We are in the end times. I have no doubt. Scripture is fulfilled day after day. All I have to do is look around me to see biblical prophecy manifested. Mankind fixates on self and self-fulfillment. "Look at me; this is who I am! My happiness trumps God's will and way." Like Frank Sinatra, so many are doing things their own way with no thought for God's way. And the only path to knowing God's way is immersion in His inerrant God-breathed Word.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
What a rich chapter, 2 Timothy 3! First, it focuses on where mankind is going astray. Satan lies, "You can blend in with the world and still be God's." Then, the passage highlights how to get back on track. Focus on seeking God through knowing and obeying His Word, though costly.
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:10-17)
I recently came across an old clip (8 years old - we've been headed this direction for years) on YouTube. It shows charlatans who pretend to speak for God, only to guide men back into themselves, seeking happiness over holiness. They say, "Do good, but not for God, rather for yourself, because God wants you to be happy." This video showing that clip rebukes the charlatan. It reminds us, our goal is not personal fulfillment but the glorification of God.
Even more current is a new campaign titled, "He (Jesus) gets us!" This movement claims to "free the story of Jesus from hypocrites and extremists" and "from those who judge, harm, and divide." The Jesus they paint is impotent. Again, the focus is on ourselves. Yes, He accepts us as we are, but not to leave us as we are, navel-gazing and seeking our own way. To the diverse cast He ministered to, He said, "Go, and sin no more." No, His love doesn't stop at acceptance (they wish to put a full stop after acceptance). He transforms us into ambassadors for Him, heirs with Christ, through His atoning blood. It is not that "he gets us" but that "we get Him."
Their goal? Make Jesus less offensive; emphasize His love over His holiness. But God's Word declares He is offensive to those who want their own way.
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." (1 Peter 2:6-8)
What brought all of this to mind today? In a world of charlatans, we have lost someone who truly pointed away from self and toward the glorification of God. We can only glorify God through the power of His Word, transforming hearts and minds into His image, with His goals and purposes, to build His kingdom. Brother Andrew ("God's Smuggler") and his Open Doors ministry focus their energies on getting God's Word into the hands of seekers. They reveal those who forsake self to the point of persecution for the sake of the gospel. Would that I might reach as many as Brother Andrew reached for God! He is now resting in the arms of the Father, an instrument for God's glory, receiving his eternal reward.
So, smuggle God's timeless and true Word behind the societal bars that attempt to keep you enslaved in self-focus and sin. Test His Word! Does it present Jesus as a sanctioner of sin or savior from sin? Does Jesus get you, so you can do it your way, or does He free you to seek His way? Is the end goal happiness or holiness? Will you be a sinner clinging to sin, looking to Christ to sanction your way, or will you be a sinner admitting your sin and looking to Christ to save you from sin's penalty - eternal separation from God? Please, before time is up, read His Word! Seek Him and His glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment