The Church: Where Are We Today?
People wonder if God would judge our country. So many preachers say, "Oh, no, God is not doing all these things that are happening in the world all the evil things that we see, such as the tornadoes, which have claimed over 350 lives."
Well, I know this: that because of sin and bad leadership, evil is released. When a nation fears God, there is a certain hedge of protection around it; but when it departs from the Living God and no longer honors Him; puts Him first, there is an open door for all manner of evil to come into that nation.
We are seeing evil increasing in our country. Leaders can say that they are Christian, (anyone can say that), but what is/where is the fruit? Are they fruits of righteousness, or of worldliness? At the top, we can see no fruit of righteousness, only deception, lies and pride. The Word of God states emphatically that judgment begins at the house of God. (I Peter 4:17-18 ~ 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? KJV)
The church is being purged and dealt with, but for the most part we have rejected the dealings of God. We are in a society that is ruled by feelings instead of faith. This also prevails in the church. This feels right, so its God. Oh, but why isnt it in the Bible? Oh, but you dont understand, I FEEL GOOD about it. I know it must be God. It does not matter that it is unscriptural, with no Bible basis. It just matters that it feels right and it fits my own opinion. Listen folks, I do not care what your opinions are. There is only ONE opinion that matters and that is the opinion of Gods Word.
It may feel right and fit your opinion to live with that special person, outside of marriage and you may think it is God, but it is not. Give me the chapter and verse!
In the church, it is becoming The Remnant and The Carnal. The Spiritual and The Compromisers. The Godly and The Worldly. The Fit-ins and The Outcasts. Jesus said, Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 14:7, KJV)
Not, Oh, everybody is going to be saved. No, everyone is NOT going to be saved! But YOU can be. Yes, YOU can live in the Presence and glory of God daily. I do! It is a reality for those who hunger for Jesus. He said if you hunger, you WILL be filled. Yet, it must be based on the Word of God, not our opinions and feelings.
You and I do not have God figured out. He said, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)
But the Word says that we have the mind of Christ, [I Corinthians 2:16] so we can begin to know Him (and about Him), so much more than we do now. But we have to press into it. We have to hunger and thirst for Him; and yield ourselves fully to Him.
You see, if you are hungry YOU WILL BE filled. He is waiting for you to call upon Him, to bless you, to love you, to encourage you, to heal you, to deliver you. He is faithful to His Word! And He will always be faithful; even to the very end!!!