Courage

In the day we live in we need to take courage.  There are many that don’t want to hear the truth, denying that truth even exists.  Some don’t mind if you are a Christian just as long as you don’t talk to them about it.  But, I want you to know that there is truth and it is the only thing that will completely set us free!!   We hear so many things today that are half-truths, or just plain lies, and some of these things we may hear may come from people we trust.  We are learning about the seven churches in Revelations and so far they have all had some major problems, except the Church of Philadelphia, which seemed to be in a category by itself.  I wonder what the Lord would have to say about our congregation.  I use congregation because the church is worldwide with a lot of small congregations and the church is not a building, but the born-again believers in the building that really are the church.  My purpose here is not to name names or try to purposely offend anyone.  But if I speak the truth it will offend someone; that is just what the Word does.  Have you heard the old saying that the truth hurts?  Well in many cases that saying is true!!

God’s Word says this in 1 Timothy 4:1-11, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.”  

Now read 2 Timothy 4:1-5 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

It is clear we live in the days that these scriptures are relating to.  There are those out there that preach and teach things that are not the truth, but they sound good so people flock to these people and spend a lot of money supporting their ministries.  If people would spend more time in the Word and a lot less time on their electronic devices, they might not be so easily deceived by charlatans that are out to take their money.  God’s Word talks about wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Read Matthew 7:15-20, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

Do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good character, or you might say good morals.  If all you do is listen to the things you want to hear, you will probably miss out on the things that you need to hear!!  Enough said I have given you something to think about.  May you have a super day and may the good Lord bless you and yours!!