This week I have been listening to podcasts by prominent men of Christianity. I have listened to sermons of John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and C. H. Spurgeon. I have been deeply touched by the wisdom and insight these men had. I also have been astonished by their ability to speak the truth of the gospel directly and simply. I have to say that I am quite amazed at how none of their sermons feel old. Their sermons are just as applicable today as they were then. I used to believe that we as Christians have it harder than any other generation. Now I am no longer sure.
Do we have different temptations and struggles than what these men had. I would say yes and no. The direct issues we deal with are different and yet the underlying problems seem to be the same. Today, we deal with homosexuality and the bible, republican vs. democrat theology, and relative truth. Back then they dealt with Catholicism vs. Protestantism, false vs. real salvation, and biblical truth vs. religious apathy. If you really think about it these issues are not much different from each other. The underlying problem for each of these issues is humanity vs. God, absolute truth vs. relative truth, and the teachings of Jesus vs. every other religion and belief system in the world.
Nothing has changed... Ephesians 6:12 is just as true today as it was in the time of these prominent men and the time of Jesus saying, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." For those of you who are struggling with this, the fact is that absolute truth does exist and the Bible contains it. Take the time to read Matthew 24 and see what you think. I'm guessing you will be able to see how the things Jesus talks about are present today.
Folks we are living in a world at war and the prize is your soul. You can choose to put your full faith and belief in the historical Jesus and Savior of the world or choose to die and sink into the depths of hell. These are your two choices. Death provides a one way ticket and, like an elevator, will only be going up or down. You might want to read Revelation 12 to begin to get a better picture of what is happening in this world. It also will help you understand why it is not going to get better till Jesus comes. The devil is the great deceiver and is out to take as many as he can with him into the lake of fire.
For those of you who believe in Jesus or say you do, I leave you with this thought. Revelation 12:17 says, "Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea." Though this verse reads like the great beginning to a fantasy novel, it speaks a direct warning to all who are followers of Jesus. Unlike the message of wealth, health, and prosperity preached by Joel Osteen, the true followers of Jesus can expect to be pursued and attacked by the devil. This may not always present itself as physical or monetary tragedies but I can guarantee that you will face trials, temptations, and attacks against your faith.
Believing in Jesus Christ is to effectively put on armor and go to war. If you choose to join this battle without putting on armor, don't be surprised when you are wounded. If you decide to follow Jesus in the shadows or proclaim to follow Jesus without a change in the heart, don't be surprised when you meet Him one day and He say, "I never knew you. Depart from me." Becoming a Christian truly is as easy as just turning your eyes to Jesus but by truly turning your eyes to Jesus your heart will begin to change and you will become a new person in Him. Reading my blog titled Faith or Works may help you to better understand what I am talking about here.
I know that some of the words and truths in this blog seem harsh but honestly I would rather you be a temporarily offended and truly gain salvation through Jesus Christ than to walk on egg shells, never proclaiming the truth of the gospel to you, and have you go to hell. Nothing written in this blog or in the Bible is written in hate, judgment, or malice. All of it is intended to reveal the truth of the sin in your life and your inability to save yourself. By understanding your need, you can understand what Christ did and choose to give your life to Him.
For those who already are saved, I hope you will take the time to share the gospel with others. Over two-thirds of our world do not have a relationship with Jesus. As true followers of Christ, we should want to do everything possible to reach the lost with the gospel. I leave you with Romans 10:14-15 in the hopes that you will be inspired to share the gospel with those around you. Paul says, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written,'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Blessings,
Greg
My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry. We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field. I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link. I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser. Thank you.
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist
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