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ANOTHER SIGN THAT IDENTIFIES THE SEED OF THE SERPENT<\/strong><\/p>\n Shalom, beloved of God.<\/strong> The Bible tells us that some people continue in deliberate sin despite knowing God’s righteous decree. They are aware that those who practice such things deserve death, and yet not only do they continue in them, they even approve of others who do the same. Paul describes this sobering reality in<\/p>\n Romans 1:32 (ESV)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u201cThough they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This spiritual deadness is a clear sign of those who resist the truth, suppressing it for the sake of their own desires. Let us now look at a powerful biblical example that demonstrates how such rebellion can persist, even in the face of divine revelation.<\/p>\n \u201cNow after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. (v.11\u201315)<\/em> The guards at the tomb experienced a supernatural event that left them physically paralyzed \u2014 \u201clike dead men.\u201d<\/em> The presence of the angel and the shaking of the earth were visible signs of God’s power. And yet, despite seeing with their own eyes the reality of Jesus\u2019 resurrection, they chose to accept bribes and spread lies.<\/p>\n This is not just historical betrayal \u2014 it reflects a spiritual truth. These men saw the truth and rejected it. Jesus described such people in<\/p>\n John 3:19\u201320 (ESV)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u201cAnd this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. The seed of the serpent operates under this spirit of rebellion. Even when faced with overwhelming evidence of God\u2019s power, they will suppress the truth for the sake of worldly gain \u2014 as did Judas, and as did the guards.<\/p>\n Contrast this with Saul of Tarsus (later Paul). Like the guards, Saul encountered a supernatural vision of Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3\u20136<\/strong>). But unlike the guards, he responded with repentance and transformation. He became a servant of the very Jesus he had persecuted. There are many today who have had powerful encounters with God:<\/p>\n Some have seen visions or had vivid dreams of Christ.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Others have been rescued from death or delivered from impossible situations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Some have received answers to prayers in ways that can only be explained by divine intervention.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n These individuals wept, trembled, and promised to follow God forever. But just a short time later, some return to sin, forsaking the vows they made in fear and awe.<\/p>\n This proves a crucial point: signs and wonders alone<\/strong> do not produce true conversion. Jesus Himself said in<\/p>\n Luke 16:31 (ESV)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u201cIf they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Even the greatest miracles will not change a heart that is not willing to submit to God.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why Jesus said to Thomas in<\/p>\n John 20:29 (ESV)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u201cHave you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Friend, perhaps you\u2019re still living in rebellion, though God has revealed Himself to you in unmistakable ways. Jesus gave a stern warning in Matthew 11:21\u201324<\/strong>, saying that the cities of Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom would fare better on the Day of Judgment than the towns that witnessed His miracles but did not repent. God does not call you to repentance to rob you of joy \u2014 He calls because He loves you. So repent. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38<\/strong>). Begin living a life of true salvation in this short time we have left before the return of Christ.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let yourself become part of the seed of the serpent \u2014 those who see the truth but resist it. I believe you are different. I believe that today, you will hear this message, repent, and turn fully to Christ.<\/p>\n Be blessed, and please share this message with others. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Welcome again as we reflect on the Word of God. Today, we\u2019ll consider a striking characteristic that identifies those who belong to what Scripture calls \u201cthe seed of the serpent\u201d \u2014 a lineage not of physical descent, but of spiritual rebellion (Genesis 3:15).<\/p>\n\n
\nThe Guards at the Tomb (Matthew 28:1\u20135, 11\u201315, ESV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.
And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said,
\u2018Tell people, \u201cHis disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.\u201d
And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.\u2019
So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is the difference between the seed of God and the seed of the serpent: the former is marked by humility, repentance, and obedience, while the latter is marked by stubbornness, deceit, and love of the world.<\/p>\n
\nGod Still Reveals Himself Today<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Faith that rests solely on experiences or emotions can fade. But faith grounded in the Word of God and rooted in the fear of the Lord endures<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nA Warning and an Invitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t assume you will keep getting chances. There is a limit to how many times the Holy Spirit will convict before He departs.<\/p>\n
That warning applies to us, too. If you have seen God\u2019s hand and still turn away, your judgment may be more severe than that of those who never knew.<\/p>\n
\nToday Is the Day to Return<\/strong><\/h3>\n
He desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9<\/strong>).
He calls you away from hell \u2014 not to harm you, but to save you.<\/p>\n
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The Lord will surely bless you as you do.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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