But Of The Tree

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The promise of the knowledge of good is still us tempting today! It's hard to imagine that learning about something good could indeed be bad, but if our heart is not right with God, that quest can have the same outcome as "in the beginning!" 

Believers in every denomination are, more than ever, on a mission to learn as much as possible about End Time events! Searching the scriptures and reading every book promoted as "truth", their pursuit to know what is facing us, in the not so distant future, is zealous.

What is the motive? Evangelism or survival?

“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What is the value of knowledge without wisdom? 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We all know that The Word has given us warnings.  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬) However, for what purpose are we to use this information? For self-preservation or to warn a lost and dying world? Is the information gleaned pointing the unsaved to the cross or ammunition for arguments?

Knowledge is intoxicating! Gaining knowledge breeds pride and may trigger fear especially concerning the end of days! As we have no control, the more conjecture of the impending darkness we absorb, the more out of control many feel. 

The only recourse any of us have, is to draw as close to the Maker of The Universe as humanly possible! The only knowledge worth gaining is knowing The One who holds the future in His hands!

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is so easy to get wrapped up in current events that we forget about eternity! Jesus Himself warned of what is to come but His concern was for the lost!

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we have our eyes on The Prize and are abiding in Him, we have peace that passes all understanding. We know He will keep us, and perfect us, until He comes. Those who get caught up in the "what ifs" are prime targets for the spirit of fear, followed by doubt and unbelief. If left unchecked, a falling away occurs. The enemy's intention (kill, steal and destroy) is achieved, if there is no repentance for those sins. 

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Fear is sin. Worry is sin. Both say: "God You are not powerful enough to take care of this, so I will hold on to it. I will be god!" 

Whatever "this" is (finances, illness, the condition of our country or the world) if you are fearful, you need to repent! You need to get off the throne of your heart and ask God to take His rightful place! He will not share His authority! You have to abdicate!

We must guard our hearts! The stakes are high and we must overcome!

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation‬ ‭21:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now more than ever - “. . . seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 8/20/15