The days in which we live can leave those of us firmly rooted in the Veil, the Lord Jesus Christ, in stunned shock when faced with the deplorable condition of the populace church. Nevertheless, we must stand against error and guard our own hearts through in-depth study of the Word, which is the Sword of Truth. Yet, the very weapon used to tear down Satan’s ‘high and lofty thoughts’ attempting to exalt themselves above the Word of God is wielded by few due to lack of study.
There is a laziness within many with regard to searching out the deeper things of God by studying, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance whenever encountering a portion of the Bible that seems unclear, for He has promised to guide us into all truth. Characteristic of the populace church is a carelessness with regard to Holy Writ, demonstrated by the utter lack of regard for doctrine depicting the Lord Jesus Christ’s Holiness, Justice, Righteousness in preference of an imaginary cuddly jesus that is contrary to Who God says He is.
The Triune Godhead has made it perfectly plain through judgments rendered down throughout the history of mankind that He is Holy, and all who seek Him must likewise be holy and set apart from this world. A clear indication of this is the present blindfold that covers all unbelievers, but particularly the Jews. During the church age, Jews come to salvation just as gentiles – the only Blood Atonement that covers sin – the Righteous blood of Jesus Christ the Lord! Today, however, we have those who claim this is not so that there is a separate covenant under the Law, which is hellish because the New Covenant began with the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ presently seated at the right Hand of the Majesty. (see Acts 2)
Warning Against Apostasy
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb 5:11–6:3
Does not this ring true of our day? Glaringly. While many should be teaching – making disciples – such are inhibited from doing so because of a lack of study. We are to daily renew our minds – wash them – in the Word. Certainly it is a lifeline in days wherein the filth of the world so consumes every waking moment in the public square. God knew our days would be filled with challenges, as every generation has been since our precious Lord’s ascension, but He also makes it clear that men’s hearts would wax cold (Mt 24:12), they would be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Ti 3:4), no longer enduring sound doctrine but heap unto themselves those who say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Tim 4:3).
Why is it so many of us believe we can go even a few hours – never mind days, weeks or months (in some cases years) without filling our mind with the pure Word of God? Witnessing on an empty spiritual fuel tank is all but impossible. We are infused with strength within our very soul every time we read the Bible, pray and seek to praise our Father. Jesus did it, and He is our example.
May I urge you, beloved brethren, as well as myself, to continually seek God’s favor in bringing unbelievers across our path that we may witness to them of the glories of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness readily available if they would repent of sin and believe upon His Name! Remain sensitive what verses the Holy Spirit recalls to mind and use them – God knows who He is saving, and how to the break fallow ground of their hearts we just need be faithful in our efforts.
We are promised in John 15:7 that if we abide in Christ He will abide in us; thus, witnessing is done by Him in us. Initially, witnessing can be uncomfortable or different but we are called to bear fruit by abiding in the vine, which is the LORD. He wants us to bear fruit! It is honoring to Him when we seek to labor in the field, and even if the person appears hardened against everything that is said, we may never know until Glory the true condition of that encounter because God may use many brothers and sisters to witness, life events, and things far above our ability to explain to draw sinner’s to Himself. How exciting it will be to cross into the Father’s presence and see how many people are there merely from a brief encounter, perhaps one we do not even recollect while in this tent. How many people will we approach thanking them for taking the time to share the gospel with us?
Further, what a sad estate awaits the apostate.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Heb 6:7-9
Occupy …
We know that occupying in the evil day is not always going to be easy, but all we need do should we feel overburdened by the darkness is remember prophecy is being fulfilled and our God is yet Sovereign. As we look across the globe to our persecuted brethren we yet have it pretty easy in America. Which of us has been imprisoned for holding a church service in a field or near a stream during baptism? There have been incidents in America involving local governments overreaching by demanding ‘permit for Bible study‘; but, not yet persecution like that in other nations.
The Bride of Christ is growing all over the world as our Lord continues adding to those who are being saved, and we mustn’t become discouraged (easier said than done) as we see the lukewarm drop to false teachers/doctrine like flies to fly paper. Such are caught in the snare of the enemy, and need our prayers and gentle exhortation to search the scriptures for themselves.
There should be no doubt to readers that I do not abide false teachers, no matter how much Hollywood-esq. glitz and smile lulls the masses to listen; for such are beyond repair, actively working against the Gospel as an enemy of Christ (Luke 9:50). Pray for such men and trust God with the Judgment. However, those deceived by snakes d.b.a pastors warn as if their house were on fire:
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jud 20-23
Ezekiel Countdown 