The Playground Trap – Wake Up to the Battleground

Message to the Saints: “The Playground Trap – Wake Up to the Battleground”

Dear Saints,

The enemy has deceived many of us into viewing our Christian journey as a playground—safe, comfortable, and effortless. But this is a dangerous illusion, cunningly designed to keep us spiritually asleep, distracted, and ineffective. The playground is not where God has called us to be; it’s a deceptive trap, engineered to keep us on the couch, numb to the spiritual battle that surrounds us. It’s time to wake up and see the playground for what it truly is—a dangerous diversion that keeps us from fulfilling our divine purpose.

1. The Playground’s Deceptive Intent:

The playground exists to keep us complacent, unaware, and passive. The enemy uses it to lull us into a false sense of security, whispering lies that tell us we’re safe as long as we avoid major sins and stay within our comfort zones. But this is a ploy to keep us spiritually dull and off guard. Scripture warns us: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). The playground is an illusion, a distraction from the real fight against the powers of darkness.

2. The Battleground is the Reality:

While the playground seeks to deceive, the truth is that we are on a battleground. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Every day, we are in the midst of a spiritual war, whether we recognize it or not. The playground is meant to keep us blind to this reality, encouraging us to coast through life instead of engaging in the fight.

Jesus never called us to a life of leisure; He called us to a life of sacrifice, commitment, and warfare: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). This is not an invitation to the playground but a summons to the battleground, where the stakes are eternal.

3. Get Off the Couch and Arm Yourself for Battle:

To escape the playground’s trap, we must recognize the urgency of the battle. The enemy wants us comfortable, complacent, and unprepared, but God calls us to vigilance and action.

- Put on the Full Armor of God: The enemy’s deception can only be overcome with truth. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). We need the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17). This armor is not optional; it’s essential for survival on the battleground.

- Stay Vigilant and Alert: The playground encourages complacency, but God calls us to be watchful. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy’s intent is to catch us off guard, and the playground mindset leaves us vulnerable.

- Engage in Powerful Prayer: Prayer is not a passive act but a powerful weapon. It’s our direct line to God, who empowers us to stand firm. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is how we wage war, breaking free from the enemy’s traps and reclaiming the ground lost to deception.

4. The Fight Requires Real Effort:

The playground illusion tells us that spiritual growth is effortless, but Scripture commands us to actively fight. “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). This fight requires more than casual participation—it demands discipline, vigilance, and the determination to resist the enemy’s lies.

- **Worship is Warfare:** Worship isn’t just singing; it’s a declaration of God’s victory over the enemy’s lies.  

- **Faith is Our Shield:** Faith isn’t passive; it’s a shield that quenches every fiery dart aimed at us.  

- **The Word is Our Sword:** The Word of God is not just knowledge—it’s a weapon that exposes and cuts down every deception.

5. The Enemy’s Ultimate Goal:

The enemy’s greatest deception is to keep us spiritually asleep while he steals, kills, and destroys. Jesus exposed this tactic: “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The battleground is where we confront this reality, fighting to reclaim the abundant life Christ has won for us.

6. Victory is Secured, but Engagement is Required:

Though Christ has already triumphed over the enemy (Colossians 2:15), we are called to enforce that victory daily. The battleground is not a place of defeat but of empowerment. “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). The enemy’s strategy is to keep us from this truth by trapping us in the playground’s comfort. But we are called to rise up, engage, and stand firm.

Final Call: Wake Up from the Playground – Step into the Battle:

Saints, it’s time to break free from the playground’s deceptive grip. The enemy uses comfort and complacency as weapons to keep us spiritually asleep. We are not called to a life of ease but to a life of purpose, marked by vigilance, faith, and action. The battleground is real, and the time to engage is now.

Rise up, Saints, and take your place on the battleground. The enemy’s deception ends here. Stand firm, fully armed, and ready to fight the good fight of faith.

With boldness and determination,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

False Apostles!

