jesus – A Word to the Wise

Is God Really in Control?

Cynthia Cummings-Walker, Lifeandbibleblog.com

In talking with other Christians about the unbridled evil that is pervading our nation and world today, I asked them a question “What can a Christian do about the rapid decline of our nation?” Pseudo-Christianity has taken a stronghold in government, evil is advancing, inflicting mass suffering on one hand, while there is wealth and unbridled power on the other.

Most Christians answered me by saying that all they can do is pray because “God is in control.” I wonder if saying “God is in control” is a statement of faith in God to do everything with no expectation of Christian action? Or is saying that “God is in control” simply an excuse that absolves a Christian of any responsibility to action?

God is Not in Control of This World, Satan Is

God’s absolute power is displayed through His Sovereignty, Eternality, Omnipotence, and Omnipresence. Yes, God has absolute dominion, power and control; however, the devil is in control of this world until Christ returns.

I John 5:19 “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 ” The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ…”

Luke 4:5-7 “The devil led Him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to Him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; ..if You bow down and worship me.” Jesus did not dispute the devil’s declarations, He rejected the offer.

Hebrews 2:14 “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil.”

To try to interfere with the devil’s control over the world might appear impossible; therefore, many Christians place the onus on God to control it all. No. God has given true Christians guidance, strength, and the ability to do the seemingly impossible in this battle against the wiles of the devil.

Do What Jesus Did

Evangelize

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

God has empowered Christians to accomplish His purposes. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the first thing He did when he saw some fishermen, He asked them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19) That should be a Christian’s priority as well, among responsibilities:

Be Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth”. “You are the light of the world..” Matthew 5:13,14. Christians have a responsibility to reflect God’s character and truth by shining a light in the darkness that has covered the earth by the devil.

Salt cannot remove sin, yet it can slow down the degenerative process of sin. There are so many false religions, hellish activities disguised as Christianity. Matthew 16a says: “You will know them by their fruit.” We can spot truth from error and good from evil. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit.

There are so many false religions, hellish activity disguised as Christianity. Are the so-called Christians following the course the Lord has set before them to love as a foundation of their actions? Or are their actions completely antithetical to what the Lord commands. Do they hate, cause suffering and death to those whom Christ loves and died for regardless of their religion

Just disagreeing and praying is not enough. God requires us to bring light and clarity to what is happening. Warn those who are heading toward the cliff of politics to save America which has permeated our society.

Expose Evil

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light: for whatever makes manifest is light.” Ephesians 5:11-13.

Jesus openly rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees on how they were misleading the people. The Apostle Paul called false teachers out by name. Jesus and Paul were exposing evil because people should be warned if they are headed for spiritual disaster. Some people do this openly and some do not. Christians have to pray and do what they feel is best, and in what way, as long as they deal with the issue.

I believe that Christians should have a relationship with the Lord through reading and studying scripture and obeying, then deviations in doctrine will be evident. For example: bank tellers do not have to know the different kinds of counterfeit money. They just have to study the authentic bills and a counterfeit will be easily recognized.

I point to scriptures regarding a situation, not necessarily individuals or “ministry” personalities. If a person is not generally knowledgeable about scripture, or are being drawn into harmful false doctrine, I will intervene until they are spiritually mature enough to discern good from evil.

Many of the struggles Christians have in this world are related to some type of Spiritual warfare. False doctrines or spiritual deceptions; trying to shine a light in darkness that unbelievers are in. Or, just plain wickedness permeating the devil’s world we are instructed to fight.

Fight Spiritual Warfare with God’s Power

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20.

The amount of power God gives is probably commensurate with the relationship we have with Him. If we are in contact with Him daily and follow His guidance we may run on full power. If we are a nominal Christian we may have less to work with. Whatever stage we are in there is always room for a closer relationship with the Lord. Regardless, God has revealed to Christians what they need for the ongoing battle.

Ephesians 6:10-12 says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”

Just as we put on our natural clothing daily, we should put on the full armor of God. He has empowered, strengthened and equipped Christians to accomplish His Will and purposes. What we should remember to do is pray and obey His instructions.

In Conclusion

Relying on “God is in control” has little bearing on the reality of what is going on in this world. This is the devil’s world. This is warfare. Wars are not fought solely in the War room. Christian Warfare requires equipment, strategy and combat undergirded with prayer.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God and fight, fight, fight with purpose, words and actions. God’s power within us assures victory. The road may be tough, yet knowing that the Lord is with us as we accomplish His will gives us strength for the battle.

