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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Don't Be Surprised!

'And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of GOD, you cannot overthrow it---lest you even be bound to fight against GOD.' (Acts 5:38-39 NKJV)

What we have here is some good, solid advice from a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was respected immensely by his peers withing the Jewish community. As usual, the leaders of the different Jewish sects were looking for any reason they could find to punish and even kill the followers of CHRIST. To make matters worse, in this particular instance, the Sadducee's were thwarted in their own minds when after they had ordered some of the apostles be placed in prison, they next heard that the very same men were again preaching and teaching in the temple. While meeting with other leaders over just what to do about these followers of CHRIST who refused to do as they were told, they received this advice from Gamaliel. The last part of this Scripture above is what I want to expand on, and apply to, our Christian response to these mindless followers of sin that are always looking for a way to voice the devil's deceptions. Be sure of what I just said, about mindless followers of sin [that are] always looking for a way to voice the devil's deceptions. Also be sure that each and every person who has ever taken a stand against not only the outward signs of Christianity and the worship of GOD by Christians, but also the very existence of Christianity, is in the service of satan. I know that this a very serious charge to make, but it isn't me who makes it, it is our LORD GOD HIMSELF who warns man about the foolishness of trying to serve two masters, whether it's GOD and money, or GOD and anything of this world.

Should we continue to be surprised, listening to the criers of doom and despair on the one hand, while on the other hand we have a huge mass of people who honestly believe that they have a 'cause' that is unique to them.  You could talk to them until you were way past being blue in the face, and it would be to no avail with most of them.  It can be maddening, the obstinance of most of these so called 'atheists' and 'agnostics' with the worst part being the fact that they've not had an original thought since they were borned!  Am I declaring war on these people?  No, not on them, and I would never go to [Spiritual] arms against any person who is in GOD's Will for redemption.  But I have been, and will continue to be, at war with their leader, the devil himself.  I'm sure that some of those reading this will think, "Oh well, there he goes around the bend!"  That's fine, I'm okay with people thinking that I'm a 'zealot' or a 'fanatic' or  a 'holy roller' or any other  [worldly] name they can think up.  I'm okay with it because the Bible not just tells me it will happen, but HIS Word promises me that I'll be ridiculed by those who've chosen to follow the ruler of this world.  Another thing HIS Word assures me is that any person who makes the statement that either  they don't believe that GOD even exists, or that they're not sure that HE is real, is an out and out liar.  Again, it's not me who has the authority to make this statement with boldness, it's the LORD speaking through HIS Holy Word.

'For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of GOD is manifest in them, for GOD has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world HIS invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and GODHEAD, so that they are without excuse,'  (Romans 1:18-20  NKJV)

And,

'For the grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men.'  (Titus 2:11  NKJV)

There you have it, the LORD GOD is as plain as day calling all of these supposed nonbelievers liars, and why shouldn't they possess the same traits as their father?  The thing that confuses me is why anyone would want to follow after someone who got kicked out of heaven to start with.  When I think of their leader, the devil, I think of him as a dead man walking who just don't have enough sense to lay it down!  Should we think of his legions of followers the same way, or so long as there is still a chance of them coming to the Throne of Grace should we hold them dear in prayer?  I believe in the latter, that until they've breathed their last breath, or GOD has given them over to a reprobate mind, we have to remain constant in prayer for their salvation.  A lot of people will call you a liar if you even suggest that, about GOD giving up on someone and being done with them.

'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 who practice them.

I don't know about you, but as I read down through this list of things that any Christian shouldn't have any part of, I can see each and every one of these actions and mindsets being displayed all around the world in the name of everything from affirmative action to civil rights. 

The bottom line, for me at least, is simple.  Always be ready, for the opportunity to counsel someone, for the chance to pray the sinners prayer with the next person you meet, to have your very life presented as a walking breathing testimony to the Grace and Mercy of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT!  When we see and hear people acting the fool and making silly statements about not believing that the FATHER is real, don't take it personal or be surprised or overwhelmed.  Think of it like this, GOD is allowing them to carry on with their foolishness just so you'll know who to pray for, our LORD is letting their loud mouths act as a beacon, to draw us nearer to their needs. 

May GOD Bless and keep you!

Terry
Absarokee MT

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