'What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. I would like you to be free from concern.'
I Corinthians 7:29-31
There has been a lot of talk on the internet about the many potential and present crises we are facing- economic, political, religious, moral, etc. To consider them collectively can take your breath away. The response I hear from the Body of Christ is mixed: some believe we should ignore these things, others argue about how the NT and OT concepts of judgment differ. Others seem to be panicking a little and preparing for the worst. David Wilkerson's recent post about a coming world calamity has gotten everyone's attention.
While I don’t pretend to have answers for all this I do believe we need to be positioned with the right attitude toward whatever we might face. Paul’s words above remind us that everything in this world is passing away. So we need to as if none of the things we face will last- we should hold all things lightly in view of the soon return of Christ.
I Corinthians 7:29-31
There has been a lot of talk on the internet about the many potential and present crises we are facing- economic, political, religious, moral, etc. To consider them collectively can take your breath away. The response I hear from the Body of Christ is mixed: some believe we should ignore these things, others argue about how the NT and OT concepts of judgment differ. Others seem to be panicking a little and preparing for the worst. David Wilkerson's recent post about a coming world calamity has gotten everyone's attention.
While I don’t pretend to have answers for all this I do believe we need to be positioned with the right attitude toward whatever we might face. Paul’s words above remind us that everything in this world is passing away. So we need to as if none of the things we face will last- we should hold all things lightly in view of the soon return of Christ.
A comprehensive approach to whatever life brings is needed. Paul tells us there is a pattern for living in Philippians:
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Philippians 3:17
He goes on in chapter four to lay out that pattern:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
There's a four point plan presented here:
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Philippians 3:17
He goes on in chapter four to lay out that pattern:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
There's a four point plan presented here:
1.) Rejoice that the Lord is returning soon!
2.) Don't be anxious- pray!
3.) Think always on what is good!
4.) Whatever your mentors do that's good practice in your own life!
The sure promise of God is that the peace of God and the God of peace will be with you.
Dear Dave,
ReplyDeleteTah-Dah!!! Drum roll please! You are up and running now w/ your blog site! Hallelujah!
Looking forward to reading more.
~I read David Wilkerson's warning and I respect his humility before the Lord. Therefore, I support this warning. I continue to believe that rather than getting into a discussion about what will/will not happen and what we will/will not experience as Christians...is that we display the wisdom of the Lord in all situations for the wisdom of God is first of all peaceable and does not create factions.
~God is God. I am not a theologian and do not profess to be one. But I do believe there are going to be consequences to the path the U.S. leadership has chosen to take. And that as Christians, we have a responsibility to live loving, holy and sanctified lives.
~May we rightly look at our lives before the Lord and ask Him as King David did - to search us, and know us, and see if there be any wicked/hurtful way in us, and to lead us in the way everlasting...on His path of righteousness for His Name's sake.
Hey, Great reading here!! Also, when is your next meeting and how are you??
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