Sermon Central
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The Spirit Of R.i.p.p.e.r. Series
Contributed by Dr. William D. Poovey on Jan 4, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: The Spirit of R.I.P.P.E.R. is in many of our churches and needs to be cast out.
The spirit of R.I.P.P.E.R
R.I.P.P.E.R.
The Spirit of R I P P E R ... acronym ...
Religion = Luke 18:9-10, Mark 7:13, Matthew 23:4
Ignorance = Hebrews 10:26, John 5:3
Poverty = Deut. 8:18, 3 John 1:2
Prejudice = James 2:9, Mathew 27:21, Acts 10:34
Error = 1 John 4:6, 1 Tim. 4:1, 2 Cor. 11:14
Racism = Genesis 1:27, Galatians 3:28, Col. 3:11
The spirit of RIPPER is in many of our churches and needs to be cast out. This is done by PRAYER, FASTING, and being led by the Holy Ghost.
Religion...It is certain that not every religion, doctrine, and experience among men is of God. For example, in much of the world if you are not a Muslim, Jew, Hindu, or Buddhist, then you are considered to be a "CHRISTIAN". This simply is not true. We must, therefore, judge them by the plain written Word of God. The knowledge of truth is the first essential in warfare against demons and error. Great is the danger when believers accept anything and everything in the realm of the supernatural as being from the Lord. The fact that the believer is a child of God does not stop the devil from trying in every conceivable way to imitate God to him. Believers are the ones Satan concentrates on and wars against. There are definite ways outlined in Scripture whereby one can detect what kind of spirit is seeking to control him. But if one neglects to study the Word he may fall prey to one of Satan’s demons through ignorance. Ignorance is one of the chief means by which Satan and his forces try to control men. It accounts for their widespread success in getting men to accept their suggestions, doctrines, ideas, leadings, and guidance.
Ignorance...One must realize that ignorance is no guarantee against workings of evil spirits. In fact, this is one of the chief means by which they try to control man. If they can get anyone to accept their suggestions, doctrines, ideas, readings, and guidance in the least degree, then they will be satisfied with that much ground gained, but they will be tireless in activity to gain more ground. For example, witchcraft in its simplest form, control, is still witchcraft. Yet in many churches today we see "dictatorship in leadership". To ignore this is wrong. Also, as an example, to "willfully sin or allow it", is very ignorant. In order to work through a man demons must keep him in ignorance of the truth. Ignorance,,, To ignore the truth on purpose just because you don’t agree with it,,,Ignorance
Poverty...The old theories that it is the will of God for man to live in poverty; to be helpless, defeated, crushed, and sorrowful; to live in pain, sickness, and disease; and to live from hand to mouth "IN ORDER TO KEEP HIMSELF HUMBLE AND GODLY ENOUGH TO BE SAVED" is disproved by many plain Scriptures. For example, 3 John 2; Matthew 7:7-11; John 10:10; 2 Cor. 9:6-8; Phil. 4:19. We are saved by grace through faith and faith alone. Although the Bible does say that suffering for the believer, in this age, is something that God uses and indicates is in His will, (1 Peter 1:6-7, Matthew 10:16-25, 2 Corinthians 6:4-10). The sufferings mentioned here are aptly translated from the Greek as follows: being hated, being called Beelzebub, pressures, distresses, sleeplessness, hard work, imprisonment, and physical beatings. Yes, we suffer, but this is BECAUSE OF our faith, NOT TO KEEP OURSELVES HUMBLE AND GODLY ENOUGH TO BE SAVED. Our Heavenly Father loves us and desires for us to "Prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2) When it comes to a definite answer to the question as to whether God loves His children as much as earthly parents love their children, there is not one in a thousand but what would say that God loves His own blood-bought spiritual sons and daughters much more than men love their own children.
Prejudice...Sunday morning between 11 and 12 is the most segregated hour in this United States of America, especially in our churches. Prejudice is deeper than racism. One can be of the same race and still be prejudice.....religion, doctrine, financial status, or simply where you live (ie: the wrong side of the tracks). Our prayer and heart’s cry is, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Class prejudices and other national ills will be forgotten because of the great turning to God by all nations after hearing the gospel. Spiritual revivals will break out in every land and all peoples will become one in serving the great king. The universal conversation will not be about wars, treaties, armaments, depressions, various forms of religion or government, or anything that makes up the common talk of today, but all peoples will be fully satisfied in peace and prosperity and will have no excuse to talk about anything but the goodness of God and the wondrousness of His reign. ""Oh WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE"" GOD HELP US