 

False Apostles!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are living in a time when discernment is crucial. Just as Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus but ultimately betrayed Him, we must be aware that false apostles still exist among us. **An apostle is one who is sent by God with a divine message, carrying the authority and truth of Christ.** However, not everyone who claims to be sent by God truly is.

An apostle should carry a clear, God-given message. If someone claims to be an apostle but cannot deliver the true message of Christ, **please beware**. As Paul warned in **2 Corinthians 11:13**, *“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.”*

### Key Attributes of a False Apostle:

1. **No Clear Message from God**: A true apostle is sent with a divine message, just as the twelve apostles were sent to proclaim the gospel. In contrast, a false apostle lacks the true Word of God. **If they cannot articulate the gospel or give you their message from the Lord, beware**. In **Galatians 1:8**, Paul warns, *“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”* The gospel of Christ must be central to any true apostle’s message.

2. **Deception and Hidden Motives**: Like Judas, who secretly stole from the money bag (John 12:6), false apostles often hide their true motives. They may seek wealth, power, or recognition rather than sincerely serving God’s people. **Matthew 7:15** tells us, *“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”* Their outward appearance may seem genuine, but their actions and words will eventually reveal their true intentions.

3. **Twisting the Truth**: Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a sign of affection that masked his betrayal. Similarly, false apostles often twist or water down the truth to deceive others. **2 Peter 2:1** warns, *“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.”* Be cautious of anyone who distorts God’s Word to suit their own agenda.

4. **Failure to Produce Godly Fruit**: A true apostle bears spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). False apostles may be outwardly charismatic, but they do not display the life-transforming power of the gospel. Jesus said in **Matthew 7:20**, *“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”* Watch their lives and conduct closely; a lack of godly fruit is a clear sign of falsehood.

### The Warning of Judas:

Judas is a powerful example of how someone can appear close to Jesus and yet be a betrayer. He had the title of an apostle, but his heart was far from God. **If someone claims to be an apostle but cannot share the true message of Christ, beware of their influence.** Their motives may be self-serving, and their actions may lead others away from the truth.

As believers, we must be diligent in testing every spirit and message we encounter. **1 John 4:1** reminds us, *“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”*

Stay anchored in the Word, lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and be mindful of those who claim to speak for God but do not carry His truth.

In Christ’s Service,  

JK. Woodall, Ph.D. 

Welcome to September 2025

Welcome to September 2025: A Month of Spiritual Completion

Beloved,

Welcome to September, a month symbolizing spiritual completion and fulfillment. The number 9 in the Bible represents the fullness of God’s purpose, just as there are nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). This month, may you see the fulfillment of God’s promises in your life.

As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." Let this be a time where the seeds of faith you’ve sown come to harvest.

May September be filled with divine purpose and spiritual abundance.

Blessings,

Pst. JK. Woodall  

Senior Pastor, Revival Center

Faith Doubled

 

Weekly BBB: August 25 - August 31, 2024

Our Focus this Week: Faith Doubled

As we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Revival Center this week, our theme is doubling our faith. Just as the Lord has sustained us and grown our community, He is ready to pour out even more in our lives when we take a step of faith. Faith is not just believing; it's trusting God for the unseen, knowing that He has already made a way. This week, let us reflect on the ways God has shown His faithfulness in the past and expect Him to do even greater things as we step forward in faith.

**Bible Verse:** "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

**Prayer Point:** Lord, increase our faith as we celebrate this milestone. Let our trust in You deepen, and may we walk boldly into the plans You have prepared for us. Double our faith, O God, so we may see Your power at work in our lives, our families, and our community. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Exodus 31 - Our Lasting Covenant with Jesus: From Exodus to Eternity

Our Lasting Covenant with Jesus: From Exodus to Eternity

Click Here to join the Bible Study via Facebook Live: 

Date: August 22, 2024

Time: 6:30 pm Pacific Time

The Bible reveals God's ongoing commitment through a series of covenants, each marked by a sign, leading to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

1. Covenant with Noah: The Rainbow

- Genesis 9:12-17: After the Flood, God promised never to destroy the earth by flood again. The rainbow is the sign of this covenant, a symbol of God’s mercy.

