Satan's Techniques For Temptation (By Allen Malone)

 

Satan's Techniques For Temptation (By Allen Malone) 

Preface By Gary Patterson: 

 I know that a lot of pictures and paintings depict Satan as an ugly creature, because of the ugly things he does. But this picture I have chosen, shows Satan as a very handsome, beautiful, fallen angel that he is. (Isaiah 14:12-15) He is very cunning as a snake, and is very deceitful and destructive as the Bible points out. I appreciate this Study of Allen Malone, highlighting the various techniques Satan uses concerning temptation. (Thank you Allen Malone) "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) 

 SATAN’S TECHNIQUES FOR TEMPTATION (Allen Malone) 

 We may not be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), but may still be overcome by him. The apostle Paul’s inspired concerns for saints of his time remain valid. “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3 nkjv). Genesis 3 reveals some of the devil’s most effective techniques for luring people to sin - especially people who know the Lord and His will. 

 He pointed to the forbidden (Genesis 3:1). “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” God had highlighted what was allowed (Genesis 2:16). Satan spot-lighted what was forbidden. He lied (Genesis 3:4). God had said, “When you eat of it you will surely die.” The tempter said to the woman, “You will not surely die.” 

 He misused the truth (Genesis 3:5). “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” This line, while true, (Genesis 3:7, 22), contained a false implication. 

He used words that were true to falsely imply that the opening of her eyes would be something beneficial, a blessing of which she was presently deprived. 

He diverted Eve’s focus from God’s will (Genesis 3:6). “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” His diabolical scheme was successful because he effectively influenced Eve to cease reminding herself of what she knew to be God’s will (Genesis 3:2-3), but instead to dwell upon the appealing characteristics of the forbidden fruit. 

 Satan’s tactics then are Satan’s tactics now. Genesis 3:6 reveals that his basic approach was to appeal to fleshly desires, visual attraction, and self-exalting pride. The New Testament reveals that these remain the basic appeals that lead people to turn from God’s will. “All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, … but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:16-17 nasb). 

 Let’s not miss this fact, though: Satan’s primary means was deception. All of his devices were intended to accomplish that one end. Satan’s temptation was effective because he was able to deceive. Eve admitted it (Genesis 3:13); God acknowledged it (Genesis 3:14); and the New Testament confirms it (2 Corinthians 11:3; cf., 1 Timothy 2:14). “…Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning….” 

 Furthermore, it is important that those of us who know God and His will notice the nature of Satan’s deception. The Bible shows us that Eve was not deceived about God’s instructions (Genesis 3:2-3) and may not have been deceived about the consequences of eating (3:4), but rather Satan successfully deceived her about God Himself (Genesis 3:5). Satan’s most effective ploy is to convince us that God is something other than a loving, wise, powerful Father who has our best interests at heart. 

 Let’s not be deceived, but believe! Meditating with joy on God’s sure care for us which He proved by providing us a Savior who was tempted in every way that Eve was and we are, “yet without sin,” is key (Luke 4:1-13; Hebrews 4:15-16). “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all…” (Romans 8:31-32). “Take heed that you be not deceived!”

Photo: Guren-The-Thirdeye - 

Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com

The 2024 Election - A Christian Perspective (By Gary Patterson)

 

The 2024 Election - A Christian Perspective 

(By Gary Patterson) 

 "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love" (Ephesians 1:4) 

"We are in the middle of an election season, and it’s not just any election season. This election season is proving to be the most volatile election season that our country has seen in a very long time. And this election season is falling in the midst of a world that seems like everything is broken all around us." (Matthew A. Scogin’s speech on christian political discourse, delivered to a Hope student and employee audience via Zoom from Diment Chapel, on September 24, 2020.) 

These words were spoken four years ago, but what has changed? No doubt this 2024 coming election, will completely change the direction of this nation. I do not want to pick a side, although as a Christian pastor, it may be evident that I have. How should we as Christians, look at the 2024 Presidential election? 

In our text, when God chose us, before the foundation of the world; His intent was that we be a people who are to be holy, and blameless. As a Christian nation, that is to be "Under God", we are to be a people who are holy, and blameless. That includes all of us; our presidential candidates, and all who are in government leadership, along with all the citizens of this great nation. 

But let's be honest. We are far from being what God intends for us to be. But this is no excuse for us to stop striving to be a nation that lives up to God's expectations. The Word of God is to help us with the issues we face in this Country. 

1. Character and integrity: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn…The king by judgment establishes the land but he that receives gifts overthrows it…If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked” (Proverbs 29:2, 4, 12). 

2. Sanctity of human life—abortion, stem cell research using human embryos: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). 

3. Same-sex marriage or civil unions among same-sex couples: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). 

4. Freedom for religious speech: “So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20). 

5. Racial equality: “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26). “…and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God” (Revelation 5:9-10). 

 6. National Security: “And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night” (Nehemiah 4:8-9). 

7. Taxation and government spending: “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards…we are forcing our sons and daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards” (Nehemiah 5:4-5). (How Should A Christian Vote? -moodymedia.org) 

 From a Christian perspective, we are to apply the truth of God's Word to every issue that is up for consideration in the coming 2024 election. It is our responsibility as Christians, and godly citizens of the United States Of America. May God help us to be faithful in preserving the righteousness, and freedoms that God intends America to have! GP 

 Photo: TheDigitalArtist - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com

Jesus Is Coming Quickly! By Bunni Pounds

 

The Christian Journeyman eZine 

Pastor Gary Patterson 

JESUS IS COMING QUICKLY By BUNNI POUNDS 

Published on March 18, 2024 

Stream.org 

 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) 

This article by Bunni Pounds, hits the nail on the head concerning how things are today in our society, and in our world. There is no doubt that the days today are filled with evil. We have a lot to deal with, a lot to resist, and a lot of praying, and witnessing to do, as we wait for the Lord Jesus' return. As Christians, let's stand firm, and let's engage this world for Jesus Christ. We can make a difference for Him, if we more than try! GP

(Please Click Link Below!)

Jesus Is Coming Quickly! By Bunni Pounds

Living In The Hope Of The Resurrection (By Gary Patterson)

 

Living In The Hope Of The Resurrection (By Gary Patterson)

Six year old Judy complained, "Mother, I've got a stomachache!" "That's because your stomach is empty," her mother replied. "You would feel better if you had something in it." That afternoon, the minister came to visit, remarking in conversation that he was suffering with a headache. Little Judy perked up. "That's because it's empty, she said. "You'd feel better if you had something in it." Well I have a message that definitely has something in it that will make us all feel better. JESUS IS ALIVE! And because He is alive, we have a LIVING HOPE! 

I read once of a little girl whose home was near a cemetery, and in order to go to the store, she had to follow a path that led through the cemetery. But this little girl never seemed to have any sense of fear, even when she returned through the cemetery at dusk. Someone asked her, "Aren't you afraid to go through the cemetery? "Oh no" she replied, "I'm not afraid, for my home is just beyond." Are we afraid of the cemetery? We shouldn't be, because our eternal home is just beyond this life. 

Theme: Looking back on Jesus' resurrection, and looking forward to our own resurrection, we are to live (here and now) in the bright hope of the resurrection. (How?) 

1. BY BELIEVING IN THE FACT OF THE RESURRECTION 

    (1 Corinthians 15:1-3) 

2. BY LIVING IN THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION 

    (Philippians 3:10) 

3. BY REJOICING IN THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION 

    (1 Peter 1:3) 

All of this is contained in a strong relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do you have that relationship today? You can! Read Acts 2:38, and follow through with what it says concerning one being saved, and having the hope of eternal life. Don't wait, do it today! GP 

Photo: TC_Perch/18 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

Posted by The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved. at 2:18 PM

After NRB Speech: What Should Trump Do Now?

 

After NRB Speech: What Should Trump Do Now? 

Stream.Org 

 I like this article written by Shane Idleman, *"who is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com." 

I like what he says about "humility" and why it is so important for our nation today. There is so much pride and selfishness that dominates our national society today. In time if we don't do what 

2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us as a nation, America will cease to be the nation that God intended it to be! Gary Patterson.

Please Click Link Below! 

After NRB Speech: What Should Trump Do Now?

* Background footnote on Shane Idleman

Photo: Flickr/Gage Skidmore/The Star News Network (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Christian Journeyman eZine 2024 All Rights Reserved. 

Dealing With A Displaced People (By Gary Patterson)

 

Dealing With A Displaced People 

By Gary Patterson 

(March 7, 2024) 

 Through each week I have been watching the news concerning the conflict in the middle east. The pleas for a cease fire is tense and ongoing. The displaced Palestinians are struggling to survive, while Israel wages war on Hamas. The heart-wrenching wait and pleas of the families, for the release of their hostage loved ones is also a heartfelt ongoing campaign. 

I read that President Biden will announce plans to establish a port along the Gaza coast for humanitarian aid during his State of the Union address. Which today as I write this post, will be airing tonight on national television (March,7,2024) 

I have noticed on the news, that they have been dropping food into the region for the starving Palestinian people. But one news person said that it is just a drop in the bucket to what they need to survive. It would be better to have trucks make their way into the enclave. But Israel severely restricts aid from entering. 

Even though I disagree with the Palestinian beliefs, and their attitude towards America, I do feel sorry for the Palestinian people, and wish for this war to be over, so they can begin to live in peace, instead of being caught in the middle of a severe devastating war. There has been so much devastation and death, that it is hard to watch these people go through these horrific events. 

I belief that Israel needs to remember what the Bible says about their responsibility to refugees, and displaced people. I realize that as a nation they have been attacked by a malicious militant group, and to strike back is to gain justice is understandable. But at the same time, there is a people who along with their children are dying everyday. The Palestinian people are caught in the middle of devastating war, and definitely have no place to go!

 Here is what the Bible says about refugees, and displaced people. 

"Miscellaneous instructions in the Law of Moses — the first five books of the Bible — made sure foreigners were included in the Jewish community. They included provisions for them to be treated equally under the law and to be included in festivals and celebrations of the community. Cities of refuge were available to Israelites and foreigners in cases of accidental killing (Numbers 35:15). Foreigners were to be included in festivals and celebrations mandated in the Law (Deuteronomy 16:14; 26:11). Some of the tithes collected by the priests were to be used to not only feed them and their families, but also to help provide food for foreigners, widows, and orphans (Deuteronomy 14:28­­–29). Farmers were instructed to leave the gleanings of their fields for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 23:22). The command to care for the stranger was so embedded in the Law that it was used as the basis for how God’s people were to treat each other: Israelites were to treat their own poor as they would the stranger or the foreigner (Leviticus 25:35). Notice how these verses address the importance of meeting the needs of displaced people, particularly with regard to food. — whether it be due to their race, ethnicity, economic status, religion, nationality, gender, or other factors. For believers, this feeling can be an opportunity for solidarity with the displaced and marginalized — especially when we recognize that we too were once strangers to God’s kingdom but were welcomed in through the grace and mercy of Christ. In this way, the biblical commandment to welcome strangers becomes a powerful expression of our shared humanity and a reflection of the divine love that transcends all boundaries." 

(WorldVision.org-What Does The Bible say about refugees and displaced people?) 

Overall the answer lies in the person of The Lord Jesus Christ, who is: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."(Isaiah 9:6-7) When we all submit to Him, and follow His teachings on how we are to deal with one another; that is when we will have peace, not only for today, but forever. GP 

The Significance Of The Shepherd Author Annonymous

 

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The Significance Of The Shepherd

ANGER AGAIN! By Gary Patterson

In this Post-Article, (I wrote awhile back) I focus on a problem that I have, and I know a number of people struggle with. In our relationships, ANGER is a problem that causes not only tension, but a huge strain, and distance, in our relationships. I hope that like me, if you have an anger problem, you will learn to manage it, and work on allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to help you with it. Sometimes, we can carry with us a short fuse. And little annoyances can set off angry responses that cause more difficulty and destruction, than we ever thought possible. I hope the Post-Article entitled: ANGER AGAIN! will be a help and encouragement!

