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< Back THE FOUL SPIRIT OF HATE Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of The Foul Spirit of Hate is to equip believers with biblical understanding and discernment to recognize the destructive influence of hatred as a foul spirit. Pastor Marcos seeks to help readers understand how unclean spirits influence human emotions and behavior, and how to resist their control by standing firm in the Word of God, walking in love, and cultivating a sound mind through the Spirit of Christ. Synopsis: In The Foul Spirit of Hate, Pastor Marcos Marrero examines the spiritual reality behind the destructive force of hatred. Drawing from Revelation 18:2 and other Scriptures, he explains that hatred is not merely an emotion but a manifestation of a foul spirit working through human souls to stir up chaos, division, and rebellion against God’s truth. Using insights from the Greek meanings of “spirit” (pnyoomah) and “soul” (phookhay), he clarifies how spirits act as currents of influence, shaping human personalities and actions. Pastor Marcos describes the mechanics of spiritual influence: the human spirit was designed to draw energy from God’s Word, but when influenced by unclean spirits, it leads to destructive behavior. He stresses that inspiration and influence come from spiritual sources—if they contradict God’s Word, they are unclean. Believers, though made new in Christ, must choose daily which spirits they allow to guide them and filter every influence through Scripture. Focusing on hate as a dominant strongman in these last days, he identifies it as one of the three most powerful human emotions—alongside love and fear. Hatred, whether violent or verbal, fuels division and strife, especially through modern propaganda and media that incite old grievances and perpetuate enmity. Pastor Marcos warns that harboring hatred leads to insurrection of the soul, a revolt from within, where one’s fallen nature rebels against God’s commands. The teaching concludes with a strong exhortation: believers must not repay evil with evil, nor fall into Satan’s trap of cruel hatred. Instead, they must cling to God’s Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. By allowing God’s love to govern their responses, Christians can rise above deception, remain steadfast in faith, and avoid backsliding into hatred, walking instead in the peace and satisfaction that comes from above. Written teaching: Revelation 18:2 “And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!’” If there is a word that conjures up strong emotions when spoken, it has to be the word hate. I can even picture a human face contorting as it utters that word. It is almost like one cannot even say the words, I hate you, without the display of an outburst of emotions attached to them. Since spirits manifest themselves as influences through persons, it is only natural that a spirit of hate would manifest itself through a person with such a display of emotion. I guess I should explain how I believe unclean spirits operate through persons, for those of you reading this that may not have heard of this teaching before, so that we can all be on the same page, here it is. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As you may know, the New Testament was written in the Greek language which has a lot more words to express meaning and sentiment than the English language does. Every now and then we have to look at Scriptures as they were written in the original language to get the full meaning of what is teaching. This is one of those cases. In the original Greek, the word translated spirit is the word: Pnyoomah: # 4151 in Strong’s concordance, and it means Breath, as in a blast or a current of air and is translated as the word spirit. For in the Greek, spirits are referred to as breath or air, but in this case it refers to a specific form of breath, a blast or a current of air. Pnyoomah is the Greek word from where we get the term pneumatic as in pneumatic tools, which are tools that run on blast or currents of air. In the original Greek, the word translated soul is the word: Phookhay: # 5590 in Strong’s concordance, and it also means Breath, but by implication, static air, and is translated as the word soul. To get a better understanding of how the spirit and the soul work together to give us our personality, let us go to the first created human. Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man (the physical body) of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath (the human spirit) of life; and man became a living being (soul, personhood).” If we want to understand how spirits can move the physical body, here is what I believe are the mechanics of how it works: The human spirit is like the energy, the blast or the current of energy like in a pneumatic tool, that moves the soul, that in turn gives to us our personalities, the person that we become. The human spirit is not self-sufficient, so it has to derive energy from sources outside of itself. Our spirit man was originally designed to receive energy from the Word of God and derive its human personality from it, that is to drive the soul into becoming what the Word of God intended for that person to be. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living (Zoe in the Greek, and it means life giving and life sustaining) and powerful (Energea in the Greek, and it means moving energy)…” Take for example the word influence, it describes the spiritual inflow that motivates people to do things, an influence is a spirit, and if the influence contradicts the Word of God, is an unclean spirit. Another example is the word inspire, when a person dies, that person expired, it means the spirit of life left them. When a person is inspired, it is a spirit who is doing the inspiration, and if such inspiration contradicts the Word of God, it is also designated as an unclean spirit. Now we were all born after the flesh, so like Adam we all have the propensities within us to fear and to doubt, and to feel shame and nakedness because of our sinful natures. But in the new birth we become a new creation, a brand-new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” We are not beholden to the old nature any longer. But we still have to make a choice, and it has to do with which spirits are we going to allow to influence us, and are we going to filter those influences through the sift of the Word of God. Here is another example; as new creatures in Christ, all of our sins have been forgiven, we are not to walk in the fear of eternal torment any longer, but in the power of God’s love for us, and rejoice that in Christ, we have the mind of Christ, which is a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Now that we understand the process let us shift our attention to the spirit of hate, which is the culprit for the majority of the chaos going on around the world today. For hatred is the strongman of these last days. I believe that the three most powerful human emotions are: Love, hate, and fear. According to Paul God has not given us the spirit of fear, but He has indeed given to us His Spirit of love. However, the spirit of a sound mind is necessary to keep us from falling prey to the foul spirit of hate, especially in these last days. Harboring the spirit of hatred can lead to the insurrection of the soul. Psalm 64:2 “Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity.” KJV Insurrection is revolt from within, and since the workers of iniquity still reside within our souls which are still in the process of salvation, what it means is that our human nature can be led into rebelling against the commandments that flow from God into our spirit man. Just like the love of God nullifies the spirit of fear, the spirit of a sound mind can help us put away the spirit of hatred. First let us identify which type of hatred we are dealing with as the Day of our redemption draws near. Psalm 25:19 “Consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel (violent) hatred.” All you have to do to know that this is the type of hatred that we are dealing with today, just search the news and see how many believers are beheaded, tortured, burned alive, and struck down for their faith in Jesus Christ all around the world on a daily basis. In the more civilized parts of the world, where still some common sense restrains it, the violence from this spirit of hatred is more verbal in nature, but the sentiments are the same. If you are a believer in the morality that the Word of God commands for societies to follow, you are considered the scum of the earth, and it won’t be long before this sprit of hatred rears its nature of violence against those of us who believe here in the western nations as well. What feeds this spirit of cruel hatred is the spirit of division that is continuously propagated by the mediums of today, the news organizations that do not barter in the truth that they were originally established to proclaim, but rather in incitement and propaganda against the dictates of God’s Word. Ezekiel 25:15 “...Took vengeance with a spiteful heart, to destroy (through violent means) because of the old hatred (perpetual).” I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but all the hatred that is being fomented right now by many, has its roots in old hatred, that is, they are trying to revive past grievances, but in reality it is nothing more than Satan’s perpetual hatred against those of us who belong to God. Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” Now the reason I am bringing all these things up is to warn you, and to keep you from falling into the demonic trap of repaying evil with evil. As I look at what is happening from a spiritual perspective, the devil is playing mankind as a well-rehearsed orchestra. Everything out there is designed to bring up strife within the hearts of people with common sense. I see the frustration that many are having to endure, for it seems that what is evil and destructive has become the acceptable norm, and what is sound and good judgment is ridiculed. But we need to keep in mind that what they are doing, they are doing it purposely, they do not need to convince those who have swallow their lies hook line and sinker to follow in their destructive ways. It is us that need to be neutralized, from their point of view that is, those of us who believe in the power of God’s love to inspire and to motivate our actions. And the way to neutralize us is to have us fall for the tricks of the cruel spirit of hatred and become like them. Proverbs 13:21 “Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid.” Please my friends I know that it is not easy, not to become upset over the lies and the deception that they seem to be getting away with these days, without seemly any repercussions, let God deal with their actions. Make every effort not to get caught up in their web of cruel hatred and bad intentions. Let God’s love fill us with His peace, and deliver us from the snares of the wicked one. Let not our hearts backslide from His love. Proverbs 14:14 “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” Previous Next

< Back RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of this teaching is to help believers recognize the danger of resisting the Holy Spirit, whether through sin, fleshly desires, or religious legalism. Pastor Marcos Marrero shows how resisting the Spirit hinders God’s abundant life and blessings, while walking in step with Him brings freedom, truth, and preparation for Christ’s return. The lesson calls the church to humility, discernment, and a Spirit-led life that avoids compromise with worldly systems and traditions of men. Synopsis: In Resisting the Holy Spirit, Pastor Marcos Marrero explores the sobering warning of Acts 7:51, where Stephen rebuked Israel for being stiff-necked and continually opposing the Spirit of God. From the fall of Adam and Eve to the present day, humanity has inherited a natural inclination toward sin, rebellion, and resistance to God’s Spirit. Yet through Christ’s resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers are called into a new creation where life and abundance are freely available. Pastor Marcos highlights that the fleshly tendency to resist the Spirit often disguises itself in religious legalism. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day resisted Him because they valued their man-made laws and traditions above the Spirit’s revelation. Instead of celebrating healings and miracles, they condemned Jesus for breaking Sabbath rules. This same spirit of legalism continues today, where religious structures resist true spiritual revelation because it threatens their control. The teaching emphasizes that Scripture must interpret Scripture, and the Spirit is the one who brings life and understanding. Jesus Himself declared that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath—showing that God’s law was always meant to bless people, not bind them. When leaders compromise truth for power or acceptance by the world, they lead others into darkness. The only safeguard is to remain humble, Spirit-led, and uncompromising in faith. Pastor Marcos concludes with a call to vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit as our guide into all truth. In a world unraveling morally and spiritually, the church must cling to Jesus, the Light of the world, and refuse to compromise with darkness. Above all, he warns: do not resist the Holy Spirit, for He is the One who prepares us for Christ’s soon return and empowers us to walk in life, light, and victory. Written teaching: Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did so do you.” As humans we have inherited the propensity to do both, good and evil, for from the knowledge that Adam and Eve gained from their partaking of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we, to this day, continue in the ways and manners that our ancestors did. Satan was the tempter who deceived Eve into partaking from the elixir of death, Adam partook of it willingly not wanting to be separated forever from the wife that he loved. 1 Timothy 2:14 “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” Regardless of how they fell, all their descendants became heirs of the curse of death that their actions brought upon them. John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Now those of us who have received salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, are passed from death into life, and from being cursed with lack and lost, into the blessings of life and abundant life that we have inherited in the new creation that we become in Jesus. John 8:52 “...If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death (which is the penalty for eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil).” The agent that brings us into the blessings of this new creation is the Holy Spirit, but in our flesh, the carnal/natural man, we have an inherited tendency to resist the Holy Spirit, that tendency is still in us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” So that when we walk after the Spirit we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, but when we walk after the flesh we are basically resisting the Holy Spirit, and by doing so we hinder His work of filling us with life and the abundance of blessings that our Lord has already made available for us. Believe it or not, the greatest thing that hinders us from walking after the Spirit, is the law! Religion cannot function without rules and regulations. Galatians 3:2-3 “This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” In the chapters leading up to John chapter ten we can see the resistance that Jesus encountered from the Jews that were so entangled by the law, and how to practice it, that they failed to see the spiritual revelation that Jesus was trying to teach them. Now the common people received the revelation that Jesus was teaching them, but for those full of legalism in their hearts, spirituality was nothing more than a curse. John 7:46-49 “The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this Man (Jesus)!’ Then the Pharisees answered them, ‘Are you also deceived?’ Have any of the rulers of the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” Here the Pharisees had sent the officers to arrest Jesus because He had healed a man on the Sabbath, in their religious thinking the keeping of the Sabbath (law) was more important than making a person whole. John 7:23 “If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” The officers were so caught up with Jesus’ teachings, that they forgot why they were there in the first place. So that the people, the officers, and everyone that had an open mind, could hear and understand the teachings of Jesus that were being confirmed by the miracles that He was doing, except for the legalistic crowd, they were more concerned with the violations of their man-made rules that were based on their carnal understanding of Scripture, rather than the blessings that were being bestowed on the people that they ruled over. When a leader, or a group of leaders, are more concerned with the well being of their ruling structure and governing power, than with the well being of those over whom they have rule over, is time for those who are under their rule to get out from under them. John 7:24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” How do we judge with righteous judgment? 1 Corinthians 14:32 “ And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” In other words, Scripture interprets the Scriptures. Did not Jesus said that the devil is the one that kills, steals, and destroys? And that He, Jesus, came to give us life and abundant life? Then was Jesus in the process of restoring life on the Sabbath, or was He taking it away? Jesus quoted to them the Scripture that said that an infant was to be circumcised on the eighth day, even if the eighth day fell on the Sabbath, now we know that a child’s immune system is the strongest on the eighth day, so that the spirit of the law is always in harmony with what is always best for the child, or the person, not what is best for the law itself. Mark 2:27 “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’” Why are the religious rulers so much against the common people receiving the spiritual understanding from the Holy Scriptures themselves? When we receive spiritual understanding from the Scriptures that governs us, the Holy Spirit is in control, for He is the Revealer of Scripture, when we follow man’s carnal interpretation of Scripture, then carnal men are in control, and carnal men do not like it when they are not in control. If you read the chapters leading up to John chapter ten, you find that chaos reigned among them, when it came to what Scripture had to say about where the Messiah was supposed to originate from. All the works that Jesus was doing in their midst confirmed to them that whoever did those kind of miracles among them had to be from God. That was what Nicodemus, a Pharisee, acknowledged, and the miracles that Jesus did were the reason why he believed Jesus was the Messiah, but he too was confused about how spirituality worked, that is why Jesus told him that he had to be born again, born of the Spirit of God. John 7:40-43 “Therefore many form the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, ‘Truly this is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said, ‘Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?’ So there was a division among the people because of Him.” Like wise in our present day, confusion reigns as to when, where, and how, Jesus will be returning to the earth, there is even doubt among many as to whether He will be even returning to the earth. So how do we know? How do we prepare for His soon return? How do I make myself personally ready? There is only one way out of this confusing mess, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us, so let us put our trust in Him and not on the wisdom of man. John 7:39 “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” Well, guess what, Jesus has already being glorified, and we have the Holy Spirit within us to guide us and direct us into all truth. All we have to do is remain humble, for the Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Let us rely on the simplicity of our faith; did not Jesus say that if He left to prepare a place for us, that He would return for us? Let us keep looking up, He is coming for us, that where He is we might be also. Is our world falling apart as the bonds of morality that kept it together become unrestrained? That is exactly what Jesus said would happen before His return. In order for the judgments of God to be revealed there has to be a rebellion against His moral codes. John 8:12 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” Stay away from those who compromise Scripture for the sake of keeping a balance between them and the world. What Jesus taught was offensive to many because He refused to compromise Scripture for the sake of being liked by the rulers of His day. There is a great deal of pressure being applied right now on many of the religious leaders to compromise for the sake of been accepted by the world, if you think like them, you become part of them. The spiritual thing to do is that which is best for you and your family in the long run, just remember that compromise is always a shortcut to nowhere. The world is in darkness do not follow it, follow Jesus by all means, who is the light of the world, and who always has your best interest in mind, AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT. You will not be disappointed! Previous Next

< Back COMPROMISE Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of this teaching is to expose the destructive impact of compromise in the believer’s walk with God. Pastor Marcos aims to reveal how false teachers, through covetousness and deceptive doctrines, pervert the Word of Truth in order to weaken the faith of the church. The goal is to strengthen believers with the knowledge of God’s uncompromised Word so they may walk in spiritual authority, persevere against deception, and live as faithful priests and kings under Christ. Synopsis: In Compromise, Pastor Marcos confronts the danger of false teachers who infiltrate the church with deceptive doctrines that weaken the faith of God’s people. Drawing from 2 Peter, he explains how Satan seeks to undermine the dual authority Christ has given His church—authority over both the spiritual and physical realms—by corrupting the Word of God and luring believers into selfish desires and covetousness. The lesson emphasizes that faith comes only through hearing the uncompromised Word of God, and when believers compromise that truth, their spiritual authority is disarmed. Pastor Marcos outlines Peter’s instructions for fortifying faith: adding virtue (valor), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. By standing on truth with courage and rejecting self-serving ambitions, believers strengthen their shield of faith, overcome deception, and shine as lights in a darkened world. Ultimately, Pastor Marcos reminds us that we are called to reign as kings by first serving faithfully as priests. Living in uncompromised obedience to God’s Word ensures that our authority remains intact, enabling us to trample serpents and scorpions, expose the works of darkness, and minister the saving light of Christ to others. Written teaching: 2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” In our last deliverance lesson, Kings and Priests, I taught about the separation of powers that God ordained for mankind after the flood, and how Jesus has restored to us—His church—the ability to exercise His authority in both the spiritual and the physical realms. Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions (demonic spiritual entities), and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Matthew 21:21 “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain (which is in the physical realm), “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” it will be done.’” The key to this power is the faith which comes by hearing, and the hearing of the uncompromised Word of God. Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Now you can see how important our opening text is, in relation to the power that has been given to the church. There will be false teachers among you. Peter is telling us that false teachers will come and pervert the Word of Truth that has empowered us, so that our faith is disarmed to the point that it becomes ineffective. 2 Peter 2:2 “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed (or perverted).” We can see a mechanism here that begins to emerge. The devil knows that our Lord has given to us authority over him and over his demonic hordes. He can also see that our Lord has given to us authority over the physical realm as well; so how does he stop us from deploying our faith for the purpose of destroying his kingdom? Since the key is, that our faith comes through us hearing the Word of God, the devil’s aim is, to disarm our faith by perverting the Word of Truth that we have been taught to believe in; which are the great and precious promises that have been given to us. 2 Peter 1:3 “As (or according to) His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness (physical and spiritual), through the knowledge of Him (we know Him through the hearing of His uncompromised Word) who called us by glory and virtue.” False teachers among you who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, for the purpose of separating us from the promises in the Word of God that pertain to the dual power that has been given to us in God’s Word. 2 Peter 1:4 “By which has been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature (which allows us to exercise authority over both, the physical and the spiritual realms), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” What is the key element that the enemy uses in order to detach us from the great and precious promises that empower us? Compromising the Word of Truth for the sake of selfish ambitions! 2 Peter 2:3 “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” Our power is exploited through deceptive words that appeal to our physical nature and its natural desires, thereby separating us from the spiritual mind set—which is the mind of Christ—to where we become physically minded and forego our spiritual responsibilities, which are to trample on serpents and scorpions by exercising our dual authority over all the power of the enemy. Romans 8:5-7 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death (no power), but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (power in both the physical and the spiritual realms). Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” How do we get delivered from the negative effects on our faith, that all the deceptive words that we have been exposed to through the doctrines of false teachers that are in the ministry for self-gain, have caused us? 2 Peter 1:5 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge.” Peter, well aware of the tactics of the devil, begins to instruct us as to how we can prevent, and also how to be delivered, from the damage that false doctrines can bring to our faith in the Word of Truth. Giving all diligence means this is a top priority, we must not take this lightly. A weak or compromised faith not only weakens our authority over the enemy, but it also lowers our covering shield that protects us. It may surprise you to know that the word virtue used by Peter as something that we need to add to our faith, means manliness, (valor). How do we add manliness, or valor, or courage to our faith? Knowledge is what adds virtue or manliness to our faith! What type of knowledge adds virtue or manliness to our faith? John 8:32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Is this not obvious to all? If belief in the perverted or compromised Word of God weakens our faith, wouldn't belief in the true and uncompromised Word of God add to our faith the strength and manliness that it needs? 2 Peter 1:6 “To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness.” We cannot exercise control over something that we do not know or understand. Knowledge is what motivates us into exercising control over that which we know to be wrong and that we know is weakening us. Once we know the factual truth that our faith is purposely weaken by false teachers who teach perverted doctrines, we can add virtue or manliness to our faith, by courageously turning away from their demonic doctrines that we know are hurting us, thereby acting in self-control. False teachers are not going to vanish just because we find out about their false doctrines. False demonic doctrines permeate all facets of life, these false doctrines will continue with their allure for us to compromise our faith, especially in the face of the resistance and opposition that this corrupt world system continuously hurdles against our stand for the Truth of the Word of God. That is why perseverance is required of us, and what motivates us into maintaining our perseverance, is our desire for a godly life that pleases God, as we continuously walk in the self-control that is guided by the knowledge that strengthens and adds virtue/manliness to our faith. 2 Peter 1:7 “To godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” We fulfill the Law of God, when we love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and when we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Now, think about it? Since selfish desires or covetousness, are the allure that the devil uses against us; if we operate under the law of love and brotherly kindness—by putting the needs of others first—we insulate ourselves from the need to compromise that will lead us into accepting the perverted doctrines that weaken our faith in the Word of God. Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better that himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This is the mind of Christ—and as long as we operate within the mind of Christ, we do not compromise the power and authority that our Lord has given to us to use on behalf of others, for their benefit, as well as ours. 2 Peter 1:8 “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is a proper flow to this authority that has been given to us in our call as kings and priests to Christ—a flow that we do well to heed if we want to be effective in administering this dual power that has been vested in us. 2 Peter 1:19 “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Since Jesus is our example, let us look at the ministry of Jesus and how He handled the physical and spiritual authority that was given to Him, as King of kings over all physical matter, and as our High Priest over all spiritual hierarchies. John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” The simplest way to put it is this, before we can rule as kings on this earth, we need to serve as priests of the Most High God. We are not to call for the destruction of our human enemies, but for their salvation. And the weapon that we are to implement on their behalf, for their deliverance from the forces of darkness that keeps them blind, is the uncompromised Word of God that shines as a light in a dark place. The Word of God is like a double edge sword, as we wield it without compromise; it shines as a light that not only delivers us personally from the allures of this world system, but it shines through us into the world, and convicts and exposes the darkness that has befallen all who have fallen for the worldly desires that binds them. And through our uncompromising stand for the Word of God it gives them hope. Psalm 18:28 “For You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” We are the light of the world; and the light that we are to radiate can only come through the uncompromised Word of God that we live daily for all to see. Here is a true saying: If we live as priests we will reign as kings. Previous Next

