March 31, 2021

In Defence Of God

(c) 1999 A. Hazen

Get out your Bible, for this is the Word of God, written and witnessed by holy men of God, as His Spirit gave it to them.

2 Pet 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Every single aspect of life that people live is exampled in His Book. Any questions that you may have regarding anything or everything about living here on earth, is written about in this Book! BUT….

2 Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (and using the Bible to do so!)

Vs 9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished

In other words, anyone who teaches against God’s Word, will be punished because they are causing these people, who would have otherwise believed, to fall into the qualms of false doctrine. THIS is why God will punish those who “teach” what THEY call His Word, but is really wrong doctrine… things that God never said!

Who, exactly, is God? He introduces Himself all throughout His Word. In the Old Testament, He was speaking to the Hebrews. In the New Testament, He is speaking to everyone; ALL mankind. He is THE Creator, THE Savior, THE Provider, and so many other things! He IS YHWH!

All He wants us to do is to love and obey Him! That’s all! Nothing more. His commandments are not hard to follow. And if one truly loves God, they would do nothing to disobey them.

  1. Exo 20:2-3 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
  2. Exo 20:4-6 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (statues), or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

This is not saying that we can’t enjoy fine art… sculptures, paintings etc… What this IS saying, is that we are NOT to worship them… like some “religions” and cults do; For example, the Hindu’s and the Buddists, have statues of their “leaders” that they actually bow down to and worship. THIS is what God is telling us NOT to do. Even statues of His son, Jesus, that we see all over the place. Many will bow down to the statue and worship it! This is what God is talking about. He wants us to worship from our hearts, in our spirit… HIM… We don’t need statues to worship HIM. He is with us everywhere we go! He knows our hearts, our minds, what we are doing, etc. God is not contained in any earthly thing!

  1. Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Because God IS God, and DOES love and provide for all those who love Him, why do people take His name in vain so easily? This shows total lack of love and respect for Him!!! And because God loves us as He does, He expects us to do the same! It would be like your kids, or family members using your name profanely!… like cursing YOU! Would you like that? I think not. I know I wouldn’t!

  1. Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

God ordained the 7th day, which is our Saturday, as the Sabbath. Not Sunday.

  1. Exo 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
  2. 13 Thou shalt not kill.
  3. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
  4. 15 Thou shalt not steal.
  5. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
  6. Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

When we obey God’s Commandments, we will not have anything to worry about when we go to our “final resting place”.

Isa 45:22-24 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me

As you can see, God IS God. He is THE ONLY God. Every person on earth has, in his own conscience, a strong urge to worship something or someone. But since God created man in HIS image (Gen 1:26-27, Jn 4:24)), He wants man to worship Him only. How can anyone worship another human or animal, or other earthly thing? I just can’t see it.

Num 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Gentile – those not born of the Hebrews [Jews]).

vs 18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Read Acts 10.

If an “unbeliever” looks up for, and lives up to the light of God in creation, God will send him the light of the Gospel. In other words, God will send someone to help him understand and believe God’s gospel of light through Christ Jesus, His Son. Cornelius is seen as an example. He looked for God. And because he searched, His prayers and alms came up as a memorial before God. Then God sent Peter to tell him how to be saved.

God gave us His revelation of Himself in our spirit and consciousness. Consciousness demands a creator. Design demands a designer, right? So, when you look up at the sun, moon, stars, and at the creation of trees, grass, etc., anyone can KNOW there is a God. Man is instinctively religious. He must have someone or some object to worship. When he refuses to worship God, who IS living, yet cannot be physically seen, he (man) makes his own gods of wood or stone and paper, to represent things NOT alive.

Notice the downward progression. Man becomes what he worships. As his concept of deity degenerates, his morals degenerate also. A worshiper generally considers himself inferior to the object of worship. So when a man worships an idol of stone, he’s really worshiping demons, which are God’s most fiercest enemies. Man was created in the image and likeness of God. But when he worships idols, he takes a place lower than that of a snake!

Gen 3:14-15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Thus, God says that anyone who refuses to worship HIM will die the second death.

Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that over-cometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Rev 20:14-15 And death and hell (the grave) were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (See L. Ray Smith’s teaching on the lake of fire scroll down to the red square).

The reason I am telling you this is because I don’t wish to go through the lake of fire if I can avoid it! the reason I’m telling you this is because I don’t want YOU to go through it either! And what’s more, GOD HIMSELF DOES NOT WANT YOU TO!

Psa 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psa 1:4-6 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Anything that is said more than once, in the Word of God, means that what is said, is absolutely established and will be done. Those who refuse to believe, even after they have been taught (these are called apostates) will perish. there is no getting around either death nor salvation from death. God says that He would that none should perish, but that ALL would come to the knowledge of His Truth. He loves us that much! As a matter of fact, God loves us so much, that He sent His only son, Christ Jesus to teach us, and to be the final sacrifice of blood for the forgiveness of our sins.

John 3:14-17 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (note: should read aonian – or life for the ages – the words “eternal and everlasting are not in the original text). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (see note above). For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

:18-21 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

When we turn to Christ Jesus, He then tells us:

Isa 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Read all of Isaiah 53. This chapter prophecies of the suffering of His Son, and His death for our sins. If you can seek God in creation, with the light that He has given you, more light will be added. In other words, God says, “Look for me, and I will find you, and bless you with my wisdom and knowledge.”

