Divide & Conquer

What if I told you that we are our worst enemy and that the enemy of our souls starts with our agreement with, and submission to what satan plants in our minds and hearts. You would probably have to think twice or analyze that statement first before believing it. The term “Divide and Conquer” is said to derive from King Phillip II of Macedon (382-336 BC), which described his policy toward the Greek city- states. According to him, this well known phrase is referring to a strategy of gaining and maintaining power based on the fact that many smaller opponents are easier to manage than larger opponents. The strategy includes breaking up power alliances into smaller groups that are easier to subdue/manage and preventing those small groups from linking up and becoming more powerful. If this strategy was to be effective it would allow those with limited power to control those who collectively would have had a lot more influence. I do however believe that many other ruler like Caesar and Napoleon put this technique into operation as well. Strangely enough, this technique has been effective in many cases, for many reasons, in many genres and for many centuries’.

I would, however like to point out a more spiritual perspective of this strategy according to the Word of God. In Matthew 12:25 Jesus makes a very powerful statement directed at the Pharisees that I think we should know about UNITY!

Jesus has just healed a man from being blind, mute and demon-possessed. The multitudes of people were amazed and began to ask, “Could this be the Son of David?” The Pharisees heard it and said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Jesus knowing their thoughts says, “Every kingdom divided [separated or at odds] against itself is brought to desolation [misery, anguish despair], and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” The Pharisees have just accused Jesus of operating under the power and influence of a demon in order to cast out a demon and Jesus with the knowledge and discernment he has didn’t get offended, and didn’t begin to accuse them back; he simply laid the truth in table, goes into a parable about the strong man and shifts into a powerful statement concerning “The Unpardonable Sin,” which is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. 

In my opinion, this was Jesus’ way of warning them to be careful how far they took their statement concerning operating under the influence of God’s Holy Spirit. He was saying in essence that they could speak against him and be forgiven, but don’t take it to far trying to disprove who I am and end up not being able to be forgiven.

This passage of scripture has so much in it, but I want to focus on what Jesus pointed out concerning the absence of unity and why it’s so important in order for us to remain powerful, effective and productive. If you notice, there are two elements to the phrase “Divide & Conquer.” Division must first occur before the conquering comes into play, so this suggests that there is a process of time that it will take to cause that division. First I want to point out that there must be contention, strife, anger misery and anguish in the midst of any group if division is to occur. The bible says in James 4:1-3, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” In other words, James is pointing out the root cause of division amongst the saints, which lies in their selfish desires (the bible calls them evil desires). This is how the enemy gets in and causes division amongst God’s people. He causes us to look more at ourselves and our own lack in order to gain ground. 

If there is no gratitude towards God for the gifts he has given us, our views are skewed and we begin to covet what the world has with evil intentions, as if God’s gifts to us are not enough, and when we do seek and ask God, we ask with the wrong motives. Romans 16:17-19 says, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.”
Isn’t it ironic that because of our obedience to Jesus Christ the enemy will use people within the church to deceive us with flattering words in order to get us out of the Will of God (Word of God) for our lives? Our urgency and instruction to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil is just that. We don’t have to make things so complicated and deep all the time. We should never over think things. 

So things are simply surface knowledge to the children of God, but we have this saying, “I’m going to have to pray on it.” What is their to pray on if the word is rooted richly in your hearts? Why allow someone to come along and deceive you? What sounds good on the surface must first be examined by the Word of God that lives in us. It’s just that simple. This is just but one of the ways in which division is accomplished within the body of Christ. Selfish desire is trying it’s best to defeat the saints and we’re falling for it. We listen to songs like “Go Get it” (Your Blessing) and just run with it, not realizing that WE are to BE the Blessing to someone else. We forget about the Ministry of Reconciliation that we’ve been made Ambassadors for.

