10/27/2020
Are we of one heart and mind concerning Jesus, or do we argue about his teaching, and what He commands us to do in His gospel? As we look about the Christian world today do we see a robust house... a nation of believers who speaks with one voice, and worships in accord with one another? Or, do we see a house divided... set against itself, and that twists God’s Word to make its own points seem true?
“Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.”
Matthew 12:25 ESV
We hear a great deal today about saving our nations, or how our churches have many empty seats, and are losing their ability to speak to a modern society. These fears are not unfounded, and the failures we see are based on the fact that neither countries nor churches are speaking with one voice. In the midst of this chaos when one voice is lost, then Satan steps forward and gives people the stability they seek, he makes false claims against governments, and the Church, by misrepresenting God, and His desire for man’s institutions and governments. In this way there is an unrighteous unity presented, and neither the nations nor churches can stand for long when divided in this way.
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
Matthew 12:30 ESV
So which are we when it comes to being with Jesus? Do we seek unity with Him, or attempt to conform His gospel to our own desires? Jesus didn’t say “he who does not gather scatters”, no, there are two powerful words that are often overlooked... “with me”. This isn’t a new commandment, we are told time and again to follow after Jesus, not to negotiate with Him, or have Him follow us. Look for this commandment in these verses...
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24 ESV
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 2:21 ESV
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 ESV
There is no mystery in the fading popularity of the modern churches. Their relevance was never meant to be founded in society, but quite the contrary... society’s relevance is meant to be founded in Jesus, and His Church... the rock.
Satan argues that even Jesus changed religion by doing away with the law, but that is not true; let’s listen to what Jesus says on that subject...
““Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Matthew 5:17-18 ESV
Our faith is not dynamic and changing, it is founded in eternity, and meant to last. God’s Word is the same now, and forever. So when we hear arguments concerning the irrelevance of certain scriptures do not give those arguments any heed.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your steadfast Word, and for sending you Son Jesus to fulfill it. Thank you Lord for reigning over us, and providing us with a firm foundation on which our faith will not be divided. Have mercy on us Father when our churches, and those who call themselves disciples of Christ attempt to change what you have set for all time. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who was, and is, and is to come. Praised be your name for Jesus Christ who we are commanded to follow always. Hear our prayers for those who argue against your Word, and place the desires of man above what you have written, for they know not what they do. Open their eyes father, and make your Word real in their lives as you guide them back to you. We are distraught At the shape of the world today, and cry out before you... Come quickly Lord Jesus. Cover us Savior in your blood, and let the grace of God be sufficient for us as we follow you always.
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20 ESV
Rich Forbes