When we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ we can hear Him say; “Well done My good and faithful servant” to the righteous, and “Depart from Me” to the wicked who embraced everything they should have rejected.

I’m Praying that Christians will always be moving towards a closer walk with the Lord. His Will is revealed in His Word, the Bible. God has a wonderful plan for our lives. He placed us here to succeed, not to fail. To Win, not lose.

May “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 Amen.

Will the Gospel You Believe Save You, or Condemn You?

Cynthia Cummings-Walker http://www.lifeandbibleblog.com

There are so many “gospels”, depending on what your pastor, religion, country, or denomination teaches. It is crucial to know what the true gospel is. The gospel, according to the Bible, saves. A different gospel condemns.

Some definitions to clarify what each term means: The Greek word for “gospel” comes from the word “Euangelion” which translates to “good news”. The Greek origin for the word “Salvation” is “Soteria” which refers to deliverance.

The Biblical Gospel is Good News

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

Luke 4:18a “The Spirit of the LORD is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news….”

What Do You Believe Regarding the Gospel and Salvation?

Many Christians believe that salvation is based on believing the gospel, that is a free gift from God. Other Christians believe that salvation requires a series of works. Many Christians believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation.

Baptisms may require the sprinkling of water; Others believe the Christian must be submerged in water; be baptized in Jesus’ name; be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Which One of These Do You Believe?

This belief requires baptism in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins, and that salvation comes through works.

The belief is that a person must speak in tongues as a sign of salvation. The saved Christian must live a sin-free life or lose their salvation. This “salvation” is contingent upon how a person lives on a daily basis.

Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

This salvation belief is that all one has to do is believe. No baptism or works required.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Many protestant denominations say that all a person has to do is believe. Once saved, always saved.

This belief requires faith that accepts God’s gift of salvation. No baptism or human works involved.

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one can boast.” What do you believe?

A Different Gospel – Republican Politics

Galatians 1:6 “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel,”

I Timothy 4:1 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

The republican gospel is good news for you if you are a White, far-right republican, Christian nationalist, evangelical, MAGA, or everyday White supremacist. This different gospel sanctifies the republican party as a means of salvation through secular policies and laws, rather than individual’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

The god of this gospel is the president of the United States. This different gospel promotes hatred, judgement, intolerance, injustice, cruelty, criminality, terror, murder, narcissism, greed, and all kinds of deviancy. All non-republicans are considered to be on the Left, and are of the devil.

This alternative gospel is the antithesis of what scripture teaches, to love God and people. Christ’s name may be used as a hook for the naïve, racists and unbelievers. However, Christ’s life, nor His teachings have any part in this false gospel.

This Far-right gospel is preached from pulpits and podiums across the nation. Its declaration is saving a nation through the republican party, rather than the biblical gospel that transforms individuals’ lives and therefore, a nation.

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” KJV

Which gospel brings forth salvation, and which gospel brings righteous condemnation?

What Can Be Done to Circumvent False Gospels?

From Pastors, Christian leaders and everyday Christians, there needs to be a commitment to knowing and spreading the truth of the biblical gospel that leads to salvation. Otherwise condemnation is at hand for many.

Preach and Teach the Bible Accurately

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.” Exegetical teaching and preaching gives the Christian an example of how to apply scripture to their everyday life.

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”.

1 Timothy 4:6-10 “If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths…; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Evangelize and Disciple

Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Openly Condemn Heresies

When heresies were brought into the early church, the guilty were openly rebuked and condemned. Many Pastors and spiritual leaders in American do not condemn false doctrines and erroneous gospel. Whether pastors codify it or not, silence or apathy appears to be complicity.

Galatians 1:6-8 “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed.”

The Biblical Gospel

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 “Now brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

What We Do Shows What We Believe

Faith in the work of Jesus Christ saves. Faith in human works condemns. It is easy to say what we believe. Actions show what we truly believe.

Are you trying to work your way into heaven by some impossible sinless perfection?

Do you believe that Jesus Christ, the sinless sacrifice, is not good enough to save you?

Do you think the Son of God dying on the cross needs human works to solidify God’s plan of salvation?

According to Scripture: Will the gospel you believe save you, or condemn you?

John 3:18 says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”