< Back DOCTRINES OF MEN Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of this teaching is to expose the danger of man-made doctrines and religious traditions that bind believers to legalism, idolatry, and false humility, rather than leading them into the true freedom found in Christ. Pastor Marcos emphasizes the importance of discerning between the traditions of men and the Word of God so that believers may walk in the liberty of the Spirit, be delivered from bondage, and pursue the spiritual things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Synopsis: In Doctrines of Men, Pastor Marcos Marrero teaches from Colossians 2:21–23, showing how religious rules such as “do not touch, do not taste, do not handle” appear wise but ultimately enslave the soul and are powerless against sin. He explains that salvation, also understood as deliverance, is intended to free believers from anything that hinders their spiritual walk. Yet, one of the enemy’s greatest tools has been the traditions of men—rules and regulations that masquerade as godliness but lead to bondage. Through scriptural examples, Pastor Marcos demonstrates how such traditions deceive believers into thinking they please God, when in reality they are kept from enjoying the liberty of Christ. He warns that these doctrines are not neutral but are the “doctrines of demons,” designed to foster idolatry, blind spiritual understanding, and replace dependence on God with dependence on religious systems. The historical decline of the Laodicean church is presented as a sobering example of how man-made doctrines result in lukewarm faith, spiritual blindness, and self-deception. Ultimately, Pastor Marcos calls believers to test themselves in the faith, remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and anchor their lives solely in the Word of God. By seeking the things above and living under the guidance of Christ, believers can resist deception, overcome idolatry, and walk in the fullness of God’s wisdom, knowledge, and glory. Written teaching: Colossians 2:21-23 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh” The goal of faith in us believers, is to rid our souls of those things that keep us from walking in the freedom of the Spirit of God that dwells in us who are saved, now remember that the word for salvation can also be translated deliverance in the New Testament. 1 Peter 1:9 “Receiving the end (goal) of your faith—the salvation of (deliverance = to get rid of the things that hinder) your souls.” One of the most powerful tools that the enemy uses to keep humans in bondage is religious traditions that emanate from men made doctrines. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” So that many believers wrongly think that by abiding in religious traditions that stifle the soul and kept it from walking in God’s freedom, that they are doing the will of God, because that is what they have been taught by the doctrines of men. But this is what our Lord says: Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” NIV Think back to when we first got saved and how many times our actions were governed by rules that in many cases had nothing to do with biblical principles, but that we somehow thought that by following those rules, that we were doing the right thing in God’s eyes, only to find out later that many of those rules were not even based on the Bible, while others were a clear misrepresentation of true Christian doctrine. As our opening text revealed to us they all had to do with, Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle. In our struggle with doing the right thing, we must honestly ask ourselves this question: What is the right thing that we are to do? May I be bold enough and tell you what the right thing to do is: If we want to be right, we should always do the spiritual thing! Colossians 3:1 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” If you look at the Scriptures that deals with the freedom that we enjoy in the grace of God, you will find warnings attached to many of them, compelling us not to abuse our freedom in Christ for selfish desires. 1 Peter 2:16 “As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice (wickedness), but as bondservants of God.” If we do the spiritual thing, defined as seeking those things which are above, then our own self-interests will not be involved, for then our actions will be governed by the desires of Christ who sits at the right hand of God, and the motives behind our actions will always be pure. And we need to keep in mind that doing the spiritual thing will always be in conflict with men made doctrines. Why is that? 1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” Men made doctrines are the doctrines of demons, for they all cater to men’s own selfish desires, and not the desires of Christ for men. Christ’s desire for men is that we walk in the liberty of His Spirit, free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. Demonic doctrines have as their goal to keep men under the bondage of sin, bound by the chains of fear, and under the heavy load of guilt, shame, and condemnation. How do these men made doctrines affect the churches of today of which we are a part of? Colossians 2:1 “For I want you to know what a great conflict (struggle) I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh.” Why did Paul struggle so much with the faith of the Colossian and Laodicea churches? I believe that he feared that their men made traditions would keep them from realizing their full potential in Christ Jesus. Colossians 2:2 “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.” What kind of men made doctrines were there among them that caused the apostle Paul so much consternation? Revelation 3:14-16 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that your are neither cold not hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.’” Many years after Paul died we see his fears confirmed in the Lord’s rebuke against the Laodicea church of John’s day, which tragically is the same condition that afflicts many of the churches of today, many of these churches will be left behind when the rapture takes place. Why did the Lord vomit them out? Revelation 3:17 “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” The goal of men made doctrines is to remove men’s need of God and to replace it with the religious traditions that satisfies men’s selfish needs. The Laodicea church was so deceived that they came to the point where they believed that they had no need of God, for they believed that they had their own religious traditions to prop them up. It cannot get any more demonic than that, for it was Lucifer himself who said in his heart that he would exalt his throne above the stars of God, and that he would be like the Most High, and then he was promptly cast down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15 But the greatest damage that men made doctrines perpetrate against the churches, besides blinding them to their true spiritual condition, is that it keeps them from receiving the revelation of God’s many hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. That is why so many believers today have problems understanding the Word of God when they read it. Colossians 2:3 “(Both of the Father and of Christ) In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Since the doctrines of men are the doctrines of demons, and since the desire of demons is to be worshiped through the idols that they represent, then, those who follow men made doctrines practice idolatry, that is they become one with the idols that they worship, or pay homage to at their appointed feasts. Psalm 135:15-18 “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trust in them.” How can Christians do the spiritual thing if their spiritual eyes cannot see and their spiritual ears cannot hear? In His rebuke to the Laodicea church, Jesus told them that they were blind and then counseled them to buy from Him gold refined in the fire. It is clear that the sin of the Laodicea church is the sin of idolatry, and it is what causes them to become poor, blind and naked like the very idols that they worshiped. Since the Laodicea church is prophesied to be present at the end of the church age along with the faithful Philadelphia church, and since we know that we are living in the last days of the church age, then it begs the question: Which church are we a part of? Is it possible for a believer to be a part of the Laodicea church and not know it? Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest anyone cheat (plunder you or take you captive) 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.” When Paul speaks about, according to the tradition of men, he is not referring to the traditions of unbelievers outside of the church, but to the traditions that have been introduced into the church, in many instances by so called believers masquerading as teachers of the truth, when in reality they were introducing the very basic principles of the world’s paganism into the church of Jesus Christ, unbeknown to many. And by doing so corrupting many within the church with the idolatry that brings about the spiritual blindness that is so prevalent among the churches of today. And that is what Paul was so fervently fighting against when he wrote to the Colossian church this epistle. 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (do not stand the test).” The greatest protection that we have against deception is that the Spirit of the Living God dwells within us, and it is the Holy Spirit who testifies about Jesus in us, the real Jesus, so let us not resist the Holy Spirit’s prompting when He warns us about so called Christian traditions that have no foundation whatsoever in the Word of God. For if you resolve in your heart that you are going to stay true to His Word, no matter how much resistance comes your way from the worldly bunch that seeks harmony with this world. Then the Lord will begin to open your spiritual eyes, and make your ears attentive to His Word, so that the treasures of His great wisdom and knowledge, which He has made available for you, will become more real to you than anything that you have ever known. Colossians 1:27 “To them (you) God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Previous Next

< Back THE ANOINTED VOW Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of this teaching is to reveal the spiritual significance of making an anointed vow before God, and how His anointing works in harmony with His promises, timing, and purposes. It aims to show that salvation, calling, and consecrated vows are not forgotten by the Lord, but are sealed by His anointing, which continues to call out to Him until His Word is fulfilled in the believer’s life. Synopsis: The Anointed Vow examines the relationship between vows, anointing, and the divine timing of God’s promises. Using Jacob’s vow at Bethel as a foundational text (Genesis 31:13), Pastor Marcos explains that God always remembers anointed prayers and vows, even when believers forget them. He illustrates this truth through personal testimony, showing how a prayer for understanding prophecy was answered years later, on the exact anniversary of his vision of the rapture. The teaching outlines a clear process of divine fulfillment: Salvation – entering into God’s grace and being qualified for His purpose. Answering the Call – responding actively to His holy calling. Making a Vow – consecrating one’s life in surrender to God’s will. Following God’s Leading – obeying His direction faithfully. Forsaking the World – walking the narrow path of tribulation and rejecting false gospels of comfort. Pastor Marcos emphasizes that vows made in faith are sealed with God’s anointing, which acts like a spiritual watchman, continuously interceding before the Lord until the promise is fulfilled. Just as Jerusalem’s destiny has been proclaimed for millennia and is still being carried forward by God’s anointing, so too are believers’ lives carried by their anointed vows. Ultimately, this lesson teaches that the process of salvation, calling, vow, and anointing requires endurance and time, but it assures believers that God never forgets. His anointing guarantees that His purposes will be fulfilled in the lives of those who remain faithful. Written teaching: Genesis 31:13 “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.” There are many facets to God’s anointing and to the power that flows out of His anointing, in this lesson we will deal with the timing aspect of God’s anointing. Galatians 4:4 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” If you have been a Christian for a while, you know that the fulfillment of God’s promises always follows a clearly prescribed path. God gives us the promise, we believe in the promise that He gives us, and at the appropriate time we see its fulfillment take place in our lives. I believe that there is an aspect of God’s anointing, be it personal or corporal, that follows the same principle. Whenever we see a revival taking place, whether it be in a church, a city, or even a nation, it is the result of an anointed vow that persons made in the past concerning the areas where the revival is taking place. Keep this in mind, God always answers anointed prayers, even long after we have forgotten that we prayed them. I had a vision of the rapture that transformed everything in my Christian way of life back in February 12, 1989. As a result of the vision I searched desperately for a way to understand prophecy. Eight years to the very date, the book of Revelation finally made sense to me. I even wrote a book about it, it is called Man’s Final Destiny, where I put end time prophecy into the proper and understandable perspective as it is portrayed in the book of Revelation. I had gathered and compiled a great deal of notes and references while I endeavor to understand prophecy, along with those many notes I had a notebook where I had chronicled past daily reading of Scripture and the notes that I took while I was reading them. As I started to put those implements away since I now had the information that had eluded me all those years, I opened the notebook of past prayers to see where to store it, when an entry dated February 12 caught my eye, since this was the anniversary of my vision of the rapture. It turns out that years earlier before I had the vision of the rapture, I had read a Scripture in the book of Revelation and could not understand what it meant. I wrote the Scripture in the notebook and next to it I wrote an entry where I asked the Lord, would He please give me the ability to understand prophecy. So here I had evidence of a sincere prayer that I had prayed years earlier that I had forgotten, and God made sure that I would know that it was an answer to that simple prayer that I had prayed earlier by making the events to take place in the same calendar day. Both the vision of the rapture that compelled me to search and the day when it all finally made sense to me, fell on the anniversary of that simple anointed prayer. Genesis 28:17-19 “And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!’ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel (house of God); but the name of that city had been Luz previously.” Then Jacob proceeded to make a vow before the Lord, and it was in answer to the anointed vow that Jacob had made earlier that has our opening text where God tells him to, 'Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family'. The prayer, the vow, the anointing, in faith believing in God’s promises; it is all a process, and a process always requires the passing of time. But to be sure, no matter how long it takes, whether we remember or have forgotten, God never forgets, for it is the presence of the anointing that serves as watchmen that are always there to remind Him. Isaiah 62:6-7 “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” We see the same principle at work in the verse above. Jerusalem’s destiny is to be the city of the Great King, for Jesus will rule the earth from there during His thousand-year reign, when He will make Jerusalem to become a praise in the earth. Now during Isaiah’s day that future reign was about twenty-seven hundred years away, we are almost there now, but all this time the anointing has not ceased to call out to God to perform it. In the same manner there is an anointing that covers each one of us who believes in His promises, that anointing is continuously calling out to God to perform that which He has promised to do for us. 1 John 2:20 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things (intuitively).” How do we sort all this out? We need to understand the process! 2 Timothy 1:9 “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” First notice how Paul makes it clear that the holy calling is not according to our own works, but according to His own purpose and grace. Grace here means His gifts for us and that before time itself ever began. Step number one: We need to get saved! We need to understand that even before the creation, we were destined, and created to fulfill a purpose, His own purpose. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory (our destiny) of God.” But since we all have inherited a corrupt nature, we need to get saved that is we need to become born again of an incorruptible nature. Once we become saved, we are now qualified once again to fulfill His destiny for us, which when we do, it is all to the glory of God. Colossians 1:12 “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” Step number two: We need to answer the holy calling! Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.” The only ones chosen are the ones who answer the call, not just in word but in deed as well. Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We answer the holy calling when we consecrate ourselves to bring about God’s kingdom upon this earth and His good and perfect will in our lives. Step number three: We make a holy vow before the Lord! Deuteronomy 12:26 “Only the holy things which you have (our holy calling), and your vowed offerings (our lives), you shall take and go to the place which the Lord chooses (which is His destiny for us). His salvation for us qualifies us to answer His holy calling, and in order for us to perform His holy calling in our lives, we need to take an oath of office if you will, and the only thing that we can bring into this oath is our positive answer to His call and a surrender of our lives to fulfill it. As we make a vow before the Lord, the Lord seals it with His anointing oil, which then continuously calls out to God to perform in us that which He originally destined us to be, as long as we stay the course. Step number four: He leads, and we follow! I pleasantly remember those early days of our Christian youth, when both, my wife and I would fall before the altar of our church whenever the Holy Spirit was moving in our midst, and there we would cry out to God: we will go where you want us to go, over mountains, over plains, over seas, and we will do what you want us to do! Other than to teach His Word, I never got any specific assignment or thing that I was to do, I just served in whatever area there was a need. But as I look back now I can see how important those early day vows were to our Lord. For it was there that the Lord placed His anointing over our lives that still directs our paths to this very day. Step number five: Forsake the world, Get out of this land! As the Lord told Jacob. Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult (confined) is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The allure of this world system is ease; live it up. Why should you suffer confinement instead of comfort? Keep it simple and avoid as much tribulation and persecution as you possible can. This so call gospel radiates out of many churches today, but Jesus warned us about this false gospel, not to fall for it. Matthew 7:15-16 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” Remember how the Lord told us that in this world we would have tribulation; so that the confinement of the true Gospel is the world’s aim, so that if we are suffering tribulation for the stand that we take, we know then that we are entering in the narrow gate and following the road of difficulties for that is His good and perfect will for us. Previous Next

< Back KINGS AND PRIESTS Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of this teaching is to help believers understand the biblical foundation of spiritual and physical authority, the divine separation of powers instituted by God for humanity’s protection, and how in Christ, both kingship and priesthood are united. The lesson aims to show that through Jesus’ victory on the cross, believers are restored to operate in both realms—spiritual and physical—empowered to fulfill God’s purpose as kings and priests unto Him. Synopsis: In Kings and Priests, Pastor Marcos Marrero explores Revelation 1:6, highlighting God’s intent for His people to walk in dual authority—both physical (kingship) and spiritual (priesthood). From the beginning of creation, man was entrusted with these two realms of power, yet due to human pride and corruption, God separated them for humanity’s protection. In the Old Testament, kings ruled with physical authority while priests carried spiritual authority, symbolized by the Urim and Thummim, which provided divine guidance. The teaching traces key biblical moments where this division was tested: Saul’s downfall for usurping the priesthood, the rebellion at Babel, and Abraham’s choice in the King’s Valley between physical riches and spiritual covenant. Each example illustrates the danger of combining authority without God’s sanction, as unchecked power often led to oppression and destruction. Ultimately, Pastor Marcos explains that in Jesus Christ—who declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”—both realms of power have been perfectly united. Unlike fallen man, Christ cannot be corrupted by absolute power. Through His cross and resurrection, He abolished the separation, granting believers access to both spiritual and physical authority under His lordship. This restored identity calls Christians to live as kings and priests, exercising authority with humility, advancing God’s kingdom, and discipling nations as commanded in Matthew 28:19-20. The message concludes with a call to embrace this divine commission: to walk in the fullness of Christ’s authority, balancing the spiritual and the natural, and to use this united power to bring light, truth, and deliverance to a world increasingly corrupted by humanistic and godless systems. Written teaching: Revelation 1:6 “And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” From the beginning of time God made it clear to His creation that there are two distinct levels of authority given to man; physical authority and spiritual authority. From the beginning of time fallen man made it clear to the creation that he cannot handle both powers without falling prey to the spirit of pride, the pride that rises up when this combined authority is given to a fallen human man. You might have heard this human saying: Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The present history of the nations reveal the scars caused by madmen who were given too much power and fell into pride, and before their fall, they took along with them millions of lives and caused untold sufferings. As we study the Old Testament we see this power divided, not only in the way the kings of Israel and Judah ruled, but also in the way secular rulers governed their kingdoms; all kings availed themselves of the counsel of spiritual advisers called priests or seers. The reason why kings needed spiritual counsel was because God deprived them of spiritual revelation as long as they ruled as kings, thereby separating their physical power from the spiritual power. In other words, they had to depend on the judgment of somebody else in order to avail themselves of spiritual revelation. Exodus 28:30 “And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim (Lights and the Perfections), and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. So Aaron shall bear the judgment (decision making tools) of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.” When God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt to give them their own land, He made provisions for them as to how their leaders were to handle both of these powers after they became a nation. The Urim and the Thummim were placed on the breastplate that the priest was to wear before he went into the Lord’s Presence, along with the twelve stones that represented each one of the tribes of Israel. The function of these two stones was to ask the Lord for guidance and direction in both physical and spiritual matters. That way, they could be certain that when the Lord answered them, that they had received perfect light or complete enlightenment as how to precede in any given matter. 1 Samuel 28:6 “And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.” It was not long after Israel became a nation, that they wanted to be ruled by a king like the other nations. They did not like the way that God had set up their government, for at that time they were ruled by priests, judges, and prophets. God had divided the power of their leaders to keep them from becoming dictators who imposed their own will over God’s people. Saul, who was their first king, violated this separation of powers that God had set up to protect Israel from oppression, and thereby, Saul lost his ability to receive direction from God. This lesson is about the interactions between spiritual and physical authority, the restrictions that God placed between them and why, and how God has restored back to the Man Jesus, all spiritual and physical authority, and how this dual authority has been made available to all of us who are believers of the resurrected Christ. Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (physical and spiritual).’” Before the flood of Noah’s day, interactions between the spiritual realm and physical realm were common, which led to the corruption of the entire human race, except for Noah and his children. After the destruction of the entire human race—except for the eight souls that God spared— God separated man’s ability to rule in both, the physical and spiritual realms through one man. After Nimrod lead a rebellion and built a tower to reach to the heavens, God extended the separation to include the common language of men so as to frustrate man’s ability to operate in both realms singularly. Is not that God does not want man to have rule over both realms, but rather to protect mankind from the dangers that the abuse of such great power ushers into society, when fallen men are empowered by them. Genesis 14:17-18 “And the king of Sodom went out to meet him (Abraham) at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.” Abraham went to war in order to rescue his nephew Lot, who had been taken captive by an invading army. In his victory, Abraham also gained all the peoples that had been taken captive along with Lot. As Abraham returns with the spoils, he is met by the king of Sodom and the king of Salem in a place called the King’s Valley. What happened next determined the future of Abraham and the covenant that God made with him afterwards. As we look at it from the spiritual perspective, we notice that Abraham became a king—one who wields physical authority—by defeating other kings and taking the spoil away from them. As Abraham arrives to the Valley of the Kings, he is acknowledged by two other kings. The king of Sodom who was himself defeated by the kings that Abraham had just defeated, tells Abraham to keep all the spoils, and just return his people to him that had been taken captive by the invading army. He simply recognized the fact that Abraham was a greater king than he was. The other king is Melchizedek who offers Abraham bread and wine, which are the implements of a covenant. God gave Abraham a choice that day, when he ascended into the King’s Valley—between spiritual authority and physical authority—Abraham had to choose between becoming a king or a priest. Notice that Melchizedek was not only king of Salem, but he was also priest of the Most High God. Genesis 14:22-23 “But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth (the Possessor of all physical and spiritual authority), that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, “I have made Abram rich”.’” Two great things happened that day; first, Abram who was a spiritual man, recognized the division that God had set between physical and spiritual authority, and the fact that he could not have both. Secondly, he was quick to recognize that God was giving him a choice between the physical gains that he had earned in battle—gains which passes away—and a spiritual covenant of grace that endures forever. Romans 4:1-3 “What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’” The reason king Saul did not receive an answer from God when he inquired of the Lord, was because he took it upon himself to offer sacrifices to God, which is the ministry of the priesthood, thereby violating the separation of powers that God had ordained between spiritual and physical authority. Looking at the big picture, when God ordained spiritual authority that He established for the nations are usurped by those who rule over the physical realm, the blessings of God upon that nation dries up. As the Judeo-Christian principles upon which many of the western nations were established are replaced by the godless doctrines of secular humanism, the decline of western civilization increases to the point to where the rule of law becomes a choice that lawless leaders make. In the United States, the secular humanist have fought long and hard to remove any vestige of the Judeo-Christian principles upon which our founding fathers anchored the moral values and virtues that should govern our nation. We can measure the decline of our nation’s power and influence by the quantity of the moral values and virtues that it has rejected. We know that the secular humanist movement against the principles established by our founding fathers have succeeded by the fact that instead of receiving honorable decisions from our leaders that benefit the people, we get nothing but lies and deception from them. Looking at it from the individual point of view, we can see that for those of us who are in Christ, it has been granted to us to operate in the power of both, the physical and the spiritual realms. Ephesians 2:14-16 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation (between spiritual and physical power), having abolished in His flesh (Jesus is the only perfect human who cannot be corrupted by absolute power) the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” What is the difference between us and those in the Old Testament? The cross! One cannot become a follower of Jesus unless we first, with Him, bear our very own cross. Death to self is the key that opens the door that allows us access to the united spiritual and physical power. Ephesians 2:18 “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Those of us who have taken our infirmities and mortality to the cross of Jesus, we have the spiritual and the physical power that binds us together as a nation out of the many nations, for the deliverance of the nations. In the natural, the godless and their godlessness seems to be advancing, but in reality, by the decline that their godless deeds produce, the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is made clearer and clearer to those who were fooled before into believing their dead humanistic doctrines. This is what Jesus said after He told us that all power in heaven and on earth had been given to Him, and this is what we should do in the face of all this godlessness that is going on, here is the antidote to all their lies: Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Previous Next

