God keeps reminding me of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. I see an oppressive cloud of unbelief amongst “believers.” It’s shrouded in what we call doctrine and the legitimate opposition to sensationalism in the church. Okay, just to be clear: watered-down, self-centered, ear-tickling “preaching” makes me want to vomit. I’m repulsed by the Christian “stardom” and performance within preaching and music circles. I want nothing to do with the positive platitudes that focus on ME living MY best life now. The New Age trinity, or rather, idolatry is: Me, Myself, and I. “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:21
I say, if this is your best life right now, you must be going to hell after this. Have I got it all wrong, or did Jesus, many of the OT prophets, and almost all the early disciples suffer and die for their faith? Did they not suffer immensely? Historical records tell us that Manasseh, King of Judah, had the prophet Isaiah sawn in two. What?! And all we can think to preach and pray about is how to live a more “successful” life now? For what? So we can impress others who have no real knowledge of God? The God of the Bible, that is. Not the god of our self-centered, pleasure-seeking imaginations.
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Tim. 3:1-5
Are we not to be imitators of God as His dear children (Eph. 5:1)? Many say they want to see the glory of God. I’m one of them. Romans 8:16-17 tells us that when we are in Christ, “the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Don’t worry, you won’t suffer and be martyred for telling people how wonderful they are and how they can be healthy and wealthy. You also won’t “be glorified together” with Him.
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Phil. 1:27-29
The early disciples went out “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:41-42 Amen! They rejoiced in their suffering for Christ. They counted it an honor. Now that’s true victory, joy, and freedom! “Teaching and preaching JESUS as the Christ.” Not teaching and preaching about me.
It is the undeniable will of God for us to be spiritually wise, understanding, and discerning through the Word and Spirit of God. We must all study to show ourselves approved unto God, workers who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). We must endeavor to walk in sound Biblical doctrine and knowledge.
At the same time, we must also teach the doctrine of faith and walk in faith. Faith in the Almighty power of God! “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).
We must walk in both knowledge and love. 1 Cor. 8:1-2 tells us, “Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”
Has all our knowledge brought believers closer together in the truth? Or divided us? My desire is to answer Jesus’ prayer: that we be one in Him. Our being one in Christ is directly linked to winning the lost. “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23). One in the uncompromised truth of God’s Word; not one by way of compromising God’s Word. Our “oneness” isn’t as much about us, as it is about seeking and saving the lost. That’s why Jesus came. God’s focus is on honest relationships. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Help us to have unwavering faith in Your omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence! Help us to be one, as You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One, so that the world may know that You sent Jesus and that You have loved them as You have loved Jesus. Help us to read and listen to the pure Word of God that we may grow thereby, for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Lord, we want You to find great faith in us! We’re not going to be cowardly, unbelieving, little-thinking “christians” who just want to go to church and play it safe ’til Jesus comes. Forgive us for being wimps. Help us to remember that our faith is not in us/our ability, but rather, in Your ALL-Mighty power!! You are the King of Glory and Creator of the Heavens and the Earth! To You alone be all glory, honor, and power!! In the precious and almighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen. So be it.
Live out loud for Jesus,
Denys
Fishers of Men Ministries 