However, The Bible says you can not love the things of the world and love God.
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 KJV
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 KJV
Most "Christians" are indistinguishable from the world. They love the same things, go to the same places, do the same things! They talk the same way, dress the same way and are okay with it! They are happy in their belief that you don't have to be "sold out", "extreme", or "radical" all the while boasting of being a "peculiar people."
They might have had an "experience" at one time; might have even read their Bible for a while; but when the testing came, they fell away. They may even have continued going to church, because of the way they were raised; "that's just what you do!"
They "love" Jesus and their "Jesus" is okay with their lifestyle because he is not the Jesus in the Bible. He is a "another Jesus!"
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4 KJV
Jesus has not changed! The church has! And He said it would!
Here’s proof!
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5 KJV
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV
"lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"
"having a form of godliness"
Doesn't THAT describe the church at large?
Entertain me!
Lights! Loud music! Programs! videos! Short sermons that make you feel good! Then off to lunch! Movies. Concerts. Ball games.
What happened to set apart?
What happened to repentance?
What happened to holiness?
What happened to hunger and thirsting after righteousness?
What happened to salt?
What happened to light?
What happened to:
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 KJV
Compromise!
We have not laid down our idols! We worship everything but God, but because we go to church and sing songs we think we are okay!
The argument goes: "how can we reach the lost if we don't go where they are?" The reality is because we are "where" they are - we have nothing to offer them! They see no difference. They call us hypocrites, and they are right!
What a mess we are.
Oh, if only we had the power promised us! Then they would know! If only the Light of The World shone as brightly in us as He should! But He can't for all of the darkness still in our hearts. There is no room for Him because we are full of ourselves.
“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:23 KJV
"Worldliness is whatever makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange." Kevin DeYoung
If you have chosen to take a stand for righteousness, you will feel like you stand alone. The narrow road is not heavily traveled and is hard for a reason. It's a proving ground for the overcomers.
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:38 KJV
The walk of a Follower of Jesus Christ is not supposed to be easy, because His walk was not easy! Being ridiculed and shunned by those you love is heart breaking; but that was His walk. We are to "count it all joy", but often have to be reminded to do so!
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28 KJV
Prayer is the key that opens doors! Prayer changes things. Prayer is our best defense.
If you pray: "LORD open my eye; open my ears; change my heart! He will! You start reading your Bible and diligently seeking Him, you WILL find Him! He will draw you unto Himself! I promise you, it will not be the sugarcoated message preached in most churches, you will find. But the uncompromising message of the Cross will be the sweetest Word you have ever tasted; worth all of the pain the world can throw at you! There is no turning back!
Examine your heart and repent while there is still time!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 5/10/17
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