< Back SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of Spiritual Discernment is to equip believers with the understanding and ability to recognize and expose unclean spirits that influence human behavior. Through the gift of discerning of spirits, Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to identify the root causes of spiritual oppression, confront demonic strongholds, and bring deliverance and restoration through the love of God. This lesson aims to reveal how hatred, rooted in idolatry and pride, manifests as seven abominations, and how God’s love is the ultimate power that breaks these chains. Synopsis: In Spiritual Discernment, Pastor Marcos explains that discernment of spirits is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit given for the profit of all believers. Since spiritual warfare involves unseen enemies, discernment is essential in identifying who these spirits are and how they operate. Drawing from Matthew 12, Pastor Marcos shows how unclean spirits leave but attempt to return with stronger reinforcements, revealing the danger of a spiritually empty life. The teaching identifies the root of demonic influence: hatred toward God, which gives rise to idolatry and iniquity. This hatred manifests in seven abominable spirits described in Proverbs, including Pride, Self-righteousness, Gossip and Slander, Malice, Bitter Envy and Self-seeking, Betrayal and Dishonesty, and Perversion. Pride is emphasized as the trunk of this tree of wickedness, masking hatred and opening the door to the others. Pastor Marcos contrasts this demonic counterfeit with the fruit of the Spirit, which is love manifesting in eight forms such as joy, peace, and kindness. Just as Satan builds his infrastructure as a perverted copy of God’s order, so too does hatred mimic love through its abominations. Discernment, then, is the believer’s spiritual tool to recognize these hidden forces of hate and bring light into darkness. Ultimately, the lesson concludes that deliverance is found not in human effort but in replacing hatred with the unconditional love of God. Through Christ’s sacrifice and the power of His Spirit, believers are set free from self-hatred, pride, and perversion, and restored to their true identity in Christ. God’s love, demonstrated at the cross, ensures that nothing can separate us from Him and empowers us to walk in discernment, truth, and victory. Written teaching: 1 Corinthians 12:10 “…To another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits…” Spiritual discernment is one of nine “gifts” made available to believers by the Holy Spirit for the profit of all believers. In spiritual warfare our foes are spirits, our ability to discern who these spirits are and how they operate is crucial if we are to get the upper hand in bringing deliverance to the believers who are oppressed by them. Matthew 12:43-45 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” In the above verses Jesus gives us tremendous insight into the why and the how of unclean spirits and how they operate. Also how they gain access into the individual. A wicked generation opens the door for widespread demonic infestation. The root of wickedness is idolatry, and idolatry produces iniquities. Psalm 7:14 “Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity.” Exodus 20:4-5 “You shall not make for yourself a carved (idolatry) image — any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” And the root of idolatry is hatred towards God. According to Jesus there are seven different kinds of more wicked spirits who are able to interact with the less wicked spirit that claims the body that he was exorcised from as his own house. It will be interesting to know who this wicked spirit is who is able to summon help from more wicked spirits than himself in order to take back the house (body) from which he was kicked out. Proverbs 26:24-26 “He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” Idolatry in its root form is wickedness that brings forth iniquity (inherited sin) which is deeply rooted in hate, hatred of God and of everything that belongs to God. So that the primary but lesser unclean spirit that summons the seven more wicked spirits than himself after he is cast out, is the spirit of hate. He who hates harbors (summons) seven abominations in his heart (spirits) which revealed themselves as wickedness. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit (singular) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (these eight are all manifestations of God’s love). Against such there is no law.” Our born-again spirit is conceived in love (God so loved the world). That love manifests itself in the born-again person in eight different representations of God’s love, for a total of nine. The un-regenerated spirit still belongs to God though separated from Him, so hate which is the opposite of love manifests itself in seven different ways or levels of wickedness, for a total of eight unclean spirits. Satan, the head of the demons sums up to number nine. Every demonic infrastructure is a perverted copy of the heavenly pattern. God is love and manifests His love in eight fruit, singular as in one unit. Satan cannot possess the spirit-man for it belongs to God, so his hate can only manifest itself in seven different levels of itself (hate being number eight) within an individual. These seven manifestations of hate are called abominations in the Word of God. Our ability to discern these abominably unclean spirits and their deeply rooted hatefulness is crucial in our ability to help people beset by them to be set free. This is what spiritual discernment is all about. Seven abominations which are born out of hatred towards God. 1) Proverbs 16:5 “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” Number one is the spirit of Pride. If hate is the root, clearly pride is the trunk of the tree. Pride is born out of a hateful heart. The spirit of hate masquerades itself so as not to be uncovered: Proverbs 26:24 “He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself.” One sure way to know if hate is present in the heart of the person we are helping is through the discernment of the spirit of pride. If pride is present, hate is hiding behind it, they go together like a hand in glove, and it is this lethal combination of joining forces which enables these other six unclean spirits access. 2) Proverbs 15:8 “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” Number two is the spirit of Self-righteousness. The proud in heart will pray (sacrifice) to God in self-righteousness instead of meekness, not even aware sometimes of his own conceit. Luke 18:11-13 “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess’.” What is it that drives people to do what they do? If pride is behind it, nothing good will come out of it. 3) Proverbs 15:26 “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasant.” Number three is the spirit of Gossip and Slander. Jesus told us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. We have a saying that says, the down puts down, the mind set of this spirit is to tear down with words, gossip and slander are its characteristics. 4) Proverbs 11:20 “Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their ways are His delight.” Number four is the spirit of Malice. A perverse heart manifests itself through malice. It will actively seek and desire for evil things to befall others. 5) Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Number five is the spirit of Bitter Envy and Self-seeking. James 3:14 “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.” 6) Proverbs 11:1 “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.” Number six is the spirit of Betrayal and dishonesty. Dishonesty, betrayal and untrustworthiness is the conduct that will expose this spirit. 7) Proverbs 3:32 “For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright.” Number seven is the spirit of Perversion. The person that is driven by the selfish desires of their heart (lust of the flesh), will desire to obtain the things which they see (lust of the eyes) as profitable for increasing their own status in the eyes of others (pride of life). Such a person becomes perverted, meaning a counterfeit copy of their real selves, which was originally created in the image of God. The proud heart will sacrifice whatever it takes to realize the thoughts and desires of their perverse heart, they will lie and cheat to achieve their goals. In the process they lose their original personality, which was created in them by God, and become a perversion of what they were created to be. Who would have thought that hate could produce so much evil. The sad thing is that it usually begins with hating oneself. Pride is what we use to compensate for the feelings of worthlessness, and the rest just follows. Romans 5:5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God put a price on the soul of man, a price so valuable that could only be measure by the intensity of the sufferings and passion of His only begotten Son for us. The precious and priceless blood that Jesus shed for us has once and for all separated the words “worthless” and “soul”. They are so far apart that they are not even in the same universe. Love and self-acceptance in the unconditional love God has for us, which He demonstrated on the cross, is the key that unlocks and opens the perverse heart and releases that hateful bird called pride. Humbly and grateful the restored heart rejoices in its new found love and acceptance, and the peace of God which passes all understanding rules and guides, faithfully comforting the emerging new person which is now being built in the image of Christ. Romans 8:37-39 “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” True deliverance comes as we replace the spirit of hate with God’s love which is Spirit, and that’s the truth. Isaiah 25:1 “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Previous Next

< Back TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE Pastor Marcos Marrero 1900-01-01 Objective: The objective of this teaching is to help believers understand the divine purpose and privilege of suffering for Christ. Rather than viewing suffering merely as loss or hardship, the lesson aims to reveal how God uses it as a process of discipline, spiritual growth, and preparation for eternal life in His kingdom. By embracing suffering for righteousness’ sake, Christians can partake of the divine nature, bear spiritual fruit, and be equipped to reign with Christ in the age to come. Synopsis: In To Suffer for His Sake, Pastor Marcos Marrero explores Philippians 1:29, emphasizing that Christians are not only granted faith in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. He distinguishes between general human suffering—often the result of poor choices or inherited conditions—and Christian suffering, which is uniquely tied to righteousness and divine purpose. The teaching highlights that suffering for Christ refines believers, enabling them to partake in God’s divine nature as described in 2 Peter 1. This process cultivates spiritual fruit such as faith, perseverance, self-control, brotherly kindness, and love. Marrero compares this to olives being crushed to release oil, showing that suffering produces anointing and fruitfulness. Furthermore, suffering has eternal implications. It prepares believers for their place in God’s kingdom, where positions and rewards are tied to the measure of faithfulness and endurance in trials. Drawing from passages like 2 Timothy 2:12 and Matthew 20:23, the lesson reveals that enduring suffering for Christ aligns believers with His example, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Ultimately, Pastor Marcos teaches that Christian suffering is not a curse but a divine training ground. It equips the believer to walk in godliness on earth, produce eternal fruit, and reign with Christ in the life to come, fulfilling God’s perfect will. Written teaching: Philippians 1:29 “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” In today’s Christian environment it almost feels like heresy to say that it has been granted to us, not only to believe in Him, but also the privilege of suffering for Him. In this lesson we will deal with the reason why God considers it a privilege when the followers of Jesus are allowed to suffer for His sake. Let us start with the basics; what is suffering for His sake? 1 Peter 3:17 “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” To suffer for Jesus’ sake is to suffer for doing good. But let us not gloss over the importance of suffering itself, for all of us suffer one way or another. Suffering always has to do with discipline, for those who suffer are trained by their sufferings. And it is part of the natural process as well, as children we are deprived of many of the things that we want until we learn how to use them properly. Now in the world, suffering, though it may bring some kind of discipline to the sufferers, it is usually the result of bad personal behavior, or due to the failures of the progenitors of those who are suffering. We can see that throughout the many nations of the world today. Those who are fortunate enough to be born in nations where the early fathers made sure that future generations would have better living conditions, by setting the right political and educational systems that would allow their descendants to be raised with the proper discipline to make things better, definitely suffer a lot less than those who are less fortunate. Those who are born in nations whose early fathers fostered hatred, division, and intolerance, whose aim was to regenerate their own bigotries after they were gone, and not what would be best for their descendants, suffer more due to the prejudices that they have inherited that keeps them from making the right choices. But this is where I believe that many Christians miss the true purpose for Christian suffering, for their understanding of suffering is based partly in where they were born. Those born on the west see suffering from a different perspective that those born in the east do, globally speaking. Christian suffering overrides whether one suffers for the lack of our ancestors discipline or because of it, it does not matter. Christian suffering is a different matter altogether and we need to understand that. 1 Peter 3:14 “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed…” The reason why Christians suffer is so that they can become partakers of the divine nature through their sufferings! That is the blessing. 