruled by the god (ruler) of this world (system), that is Satan (see EPH. 2:2; COL. 3:6; also EPH. 5:5-8; 1 THESS. 5:5 and lastly 2 COR. 4:3-4; ROM 6:16-22): it has to do with our sin nature.
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