Satan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.

Genesis 6:1-4 summarize what led to God's rejection of the pre-flood civilization: men chose wives solely on the basis of sex appeal and external beauty.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.

The two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.

Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.

All of the sufferings in the present had their origin in the Garden of Eden when our parents sinned, seemingly in secret. The effects of sins radiate outward.

If we really considered or believed in our hearts that our calling was truly a treasure, we would take extraordinary steps to prevent any loss of it.

We learn from our original parents that as soon as we sin, a stark change occurs throughout our nervous system, subjecting us to shame and fear.

Solomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.

When we determine we have slipped spiritually, we need to get back up and continue overcoming rather than continuing to wallow in the muck of Babylon.