The Bible is the unpopular truth to many today. Those who believe it are ridiculed and accused of unloving behavior and attitudes. Many demand that instead we “give hardy approval” to the sinful things they do. Some who refuse have been sued or threatened with fines and other legal action. Freedom of religion is fast being replaced with a demand for the freedom “to do whatever I please.”
So, how does God expect us to respond? Are we to compromise in an attempt to hold on to whatever rights we still have? And how should we pray in these difficult times?
Have you ever been misjudged, falsely accused, or passed over by someone in leadership? Have you been hurt, mistreated, or treated unfairly? What do you think about at those times? Is it possible those events are actually orchestrated by God? And could those be the times we can grow the most? But something may need to change if that’s to happen.
Also, find out why God would call a group of women the “cows of Bashan.” Not very flattering! But could we be guilty of the same thing?
I love my coffee in the morning and, on occasion, I enjoy iced coffee, especially those blended ones from coffee emporiums. But when I drink hot coffee, I use one of those insulated cups to keep it really hot because lukewarm coffee is good for nothing! It’s the same for lukewarm Christians. Where are you on God’s thermometer of faith? Is God’s warning to the lukewarm Christians in the Laodicean church for you? Why could this post be more important to you than you think, possibly even eternally important?
Also, read about the tongue and the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to help you control it and how the fear of man (trying to please people) is a trap!
Remember. Repent. Repeat. If “red-hot love” has turned to “not tonight, honey” and passion has given way to bills, soccer games, and to-do lists … if you seem to have lost that loving feeling … what do those simple instructions have to do with regaining the feelings of love and romance you once had?
And on what are the greatest feelings in the world dependent? How can we have them no matter what our circumstances and whether or not other people act right or not?
The events of the Tribulation will be so frightening that unbelievers will cry out to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” But is it possible that it is also an outpouring of God’s grace?
Also, read about the hurtful power of words and how the truths of God are stumbling blocks to those who refuse to believe.
It didn’t take long. Less than 70 years into church history and there were already those who wanted to water down the Word of God and the call to personal holiness. And others who wanted to add things to the requirements for salvation and Christian living. Nothing much has changed. There are still those who distort the gospel truths. Instead, we’re to teach and understand the whole counsel of God. In 25 verses Jude’s epistle called believers to contend for the truth. It still does today.
Sadly, many still prefer to teach only the easy-to-swallow parts … those things that don’t make anyone uncomfortable or the Christian life seem too hard and others who claim that something else is necessary.
How about you? Are you contending for the truth and seeking to understand the whole counsel of God? And why is doing so as important as ever?
How do you view the Word of God? As the commands and revelation of the Creator of heaven and earth or something that is merely “interesting” to you … one more opinion in a list of options for making decisions and solving life’s problems? Is the Bible full of commands and principles to live by or merely divine suggestions? Is it a standard or the standard by which you weigh everything?
Before you answer … you might ask yourself if, when talking about some Biblical command or principle, you’ve ever said:
I tried that. It just didn’t work.
Well, I just believe …
I know what the Bible says, but …
We live in a different world.
Today we hear a lot about tolerance and accepting people as they are. But in light of eternity is tolerance always loving? And what if we try to speak the truth and are told we need to be more like Jesus and just love everyone? Could they be right? Or could that be a misunderstanding of what is truly loving?
The Apostle John wrote his first letter to believers who had doubts about their salvation. What about you? Do you ever have doubts about the genuineness of your salvation? Is it even possible to “know” that we have eternal life? If so, how?
Also, read about the failure of religious legalism and what God sees as more important. And, finally, in our reading from Proverbs, find out what God says about the importance of our motive for obeying Him.
In the United States (and many other countries), we have largely turned away from the God of the Bible and the consequences are obvious! Our godlessness has affected education, politics, business, family life, and more. Lawlessness is at an all-time high and, if that’s not bad enough, we continue to see a rise in mass violence and terrorism around the world and here at home. While it seems overwhelming, we can make a difference. Find out how.