(Please Click Link Below!) 

ANGER AGAIN!

(Original Post Date 11/29/2019)

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The Christian Journeyman E-Store

 

The Christian Journeyman E-Store

Pastor Gary Patterson 

    Here at The Christian Journeyman E-Store, we market Christian Teaching Resource Material. You can use the Christian Teaching Post-Articles for encouragement, teaching, and witnessing. The cost is $ 5.00 for a single Post-Article, $10.00 for a series. When you purchase this material you become apart of TCJ Partnership Program. Payments for said material is processed through PayPal ®. Following payment, we will email you the product link, for your purchased material. Thank you for partnering with us! Please Click Link Below!

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Moments For Marriage (TCJ -Store)

 

Here is our newest Christian Teaching Digital Product entitled: 

MOMENTS FOR MARRIAGE 

 According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce. The divorce rate for second marriages is even higher, with approximately 60-67% of second marriages ending in divorce. (PetrelliLaw.com/divorce-statistics-for-2022/) Here is a collection of post-articles from The Christian Journeyman Blog-site that has some encourage for married couples today.

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Moments For Marriage

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The Purpose Of The Christian Journeyman

 

The Purpose Of The Christian Journeyman 

When I started The Christian Journeyman © it was not with the intended purpose which I established later in the process of putting it all together. The initial goal was to do something with the many sermons I had prepared and presented through out the years of my pastoral career. 

I decided that I would place them online for people to read, instead of just having them sit in my file. 

One thing led to another, and I finally came up with the idea of establishing on online ministry to help encourage fellow Christians in their Christian walk. My sermons were to play a big part in accomplishing this goal. I started out with a basic email account, making available my sermon thoughts & outlines, and writing new post-articles, sending them out to people in the church I was serving, as well as family and friends. 

I started The Christian Journeyman © in 2005, and through the process of time, I went from a basic email, to (at the present time) five blog-sites. To read what the mission statement is, and see what we have available, and the internet stats, you can click this link below for TCJ Brochure: 

TCJ Brochure

As time has gone on, I have seen the importance of this type of ministry. Christians today have such a challenging time. With the way our socieity is changing, and the various issues that we are having to deal with today, it is hard to walk the Christian walk. With the threats of our freedoms being taken away, our Christian faith and practices are being tested. 

So I hope that the ministry of The Christian Journeyman © will be a strong encouragement, and resource, for Christians to strengthen their faith, and commitment to the work God has called us to. 

The verse of Scripture that is the foundational platform for this ministry is 2 Timothy 2:15 

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I hope that this ministry will help us as Christians to be approved unto God, as we live this life God has called us to. And that we will be effective workers in His kingdom. 

I ask that you pray for this ministry, as we continue to provide Christian material that we hope will be a help to us as Christians, as we strive to live the life, and do the work in building the kingdom of God.

Thank you for your prayers, and financial support! 

The Christian Journeyman Brochure & Stats

 Mission Statement: 

“The Christian Journeyman” is based on a verse of Scripture from 

 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Webster’s Dictionary defines “a Journeyman” as “a worker who has learned a trade, and works for another person usually by the day.” This term is applied to this work, because as Christians we are all workers who are to present ourselves approved unto God. Learning and applying His Word to our lives so we can accurately share the truth with the world. 

Purpose Of The Christian Journeyman 

The goal of The Christian Journeyman is to provide Bible teaching and Christian resources to help fellow Christians effectively know and live the truth and share it with the world. 

Here Is What We Have Available! 

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The Christian Journeyman (Main Blog-site) http://cjour05.blogspot.com 

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The Christian Journeyman E-Zine 

TCJ E-Zine Is A Christian Teaching & Resource Online Magazine.

