"When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" - Acts 5:33-39
Today, more than ever, it is easy to think that the world is against Christians and what we believe to be Truth. The Bible is clear about how people are to live - to behave - to treat one another. We can find common ground - between the saved and the lost in principle - at the high level. The idea of peace, unity and love. But when we talk about how they are achieved - that is when the breakdown occurs.
As Christians, we are merely ambassadors for the Creator God. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We know that peace, unity and love can only be realized in the context of having a right relationship with the Father through the Son. But, from the world's perspective those goals can be achieved by consensus of opinion of what truth is, accommodating wrong by declaring it right, legislating what the world determines is right behavior.
As Christians we see the world in turmoil. The world has turned against anyone who embraces Biblical truth declaring them to be evil. You might think that the world is against you, but actually the world is against God. Like Gamaliel suggested to the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders did not like what the Apostles were saying. It was contrary to their thinking. This is a spiritual battle manifested in the physical. We are messengers sent by God to declare His Truth.
"... we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12
Keep a spiritual perspective on what is happening around you. I know some are thinking that the end of the Church Age is near. It could be - but only the Father will make that call. We can see the signs but only the Father knows the time.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew 24:35-44
The bottom line with respect to the Lord's return - Be ready! Only the Father knows! In the meantime - let your light shine.
Think about it – Pray about it – 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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