Stand Firm

By Rev Daniel W Blair

In the coming days, a solid theological belief system may be our only hope for standing firm in our faith... As we fast approach the end of days, we have seen an increase in demonic activity, psychological problems, and increasing pressure from the religious establishment to accept other belief systems in the name of tolerance. This ready resource will help the end time saint remain faithful to Jesus even in the face of intense persecution. Reverend Blair is convinced that God has given the Christian everything needed for life and godliness, and he supports this by offering practical application. So as you go along your way, return to this book again and again to drink from the fountain of knowledge concerning your salvation in Jesus Christ and godly counsel on how to Stand Firm in the last days.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rev Daniel W Blair
• Release date: Apr 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781622958146

Rev Daniel W Blair

Rev. Daniel W. Blair is a retired Minister, who has studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and served as Pastor of churches in both California and Kentucky. He has led revivals in this country and preached internationally. Reverend Blair stays active podcasting Revelation Truth and is an inspired writer keeping up a popular blog, two websites, and producing YouTube videos. Reverend Blair has recently started a new ministry to help Christians escape the abuses of psychiatry (CAPA). He has seen firsthand how the devil and a multitude of psychological problems have taken their toll on Christians. Blair's passion for helping Christians to overcome their many problems has led him to write his second book entitled "Stand Firm" (published in 2012) and his third book "Guiding Principles of Biblical Counseling" (published in 2015) His first book was published in 2006 entitled "Final Warning." Reverend Blair and his wife, Robin, live in Texas. They have six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Book preview

DANIEL BLAIR

Stand Firm

Godly Counsel for the Last Days

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the Christians around the world who have suffered needlessly under the world’s counselors, prescription drug addiction, and false teachings of the lukewarm church.

It is also dedicated to all the Christians in times past who have suffered persecution at the hands of their tormentors and to all those who will soon follow.

Finally it is dedicated to every Christian who has suffered defeat at the hands of the devil or who has been caught in the devil’s snare to do his bidding.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Forward

Introduction

Chapter One: Stand Firm as a New Creation

The Eternal Gospel

A Gospel for All People

A Gospel without Beginning or End

The Gospel Foretold

The Gospel Is Christ’s Saving Act

Believe the Gospel

Be Transformed

To the Kingdom of Light

Saved by Grace

Pick up Your Cross

Way of the Cross Demonstrated

Gospel Exclusiveness

Free Will to Choose

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Two: Stand Firm by Fearing God

Jesus Taught Us to Fear God

Misplaced Fear

The Truth Is Revealed

Pass on the Truth

Fear God, Who’s in Control

Trumpets Sounded in Heaven

The First Woe!

The Second Woe!

God Is Still in Control

Motivation for God’s Wrath

Believe that God Cares for you

A Lesson to Be Remembered

Publicly Acknowledge Christ

The Prophets Acknowledged God

To Fear God Acknowledges the Truth

Holy Spirit Teaches Us What to Say

Listen to the Holy Spirit

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Three: Stand Firm by Glorifying God

Man Glorifies Self

Glory in Knowing God

Man Glories in His Wisdom

Man Glories in His Strength

All Glory to the Lord

Two Seminary Students

Worship in Spirit

Path to Christian Maturity

Bearing Spiritual Fruit

Practices the Presence of God

Demonstrate Allegiance to God

Develop Loving Relationships

Stop Referring and Start Loving

The Bible’s One Another Statements

Maintain Healthy Relationships

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Four: Stand Firm by Worshiping Christ

Christ Is Worthy of Worship

The Fullness of God—He Is Worthy

All Things Created for Christ—He Is Worthy

Revealed in Natural Providence - He Is Worthy

Christ’s Role in Redemptive History

Understanding God’s Wrath

Shocking Conclusion

Christ Completes His Role

Poor Fishing Village

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Five: Stand Firm Defensively

Resist the Apostasy

Come Out of the World

Secret of Non-conformity

Obedience to God’s Commandments

Sermon on the Mount

Examples of Non-Retaliation

Rule of Persecution

More Examples of Non-Retaliation

Hungry, Old Man

Remain Faithful to Jesus

Miracle in a Prayer Group

Miracle at the Dinner Table

Trusting Christ in Our Relationships

Endure Patiently

Examples of Christ

Making the Good Confession

Patient Endurance Builds Character

Walking on the Beach

Entrust Yourself to God

The Hospital Visit

Strength and Wisdom

Christian Persecution

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Six: Stand Firm by Engaging the Enemy

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Not Our Strength

The Full Armor of God

Wiles of the Devil

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Seven: Stand Firm by Utilizing Defensive Armor

