Have you sensed or is it just me that our times relative to evil are different today then they had been say 20 -30 years ago. Evil has always been present, but it seemed then to be more prevalent outside of North America. Americans were once seen as the home of the brave and the land of the free. Americans were respected and we actually respected each other. We were seen as the liberators of tyranny. Today we are called the Great Satan and are seen by both outsiders and by a growing element from within as Colonialists who have built our wealth upon the backs of other nations. And thus we are hated.
I’m sure of one big difference — we have become a divided nation, and you know what Jesus said about that. Some call me a pessimist, but I’m really an optimistic realist. I have a blessed hope. I also happen to believe the admonitions within scripture. I find that all some Christians want to recognize from scripture is God’s love for them. That mindset I’m concerned can more easily fall into the itching ear category.
Preaching only a God of love to this nation perhaps has lessened the impact of the Holy Spirit’s use of Scripture to admonish, to correct, etc. yet, when I attempt to direct men to scriptures that admonish and correct there is little impact. And please don’t get me wrong because there is no comparison between me and the prophets of old, but I can’t help but think of how the message of God spoken through them was rejected. But even then there was a remnant who listened. So, I fear not for myself — remember I have this hope within me, but I fear for those who’s world view is formed by the god who is only love. The false prophets of Jeremiah’s day only told the people and the kings what they wanted to hear. And it led to the fall of a nation. Revival has always been based on the rediscovery of the Word of God. Without revival God will give man over to a reprobate mind.
Very true Jerry. I am concerned about the very same thing brother.
But ya know something? (I believe) that any genuine Christian knows the guilt that they possessed that brought them to the cross, and they aren’t offended at God’s admonitions.
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Amen to that brother. Blessed hope is our possession. Thanks for your good word.
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Jerry,
Brother, you wrote, “I also happen to believe the admonitions within scripture. I find that all some Christians want to recognize from scripture is God’s love for them. That mindset I’m concerned can more easily fall into the itching ear category.”
I’m so very grateful for the admonitions, but am looking forward to the day when Jesus’ perfect love “casts out fear” in me!
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Maria, I know that you love the word and the Lord. I’m not admonishing you. I’m concerned for those who take His love for granted. And I do understand we are to live in total trust not fear. And total trust I think is His desire for us. We should bask in His love, and be aware of His sorrow over our indifferences. Hope you understand where I’m coming from? When we are open to His loving conviction in our inner man we can come away cleansed and refreshed.
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Jerry, I’m glad for what you wrote in your post and comments. How can we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without reference to sin and the certainty of judgment upon those who turn from God’s offer of forgiveness? I agree completely. Lord bless your loving ministry in truth!
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Good I thought I had upset you.
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No, my brother!
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