2. Covenant with Abraham: Circumcision

- Genesis 17:9-14: God’s promise to Abraham included countless descendants and the land of Canaan. Circumcision marked Abraham’s descendants as God’s chosen people.

3. Covenant with Moses: The Sabbath

- Exodus 31:12-17: The Sabbath was the sign of the covenant at Sinai, a day of rest and worship, reminding Israel of their unique relationship with God.

4. Jesus and the New Covenant: The Lord’s Supper

- Luke 22:19-20: Jesus established the New Covenant through His sacrifice, with the Lord’s Supper as its sign. It symbolizes His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus declared Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8), fulfilling its true purpose. In Him, we find the ultimate rest and peace the Sabbath symbolized. Jesus invites us to rest in His finished work, making every day an opportunity to experience God’s renewal.

From Exodus to Eternity

Exodus 31’s Sabbath sign points to the rest found in Christ. These covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses lead us to the New Covenant in Jesus, who fulfills all promises and offers eternal life and rest.

Discover how these covenants culminate in Jesus, our ultimate covenant and lasting rest.

The Rocks of Water: It Is Where You Need It Most

The Rocks of Water: It Is Where You Need It Most, The Dry Place

Dear Saints,

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves in dry places—moments of challenge and hardship where our resources seem depleted. As we look to the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, we find a powerful lesson in the rocks that provided water:

1. The Rock at Rephidim: In Exodus 17, Moses struck the rock at Rephidim, and water miraculously flowed to quench the thirst of the people. This event took place in a dry and desperate moment, showcasing God's timely provision where it was most needed.

2. The Rock at Kadesh: Later, in Numbers 20, at the place of Kadesh, the Israelites faced another period of thirst. This time, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock. However, Moses struck it instead. Despite the disobedience, water still flowed, illustrating that God's provision remains even when we falter.

These events, though at different locations, teach us about the nature of God's provision. While some may view them as instances involving different rocks, the essential truth remains: God's provision is present precisely where we need it most.

Jesus, our Rock, is not bound by a single location or circumstance. He is our constant source of life and refreshment, providing living water in every dry place we encounter. Whether we find ourselves in moments of abundance or in the midst of a barren desert, Jesus is there, ready to pour out His sustaining grace and renewal.

Today, as we face our personal deserts, let us remember that Jesus, the Rock, is always with us. He provides the living water we need in the dry places of our lives. We can trust Him to be present and to refresh us, no matter how arid our situation may seem.

Let us speak to the Rock with faith and expectation, knowing that His living water will flow freely, bringing rejuvenation and hope. In every dry place, Jesus is our Rock, providing what we need most.

Blessings,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

Increasing Faith in Our Lives

 Weekly BBB: August 18th - 24th, 2024 

Theme: Increasing Faith in Our Lives

Dear BBB Family and Facebook Friends,

As we continue to walk in faith, it is essential to nurture and grow our belief in God and His promises. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Him, and it is through faith that we receive His grace and blessings.

📖 Key Scriptures:

- Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

- Romans 10:17: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

- Mark 11:22-24: "And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.'"

Faith is more than just believing; it is trusting God wholeheartedly and relying on His wisdom and power. As we seek to increase our faith, let us immerse ourselves in His Word and remain steadfast in prayer.

🙏 Prayer Points:

- Pray for an increase in faith, asking God to help you trust Him more deeply in every aspect of your life.

- Seek opportunities to step out in faith, knowing that God is with you and will guide your steps.

- Thank God for His faithfulness and for the ways He strengthens your faith each day.

This week, let us be intentional in growing our faith by spending time in God's Word and seeking His presence through prayer. May our faith be unwavering, and may we experience the fullness of God's promises as we walk with Him. 

#IncreasedFaith #WalkByFaith #WeeklyEncouragement #BBBFamily #FacebookFriends