The Belt of Truth

Understanding Depression

The Problem of Guilt

Learning to Respond Biblically

Loneliness is Another Problem

Be Honest and Truthful

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Resist Temptation

Reject Evil Thoughts

Anxiety

Positive Thoughts

The Gospel of Peace

The Exclusiveness of Christianity

The Shield of Faith

You’ve Been Forgiven

Remember His Great Promises

The Promise of Transformation

Your Ability in Christ

Beware of the Devil’s Accusations

The Helmet of Salvation

Not Cast Out

Infinite and Gratuitous Love

Witness of the Holy Spirit

Assurance from God’s Word

Facing Intense Persecution

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Chapter Eight: Stand Firm by Using Offensive Weapons

The Sword of the Spirit

Fight False Doctrine

Fight the Traditions of Men

Resist Lies of the Devil

All Prayer

Engaging Demonic Activity in People

Engaging Demonic Activity in Institutions

Overcoming Stumbling Blocks and Closed Doors

Prayer

Group Study Questions

Epilogue

Forward

We need to put everything in perspective. We simply don’t see the big picture as God sees it. We look at all the little problems in the world which may seem big to us but in the grander scheme of things they mean nothing and can change nothing. Man has always done that in both secular and religious spheres. And for years both have blamed the other for the world’s problems. As the divide widens or a schism deepens then an open rebellion has occurred in all organized religions and God in particular. Many have cast their lot into the secular sphere with a glimmer of hope that they can solve the world’s mounting problems before it reaches a tipping point and all is lost.

The world leaders look at the economy and think if we fix that then all is well; or they look at the other problems individually and think if we can solve each problem then all is well, but the truth is if all the problems were fixed they would still be left with an encroaching catastrophe. The political leaders go to great length to convince the population that their plan of socialism, capitalism, or communism will solve the problems facing mankind, that all will be greatly improved if they only adopt it as their new form of government. But if the world chooses either of these choices it still faces insurmountable troubles continuing to plague the greater part of humanity. The planet is on a conclusion course with destiny and mankind will be left in the balance of its inevitable consequences.

So what can mankind do to save himself? How can he fix the problems facing him and his world? As seemingly natural disasters increase in number and severity around the world he cannot even get a consensus as to what is causing the problem nor does he see it as being relevant. Yet it’s these very things that are causing a drain on the world economy, loss of life, and property. It is causing global unrest and great anxiety among the world’s population. It is bringing out the best in some but the worse in most. Riots and mass demonstrations have become the norm as the world marches relentlessly to its pending doom. Even if mankind cures all of his problems the planet will continue to convulse – with an increase in volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and deadly hurricanes.

The powers unleashed against the planet are beyond man’s ability to stop. The powers unleashed against humanity causes an increase in mental stress and a myriad of unsolvable psychological problems. It is time for humanity to realize that there is a bigger picture to be seen, a new perspective to be realized on the problems facing this world and humanity in particular. The forces at work are greater than the world has ever known and quite simply man is incapable to do anything about it. He can fix his economy; establish peace between the nation states; offer health care to its people; and offer a new form of government to please all the people, but it will not solve the bigger problem facing this planet and its people. So again what can we do?

As a religious man I would like to believe if the world population repented of its many sins then things might get better. I would like to believe if man learned how to truly love one another then we might begin to see the makings of an earthly paradise. I would like to believe if people saw the light of God’s truth and decided to follow Jesus Christ as their only Lord and Savior then we could see many more delightful years upon the planet. But as a realist I know that they will not! They will continue to allow Satan to dictate their destiny by controlling their behavior and blinding them to God’s holy truth.

No matter how you interpret the end time scenario we will all agree that time is running out for humanity as the planet groans under the weight of God’s judgment and humanity suffers the consequences of its own sins. We are facing the inevitable. So the only thing mankind can do is to choose whom He will serve and if He chooses to follow Christ then he must prepare for what lies ahead. He must learn how to stand firm against the powerful forces arrayed against him and he must do it now while he still has a chance to make a choice. Weak and wobbly Christians will be no match for the satanic forces unleashed upon the world and unprepared for global disasters and unfeigned persecutions.

Before it’s too late we must ensure that we have a firm foundation in Jesus Christ and dressed in the full armor of God. The true believer in Christ learns how to die to self and follow Christ by picking up his Cross. He learns how to fear God, to give Him the glory, and worship Him as the Creator and Sustainer. He learns how to come out of the world, resist the apostasy, and endure patiently. He learns how to harness the power of God by standing in His strength. Stand Firm offers godly counsel on how to stand firm in the last days.

Rev. Daniel W. Blair

November 16, 2011

Introduction

As we fast approach the end of days, we have seen an increase in demonic activity, psychological problems, and pressure from the religious establishment to accept other belief systems in the name of tolerance. This book is written to be a ready resource to help the end time saint remain faithful to Jesus even in the face of intense persecution. Read through each of the chapters in order or select the one that helps you in your present situation. My prayer is that this book will bring glory to God as it strengthens the end time saint to remain holy in an unholy world. I am convinced that Christians need to have a solid theological belief system if they hope to stand firm in the coming days. So as you go along your way, return to this book again and again to drink from the fountain of knowledge concerning your salvation in Jesus Christ and godly counsel on how to stand firm in the last days.

