“By what authority do you speak?”

Mt 22:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.'” To a large degree, Sandy and I have built our 33-years of blissful marriage on the Word of God. It is our sure foundation! On the daily, as I engage folks in conversation, we inevitably hit on religious, moral, and social issues. As the discussion escalates, I’ve learned firsthand to quickly ask them things like, “Where did you get that from?” and, “Who told you that?” and, “By what authority do you speak?” The best answers they usually give me are, “Just my personal opinion,” or, “Just my personal feelings,” or, “Just my personal experiences,” and, “I read it on social media.” (Sigh) My tactic of highlighting their reference sets them up for a “1-2 Punch!” Punch 1. Question their reference: “Where did you get that from?” “Who said that?” “By what authority do you speak?” Punch 2. Present your reference: “It is written!” (The Word of God) Jesus was confronted in a similar fashion by the people of his day. “And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?'” (Mt 21:23) To further illustrate, I had a conversation with a young man in the prison. He insisted that humans were animals, so I asked, “Where did you get that? What is your reference? By what authority to you speak?” “Webster’s Dictionary,” he said. “Oh? Please explain.” He said that Webster’s defines the word ‘mammal as animals that breastfeed (mammary) their young. Therefore, humans are animals. I responded, “I see. So, you’re choosing to stand on the authority of Webster’s Dictionary.” He nodded. “Well, I choose to stand on the authority of the Bible. And the Bible says humans were made in the image of God, not animals. And the Bible says that Jesus died for mankind, not animal kind. And the Bible says that humans are the only species God created with the ability to mate face-to-face, not animals. This level of intimacy is a gift from God, so we are not animals. We’re so much more! I have a question for you. Is there a difference in these two sources, Webster’s and the Bible?” He quickly saw where this was going and humbly digressed. He realized he’d been erroneously trusting moreso in the dictionary instead of the Bible. Beloved, it’s crucial that you wield the power of God’s Word! Not your personal opinions, feelings, and experiences! Not what you read on social media! But the Word of God! The Bible answers every religious, moral, and social issue we face today. The Bible instructs us to “use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons we can capture rebels and bring them back to God and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.” (2Cor 10:4-5 TLB) To handle the Word of God requires maturity. Christians have to grow up! Hebrews 5:11-14 reads, “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. (vs.12) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. (vs.13) For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. (vs.14) Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Read “Got milk?”) We’re called to have our senses trained to discern good from evil. The Greek word for discern is dia-krisis. It means to be able to act at a crisis — to have the ability to distinguish, to conclude, to determine, to decide, and to judge. Honestly, can you recognize good from evil? Or do you rely more on your personal feelings, opinions, and experiences, rather than God’s Word? Be honest with yourself, are you more opinion-based than word-based? Over the years, I’ve developed three charts of the most common challenges Christians face today. (See images below) Categorized into 101, 201, and 301 objections and arguments, the first two charts represent external struggles and confrontations, while the third chart represents internal struggles. Examine these charts. Honestly grade yourself. Do you know what the bible says about each of these issues? The degree to which you are unable to use the words of God to address these issues is the degree to which you are still on milk. How long have you been a Christian? Why would any Christian remain on milk? I’ll leave you with this. “Presently, by what authority do you speak?”

External Clashes: plainly put, these are actually excuses and deflections to the gospel. (Let that sink in.) The best response to each of the questions is, “Who’s gonna pay for your sins?” (Message me if you need clarification.)

External Clashes: although increasing in intensity and sensitivity, I assure you the Word of God addresses every one of these topics.

Internal Clashes: I would submit that these are our greatest battles. Fear, insecurities, guilt, shame, secrets, etc., all fester and breed ungodly thought-lives and beliefs. Honestly, who among us isn’t their own worst critic? God’s word has answers for our hearts!

