A man can desert one camp for mebbe a good reason. But when he deserts the second the angel Gabriel shorely puts a black mark by his name.”
–Ernest Haycox (Return of a Fighter)
“Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
–Nehemiah 4:20(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)
Folks there’s evil all around. All kinds of evil lurk just waiting for a chance to pounce. Most of the little letter of Jude warns of false teachers and evil workers. I want to mention right off an evil that many don’t think about–HACKERS. I don’t know why people spend their time trying to get into other people’s accounts except that they are evil. They want to show off their skills and therefore cause anguish to those they hack. Then they give their insidious smile about the troubles they have brought. They seek to destroy the reputation of others–they are evil. It is not just a “fun” thing, something they do for “kicks.” They would love nothing better than to get into your accounts, to compromise your reputation, and to disrupt your life.
Jude says, “…in the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions–merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life.” (18-19, Amplified) Error is to be expected, attempts to destroy will happen–therefore, prepare for action, take heed and do not stumble.
These people think they are advanced in their technological skills and in their enlightened thinking. They have a better way and scoff at those who continue to live by the Word of God. In spite of their claims they do not have the Holy Spirit and without the Spirit they cannot teach the truth of God’s Word. We are called to remember who we are in Christ, and that we are to live by faith. Jude tells us to, “…build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit.” (vs 20, Amplified) This faith is what we continue to build upon. “This faith is lived out through active obedience.” (Paul A. Cedar) This faith has the power to make us different from the world, yet so many seek to be more like the world. They want the things of the world, the entertainment of the world and they bring it into their lives and their worship–they are being duped by the false teachers.
William Barclay writes this about our faith, “It is not only a mind-changer but also a life-changer; not only an intellectual belief but also a moral dynamic.” We continue to build using the materials that the Lord has given us: fellowship with the Lord, continuing in sound doctrine, worship, and communion. Do not let the enemy “hack” into your lives using his snares, traps, and deceptive devices. We grow in the faith by obedience, not in compromise or complacency. It takes effort, as much effort as a hacker gives in trying to disrupt your life, even if it’s only frustration. Live a life of active faith–that means one of obedience to the Lord and of fellowship with Him.
–Nehemiah 4:20(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)
Folks there’s evil all around. All kinds of evil lurk just waiting for a chance to pounce. Most of the little letter of Jude warns of false teachers and evil workers. I want to mention right off an evil that many don’t think about–HACKERS. I don’t know why people spend their time trying to get into other people’s accounts except that they are evil. They want to show off their skills and therefore cause anguish to those they hack. Then they give their insidious smile about the troubles they have brought. They seek to destroy the reputation of others–they are evil. It is not just a “fun” thing, something they do for “kicks.” They would love nothing better than to get into your accounts, to compromise your reputation, and to disrupt your life.
Jude says, “…in the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions–merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life.” (18-19, Amplified) Error is to be expected, attempts to destroy will happen–therefore, prepare for action, take heed and do not stumble.
These people think they are advanced in their technological skills and in their enlightened thinking. They have a better way and scoff at those who continue to live by the Word of God. In spite of their claims they do not have the Holy Spirit and without the Spirit they cannot teach the truth of God’s Word. We are called to remember who we are in Christ, and that we are to live by faith. Jude tells us to, “…build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit.” (vs 20, Amplified) This faith is what we continue to build upon. “This faith is lived out through active obedience.” (Paul A. Cedar) This faith has the power to make us different from the world, yet so many seek to be more like the world. They want the things of the world, the entertainment of the world and they bring it into their lives and their worship–they are being duped by the false teachers.
William Barclay writes this about our faith, “It is not only a mind-changer but also a life-changer; not only an intellectual belief but also a moral dynamic.” We continue to build using the materials that the Lord has given us: fellowship with the Lord, continuing in sound doctrine, worship, and communion. Do not let the enemy “hack” into your lives using his snares, traps, and deceptive devices. We grow in the faith by obedience, not in compromise or complacency. It takes effort, as much effort as a hacker gives in trying to disrupt your life, even if it’s only frustration. Live a life of active faith–that means one of obedience to the Lord and of fellowship with Him.