We must never forget the purpose in which we were save to begin with.(2 Cor. 5:11-21)

When will we realize that collectively we have more influence in this world as the Body of Christ? Unfortunately, I believe our focus has shifted to what’s around us and not what’s in us. Ephesians 4:11-13 says, “So Christ himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” The main purpose of unity in this text points to being equipped for the purpose of ministry and for our edification until we are unified in the faith. This is what the enemy is after! The absence of unity has repercussions that we have yet to comprehend, and if the truth be told, the absence of unity is the beginning of our demise. But it all starts from within us. 

Philippians 2:1-4 sets us free. It says, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This is how we overcome and take back our power from the enemy, our influence in our families, with our friends and in the world. Don’t get me wrong, this will not be an easy task because we must endure hardship as a good soldier, but I believe we will reap if we faint not. 

The bible wasn’t lying when it asks the question in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together unless they be agreed?” The answer is obvious. We cannot continue to walk together as believers in Christ if we all have our own selfish agenda’s. As you can see, in each verse I have shared, Selfish ambition, Selfishness or Selfish desires is the root cause of division. So in essence, when we stray from the will of God, turn away from our humility towards Christ and become discontented in the gifts He has given us for the equipping of one another, we in fact conquer ourselves. We are our worst enemy!
Absence of unity is presence with defeat!

What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Strongholds defined

Narcotics Anonymous & The Born Again Believer

There are countless individuals who are recovering from the stronghold of addiction and many of those individuals have chosen to adhere to the literature of the 12 step programs and to the Bible. It is not my goal to force anyone to leave their fellowship with NA or AA; however, it is my goal to reveal the truth in God’s word concerning those whom He has called by His name. In this session we will compare the Truth in God’s word with the literature of Narcotics Anonymous. In order for us to get a better understanding of what we are up against, we will first define what a stronghold is as oppose to what NA literature teaches, which is that we suffer from an incurable disease of mind, body and spirit.

Stronghold: 1. A place where a particular cause or belief is strongly defended or upheld. 2.  It is also an incorrect thinking pattern that has molded itself into our way of thinking. 3. Another more descriptive definition is a vice grip that holds you hostage, a mindset that accepts a situation as unchangeable or impossible even though that situation is contrary to the will of God. 4. Something that captures you and you see no way out.

NA’s definition of an addict and of addiction: 1. An addict is a man or woman whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions and death. 2. Addiction is a disease which involves more than simple drug use. Some of us believe that our disease was present long before the first time we used.  We did not choose to become addicts. 3.  We suffer from a disease which expresses itself in ways that are anti-social and make detection, diagnosis and treatment difficult.

   Once we identify ourselves as addicts, help becomes possible.

As Christians and born again believers in Jesus Christ we believe what the word of God says is truth which is:

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

2.  Galatians 2:19-20, “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

3.  Romans 6:5-6, “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Now if we are dead in Christ from the rudiments of the world like Paul describes in the book of Colossians, then why, as though living in the world, are we subject to ordinances. (Col. 2:20)  The word ordinance in the Greek translates to the word ‘dogma’, which is defined as the rules and requirements of the law of Moses; carrying a suggestion of severity and of threatened judgment.

Now let’s compare NA/AA teaching with scripture:

 NA/AA literature:

Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average.] (p58, AA Big Book)  Now for the Christian who attends these meetings and hears this, what do you think is being created in the mindset? FEAR of leaving this program. (Here we see the suggestion of severity and the threat of judgment if one doesn’t adhere to and conform to this program’s instruction)

The literature also states, “We realize that we are never cured and carry the disease within us all our lives. We have a disease from which we do recover. Each day we are given another chance. We are convinced that there is only one way for us to live, and that is the N.A. way.” (Who Is an Addict, Basic Text Chapter One)

           

The Word of God:

2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
and 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Romans 8:1-2, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” In this text Paul is telling his readers, in light of the foregoing reminder of their continuing sinfulness, they must now recall their acceptance, immunity, and security in Christ.

 Our confidence is not in our own human abilities to recover from such an affliction. And we do not threaten those who choose not to submit to God. It says in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” In other words, Those who are in step with the Spirit should reach out to the believer whose sin has ensnared them, but should be cautious lest sin also ensnare them in the process.