Here we feature special post-articles from our TCJ Blog-sites. TCJ Ad-Posts, Christian poetry, and more...

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The Christian Journeyman E-Store

Here at TCJ E-Source, we feature Christian Resource Material for encouragement and training of fellow Christians, for their Christian walk, and for their Christian service. (Please Click Link Below)

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If you would like to support the work of The Christian Journeyman ©, you can become a Partner of The Christian Journeyman.

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Be Sure To Stop By As Often As You Can, To See What We Have Available!

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Wearing Our Worth

 

Do I Mean Something To Someone? 

Matthew 10:31

There isn't a person who doesn't want to mean something to someone. That's what I believe. It's an unspoken statement, but it is communicated every moment of our lives: We want to be valued, and cared about. 

(Please Click Link Below) 

Do I Mean Something To Someone?

Who Loves You? 

James 2:1

Is there partiality in your family? Are there people in your family who are treated better, more favorable than others? To go a step further, do you feel that you are not treated as well as other members of your family? 

(Please Click Link Below) 

Who Loves You?

Working At Our Worth 

Ephesians 1:18

What do we need, to help us feel good about ourselves? Do we need popularity, pleasure, or power to feel good about ourselves? Do we always need to be with the right people in order to feel good about ourselves? Do we constantly have to do great things, to earn our value in this life?                                

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Working At Our Worth

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The Significance Of The Shepherd

 

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are lots of reasons she may do this. If the shepherd tries to return the lamb, the mother might even kick the baby away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their little necks. Their spirits are broken.

These lambs are called "bummer lambs."

Unless the shepherd intervenes, that little lamb will die - rejected and alone.

Do you know what the shepherd usually does?

The shepherd will take that rejected little lamb into their home, hand-feed it and keep it warm. They will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to their chest so the little lamb can hear their heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.

That sheep never forgets the shepherd's love and care when their mother rejected them. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess which sheep runs first? That sheep knows the shepherd's voice.

The bummer lamb isn't loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It trusts the shepherd because it has experienced love from the shepherd.

Many of us are bummer lambs. Rejected and broken. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.

We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd who will never leave us.

~ Author Unknown


The Snowflake Ski-Jumping Tournament, A Tremendous Tradition!

 

Snowflake Ski-Jump, A Tremendous Tradition! 

Coming Up - February 3-4/2024

I remember as a young boy, my father took me to the biggest sports event in our area; The Snowflake Ski-Jumping Tournament, outside of Westby, Wisconsin. Ski-jumpers from various countries all over the world, would come and compete. Usually the date for this event is the first week in February. (I will share a link that will provide information on this year's event) While my father (who was at the time, with the Civil Defense) parked cars, I climbed the hill, and watched the ski-jumpers pursue that great hill. Cement blocks are embedded on both sides of the hill, so you can climb to the top. The tower, where the ski-jumpers begin their descent is very high, and sits on the base of this great hill. One of the ski-jumpers, who tried the hill prior to the tournament, did not land very well on the hill. A broken leg, and collar bone, was his fate. You have to land on that hill just right, or the results may not be good.

When I think about the ski-jumpers who take on the challenge of this hill, I think about us as Christians, as we take on the challenge of living the Christian life. the Hebrew writer, encourages us to "lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God."(Hebrews 12:1-2) Just like the ski-jumpers who take on this challenging hill. Jesus took on Calvary's hill, and won the battle of sin and death for us. As we look to Jesus, our very victorious Savior, We, (with His example and help) can meet every challenge head on, and land on our hill, successfully. 

 It was a great experience for me, to watch those ski-jumpers successfully land on that hill, and perform a very disciplined and skillful task. I have not been back to a tournament since; but I hope to some time in the future. Last year was their 100 year anniversary. I encourage you to take it in, if you ever have opportunity!

Here is a link to The Snowflake Club, & The Snowflake Ski-Jumping Tournament.

(Please Click Link Below) 

The Snowflake Club - Ski Jumping Tournament