Here is some thing else that follows off your excellent observations regarding how we are to know Christ as expounded in the teaching we have from Ray.
Rev 12:7 And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels warring against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels warred,
Rev 12:8 but did not prevail. Nor was place found for them in Heaven any more.
I have looked at the words and see : placeG5117 G5117
τόπος
topos
top'-os
Apparently a primary word; a spot (generally in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas G5561 is a larger but particular locality), that is, location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively condition, opportunity; specifically a scabbard: - coast, licence, place, X plain, quarter, + rock, room, where.
This is the I KNOW YOU NOT nature of our Lord Jesus Christ into Whose Image we are being made by God!
Luk 13:27 But He shall say, I tell you, I do not know you; from where you are. Depart from Me, all workers of unrighteousness!
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony.
I have noticed serpent,G3789 G3789
ὄφις
ophis
of'-is
Probably from G3700 (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake, figuratively (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan: - serpent
ARTFULLY MALICIOUS – hateful, spiteful, malevolent, mean, nasty, cruel, wicked- PERSON
And dragonG1404G1404
δράκων
drakōn
drak'-own
Probably from an alternate form of δέρκομαι derkomai (to look); a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate): - dragon.
TO FASCINATE – charm, attract, enthrall, mesmerize, captivate, absorb, intrigue, appeal, beguile, allure, entice, put under a spell -
The Scriptures show us that both Michael and the Devil have angels. angelsG32G32
ἄγγελος
aggelos
ang'-el-os
• From ἀγγέλλω aggellō (probably derived from G71; compare G34; to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor: - angel, messenger.
A PASTOR! – minister, member of the clergy, preacher, cleric, prophet, nun, monk, holy man or woman (as perceived by the world!.....
The Pastor from God is a courier, envoy and herald of God’s Word as is Ray Smith.
We have just had a thread in the Forum about prophecy that is no accident.
We have to discern the difference between the prophet that will fascinate and charm and who works together as the artfully malicious person. The wolf in the sheep’s clothing.
Rev 18:21 And one strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, So on an impulse the great city, Babylon, will be thrown down and not at all will be found any more.
Will be found no more, has to occur in my heaven…my mind…my being that God causes me to experience the endeavor enterprise, venture, undertaking, effort and attempt, to KEEP the unity of peace with the Spirit, Mind and Heart of Christ.
Eph 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
EndeavouringG4704 From G4710; to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.
to keepG5083 G5083
τηρέω
tēreō
tay-reh'-o
From τηρός teros (a watch; perhaps akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), that is, to note (a prophecy; figuratively to fulfil a command); by implication to detain (in custody; figuratively to maintain); by extension to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively to keep unmarried): - hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.
That is HOLD FAST to what we have been taught!
God causes us to do as His Word commands. So we are taught, inspired and encouraged by the example of His Son Jesus Christ, to do the same.
Arc