Neil's Commentaries
Strongholds
I heard pastor talk about strong holds and I got to thinking about it. Let me mention first that strong holds as two words appears in the King James version of the Bible and strongholds as one word appears in the New King James version of the Bible. My personal preference will be the original King James version so that I can memorize and quote as accurately as possible, and so that I can discern the scriptures by one style. This does not mean that I am opposed to other study Bibles or versions. I only mean to say that I will prefer the King James version.
Strong holds are good if we are refering to that which is true, pure, etc. (Phil 4:8). Strong holds are not good when refering to things we hold strong to, such as refered to in 2Cr 10:4. The Strong’s definition of this kind of strong hold is as follows:
1) a castle, stronghold, fortress, fastness
2) anything on which one relies
a) of the arguments and reasonings by which a disputant endeavours to fortify his opinion and defend it against his opponent
Definition number 2 and 2a is the thing I want to talk about in this letter. I am currently seeking deliverence in Lust of the Flesh. The link provides every scripture that contains information in the Bible about Lust of the Flesh. According to definition 2, this is a strong hold. 2Cr 10:4 give me hope that I can be free of this thing. I am seeking deliverence for tobacco use and sexual lust. I boldly confess this publicly while standing on 1Jo 1:9. Not only will God forgive my sin, He will also cleanse me of all unrighteousness. This means that all of the results or damage caused by this sin will be cleaned up. My life can and will be perfect, complete and whole. I can be healthy in my body and in my mind. Chemical dependency cannot remain in me.
I know that there are far more scriptures and studies that I can and will meditate on, in effort to renew my mind (Romans 12:2). I will be transformed. Restoration, transformation, the whole nine yards! As Pastor Aaron had mentioned, God will even make my mistakes to prosper! I am not condemned, I am cleansed. I have hope for a healthy and successful relationship with my wife-to-be, whoever she happens to be. I have trust in Jesus and I can take Him at His Word. He IS the Word. I can speak it because He is within me. I can act upon it because He is within me. He is ready and able to make any “would-be” crooked ways straight and any rough places plain (Isa 40:4).
by G. Neil Armstrong
Sunday, October 3, 2010 - 8:30 PM
