The Idol Politics

 The Idol Politics 

You know it. You feel it. You hate it. You love to hate it. You love to watch it. You try not to. It can and does rip families and friendships apart. Yet so many people identify with it. They ARE it. They believe what they are told, regardless of whether it is true or not. Sadly, the one who can tell the best story wins. 

Politics

The average American voter, my grandmother, and my grandfather were. My Mom or Dad, or both, were. Now therefore am I. Do I know the history? Nope. Do I care to know? Nope. I am because I am. Do I believe what they believe? Well, maybe not all, but have you seen the other side? 

Well ok, but do you know the history of the other side? Do you want to? Do you believe in anything that they believe? Do you even really know? Nope, but I would never. Never what? You know, uh, be like them. 

Sadly, this is true. Remember “Obama stash?” Or “I don't have to pay my rent anymore.” Do you remember sleepy Joe? The President who did not even know what his name was?  That literally did nothing. Well, created an invasion into our country by illegals. But those who voted for him could not care less. At least it was not the other guy. 

It's really funny that during the eight years of Obama and the four years of “Huh, what are we doing? Anyway, squirrel.” Mostly, non-Christians would throw this passage at me. I even saw it on TV a couple of times. 

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” 

See. God chose this person, and you, you bigot, you better do what he says. Your own Bible tells you. 

“Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”

 This is not saying what they claim. I do have a question for them, though. Are you following your own advice and listening to President Trump? I doubt it. 

“Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Because of this, you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” 

Remember what Jesus said. 

“Jesus said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.” Mark 12:17 

See. You are probably one of those Rich Republicans. 

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:1-7 

But you are not a good Christian. 

Does the Word actually tell us we have to submit to authorities? Yes. Yes, it does. However, it in no way overrides God and His Word. Look here in Titus 3:9

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

Have you ever had a moment like this? Your neighbor, or even family member, that you love and have always loved having around, comes out and says something that you cannot even fathom? They are repeating what you know are talking points on one side or the other, and they are now spewing this at you. 

It would be natural to think about it being strange, and I have asked them if they are serious. Thinking to myself, HOW? Why? How can such an intelligent person possibly think like this? I know they are smarter than this. Why? Especially if they are a child of God. 

You may even ask them things like Do you not know? 

“Righteousness exalts a nation, 

But sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs 14:34

They cannot see it. Or, they refuse to accept it. I was going to add something here, but God is leading me not to, so yeah. If you look at real history, you will discover these truths and many more that you may have never even thought about. Example? 

The Democratic Party (Founded c. 1828) 

In the mid-1800s, the Democratic Party was the party of "individual liberty" for white men and "states' rights."  The party's Southern wing was the primary defender of the institution of slavery.

Following the Civil War, Southern Democrats (often called "Redeemers") fiercely opposed Reconstruction and the granting of civil rights to formerly enslaved people.

While the Ku Klux Klan was not an official arm of the party, it functioned as a paramilitary insurgent group that worked in tandem with Southern Democratic interests to terrorize Black voters and Republican organizers.

The Republican Party (Founded 1854)

The GOP (Grand Old Party) was born specifically as an anti-slavery party, stopping the expansion of slavery into new territories. Under Abraham Lincoln, the party oversaw the Union's victory in the Civil War and passed the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery and granted citizenship and voting rights to Black Americans.

This faction pushed for aggressive civil rights protections in the South during Reconstruction. So, historically, who is the racist? 

In the early 20th Century, as the U.S. industrialized, the parties began to focus more on economic regulation. Theodore Roosevelt (Republican) championed "trust-busting" and conservation, while Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) implemented the Federal Reserve and the income tax.

The New Deal? During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) transformed the Democratic Party into the party of big government and the social safety net. This began attracting Northern Black voters and urban workers to the Democratic fold for economic reasons.

The most significant "flip" occurred during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. When Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, it caused a massive fracture. "Dixiecrats" (Southern Democrats who supported segregation) began to leave the party.

By the 1980s and the "Reagan Revolution," the South—once the "Solid South" for Democrats—had become the primary stronghold for the Republican Party, while the Northeast and West Coast became Democratic bastions.

Being honest, did you know any of that? But every election, most simply look for the D or the R, and even if they have never heard of the person, that is who they vote for. 

How does God tell us that we should be when it comes to politics? First and foremost, this. 

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 

First, yes. We need to be law-abiding, decent people. However, when the time comes (Covid, the shutdown of America, and the foreboding of the gathering together for Church, the attempt to silence the Word in Public), we must obey God and ignore those in authority. 

We are called to be orderly, peaceful, and able to at least discuss the truth of the matter.