We begin by laying a solid foundation on which to build in our daily struggle against evil. No other foundation can be laid other than the one already laid by our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy Apostles. Yet after two thousand years of neglect, false doctrines, and heresies the original foundation has been changed, causing many to build on a crumbling foundation. In chapter one, we will discuss the importance of dying to self and picking up your cross as a fundamental part of the original foundation.

Once a firm foundation has been laid, then it’s necessary to build with proper framing and anchoring methods to withstand the gale force winds of false doctrine and worldliness. In the following three chapters, we look at those tried and proved biblical methods for standing firm. We begin by rediscovering the importance of fearing God, a doctrine all but lost in the modern church, yet critical for the end time saint. An essential element of fearing God is acknowledging that He’s in control of all that’s happening in a turbulent world. Next it’s necessary to unearth the aspects of self glorification rather than glorifying God. Then we will unlock the mystery of glorifying God through the many characteristics of the Christian life. Fearing and glorifying God are true antidotes for standing firm in the last days. By rediscovering the magnificent Christ, we see His total involvement in the world to complete the goal of redemptive history.

Once our spiritual house has been put in order, then we can approach the next chapter with an expectation on how to stand firm defensively. We soon discover that much of God’s Word has been locked away by the lukewarm church for some future dispensation because they say it isn’t valid for today. Yet to truly stand firm in the last days, it is essential to apply all of God’s truth to our lives no matter how difficult. With the help of God’s indwelling Spirit, difficulty is only an allusion as you find inner strength to resist the apostasy, obey God’s commands, remain faithful to Jesus, and endure patiently.

In the last three chapters, we come close to the real enemy who is bent on your destruction. As we engage the enemy, we realize that the battle belongs to the Lord, so we learn how to stand firm in His strength alone by putting on the full armor of God. Now here is the real joy; as we put on each piece of armor, we overcome many of the problems that have plagued us for so long. Depression, anxiety, guilt, losing one’s job, and facing persecution, loneliness, temptation, evil thoughts, and doubt along with many other problems seem small and insignificant when you combat them utilizing His defensive armor. Finally, you join the Lord’s army as an effective soldier wielding the sword of the Spirit, falling to your knees in all prayer and overcoming all that the enemy can muster against you.

Salvation comes through a cross and a crucified Christ. —Andrew Murray

Chapter One

Stand Firm as a

New Creation

The Eternal Gospel

Everywhere you look these days, there is bad news. Turn on the television or pick up the daily paper, and the headlines are full of lawlessness, plagues, epidemics, and pestilence of a biblical proportion. We live in a day when people can lose everything without warning, joining the ranks of the most impoverished, the sick, and the dying. Others become refugees crowded into shelters, given prescription drugs, counseled by the professionals, and perhaps in time losing all hope. If you are not caught in one of these catastrophes descending upon the planet, then you will still struggle against the increasing crime rate and its effect upon your family or business. As you continue your personal struggle against lawlessness and increased security measures by the state, you are finding it increasingly more difficult to trust your closest friends, your employers, your employees, and especially the state and all of its agencies. Fear has reached an all time high where many have sought professional counseling and an array of prescription drugs to dull the senses.

As the world comes crashing in on fallen humanity from the many storms in life, many long for a savior to rescue them from drowning in their sorrow and pain. They strain to catch a glimpse of the relief effort coming around the next corner to deliver them from the powerful forces all around them such as feelings of anxiety, depression, and absolute hopelessness. Many in the world today cry out to their God and wonder why He does not appear to listen to their pleas and lift them out of this cesspool of torment and affliction to set their feet on dry ground of safety and security. Friends, I have good news, God hears your pleas, and relief is on the way! He has planned from eternity past to rescue the perishing. We only need to listen and allow God to do what He does best—rescue the lost and bring them to a place of safety where they can experience His love and forgiveness.

A Gospel for All People

In the book of Revelation, one of the three angels flying in midair within earshot of all humanity is continually proclaiming the good news of salvation for all people (see Revelation 14:6). God extends salvation to every member of the human race; none is excluded from His grace and mercy. Along with salvation God also extends all of His promises that had only been in the possession of ancient Israel, but now these promises included are so much more. These great and precious promises will be shown throughout this little book. The Apostle Peter preaching on the day of Pentecost said, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:38–39 italics are mine). This is significant because at that event many Jews, their families, and pagan friends accompanied them to Jerusalem from all over the known world. (See Acts 2:8-11 for an exhaustive list or the different countries where these people had come)

Moreover, what is amazing was that each heard the gospel in his or her own language. Immediately God removed every culture, political, social, and racial barrier that had separated people for thousands of years. He made them all part of the same family through the message of the gospel. This gospel has broken down walls and has transcended every culture known to man. Although each culture has retained its own uniqueness, they have demonstrated the same love for all the brethren in every culture. The gospel has not only survived but