2 Peter 1:3-4 “As (according to) His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The divine nature is this: in Christ we are not of this world any longer! Let’s see if we can take a practical look at what Peter is trying to tell us. When Jesus was asked by Pilate if He was a king, Jesus answered that His kingdom was not of this world. Suffering for Christ’s sake prepares Christians for the kingdom that is to come, as it is written in the Lord’s prayer: Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 2 Timothy 2:12 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him…” KJV There is divine order in all of God’s creation, and that order is enforced by His divine power that governs everything in the creation in accordance with the laws of God. Suffering for Him and ruling with Him is one of those laws, if we suffer for Christ’s sake we do not suffer in vain! Being saved qualifies us to operate within the law of suffering for Him so that we can reign with Him, since in Him we have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Now here is the process of suffering for His sake and becoming partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:5-9 “But also for this very reason (becoming partakers of the divine nature), giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” Diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance (patience), godliness, brotherly kindness, love. All these are spiritual fruit that emanate from the anointing of the Holy Spirit that covers us. And just like the olives must be separated from the tree and crushed to make the oil flow, we too have the need to be separated from the world and made to endure the sufferings that allow for the anointing that is in us through the born-again experience to come forth. Philippians 1:11 “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Now there is a higher and more futuristic agenda to suffering for Christ’s sake as well, and that has more to do with the kingdom that is to come. Matthew 20:23 “So He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left in not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’” Jesus gives us insight into the kingdom that is to come, He tells His disciples that they will indeed suffer a martyr’s death but that God Himself will decide what position each believer receives in accordance with how much they suffered for Christ’s sake. The reality is that most of us just want to make it to heaven and we don’t care where we sit, as long as we are in with Jesus and where Jesus is. But if we think in terms of excelling in our training that is preparing us for the future, they both accomplish the same thing; let me explain. The future kingdom of which all born again believers will be a part of, is an eternal kingdom. What does that mean? That means that in that eternal kingdom we cannot make any mistakes, for one mistake in eternity disqualified even the most anointed of the cherubs. When God made us, the human race, He made us a little lower than the angels, see Psalm 8: He did so for the purpose of working all the bugs out of us before we became eternal, therein comes the suffering part. You see when Lucifer and the angels that followed him sinned, their natures were abruptly changed, and since they dwelled in eternity, they became eternally dammed and unredeemable, for time is the fourth-dimension where past present and future are all the same, one eternity. God placed us humans in the third dimension which is lower than the dimension that the angels occupy, for those who live in the third dimension are stuck in the present, which is not a bad thing if you figure that as long as it is called today, the present, we still have a chance to repent and make whatever wrong we made, right again, before we die and enter into the fourth dimension of eternity. Hebrews 4:7 “Again He designates a certain day, saying in David, ‘Today,’ after such a long time, as it has been said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts (and repent before you die so that you can enter into God’s rest).’” Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.” What that means is that once we die, as believers, we go before the judgment seat of Christ where our abilities to sin are removed from us once and for all, and then we are rewarded with our eternal position which is based on the things that we did while here on earth in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” This is not a judgment of salvation, for if one is not saved he will not make it into the judgment seat of Christ. This is a judgment of rewards or the lack of them. What that means is that Jesus is trying to get us, while here on earth, to let go of the worldly things or what is called the works of the flesh, so that we can produce spiritually eternal fruit, like Peter listed, for the more spiritual fruit that we produce the greater our standing or the higher our heavenly position will be. But the flip side of that is that the more spiritual that we become while here on earth the more power that we have to impose the kingdom of God in our midst, but in order to become more spiritual the greater the suffering that we must endure by denying ourselves of the worldly pleasures that war against the kingdom of God. Now this is the kind of suffering that Paul is talking about: Philippians 2:3-4 “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.” So that it is only suffering if it seems to us that we are missing out instead of gaining eternal blessings. Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto 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 the throne of God.” His suffering earned Him the highest position, which is to sit at the right hand of God. Our suffering will get us to the highest position ordained by God for us, which is for His good and perfect will to be done in our lives. Previous Next

< Back THE MIND Minister Lisa Kane 2021-07-18 Objective: The objective of The Mind is to help believers recognize the battles that occur within their own minds—confusion, misunderstanding, fact vs. fiction, trust, and faith—and equip them with scriptural tools to overcome them. By understanding that we have the mind of Christ, created in God’s image, and by exercising the authority given through Jesus, believers can take control of their thoughts, reject deception, and walk in peace, clarity, and victory. Synopsis: In The Mind, Minister Lisa Kane teaches that one of the greatest battlegrounds for a believer is not external, but internal—the mind. While created in the image of God and endowed with the mind of Christ, our thoughts often become vulnerable to confusion, misunderstanding, and deception. Scripture reveals that confusion is never from God, but from the enemy, and believers are called to take authority over it through the name of Jesus. The lesson further explains how misunderstanding stems from the heart, requiring repentance and a return to God’s Word for true understanding. When dealing with fact or fiction, feelings and perceptions must not dictate truth; instead, believers are to lean on the Word of God and exercise self-control through the Spirit. Trust and faith, foundational to a believer’s walk, are emphasized as both a gift and an action that must be nurtured. Unbelief can hinder faith, but by dwelling in God’s presence daily, believers can overcome doubt and strengthen their trust in Him. Ultimately, the mind is renewed and protected through salvation, the Word, and intentional time spent with God. This teaching equips believers to reject lies, overcome confusion, and develop a steadfast, faith-filled mind that reflects the authority and likeness of Christ. Written teaching: One of the enemies we deal with as a believer is our own mind. Sometimes we’re confused, or we don’t understand, or we think we know what’s going on and yet, we can easily miss the battle that’s taking place. Confusion is a battle. Misunderstanding is a battle, and fact or fiction, trust and faith are major battles. We need to understand what kind of mind we have and what we’re capable of. 1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. Genesis 1:26 NKJV 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ...” God made us in His image. God created the world. We’re able to create too…differently, but we can create things like God. Look at masons, carpenters, etc. We can build. Look at artists creating things from their minds. We have the same mind of Christ – God. But there’s something else we can do that no other heavenly being can do and that is to procreate. We have children and those children have souls with potential to become believers in Christ. This is what makes us in the likeness of Him. God is perfect and He keeps Himself perfect. There is no corruption in God because there is no sin in God and that’s what separates us from Him, even though we’re in His likeness. But He didn’t leave us defenseless. He gave us His begotten Son and His name to redeem us. With this type of mind, let us explore the scriptures on how to deal with confusion, misunderstanding, fact or fiction, trust, and faith. 1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV 33 For God is not the author of [a]confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. James 3:16 NKJV 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. From the two above scriptures, you now know that confusion is not from God. Whenever you are confused, stop and say, “In the name of Jesus, devil, get under my feet where you belong”. Ephesians 1:19-23 NKJV 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality[a] and [b]power and [c]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. God has established His authority by placing the name of Jesus first, because He’s earned it by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. You put Satan under Jesus’ dominion when you use the name of Jesus! Say it out loud and make sure to say it again if it’s still an issue. This is your right as a believer in Christ! As long as you are putting Jesus first, you have dominion over Satan and confusion. Now, how do you deal with misunderstanding? Mark 7:17-23 NKJV 17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, [a]thus purifying all foods?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Here's the root of the issue…us within. In our hearts is the issue that causes us to miss the point of understanding in relation to God and His Word. That’s because we’re driven by spiritual entities to keep us away from Christ knowledge, the Word of God. To overcome misunderstanding, you need to deal with your heart and repent because the Bible tells us to. Romans 10:9 NKJV 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Notice, this is an action you must take. Repentance will put you back on track with God’s Word and bring understanding to you. Also note, that when you seek God’s Word vs the world’s point of view, you will have perfect understanding – again, action you need to take and overcome. You may not see the whole picture but you will know God and He will know you. You will move under His understanding in every situation when you seek Him first. Now, how do you deal with fact or fiction? John 8:32 NKJV 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 1 John 1:6 NKJV 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. Ephesians 1:13 NKJV 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, You will always know the truth with the gospel. Fact or fiction is where your senses are going off the radar about a situation around you. For example, a spouse or girlfriend, boyfriend you don’t trust because you’re senses are telling you somethings up. Sometimes this is true and sometimes it isn’t. How do you deal with a situation like that? First, senses are just that. They’re not facts. You need self-control here to ‘not’ follow your senses or feelings regarding the situation. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. When you are in a situation like this, get closer to God and ask for self-control. Ask Him for wisdom and knowledge. This puts God first in this situation and allows Him to show you the truth. And believe me, He will. The patience will cause those lying to you to fall or trip up over themselves and then you’ll know the truth. God’s Word is perfect and will not mis-lead you. You can trust His Word to help you get through the situation. But this means YOU need to spend time with His Word. Not your pastor, not your spouse, or your friends, but YOU. God will show you what His Word says about a situation when you are dealing with fact or fiction or fantasy, etc. The last two areas I want to focus on is trust and faith. First, you can trust and have faith in God always. Remember Ephesians 1:13? Ephesians 1:13 NKJV 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, The gospel, the Word of God is truth. Again, YOU need to find out what the Word says to obtain perfect truth. Unbelief is what hinders your faith. Matthew 17:20 NKJV 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your [a]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Mark 9:23-24 NKJV 23 Jesus said to him, “If[a] you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” There’s no shame in asking God to help you with your unbelief. There are things we grew up with that we struggle overcoming. For example, having faith to be healed. This struggle is real but God is more real than the struggle. Look what He says in Psalm 91… Psalm 91 NKJV (Take the time to go and read the whole chapter. Well worth it.) 91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Notice what all this entire message hinders on? YOU! Seeking His presence in the ‘secret place’ verse 1. Your faith will grow because you will be able to say God is protecting me, healing me, because I spend time in His presence. Church time isn’t enough. Make this daily and watch God move in your life. This dwelling in the secret place overcomes the doubt of ‘unbelief’ in the mind. When your mind knows, you overcome. Mind over matter. Ephesians 6:17 NKJV 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; When you spend time in His Word while wearing your ‘salvation’, you OVERCOME the issues of the mind! Be free and separate from the world by spending time in the Word and becoming an overcomer in the mind! Previous Next

