UPDYKE books
Lies, Deceit, and a Greater Darkness
Yes, there is another dimension in our existence – it is spiritual, and known by faith as it brings a new perspective. Yes, this sounds simplistic, perhaps insignificant, but it isn’t. Faith can move mountains.
There are those who seem to have greater insight into spiritual things. The Bible explains it this way:
1Co 2:13-14 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
In the spiritual realm there is God (love unto goodness) and Satan (hatred unto evil). They each have agents amongst us whose visions are intriguing and luring. Unfortunately, many people are pursuing a greater connection with evil. It is the prominent voice heralding from Hollywood.
A new movie is being released based on the writings of one with spiritual discernment of Satan’s realm. In the movie Satan is called the Crimson King, and there is an invitation to worship him, the power of evil.
Lies: “Death always wins.” It has grieved me to hear this lie repeated frequently, coming from my television that displays the movie trailer. They are few and simple words, but powerful. I don’t ask for this propaganda, am opposed and offended by its statement, and yet I am still exposed to it, the words echoing though my home and heard by ears more innocent and vulnerable than mine.
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Heb 2:14-15 Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death.
1Co 15:24-26 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Deceit: Evil is going to win the battle of the ages.
Jam 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
1Jo 5:4-5 …because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Rom 16:19-20 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
Greater Darkness: An alliance with evil empowers. Such an alliance causes lust, a craving for more. It is a powerful magnet.
It is the campaign of evil to entice and lure a soul away from God. Once the person takes the bait, he is in grave danger of the snare, becoming trapped, and even imprisoned.
Is there a light shining in your life? Turn away from the shadows and face the intense illumination of truth that will purify and protect. There is no darkness in the light of Christ.
Joh 3:19-21 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God."
Beware, weary pilgrim, of the lure of entertainment. Remember, God will not be compromised.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Rom 12:21 Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.
2Ti 2:26 …and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
1Jo 5:11-13 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
There is a song that has spoken to me recently. Here is a link to the page where I include it on my web site, TheContemporaryChristian.us : CLICK HERE for the song. Listen for these words in the lyrics:
“The fear that held us now gives way
To him who is our peace.
His final breath upon the cross
Is now alive in me.”
“By Your spirit I will rise
From the ashes of defeat.
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me.
In Your name I come alive
To declare your victory.
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me.”
“The tomb where soldiers watched in vain
Was borrowed for three days.
His body there would not remain.
Our God has robbed the grave,
Our God has robbed the grave!”
Artist: Elevation Worship
Album: Here as in Heaven
Released: 2016
Genre: Christian/gospel
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The Cross
Necklace
for the Sake of Sam
PURCHASE REVIEW
Here is a story of mercy and grace. It is among those that urge us to believe in truths higher than our preferred opinions, to act in ways that honor the image of God. “THE CROSS NECKLACE – For the Sake of Sam” promises these elements with a beautiful theme and intent. We all enjoy stories that spark the imagination in the way the Advocate does - that perhaps someone wiser and more knowing looks out for us and, if we are paying attention, guides us toward best outcomes.
In the small town of Walthem, Samuel Urban is known as the people’s judge. Once shown mercy, this magistrate feels obligated to grant unto those brought before him a second chance. Sam’s journey, one of pitfalls and recovery, is something people still talk about.
It was the intervention of his predecessor that saved Sam from a penalty that loomed like a noose, determined to claim his young life. But his acquittal stirred resentment in one who, unknowingly to Sam, became his archenemy. His nemesis seethed with anger at the news of Sam’s release from prison and the thought of him going unpunished.
The mysterious alliance that now desires to lynch Sam is not only reclusive, but very powerful and influential, and from them there will be no reprieve, because they lack understanding. But will he win in the end?
This is the story about a young couple, Sam and his girlfriend Jodi, but more importantly, it documents the influence of an Advocate, established in truth, for setting them free from their deepest despair.
The disgrace of Sam being charged a second time is more than they can bear. They are without hope until they discover a force at work in their lives which is greater than the reckless power possessed by their enemies.
Battle lines are drawn. The game of war is about to commence. But in truth, life is surely much more than a game. (Based on a true story.)
The Secrets of Sweetened Vales
Blessings All Mine
PURCHASE REVIEW
She was his first crush. When Julianne suddenly disappeared, he demanded answers, but those who knew what happened to her refused to tell him. Vincent’s heart was broken, but time didn’t wait for the truth to be revealed. He eventually moved on. Then one day a friend request came like a ghost from his past to resurrect the secrets of Sweetened Vales. And his haunts returned. Something strange had happened in that small town where its residents were healed, the source of it remaining a mystery.
Today it all seems like a dream as the world is consumed with the information age, yet the meaning of Vincent’s past is not explained by a search of the web. His personal experience, meaningful history, is soon to be forgotten. And still, he carries the scars of Sweetened Vales; his heart remains broken. Medication numbs the enduring pain.
The mystique of the strawberry fields known in his youth no longer entices a grower. Gone is the hopeful expectation Vincent once felt there. Wearing a cyber mask, he pretends to be someone he isn’t, in danger of losing his true self. He wonders if hope can be recovered like buried treasure, to heal the hurting once again.
Nowadays fresh strawberries are prominently displayed by the grocer year around, but this genetically altered fruit isn’t gratifying, not like the savory harvest from the fields of Sweetened Vales. Looking back, it's easy to see how the age inherited is altering us too.
What secrets does his past hold? Vincent intends to find out, to be free of the disappointing repetition that defines him. There was something very special about that strawberry farm and it is still intended for us today.
Thereafter
The earth shakes violently and the struggle of their after lives becomes the ultimate test.
PURCHASE REVIEW
Historical, end times fiction, “Thereafter”
is a book with insight for coming days, based on historical facts and an interpretation of prophetic writings.
The evidence we can glean from history is most convincing. Current events need to be understood within the context of lessons learned from our past. This book presents a fictional scenario of future events.
It’s a difficult and controversial topic, but one which we should not completely ignore. This writing is based two strong convictions. First, a time of great persecution is coming. Hatred is very strong.
Jesus said that nations will be offended, betray one another, and hate one another.
Secondly, we should not be surprised when it happens. He also told us to study for understanding, pray for refuge, recognize and understand the signs that foretell what is to come, and be ready.
Yes, we should be prepared! Are you?
“Thereafter” is insightful and thought provoking. Don’t just watch current events, interpret them!
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