The Viewpoint of the World

 

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.  You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.  They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them." I John 4:1-5
 

 

Recently, I read a conversation on social media and I was floored, even appalled, at the way the conversation read.  People were discussing a political hot button issue.  One person was taking up the Biblical viewpoint and several liberal, “open-thinking” people were beating the Christian down.  Not too long ago in America people tolerated Christians and the Bible.  Not too long ago people who were not living right recognized that what they were doing was wrong, but they wanted to live wrong.  Now people do not even see it as wrong. Our area was once known as the Bible belt.  What has happened?!
 

This verse has been fulfilled in our culture and in our community.  Our society has been (adversely) shaped by the teaching of the world. It has been taught as fact so long that people now accept it as fact.  Hollywood is a powerful preacher in America.  Through consistent programming that erodes Biblical values and challenges Biblical commands, a new norm has been established and Christianity is now outdated and passé’.  But now the tide has shifted even more and people who hold to Scripture are treated hostilely by society.  We are living in the last days where evil is called good and good, evil. (Isa. 5:20-21)

 

It was foretold in Scripture that the end times would go down in this way.  But while we are still here, we must occupy!  We have to occupy until Jesus returns for us.  So what is a Christian to do?  First of all, we must cling tightly to the truth and infallible nature of the Bible.  We cannot lose that, for it is the very foundation of all we believe.  Beyond that, secondly, we must continue to teach what is right and scriptural, even if it results in persecution.  Thirdly, we must continue to show God’s love, even to those who persecute us and shamelessly defy all that the Bible upholds. We must remember that the world, and the enemy, have deluded their minds and led them astray.  If we are going to win them, it will be with truth and love. 

 

Yes, it is disheartening where we have come to in such a seemingly short period of time.  But we must remember that much of what has happened occurred because the Church did not stand up and be the Church.  We kept our mouths shut and let the worldly thinkers take over a nation that was once founded on Biblical teaching.  Pray!  Pray for America.  But be willing to put feet on your prayers and be a voice of purity, love and Biblical perspective in America.

 

Dear Lord, we need you.  I need you.  Help us to cling to you in the day of adversity and help us to stand for truth as you stood for truth while on this earth.  God, please restore America, change hearts and open eyes.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

Sherri