warfare12b

11. Critical, Bitter Christians Tainting Newcomers:

       a. Undermining their "childlike faith" with bitter, faithless statements such as:
           (1) "Don't get too spiritual on us"
           (2) "I can see your wings"
           (3) "You can't believe God for your healing, deliverance, etc. That was for another time!"
       b. Often older Christians are suffering from unforgiveness or even unconfessed sin in their
           lives. They spew their venom on anyone who will listen, and usually they find their way
            to young Christians. When God deals with a person and that person is unwilling to
            repent, the end result is always animosity towards God, His chosen servants, and the
            brethren at large. Watch out for the "Bitter Saint."

12. Drugs and Alcohol Become Available in Abundance:

       a. Old connections come around with "freebies."
       b. You find drugs that you had stashed before salvation.
       c. You find substances in your car, parking lots, etc.
       d. You are approached by total strangers with plenty of free substance (ref. Ephesians 5:18
            and 1 Peter 4:1-7).

Three Scriptural Reasons for not Being Fruitful:

1. Not having a clear understanding of salvation and/or never getting grounded in Christian
     fellowship (ref. Matt.13:18-23 and Mark 4:13-20).
2. Tribulation, persecution, and trouble in your life from people and demons attacking you for
      Christ's sake.
     Offenses�they hated Christ, they will hate you.
3. Cares of this world choking the message off (i.e., the deceitfulness of riches).

A Word for the Saints:

    Keep your eyes on God, His Word, His direction for life and not on people. People will fail you. God will never fail you. People are frail and inconsistent. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is the one who called you, will guide and lead you, and establish you until the end. Please keep your eyes focused upon Jesus. Trust not in the "arm of flesh" and you will never waver nor will you be distracted from His purposes and plans for your life even when others fall short. And many will fall short!

    Be aware of the Dirty Dozen and let nothing separate you from the love of Christ. I am sure that as you go with the Lord and are "tried as pure Gold," you will discover trials and snares that aren't even hinted at here in "The Dirty Dozen." Maybe you will compile a dozen of your own, but no matter what happens "I am confident that he which hath begun a good work in you shall continue it to the uttermost" (ref. Phil. 1:6).

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Date of last update: January 27, 2003