“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 

As long as they are doing the right things according to God, then we must follow our appointed leaders. Look here, in 1 Peter 2:16-17. 

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 

The best way to avoid a political disagreement is not to talk about politics. Vote your mind, try to do what is right, and always remember, no matter who is sitting in the White House, God is always in charge. 

Have you ever gone on vacation and discovered that elections are happening? Do you really care about who wins? Probably not. Why is that? Because you are going home. While you are there, you are subject to their rules, but eventually, you will leave. No matter who holds political office, your submission is only temporary. Remember, you are just visiting; this is not your home. 

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20

Stop making politics your Idol. Do your part, vote, and be a law-abiding citizen as long as possible, until the time our Father calls us home. 

Join us next week, where we will discuss the Idol of Stuff. 

Remember, you can find so very much in the archives at TAG 

The Email is, as always, truthbygod1@gmail.com 

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Philippians chapter 4

 Chapter 4 

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2 I entreat Euodia, and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Hidden Idols

Hidden Idols

 

Today, we will be starting a series entitled Hidden Idols? We start today with this simple, yet complicated fact.

“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

Yes, of course, you may be thinking. I have read the Word, you may be thinking. I have learned the Truth. I would even say I love the Word of God. That is all good. However, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. This is what we will be talking about today. Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, LORD God, we come before you with thanksgiving in our hearts toward you for all you have blessed us with, and the ability to not only obtain knowledge, but also how to use that knowledge. With this wisdom, perhaps we may be able to be honest with ourselves about those Idols that we have out in a place before you, and the wisdom of how to overcome, to turn away, to understand that you are God. You are our Father. You must come first. We pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your truth and your revelation. In Jesus’ name. Amen! And amen. 

Yes, you have read the Word, or at least parts of it. Did you know the devil can quote chapter and verse? He was there when it was being written. The love of and desire for the Word is not a problem. Many love the Bible, even if they reject parts, change meanings, and/or exclude those things they do not like. Wanting to learn more and grow in faith is not a problem. 

Did you know that the enemies of God, and of us, want to learn the truth as well? Why? “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a hundred battles.” They think that the more they know their enemy, us, the more advantage they will have over us. 

It goes something like this. “Oh, you're one of those.” “Ok. Did you know your book says, this, or that, and you must do this or that, or you cannot do this or that?” Chances are, and they are betting on it, you have no clue. You haven’t read it. So they will win every time. 

Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data, while Wisdom is the spiritual insight and moral discipline to apply those facts rightly. The Bible warns that knowledge, when detached from love or divine purpose, can actually be detrimental to a person’s character.

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." 1 Corinthians 8:1

Without wisdom and the love that usually accompanies it, knowledge often leads to pride, arrogance, and a sense of superiority.

“You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, 'No one sees me.’' Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’ 

But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing. Isaiah 47:10-11

This refers to people who were "smart" enough to plot evil but lacked the wisdom to see the consequences or the moral compass to stop.

You can know the "what" without understanding the "why" or the "how." The Bible describes this as having eyes but not seeing.

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."James 2:19

This is the ultimate example of knowledge without wisdom. The demons have perfect theological knowledge in that they know who God is, but they lack the wisdom to submit to Him or align their lives with His will.

Biblically, the "bridge" between the two is often cited as the fear of the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

The danger begins when knowledge replaces surrender. Many people today are not pursuing God. They dress in their best clothes. They get in their vehicles and drive to the show. They see the lights, smoke, and they see the young guitarist really making it, singing. They stand, dance, and praise God. The Pastor comes, sometimes, he even puts on a show. Oh, he shares the Word. Oh, you hear the Word. Then you shake hands, and you leave the show.  “Gotta get home before the game. Got to rest for work tomorrow."

The habit or this obligation feels like you are being “spiritual.” Information feels like growth. However, information without obedience becomes pointless. The Pharisees knew Scripture deeply. They memorized it. Taught it. Defend it. And yet they missed Jesus standing in front of them. They rejected Jesus not because He contradicted Scripture, but because He threatened their control. Jesus challenged them to surrender, but they wanted power. They did not want to be led. They wanted to lead. They made themselves judges, not actual children of God. 

Many Christians say they want God. But what they really want is stimulation. They consume teaching but resist correction. They quote the truth but avoid submission. They talk about grace but refuse authority. God is reduced to an Ideal, not the Lord. He is there, but is he? One of the biggest problems is Idols. You can learn all you want. You can go to the show weekly. You can even habitually pray. But if you have placed something in front of God, that is all the church will be to you. A show. Something else to consume. 

