July 22 Christian Non-Conformity Romans 12:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC… “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
While on vacation, just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to be exposed to a couple of media “preachers,” and their messages cause some concern in my spirit! The central theme of their messages was the necessity for the church to embrace the culture and to adapt to the changing times! I was intrigued as to where this would go and how deep it would dig into the fantasy of misguided directions. One of these “preachers” declared that Jesus never condemned anyone and that He was tolerant and embracing of the actions of those that He encountered. He emphasized the woman caught in adultery, and the fact that Jesus did not condemn her. This “preacher’ conveniently left out Jesus’ instructions to this woman: “Go and sin no more!” Fellow Believers, we have a Spiritual and Moral Obligation to Love One Another, yet that does not mean that we must accept behaviors that are diametrically opposed to the Holy Instructions of God’s Holy Word! Listen to what Colossians 2:8 tells us: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” There are those who would have believe that we are to adapt to the evils of the day and that God’s Word is a suggestion, not a commandment! Satan is using every tool available to dilute and to weaken the Message of Christ, and he is using men and women to share just enough truth to hook others, then create the deception and achieve their goal of confused and disobedient individuals! Just a few short months ago, I was told that I should be more tolerant of the sin and evil of the day and that I needed to watch how I was being judgmental towards my fellow individuals and their non-edifying behaviors! Well, I am here to inform you that I will continue to advocate for the righteousness of God and that I will continue to engage the Evil of the day with the illuminating Light of God’s Holy Word, and I will continue to embrace the instructions from Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Regardless of what the world and the evil that exists, as “born again” believers, we are to continue to embrace His Grace and Mercy and we are to stand strong against the compromises of Satan and the false teachings of earthly lawlessness! I quote and pray, every day, that Psalm 19:14 will be my default position and that I will continue to serve HIM, regardless of the challenges, circumstances or the ever-changing acceptability of evil: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!