The nightmare, the attacks will happen, but He will see us through them if we trust and rely on Him.”
–Henry McLaughlin (Journey to Riverbend)
“The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior, You save me from violence.”
–2 Samuel 22:3 (NKJV)
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How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We know that we are of God and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” –1 John 5:19 (NASB)
There are many enemies out there who war against your soul. However, ultimately it boils down to the world under the influence of the devil. They are enemies of the cross and of Christ. You know it as well as I do that there is a war, a conflict, between the flesh and the Spirit. In fact, one of the weapons of the world is to tell you that you are foolish, that you need to wake up and put this Bible and Jesus foolishness away. Hold firm to the gospel of Truth for it is your hope.
Do you recognize this attack? Do things you see in the world grieve you, upset you? If it does, then you know that God is with you and working within you. He wants to work out His purpose in you and for you. You should desire and yearn more and more for His way.
One way to do that is to view all things in light of the Scripture–a biblical worldview. Know that the world is a place of sin. Study the men/women of the Bible and you will see that they are those who set their gaze on another world. Job said in the midst of his ordeal–surely my Redeemer lives. Abraham was looking for a city whose maker was God. In spite of living in this world they were not caught up in the final judgment of God; they lived in the world in spite of its evil influence a godly life.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
–Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
I like this translation: “I am CONVINCED!” (emphasis is mine). That needs to be etched deep into our souls. It is not just a persuasion, or a gentle nudging, or even a suggestion, but I am fully persuaded, nothing can change my mind. Perhaps that is possibly the most important question in life then–Am I dwelling in God, and is God dwelling in me? Do I listen to the voices in the world or do I guide my every action and thought by the Word of God?
Listening to wrong teaching or setting wrong priorities is something to be guarded against. Watch out for wrong desires: power, fame, money, lust Watch out for wrong practice the first of which is lack of obedience to the Holy Spirit and His prompting. Only as you read the Word of God can you be guarded against error. Do not grieve the Spirit; do not quench the Spirit–in other words don’t sin and do not give in to the flesh, the world.
The essence of the Christian life is to TRUST AND OBEY!
“When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go–
Never fear, only trust and obey.”
–J.H. Sammis
–2 Samuel 22:3 (NKJV)
————————————
How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We know that we are of God and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” –1 John 5:19 (NASB)
There are many enemies out there who war against your soul. However, ultimately it boils down to the world under the influence of the devil. They are enemies of the cross and of Christ. You know it as well as I do that there is a war, a conflict, between the flesh and the Spirit. In fact, one of the weapons of the world is to tell you that you are foolish, that you need to wake up and put this Bible and Jesus foolishness away. Hold firm to the gospel of Truth for it is your hope.
Do you recognize this attack? Do things you see in the world grieve you, upset you? If it does, then you know that God is with you and working within you. He wants to work out His purpose in you and for you. You should desire and yearn more and more for His way.
One way to do that is to view all things in light of the Scripture–a biblical worldview. Know that the world is a place of sin. Study the men/women of the Bible and you will see that they are those who set their gaze on another world. Job said in the midst of his ordeal–surely my Redeemer lives. Abraham was looking for a city whose maker was God. In spite of living in this world they were not caught up in the final judgment of God; they lived in the world in spite of its evil influence a godly life.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
–Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
I like this translation: “I am CONVINCED!” (emphasis is mine). That needs to be etched deep into our souls. It is not just a persuasion, or a gentle nudging, or even a suggestion, but I am fully persuaded, nothing can change my mind. Perhaps that is possibly the most important question in life then–Am I dwelling in God, and is God dwelling in me? Do I listen to the voices in the world or do I guide my every action and thought by the Word of God?
Listening to wrong teaching or setting wrong priorities is something to be guarded against. Watch out for wrong desires: power, fame, money, lust Watch out for wrong practice the first of which is lack of obedience to the Holy Spirit and His prompting. Only as you read the Word of God can you be guarded against error. Do not grieve the Spirit; do not quench the Spirit–in other words don’t sin and do not give in to the flesh, the world.
The essence of the Christian life is to TRUST AND OBEY!
“When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go–
Never fear, only trust and obey.”
–J.H. Sammis