The Audio intro
(By Steve Winkler – Michael’s Brother-in-law & Michael Kapneck – a.k.a. Saint Michael)
SAINT MICHAEL’S INTRO TRANSCRIBED
Nevertheless, this “site” or “Mission” if you will, wasn’t designed solely to expose the inadequacies of tax-funded facilities aimed at, “so-called” treatment and rehabilitation. Although, that is part of the story. Rather, the ultimate goal is to bring God’s children to the saving knowledge of His salvation. A concept that is considered “foolishness” to those that are perishing. But to those whose lives are being saved… It’s the power of God!
Look, I’m not a church pew Christian or a jailhouse Christian, as a matter of fact, at a young ripe age of 18, I was a self-professed “atheist.” I mean, can you blame me? With a world full of pain, suffering, mental and physical illness, drug abuse, wars, corruption and simply said, “The Wicked Ways of Men & Women.” But that’s the point! I finally came to the place of understanding that ALL of the suffering we know as “humans,” was created, by humans… not God! And If this were the days of the Ancients, we’d already be wiped out and judged… remember the flood? But by God’s grace (through faith in Jesus Christ), we can prevail over this fallen world, over the singular nature of our flesh passed down by father Adam and mother Eve.
But even with all that being said, I haven’t reached perfection and I’m definitely NOT claiming to be the example of a “perfect” Christ follower. On the contrary, I like the apostle Paul, claim to be, “a chief of sinners.” I’ve robbed banks, sold and used drugs, smuggled them into the country, slept with prostitutes, lied, cheated and just about every other sin you can think of. But that’s all the more reason how I came to the irrefutable fact that I needed a “SAVIOR” from this weak body of flesh. Scripture says, “that the flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing.” (Mt 26:41) The question is… “are you?” Are you willing to deny yourself, pick up your cross, your burden, your vice and follow me? (Mt 16:24). Paraphrased, those are Christ’s words, not mine.
So, let’s establish this right now. I consider the Word of God to be just as the writer of the book of Hebrews states. I quote (Heb 4:12), “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirits, joint and marrow… but most powerfully scripture says that, “… its judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” So in essence, when you’re reading the Bible, it’s really reading you! That’s where wisdom comes from, and conviction about sin. And its sin that separates us from God. But don’t think that God doesn’t know, that despite us being heavenly beings we have earthly needs. That includes talking about and dealing with those earthly problems. Like drug addiction, mental health, crime, punishment, politics and, well, as their often referred to as, “The 3 G’s”… girls, glory and gold. Or, “guys, glory and gold” for all you sisters. Because despite the widely read book MEN ARE FROM MARS, Women Are from Venus–postulating our gender differences (If you will) in the end, we’re really both planet “God!” and we all simply want the same thing… to be respected, to have our basic needs met, to experience unconditional love, to engage in healthy/meaningful relationships with friends, family and loved ones. And maybe, just maybe, to find our purpose in this world… “Our Calling”
So, I guess you could say that’s where I come in, because life truly is a struggle, hence why I’m being so transparent. See, I’m trying to dismantle the facade fashioned walls I’d normally build around myself to expose our human fragility. Because, Proverbs 17:19 says, “whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. Why?… because preserving those “facades,” and what we want other people to believe about us can become so dangerous and deceptive, that we can end up deceiving ourselves.
Did you know that one of Satan’s names is “The Deceiver”?
He is also known as, The Father of Lies
The Dragon, The Serpent, The snake
The Accuser of Brethren
The One Who Leads The Whole World Astray.
Beelzebub “The Lord of The Flies”
Even, a roaring lion (roaming around seeking whom he may devour). But be careful, he can even masquerade as an Angel of Light.
Knowing your enemy is extremely important! Especially, knowing their tactics! Scripture teaches that Satan and his demons afflict us in the 3 following ways: The lust of the eye, The lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. This is confirmed by the way he tempted Jesus in the wilderness on the last day of His 40 day fast. Read Matthew 4:1-11 for a complete account. So, with that, we must put on the full armor of God! Let me read Ephesians 6:10-17… because nothing, I repeat, NOTHING substitutes for the Word of God.
The Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly Realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. With the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
So, stand up for yourself, your loved ones, and especially those who can’t stand for up for themselves. The apostle Paul calls this, “The Good Fight of Faith!”
As for the Archangel Michael (my icon). Let us not forget, that he was exalted “up,” when Lucifer was cast “down!” Jesus told his disciples, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you (‘my saints’) authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Yes! You are a saint! And when you commit your life to Christ, and abide in his holy word, you too can have VICTORY!
Look at my “mugshot” on the homepage again. That’s living according to the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Scripture teaches, that when sin becomes full grown, it leads to death. James 1:15 says “then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin when it is full grown gives birth to death.”. So, forget yesterday or even five minutes ago for that matter. It’s a static factor that cannot be changed. Instead, do as the Apostle Paul does… “forgetting what is behind and press on to a new thing.” This is regarding your failures, your shortcomings, your human weaknesses and limitations. He’s not talking about your problems. He’s not talking about your responsibilities. He’s talking about the areas of your life you cant change. But what you can change is the here & now, which ultimately affects your future. Lord knows, you don’t want to end up where I am! Or worse, prison or DEAD! Because that’s not God’s plan for you. He desires for ALL to have life and life more abundantly. But God is not a lucky rabbits foot, fortune cookie or genie in a bottle. He is the true and living God! Whom we get to know through his Word, prayer, devotional time, fellowship, and actually “doing,” not just hearing his word. James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves, do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word, but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at their face in the mirror, goes away and immediately forgets what they look like.”
So, for now, I will close with the most valuable thing anyone could ever offer you… ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS! If you will only believe. John 3:16 (the most commonly quoted scripture in all of the Bible) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” There you have it. If you feel the Spirit of God tugging on your heart, then simply repeat after me…
“Lord Jesus, I’m hurting. I’m often sad. I’m even angry about this fallen world we live in, and I need your help. And although I can’t see you, I believe in you. I believe that you died for my sins and rose again on the 3rd day to prove your divinity. To take back the keys from Hades, overcoming death, and ultimately offering eternal life. With that, I invite you into my heart, because you are the way, the truth and the life. And no-one cometh unto the father but by through the son.
Amen!
If you prayed that message, then welcome to the body of Christ. And until next time (if you’re not already) try attending a bible-believing, faith filled church, pray and make time to read God’s Word. Because man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds the mouth of the Lord.
It only takes a mustard seed of Faith to move mountains words.
Words cannot describe how sick I was! But God and God alone has restored me. And I shall now strengthen my brethren. So do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. His good, pleasing and perfect will. May God bless you and your loved ones. Until we meet in the flesh…
And remember…
The Mission is the Great Commission!
Saint Michael
“To the Good Fight! ”