NA/AA Literature:

"To us, the Realm of the Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive, or forbidding...." Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 46

The Word of God:

Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

NA/AA Literature:

Where most traditional religions provide authoritative spokesmen on what is or is not acceptable human behavior “ in the eyes of God” , AA does not. In fact, the very beginning of AA was based upon a very simple idea:
“Why don’ t you choose your own conception of God?” “It was only a matter of being willing to believe in a Power greater than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning.”  (Big Book pg.12)

"We suggest that you find a substitute for this destructive power, alcohol, and turn to a Higher Power, regardless of the name by which you may identify that power. We suggest that you turn your will and your life over to God, as you understand Him." (The Clergy Ask About Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 9.)

The Word of God:

Exodus 20:3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” This is self explanatory along with two additional scriptures. Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” and John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Note: If you have read this far into the comparisons of NA literature to the bible, you can clearly see that both cannot be telling the truth. One or the other is in error. In Galatians 5:19 it describes drunkenness as the works of the flesh, which is sin, but in NA/AA literature, drunkenness is defined as a disease; something that is not our choice and is incurable. 

NA/AA Literature:

"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps…(Step 12)

The Word of God:

Man’s natural state before being born again is being spiritually dead, not asleep. The prerequisite for being alive in Christ is very different from what NA literature describes as a ‘spiritual awakening’ as a result of the steps. Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Note: Were we restored to life together with Christ as a result of believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths that Jesus is our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9) or did we have a spiritual awakening as a result of the 12 steps? The Greek translation of the word ‘quickened’ is zōopoieō, and it means to cause to live, make alive, give life or to restore life.

NA/AA Literature:

“Based on our experience, we believe that every addict, including the potential addict, suffers from an incurable disease of mind, body and spirit. (NA basic text)

The Word of God:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Note: If we were washed by the Spirit of our God from our sin and if we are sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, how are we then suffering from an incurable disease at the same time? Even the prospective and likely to become addicts suffer from this disease according to the basic text. 

NA/AA Literature:

The only alternatives to recovery are jails, institutions, dereliction and death. Unfortunately, our disease makes us deny our addiction. If you are an addict, you too can find a new way of life through the N.A. program that would not otherwise be possible.

(Again fear is permeated throughout this statement so that individuals will not consider available recovery elsewhere)

The Word of God:

Mark 9:21-23, “And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And oft times it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Luke 18:27, “And he said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Note: Jesus Christ is the only foundation for spiritual life. In 2 Corinthians 3:10-11 Paul had resolved to preach nothing but Christ crucified. He writes, “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We are also told in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” We must be aware of the dangers of enticing words; how many are ruined by the flattery of those who lie in wait to deceive, and by the false disguises and fair appearances of unscriptural principles and ungodly practices.

Romans 16:17-18 states, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”


By: Carole L. S. Rouse

The Deliverance of the Cross

Scripture Reference:

Romans 5:6-10

All of us need to be delivered from something; whether from drugs, alcohol, fornication, gambling or even people’s expectations. To be delivered means to be set free or released. The bible makes it clear that one of the contemporary reasons why we should be connected to the cross is its Power to Deliver. In Roman 5:6 Paul says, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Then he says in verse 8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ death was necessary in order for us to be forgiven for our sins. Christ died while we were ungodly, he demonstrated his Love while we were still sinners. In other words, when there was nothing lovely about us, God loved us enough to die for us. Jesus died for us when we were his enemy, and in rebellion against him. (Knowing the worst things about us) In Romans 5:7 Paul says, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” In other words, It’s hard enough dying for somebody you like, but to give your life for an enemy, to give your life for the ungodly, when you are godly for the sinner; Paul says, that’s how much God loves us. God didn’t say get right first and then I’ll fix you up. Before we were even born, before we committed our first act of sin, Jesus died for us. He loves us so much that He will come to us in our lowest state and speak to our heart and save us from ourselves and from the grip of the enemy.

Love,

Carole L.S. Rouse