"We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." - 1 Corinthians 4:10-13
Paul was writing to the Corinthians describing how the Apostles were
treated by the world so that Jesus might be revealed to a world spinning itself
toward oblivion. When I read those
words, I could not help but reflect on what the world thinks of us Christians
today. What we embrace as truth about God and mankind as it is revealed in the
Word of God is contrary to contemporary thinking and objectionable when shared. The
world demands tolerance, which is to say that if I believe it is right, then
who are you to say it is wrong. And if I can get others to agree with me, then
that is proof that I am right in my thinking and doing. If we choose to stand on the Word then by the
world’s standards we are fools, weak, dishonored, reviled, persecuted, defamed.
We are wrong and embrace a lie, not the truth.
This is not a new problem – but for many Christians it is a new and shocking
realization.
“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving,
slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors,
headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a
form of godliness but denying its power.” – 2 Timothy 3:2-5
There are those who identify with Jesus, but have chosen to embrace a re-interpretation
of the Word to match with the world’s version of truth. Asking the question the
serpent asked Adam and Eve, “Did God really say …..” It is the idea that you
cannot love someone if, at the same time, you call them sinners. That makes you
a hater. So then, that would make God a hater and the Bible is not true – God did
not love us while we were yet sinners – He couldn’t and neither can we. Do you see
the stream of thought here? Of course there are Christians that struggle with
separating the sin from the sinner. That is because it requires the power of
God for us to do that. God did not wink at our sin – He sent His Son to save us
from our sin. To undo what was done in
the Garden. My point – be careful that you don’t compromise the truth for a lie
to find acceptance from the world and the culture you live in.
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being
filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness;
full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters,
haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient
to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who,
knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are
deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice
them." – Romans 1:28-32
Really you
should read Romans 1 starting at verse 18 for a clear depiction of where our
country is with respect to its morality and mores in 2021. Remembering that those
words were penned almost 2000 years ago.
The point – sinful man has not changed – only technology has. If I am blind, wearing glasses does not give
me sight. A nice home, money, or even a cell phone, does not make me better
than the men and women of any other century, past or future. I shared these
verses yesterday.
"And
do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of
God." – Romans 12:2
"Yet
indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ
Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them
as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in
Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and
the power of His resurrection." – Philippians 3:8-10
We live in a time when using the word “man” instead of delineating both
men and women makes you kin to a misogynist. At the same time it is acceptable to
use the Lord’s name as an expletive and the use of profanity is more than
acceptable – even encouraged among some Christian circles as a sign that you have
a deeper spirituality. Do not be deceived. The word “tolerance” has been redefined
to mean agreement that what is being tolerated is good. This is a spiritually challenging time we
live in. If you want to know what is
true and good – read the Word of God.
“All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy
3:16-17
Believe it – walk in it. Let your light shine and
give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His
Glory Alone
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