That was a good hug! Personal testimony from JT Bailey about being trained to use the Word of God: “As Tiffany and I️ were reviewing our wedding plans, she mentioned that the generous lady who’s letting us use her land for our ceremony knew of a hair stylist who would do all of the bridesmaids hair for free. One thing led to another and Tiffany mentioned to me that he is a homosexual. (All I️ heard was “gay male”.) Initially, I️ was very ignorant and blurted, “Heck no! I’m not having him in any part of our wedding. I’ll pay for I️t myself!” Tiffany didn’t understand where my conviction was coming from, and I️ didn’t understand her lack of biblical understanding as far as homosexuality is concerned. (She’s a relatively new believer and is learning and growing rapidly.) We debated about why this man should, or should not be, in any part of our wedding ceremony. Tiffany said things like, “I️t’s his life and he should be able to do what he wants,” and, “It’s not my place to tell him he’s wrong,” and, “We’re not suppose to judge,” and, “We think homosexuals can change, but they just can’t.” I️ was confused. I️ was confident on biblical responses to her statements (only because of Fix bayonets with Pastor Nick). I️t took a second for me to realize that even as wonderful and amazing as Tiffany is, she doesn’t have all the right answers all the time. She needs to be taught the same things I️’ve recently been taught. The best way I️ knew how was to role-play. Tiffany would act as the man and I️ would be myself. I️ went on to explain why God calls us to judge and judge correctly (Jn 7:24), how God designed men and women to be together in marriage, how homosexuality is a sin (1Cor 6:9, 7:2), how we are commanded to share the gospel and make the most of every opportunity God gives us (Mk 16:15; Col 4:5), and that we are to share even when we might look like fools and are afraid (Col. 4:5, 2Tim 4:2-5). Also, if we choose to obey sin, we become slaves, think sinful thoughts, and get stuck. But if we obey God we can be righteous and think things that please God. (Rom.6:16-17, 8:2-9). The only reason I️ was able to make the most of that opportunity was because I️ have been challenged every Saturday and Monday night for the past 2 months here in Okinawa by Pastor Nick’s Fix bayonets and Read the New Testament in 40 Days Challenge. Thanks be to God for how receptive and humble Tiffany was. She is such a beautiful, awesome woman and I️’m so glad that I️ get to share God’s truth with her, and be the HusBand (house-band) for our family.”

Agree with us in Prayer: a. The Anti-US Base protesters have increased their efforts to force us out of the building. I am supposed to comply with a double in rent costs (from $700 to $1300) by December, or they will take me to Japanese court. Pray for us as I negotiate this matter. b. We’re still transitioning from SOFA to Religious Visa. The Japanese DMV requires that I prove I actually drove on my US license in the States for a consecutive ninety day period. (More difficult than it sounds.) c. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig… even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! d. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. e. For Zebulun Worship Team. We need Leaders, Singers, and Musicians. f. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! g. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. h. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: – Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries – Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @7pm – Wed: Brig Christian Fellowship (BCF) @7pm – Thu: Publish Think On These Things Newsletters – Thu: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon YahwehHasASon) – Fri: Sxxual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) @9am – Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @6pm

In closing… Saints, we can’t thank you enough for your prayers. When you pray, God hears you. Keep praying! We remain committed with our hands to the plow. It humbles and amazes me to see how quickly the Holy Spirit matures and emboldens these men and women! These people who have endured this challenge of being candidly discipled are engaged with the lost and confused. They are loving folks with the truth and power of God. Consequently, they are storing up much treasure in heaven! Please consider financially supporting these works. Living as full-time missionaries in Japan is very expensive and simply requires finances. As such, you can assist us with your monetary gifts and contributions. Donations can be made online at Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare that you pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion, you stay alert, and are persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere! I declare that God gives you the right words to boldly explain His mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike! (Eph 6:18-19) <*{{{{>< In His will, Pastor Nick & Sandy Guerra Contributions can be sent to: Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426) c/o Christians In Action, Missions International 1318 E. Shaw Avenue – Suite 308 Fresno, CA 93710-7912 ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. ▪ Please share/forward these newsletters at your discretion.

— Our Mission & Vision — “Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!” “Catch, Clean, & Release!”