< Back SPIRITUALITY VERSUS CARNALITY Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of this teaching is to help believers discern the difference between living as spiritual Christians and living as carnal Christians. Pastor Marcos Marrero emphasizes that true spiritual maturity is marked not by worldly wisdom or religious appearances, but by the fruit of the Spirit and the revelation of God’s wisdom through the Holy Spirit. This lesson seeks to guide believers into choosing daily to walk in the Spirit, rather than yielding to the works of the flesh, so that they may mature into victorious, Christ-centered lives. Synopsis: In Spirituality Versus Carnality, Pastor Marcos Marrero examines Paul’s admonition to the Corinthian church, highlighting the tension between spiritual maturity and carnal living. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:1–4, he explains that spiritual Christians are mature in faith, while carnal Christians remain as infants in Christ, unable to receive deeper revelations because they are hindered by envy, strife, and division. Pastor Marcos contrasts the world’s wisdom with God’s hidden wisdom, reminding readers that spiritual truths cannot be grasped through human reasoning but only through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. He points to Paul’s ministry as an example, where the demonstration of God’s Spirit and power, rather than persuasive words, confirmed the truth of the gospel. The lesson also clarifies that the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control—are marks of a spiritual life. On the other hand, works of the flesh such as selfish ambition, resentment, and divisions mark a carnal life and prevent believers from growing in spiritual understanding. Through biblical examples, such as Rahab’s decision to act spiritually rather than merely “do the right thing,” Pastor Marcos shows that spiritual maturity often requires choices that defy worldly logic. He urges believers to submit to Christ’s teachings, even when they do not make sense to the natural mind, trusting that the Holy Spirit will apply God’s wisdom and peace to their lives. Ultimately, the message underscores that the Christian life involves a daily choice between spirituality and carnality. By yielding to the Spirit and rejecting the flesh, believers grow in freedom, wisdom, and maturity—living as those who are no longer slaves to sin but made free in Christ. Written teaching: 1 Corinthians 3:1 “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.” A spiritual Christian is a mature Christian, and a carnal Christian is one who does not have a clue as to what spirituality is really all about. It is odd that in some church settings, spiritual Christians are frowned upon as being way out there, out of the main stream, they are almost ashamed to acknowledge them, while their carnal counterparts or more worldly minded Christians are held with high regard for being more in touch with the reality of life, in their more balanced relationship with the world system. Let’s face it, spiritual truths are always at odds with the physical realities. I see programs on TV all the time trying to explain biblical events, not just secular programs, some Christian shows as well, that try to make carnal sense of events that can only be interpreted through the eyes of faith in the word of God. Paul’s complaint to the Corinthians is that he cannot address them with the meat of spiritual truth because they are like infants holding on to their baby bottles. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like to know the mechanics of how things work more than anybody else, but I am humbled enough to know that while I am in this body of flesh, I am limited in my ability to fully understand spiritual mysteries. If I do not fully understand something, I am comfortable enough in my belief that it happened the way that God said it happened, and my faith does not require any further explanation. 1 Corinthians 3:2-3 “I fed you with milk and not solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal…” Paul, while under his apostolic ministry and anointing, was privy to the revelation of the mysteries that had been hidden from the sages of old and was extremely eager to share those revelations that he had received with all his converts. But imagine his frustration with the inability of many of his converts to receive the revelation of those spiritual mysteries that he treasured. 2 Peter 3:15-16 “And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable (carnal) people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” Peter himself acknowledges the gift that God had invested in the apostle Paul, and recognizes the fact that it takes spiritual maturity to receive the understanding of many of the mysteries that Paul was revealing in his teachings to the churches. How does a carnal babe in Christ become a spiritually mature servant? 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” The majority of Paul’s converts got saved by the demonstration of God’s Spirit and power moving in their midst as Paul preached to them, so that it was the supernatural manifestation of God’s power among them that confirmed the truth of what Paul was preaching to them, not human logic. Now Paul is teaching them that in order for them to become spiritual they have to follow the same pattern, spirituality does not come through persuasive words of human wisdom, but rather through the manifestation of God’s Spirit and power, that in many instances defy human logic. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in an mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.” The wisdom that makes us spiritual is like an encoded mystery that was deposited into our newly recreated born-again spirit-man when we got saved, which only the Holy Spirit can reveal or decode in those who through the agency of faith and trust in the word of God, will be able to receive and understand. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the sprit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except (unless) the Spirit of God (reveals them to us).” The spiritual mystery or quality that enables a believer to become spiritual or mature, has already been deposited into our recreated spirit-man, but the revelation or unlocking of those mysteries are left to the Spirit of God who searches the human spirit that dwells within our heart, to see if spiritual fruit it's been produced by our spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:3 “For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you (works of the flesh), are you not carnal and behaving like mere (natural instead of spiritual) men?” I am responsible before God for the kind of fruit that my spirit produces: Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, faithfulness and self-control are all spiritual fruit, the more of that kind of fruit that my spirit produces, the greater the revelation of God’s wisdom that I will receive as it is unveiled through my heart by the Spirit of God. Envy, strife, divisions, selfish ambitions, and the like, are all spiritual manifestations of the works of the flesh, the carnality that will hinder my heart from receiving the revelation that will allow me to become a mature, and victorious spiritual Christian. So that I have a choice to make each and every day between peace and distress, love and hate, forgiveness and resentment. Am I going to be at peace in the face of distress? Am I going to love those who hate me? Am I going to forgive those whom I resent? If I follow my natural inclinations that compel me to demand an eye for an eye, then the spiritual revelation that makes me wise in Christ is withheld from me, for my actions prevent the Holy Spirit from revealing them to me as He desires. But if I summit myself to the words that our Lord taught us, His spiritual words that are my life, even when it absolutely makes no sense to me to do what He says, then the Holy Spirit is not hindered, and though I may not be ready to receive the understanding as to why I need to do what the Scriptures require, nevertheless, His healing balm will be applied to my soul and I will walk in His peace no matter what! John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” There is a disconnect for many Christians between doing the right thing and doing the spiritual thing. Understanding the difference between doing that which is right and doing that which is spiritual can be an important factor that will help to lead us into maturity. That is because our natural understanding of what the right thing to do is, has been tainted by our worldly perception. We sometimes confuse human goodness with God inspired spirituality. So that when we think we are doing the right thing that should make us more spiritual, instead we are being carnal and do not even know it. Therein lies a trap that has diverted many well intended Christians from what had been a promising road to maturity, into the folly that Paul calls the wisdom of this age, by comparing or trying to understand spiritual things through the prism of human wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural (carnal) man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The more spiritual that a believer becomes, the more at odds that he will be with the wisdom of this world, and the difference between what the spiritual thing to do is, verses that which is the right thing to do, will become more obvious to the believer that matures spiritually. A spiritually mature man will never be bound by the spirit of religion. 1 Corinthians 3:4 “For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?” When Rahab the prostitute was faced with the choice of doing the right thing and not lie to the soldiers that asked about the whereabouts of the spies that visited her, she chose to do the spiritual thing instead, and protected those who belonged to God by misleading the soldiers away from them. By her actions she did not only save their lives, but she also saved her own life and the lives of her family and became part of Jesus ancestry. To become a spiritually mature Christian is the same as that of being a slave that has been made free. 1 Corinthians 2:15 “But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.” After all it is for freedom's sake that Christ has made us free! Previous Next

< Back GOD’S DWELLING PLACE Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: To equip believers with the understanding of how God’s light and truth lead His people into His dwelling place, especially in the midst of personal persecution and national corruption. This lesson aims to help Christians discern between common trials and targeted spiritual attacks, to encourage faithfulness amidst oppression, and to prepare themselves as vessels—tabernacles—for God’s delivering power through purity, separation from idolatry, and joyful worship. Synopsis: “GOD’S DWELLING PLACE” explores the deep cry of the psalmist in Psalm 43:3: “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.” Pastor Marrero begins by acknowledging the reality of persecution, which ranges from general spiritual trials common to all believers (1 Corinthians 10:13) to personal, targeted attacks fueled by spiritual opposition and national apostasy (Psalm 43:1–2). The lesson draws a clear line between: Common temptation that tests every believer, and Specific persecution that targets individuals—often those receiving spiritual revelation or occupying high spiritual callings (2 Corinthians 12:7). Pastor Marrero uses David’s life as a case study, showing how David endured personal attacks from Saul and an ungodly system, not by retaliating, but by refusing to partake in idolatry, maintaining integrity (Psalm 26:1–5), and trusting in God’s vindication. David’s refusal to “sit with the wicked” became the very thing that qualified him to be a dwelling place for God’s glory, and eventually to lead Israel into national revival. The teaching emphasizes that: God’s light and truth are the forces that drive away demonic oppression, but they require a dwelling place—a purified heart that hosts His presence. Psalm 24 identifies the qualifications to ascend to God’s holy hill: clean hands, a pure heart, and separation from idols. The message turns prophetic as Pastor Marrero addresses modern nations—particularly America—that have turned from righteousness, allowing demonic influence to infiltrate their systems. He points to the judiciary’s corruption, moral decay, and contempt for God’s people as evidence of national backsliding (Proverbs 14:34). In response, the believer is called to: Separate from worldly alliances, Maintain personal holiness, Cry out for God’s vindication, and Become a living tabernacle where His presence dwells. The teaching concludes with the reminder that God’s dwelling place is ultimately within the heart of the faithful worshiper—one who rejects compromise, embraces joy in God, and adorns themselves with the garment of praise to break the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). The believer’s prayer becomes David’s prayer: “Lead me in Your truth… for You are the God of my salvation” (Psalm 25:4–5). Written teaching: Psalm 43:3 “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle (dwelling place).” There has always been oppression from God’s enemy Satan against those whose desire is to do God’s will. In many instances some even experience greater persecution than others. It is like that today as well. But there is a kind of persecution that those who experience it, feel like they have been personally targeted. And it soon becomes obvious to them that in order for them to be delivered from such persecution that they need to be personally vindicated. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear (endure) it.” It is true that all persecution is such as that which is common to man. But it is also true that some are able to endure more than others, so that the intensity of the persecution may vary from one individual to another. 2 Corinthians 12:7 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.” It is also true that for those who are seeking and receiving spiritual revelation from the Lord, in order to keep their pride at bay, the Lord allows them to endure greater persecution than others, but never more than that which they are able to endure. We see this with people who are placed in high positions of spiritual authority. They have to endure greater waves of persecution, in order to keep them from giving into the pride that follows their high position which would cause them to fall. That is why the Bible warns against installing untested novices in high positions of authority, for they will not be able to endure the level of persecution that naturally follows such high positions. Psalm 43:1 “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” It is clear from the opening of Psalm forty-three, that the psalmist is dealing with the kind of persecution that has targeted him personally. Here we see an opportunity to learn how to deal with this kind of personal persecution and how to discern the difference between this kind of persecution and that which is common to man. It appears that the origin of this temptation was an ungodly nation who had targeted individuals like the writer of this Psalm for personal attacks. It also involved a deceitful and unjust man who was personally, unjustly, and deceitfully, attacking the writer of this Psalm and those like him. Psalm 42:10 “As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach (revile) me, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” The difference between the temptations which are commonly natural to all believers, and the persecutions that arise out of an ungodly nation is the unleashing of the demonic hordes that are able to afflict a nation who has turned from God to the wickedness of this world. Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” These demonic hordes target those who are spiritual and who are able to warn the nation of the dangers into which it has fallen. Judge, after judge, after judge, keep ruling against the will of the American people. It seems that no matter what good moral laws we pass, what constitutional amendments we write and vote into law, all it takes is one federal judge to declare it null and void. The high stakes of this spiritual warfare are enormous, for the future of the nation, and to a lesser degree, the future of the world is being decided. Psalm 43:2 “For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” Like the psalmist, we end up feeling rejected and left out by God Himself. How can we stand up against these demonic hordes that are running rampant against our nations? Let’s take another look into our opening text. Psalm 43:3 “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.” Light, or enlightening truth from God is the only thing that is able to drive away any and all demonic hordes from our midst. However, this powerful force of deliverance needs a dwelling place, a tabernacle in this earth in order to be successful. In order to become a tabernacle for God’s delivering power, we have to enter into His holy hill and abide with Him in His tabernacle. We dealt with this in the previous lesson; according to Psalm 24, only those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who have not lifted up their souls to idols nor sworn deceitfully are able to receive this power. Psalm 24:3-4 “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.” Now, more than ever before, fellowship with this world system can have disastrous consequences on our ability to powerfully intercede against all the evil forces that war from within our nations governments against the Word of God. So that we see the interaction between the corporal and the individual. The ungodly nation and the deceitful and unjust man. David was just an individual, but he refused to compromise with the sin of idolatry. God rewarded his faithfulness by making him king of the nation of Israel, and David drove that nation into its highest glory. Saul, the first king of Israel became an idolater—for his disobedience was as the sin of witchcraft—and he severely and personally persecuted David aiming to destroy his life. How did David overcome the personal persecution that aimed to destroy him personally and the purpose that God had for David’s life? Psalm 26:4-5 “I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites, I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.” Notice how David begins Psalm twenty-six the same way that the other psalmist began Psalm forty-three, Vindicate me, O Lord. Psalm 26:1 “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.” Under king Saul, both the nation and the king persecuted David, for Saul pursued David with Israel’s army for the purpose of killing him. David prayed to the Lord, and I’m paraphrasing: Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have not walked in their idolatry; that is what he meant by I have walked in my integrity. He continued, I did not sit with them, and I will not sit with them, the idolaters and the evil doers. I will not be a part of their wickedness, no matter how much it costs me. David triumphed over the man by refusing to partake in his idolatry, and by faithfully waiting on God and not taking matters into his own hands. He pleased God—and God gave to him the nation of Israel as his reward. The greatest desire of David’s heart was to build a dwelling place for the glory of God to rest while here on the earth! It is safe to say that God had already found a dwelling place here on the earth in the heart of David. Psalm 43:4 “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.” It does not matter whether it is David, the sons of Korah, or us; when we make our God our exceeding joy, renounce all idolatries, and cry out to God for vindication—God’s dwelling place takes residence within us. The anointing oil distilled from the fragrance of our songs of praise breaks off the oppression of the enemy and we are able to enter into the hill of the Lord with thanksgivings in our hearts. Isaiah 61:3 “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” There is no doubt that the nations of the world that once honored the Gospel of Jesus Christ, have turned their backs on the God of the Gospel; they have decided to follow the god’s of their own making and imaginations. They now live with open reproach and contempt against those of us who have kept the faith of our founding fathers. They have elected for themselves leaders that represent their contempt against us in the way they govern. They have deceived and continued to deceive those who should know better, into keeping them in power. They have no regard for truth. They do not care how much misery they inflict upon those whom they deceive. Their hatred towards God has no bounds since their father is the devil, who was a liar and a murderer from the very beginning. But we know them, we know the spirits that drive them, and we have no part with them. Let the dead bury their own dead. As for us, this is our heartfelt prayer: Oh Lord, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead us. Let Your light and Your truth bring us into Your holy hill and into Your tabernacle. Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all day.” Previous Next

< Back SPIRITUAL DARKNESS Pastor Marcos Marrero Objective: The objective of Spiritual Darkness is to reveal the dangers of walking in spiritual blindness and compromise, to expose the three unclean spirits—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—that work in tandem to keep people in bondage, and to call believers to stand firmly in the light of God’s Word. The lesson aims to equip Christians with discernment to recognize spiritual deception, reject compromise, and embrace the truth of God’s Word as their weapon in spiritual warfare. Synopsis: In Spiritual Darkness, Pastor Marcos explores Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:23, showing how the condition of one’s spiritual eyes determines whether the body is filled with light or darkness. He explains that spiritual darkness is not merely the absence of light, but a counterfeit light rooted in deception and pride. The three major spirits at work—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—operate together to blind hearts and ensnare souls. The lust of the flesh represents inward selfish desires, while the lust of the eyes operates externally, enticing the flesh to open the door to sin. The pride of life, the deadliest of all, locks people in darkness by keeping them from admitting wrong and humbling themselves before God. Pastor Marcos illustrates how spiritual blindness manifests in addictions, compromises, and religious pride, all of which alienate people from God’s truth. This message emphasizes that the true battle is not over fleshly struggles alone but over truth versus lies. Those who walk in darkness are captives of the enemy, while those who walk in the light of God’s Word are empowered to set captives free. Believers are called to reject compromise, cleanse themselves from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and remain steadfast in truth. The antidote to spiritual darkness is humility, repentance, and obedience to God’s Word, which brings true spiritual enlightenment and victory. Written teaching: Matthew 6:23 “But if your eye is bad (evil, or in poor condition), your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” There are some great insights about spiritual darkness in our opening verse. First Jesus tells us that the condition of our spiritual eyes is critical for the wellbeing of our entire body. The great second insight that I find is when Jesus refers to the darkness in an individual as if the light that is in you is darkness, referring to darkness as a type of light. Let us deal first with the spiritual condition of the eyes for they have a direct effect on the body, be it positive or negative. 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” There are three major unclean spirits that work together to bring the entire person into spiritual darkness, these three spirits work in tandem in order to suppress and/or to pervert the higher calling of God for man. Since we are all descendants of Adam whose flesh was corrupted by the spirit of the lust of the flesh, all of us humans are born with the spirit of lust within us, also known as selfish-ambition, so that the propensity for sin is already in us. But thankfully God has blessed us with cognition, we are born with the natural ability to understand right and wrong, so that when we are tempted by our selfish desires, we have built in discernment that allows us to weigh out the possible consequences of our actions. The lust of the eyes is an external spirit, always operating from the outside trying to get in, in order to do so it has to connect with its kindred spirit, the spirit of the lust of the flesh that dwells in the inside and who is able to open the door to the external spirit that wants to come in. A bad spiritual eye, or an eye that is evil, is in no condition to recognize the spirit that lurks behind the temptation that its being tempted with, so that it cannot fully weigh the consequences of its indulging in the lust that its being offered. A good eye will always caution the person as to what is really at stake if it proceeds to indulge in the temptation. A good example would be that of a person being offered drugs for the first time; the temptation is the experience of a very personal internal high that is attained through the intake of external things, like the ingesting of drugs that alter a body’s normal functions. The effects of the drugs eventually wear out, but the spirit behind it stays in, and it becomes the force that eventually compels that person to continuously seek another, and another external fix to which it becomes addicted. A person with good spiritual eyes has the ability to weigh properly the consequences of its actions. Spiritual vision is the ability to foresee that which at the present is invisible. Let me use the same example, let’s say that a person is offered drugs for the first time, who is aware of the ruinous consequences that drugs can have in a person’s life, no matter how alluring that temporary high may sound, a person in the right frame of mind would immediately say; it is not worth it! Matthew 6:22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good (clear or healthy), your whole body will be full of light (full of a clear and healthy understanding).” Our inabilities to understand the spiritual consequences of our actions is what plunges us into the realm of spiritual darkness. The lust of the eyes is always hard at work to deny the reality of the truth so that it can join forces with the spirit of the lust of the flesh. But there is a third spirit whose work keeps in bondage those who fell into the original deception. So that those who were originally deceived are now kept in the chains of darkness by its power, this spirit has to be defeated if they want to be made free again. Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Now we are dealing with the third and most deadly of the three, the spirit of the pride of life and it resides deep within the heart of man. It is the folly of a man that ensnares him, but it takes his pride to keep him bound. When a man replaces the light of sound judgment with the darkness that he calls light, because he is too proud to admit that he did wrong deep in his heart, that type of blindness is what is called spiritual darkness. I've been using common illustrations to portray spiritual realities here, but it is not sins or addictions that we are dealing with in this lesson, but rather, the issues here are, light which represents God’s enlightenment, and darkness which is represented by the pride of the wisdom of man. We are in the midst of spiritual warfare, there is an ensuing battle that has raged on for thousands of years, this war is being fought by the forces of darkness against the forces of light. It is not fought with carnal weapons, it is a fight between truth and lies, our mightiest of weapons is the truth of the Word of God which always defeats the lies of the enemy. Those who walk in spiritual darkness are prisoners of war who have been taken captive by the devil to do his will. Those who walk in the spiritual enlightenment of the Word of God are like mighty warriors who conquer the strongholds of the enemy and set the captives free. Who are the captives? Ephesians 4:17-18 “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their (spiritual eyes) heart.” In times of war there should be no room for pride for it is pride, the pride of man, that blinds the human heart to the wisdom of God’s Word. The pride of a religious mindset can blind its followers to the truth of God’s Word. The pride of religious traditions can blind the minds of its followers to the truth of God’s Word. The pride of religious status, commonly known as the praise of man, can blind the minds of its recipients to the truth of God’s Word. Anything that has been corrupted, of which we are a part of somehow, if we fail to recognize the corruption and do not make every effort to alienate ourselves from it, will surely cause our minds to be blinded to the truth of the Word of God, and we do not want that. Ephesians 5:6-8 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now your are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Here is what I am trying to say, stay away from compromise; spiritual darkness makes its bed in compromise, and once in it your sleep will be nothing but nightmares of darkness and gloom. Is there compromise between light and darkness? How about between truth and lies? When is it okay to discard the wisdom of God for the counsel of man? But yet people do it everyday, I have to believe that it is because they have no clue as to what the will of God is for their lives. Ephesians 5:17 “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” If we walk in the light as He is in the light then we have fellowship with one another, according to 1 John 1:7 But how can we have fellowship with those who walk in spiritual darkness? You see the predicament that walking in spiritual darkness puts the body of Christ in. But the promise is that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from that foul spirit of the pride of life that keeps so many in bondage. 2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” We cannot cast out the spirit of the lust of the flesh that is attached to our natural selfish desires, so that we will always face temptations while in our mortal bodies. But if we are fully aware of the consequences of giving into the spirit of the lust of the eyes, it makes it easier for us to reject the temptations knowing that we do not want to be in spiritual darkness. Remember that the focus of this teaching is not about our everyday struggles with the flesh, This is a lesson about the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in. In this lesson we are exposing the spirits that want to contaminate your faith by making this a carnal fight. Our bodies already died with Christ on the cross, this is a battle for truth, the truth of the Word of God. It is the enlightenment that comes from the truth that makes the captives free. If you have fallen prey to any of the many facets of the demonic doctrines of man’s wisdom, do not walk in pride, admit that you were deceived and refuse to walk in darkness anymore. Reject compromise and stand in the truth of the Word of God and the truth of God’s Word will be your vindication. Nail the spirit of the pride of life to the cross and it will never bother you again as long as you keep your eyes on Jesus. 1 John 2:5 “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” Previous Next