June 10 Seek the TRUTH…. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Just recently, I was exposed to an individual, that I have respected for years, expressing some opinions that are not Biblical or Edifying to the Cause of Christ or any other righteous position! I asked him about his, in my opinion, 180-degree turn from what I have perceived him to believe and to live, and he told me that I was being “judgmental’ and “hypocritical” in my questioning him about his “false statements!” Wow! It is everywhere! Individuals professing positions and political views that are absolutely opposed to the Holy Word of God! When you have politicians declare that the Bible does not speak against abortion, or same sex relationships or anything that opposes the position of “I will do what feels right to me,” then there is a problem! We are to “repent” of our sins, our unholy ways, and our humanistic attitudes, and we are to seek Him, His Truth, His Actions and His Saving Grace! In Matthew 7:15, it tells us that we will know them by their “fruits!” “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” In times like these, we need to question every spirit, every action, every prophet, every preacher, every doctrine and if it does not fit directly into the template of God’s Holy Word, then leave it alone! The internet and the “instant” communication networks have given rise to some purveyors of half truths and out and out lies. These “Sheep’s clothing clad prophets of destruction,” are leading many to eternal damnation and destruction! Sound doctrine, holy living, His Amazing Grace is not some multi-positional mantal that can be manipulated to fit your narrow and worldly position! We are to be changed, not His word to change to meet our thoughts, actions and “feelings!” In Matthew 7:13-14, the scriptures illuminate the necessity for singular focus on God, His Word and the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit, when it speaks of “The Narrow Way,” the only way to be with God! “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” John 14:21: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” There is absolutely NO GRAY AREA HERE! God’s Holy Word does not adapt to justify or codify your sinful actions and attitudes, and His Holy Word is not a license for you to justify blatant sinfulness and arrogance and participation in destructive behaviors! Satan is doing an excellent job of deceiving folks, and this deception will manifest itself in “eternal damnation!” As time moves on, I recognize that I will be considered a radical, and that my positions, based solely on the Holy Word of God, will continue to be viewed by the world as “hate speech,” and not inclusive or tolerant or “love based,” but be that as it may, I will continue to Stand for Jesus, His Grace and Glory, and I will continue to proclaim His Saving Grace and His Life Changing Power to Heal our Sinful Nature! Sadly, and prophetically, the scriptures tell us that people will become lovers of self, not understanding sound doctrine and they will expect God to adapt to their “broad, sinful and destructive” behaviors! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!