As you look at the insane antics of our culture do you begin to think that the world has gone mad? It seems to me that common sense has sold out to approaching anarchy. Dr. Michael Youssef spoke about Post-Modernism and he clarified much of what is happening. What follows is what I remember of what he said.
In the 4th century Rome made Christianity the official religion of the Roman world. In the 14th century the Reformation happened. This was undermined by the Renaissance. The foolish slogan was – I think therefore I am. The power went from God to the Roman Catholic Church. But a group of people escaped the persecution in Europe and arrived at Plymouth Rock to live by and teach the authority of the Word of God. By our present time post-modernism has affected every area of society – education – business – government and, sadly, even the Church. Now what is important is the outside, not the inside. It’s your appearance – how you look and character doesn’t count for anything. Hollywood has obscured reality. Morality has nothing to do with right and wrong but only on how the individual feels. Your feelings are the compass and if it makes you feel good, then it’s right. Marriage, gender, sexual activity are based on personal feelings – not on wrong and out-dated laws. Western governments are oppressive and Law Enforcement has no right to authority over us. The Bible is archaic and irrelevant. There is no absolute truth. Truth differs according to the circumstances. Your truth may not be my truth. There are many false gospels being preached. God is dethroned and man is enthroned. Tolerance – accept anything and everything. The only exception must be according to the rule of A – B – C - - anything but Christian!
After hearing Dr. Youssef, it won’t surprise you that I had a feeling of heaviness. So I had a good talk with the Lord. He reminded me that He is still in charge.
Years ago, in my lifetime, even unsaved people had some knowledge of Bible stories and commandments. But now even some Christians doubt its veracity and flaunt its laws. A survey was conducted in which many who called themselves born-again Christians said there were many ways to God. Thereby calling Jesus a liar Who said (John 14:6) I am the Way and no one comes except by Me.
During the Renaissance (14th -16th century) there was a revival of learning in Europe which began in Italy and spread to other countries. It was a transition from medieval to modern history. My mind sees many roads followed by the culture which lead to despair and destruction. A way that seems right (Proverbs 16:25) but ends in death – eternal death – where many will end up in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15) in which they will never believe until they are hurled into it. There is only one WAY to hope and life and His Name is JESUS.
Even listening to the NEWS could be a downer but for us it serves as a reminder that God has never stopped being absolutely Sovereign. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof (Psalms 24:1) the world and they who dwell therein. The Lord has prepared His throne in the heavens (Psalms 103:19) and His kingdom rules over all. He planned the maturity of the times (Ephesians 1:10) and the climax of the ages to unify all things in heaven and earth and consummates them in Christ.
Whether it is a heathen king (Cyrus) or a brutally cruel nation (Assyria) or a satanically inspired Jew-hater (Antiochus IV) - - all become tools in God’s hand to accomplish His purpose. His Sovereignty is constant and eternal.
Who is he who speaks (Lamentations 3:37) and it comes to pass if the Lord has not authorized and commanded it?
Besides our frequent culture shocks there is something else, gravely important for us to remember. Every 6 minutes, somewhere in the world a believer is murdered for his steadfast loyalty to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. In labour camps and prisons Christians are horrendously tortured for refusing to deny Jesus. Who could tally up the grief and deprivation of the families of these precious saints?
Are we too comfortable to care? Only where the Church is persecuted are large numbers of people being drawn to the Saviour for salvation. Why there? Because through the Persecuted Church Jesus is smashing through the gates of hell, invading the kingdom of darkness and binding the strong man. The evil strong man is not bound here – he roams freely. What will it take to wake up the Church in Europe and North America? Awake O sleeper (Ephesians 5:14) and rise from the dead! Will God grant us a purifying persecution – OR – is it already too late for us?
Where are your thoughts right now? How should we then live? The men of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32) had understanding of the times. Do we? God promised Joshua 1:8) that if he would meditate on God’s Word day and night and obey it – he would have success wherever he went. I’m not talking about reading the Bible 12 hours daily. Of course we have to study – work – cook – clean – and etc. and double etc. But I am talking about reading and meditating sufficiently so that God’s eternal Truth fills our hearts and minds. Then whatever the situation – the living Truth will be our guide for the right words – response – attitude – action. When we are free to let our thoughts go wherever – where do they immediately go? If they go to the latest fashion – current fad – TV serials – movies – sports stars – or? We are already in trouble – flirting with idols and ripe for Stan’s deceptions. A clean movie or TV program is not sinful unless it becomes essential to us and dominates our thoughts. Our minds matter. If we are not on guard our minds can become Satan’s playground. Definitely he does not want us to keep ourselves alert to the times. Just look at what is happening in our schools to-day and we wonder if nobody can think straight. A horrible vacuum was left when the Bible was taken out of the schools – so Satan moved in. Now we understand – and look for the Coming of the King of Righteousness.
This is an ongoing command: Grow and keep on growing (2 Peter 3:18) in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Everything in my life that hinders the reproducing of the very Life of Jesus in me – I want nailed to the Cross. Here is my grand, encouraging assurance. In my position in Christ everything contrary has already been nailed to the Cross. The Refiner’s fire works on my behalf in order to gradually, throughout my life, bring me closer and closer to my glorified position (Ephesians 1:3) in the heavenly realms. It will be a perfect match when I see Jesus,
Oh, how I love Him, how I adore Him, My Breath, my Sunshine, my all in all; The great Creator, became my Saviour And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him
Shortly after 4 o’clock this morning the Lord gave me a precious jewel of reminder and I want you to enjoy it too.
He said –
“By faith and not by sight does not make it any less real”
Then another jewel as I was praying. I look at (Lamentations 3:37) as nothing can happen against God’s will. That is correct but I got a new insight. Now when I pray for certain impossible things, I say (Lamentations 3:37) in reverse. Lord I am speaking words and asking You to command and authorize them. Then I know there is no possibility that they won’t happen.