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Why should we, and why did all the martyrs in the past, stand in defense of God and His Word? Simply because they knew He IS God. Period. His word IS truth, and there is none other. They refused to bow down to earthly images or people, and knew of the false doctrine forced upon the people. And for this they were murdered.

When the devil influenced Adam and Eve to sin against God, and eat of the forbidden tree, God put curses, not only on the snake, but also on the couple.

  1. Gen 3:14-15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: (you can’t get no lower than that!) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  2. Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
  3. Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life

This seed that God was speaking of was His only begotten Son; our only means to salvation. the Lord, Christ Jesus, Himself. THIS is whom we defend.

All through the centuries, men and women were condemned to die for the truth, and issuance of God’s Word, our Bible, and getting it out to the “lay” people. Many were burned at the stake, others were cut asunder by wild beasts, for the enjoyment of the unbelievers who listened to the false influences of the devil; from the pharaohs of Egypt on Moses and Israel, to the apostles and disciples who followed Christ, to the writers of the HOLY Scriptures that we have today, that you hold in your hands. People died just so that YOU would be able to read God’s Word, and be blessed. Here is just one example:

Act 5:34-36 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

:37-39 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee (not Judas Iscariot) in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Act 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Nothing could sway them from the faith they had in Christ Jesus. We should be the same. He DIED so that we could live! If He hadn’t, can’t you imagine how much worse the world would be like today? I hate to think about it!

All God wants is for us to listen, study, and obey Him so He can bless us. But because Satan is God’s enemy, knowing his doom is the bottomless pit of fire, he is doing everything he can… that we allow him to do, to still the voice of God. And he will try to take anyone he can with him in his final punishment.

God IS God, and the ONLY one who can save us from Satan’s grasp. We absolutely must listen and obey God’s Almighty’s voice when He says”

Isa 45:22-24 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

Isa 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure

These words, in themselves, are reason enough to defend God. He is our Salvation, and there is none other. He loves us so much that He made provisions for us through His Son, Christ Jesus. those provisions have come to pass, prophesied about long before His birth.

Isa 7:14-16 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, (a) a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. (b) For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

(a) We’ve all heard about Christ’s birth, so I don’t think I need to go into that..

(b) Herod the great died when Christ was just a toddler, after he had the babies under the age of 2 killed.

Isa 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

This prophecy was fulfilled around 3-4 b.c. We read about it in the Gospels, as well as in the life, teachings and earthly death of the Messiah.

The apostles lived with and learned from Jesus. Many of them wrote what they saw and heard. It’s sad that these writings weren’t included with those put into the “Authorized” versions of the Bible.

Paul was converted by Jesus Christ, Himself, and began preaching the Gospel to the Jews, thereby gaining more converts. Here was a man who was initially persecuting the Christian believers who were Jews or Gentiles. He is the one who held the cloaks of those who were beating Stephen. On his way to Damascus, Jesus appeared to Paul and stopped him in his tracts. He set Paul straight, by saying “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 8:1; 9:1-6)

Peter was heard quoting the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28) on the day of Pentecost. He was defending God’s Word when the mockers said that the disciples were just drunk. (Acts 2:17)

Stephen also defended the Lord against unbelievers (Acts 6:8;15; 7:2-60), and was murdered for his efforts and faith.

These all were murdered because of their faith. Yet these aren’t all. Throughout Christian history, true saints of God willingly gave up their lives for the Gospel of Christ Jesus, just so that God’s Word would continue. Jesus told us to stand up and defend and confess Him before men, and we would be justly rewarded! Nothing – no one else is worthy.

Matt 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Why were the Scriptures written?

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

What reason do we have to deny our Christ? When God sent a final Redeemer to include the Gentiles as well as His chosen people, the “Jews”, He finalized the end of the “parade” of life. If we live according to God’s Word, and obey His commandments, He will guide us and teach us and show us what His will for our lives is. But we must trust HIM, and Him alone. For there is no other god who can do what He can!

Psa 1:1-4 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

:5-6 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

God even tells us how we should live and gain His blessings and what would happen if we didn’t!

Isa 1:16-20 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

There are other definite rewards for trusting in THE living God. But there are also severe punishments for those who refuse to believe:

For those who trust and obey:

Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

:7-8 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

For those who refuse to believe and obey:

Psa 37:13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

Psa 37:14-15 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Psa 37:16-17 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

But WHY would ANYONE want to deny the Christ? He has been with me throughout my whole life, guiding me, chastising me, teaching me and yes even blessing me and my family!

Stand for the Word of God. Defend It as God would have us do. It’s our only life line to eternal life with HIM!

How do I know that God is speaking to me? It is a still small voice in your mind; a very clear voice. Or it could be downright loud too! You will know it is Him by what is said. If it is according to His Word, it IS Him. If what is said is NOT as is said in your Bible, then it is NOT Him, but the enemy trying to influence you otherwise. You will know.

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

I hope this message has been a blessing and a help to you, in the precious name of MY Living Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.