“But I do not have any Idols in my life?” No? Are you sure? Let's look at some of the Idols that people put in front of God, sometimes, without even knowing they do. Check out this list. Is your Idol on it? Be honest with yourself. 

1- Politics

2- Material

3- Celebrities

4- Comfort and pleasure

5- Religion

6- Self 

Did you see yours? Be honest. Is your Idol on the list? Some of you have already started to tense up. To become offended. This is why we are warned. God told us so. 

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21

This is so important to God that He made it a Commandment. 

“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.” Exodus 20:5

Why? Simply put, there is only one God. 

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5  

We are instructed, even if we have placed an Idol before us, to destroy it. The exact words “put to death what is earthly in us.”  

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5 

This is what we will be discussing in this series. Some of the Idols we will discuss will be obvious; some may not be. Either way, we are told they need to go because God is a jealous God. 

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6 

I am just going to give you this warning up front. Well, ok, up front, in the middle, and at the end of this series. You may become offended. You may become angry. I say if this happens, you may have indeed found your Idol. 

God is God.  Remember the key? Jesus. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Not this Saint or that one. Not Mary. Not the statue of Jesus, but Jesus Himself. That Statue of whatever has no life in it. It will do you no good. Neither will any other than Jesus Himself. Mary, the Prophets, John, Paul, Peter, whatever, were for a time, and are now in Heaven with God. Just like you will be when you leave. So they can not do anything for you themselves. Let alone their likenesses. 

In the end, your bank account will not save you. Your faith in your job, self, or anything else will not save you. There is only one savior, one mediator between God and us; His name is Jesus. Do you know Jesus? Do you want to? Ask Him. 

Simply "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

Remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

Join us next time when we look at the first Idol that many have, but few even know it is an idol. It has power. It can breed hate and division, tear families apart, and completely take over your very identity. What is it?  Politics. 

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Philippians Chapter 3

 Philippians 3

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Without God, It Is Too Late

 Without God, Too Late

We are talking about sinners perishing without knowledge. We have already talked about this as a fact, and this is the main reason we are called to share the Gospel. This is our, everyone's, obligation. If they choose not to listen, that is their choice. However, there will come a time when it is too late. 

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, LORD God, we come before you today to learn your truth through Your Word. We are discussing the sad fact that although you are patient and kind, not rushing the end to come in, your hopes that all, or as many as possible, will come to repentance and be saved, there will come a time when this is too late. Please Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your Word today, in Jesus name, Amen!

Look here.

“Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer. 

They will seek me diligently but will not find me. 

Because they hated knowledge 

and did not choose the fear of the LORD, 

would have none of my counsel

and despised all my reproof,

Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their way, 

and have their fill of their own devices. 

For the simple are killed by their turning away, 

and the complacency of fools destroys them;

but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease,

without dread of disaster." Proverbs 1:28-33

I was just debating elsewhere about the “End Times.” This is coming. Make no mistake about it. Please, do not get bogged down with worry or any speculation as to when this will happen. Or who the anti-Christ is, rather, simply occupy until he comes. 

This will happen. The end will come. He will be who he is, come when he comes, and Jesus will return when He does. The Day of the Lord will be as real as today, in God’s time. Jesus said this. 

"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Right there proves EVERYONE wrong who tries to claim this day or that day, etc. Do not fall for the lies.  

“Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.” 

We are the servants. We are the ones Jesus is saying to stay awake. Keep watch. Be ready. 

Therefore, stay awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." Matthew 13:32-37

Now, is He saying we cannot go to sleep? Of course not. He is saying keep watch. Be ready. Do not be lulled into the sleep of this world so as not to see the signs. To not do the Will of the Father. Not to be the children of God that God wants us to be. 

Are we seeing signs? Absolutely. We are seeing Romans one play out right in front of our eyes. 

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” 

Anytime you are asked, “But what about those who do not know?” The Word says there is no excuse for not knowing. 

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,” 

Remember, the Wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. 

“and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”

Look around, folks. 

“For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”

Homosexuality- Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few.

Transgenderism- Deuteronomy 22:5, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Pedophilia - Mark 9:42, Luke 17:1-37, 2 Timothy 3:1-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-6

Beastiality- Leviticus 18:19-30, Exodus 22:19

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1

People are being shot for preaching. Churches are being set on fire. People half naked in the streets, literally barking at street preachers, and people asking simple questions. It is getting worse. It will get worse. 

We are seeing a rise in false churches and false teachers, which is fulfilling 2 Timothy 4:3-4. This is where we see the “Itchy Ears” warning playing out.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 

A "Sin-free church." Is there such a thing? Sadly, yes. There is a growing number of churches that refuse to teach about sin. Here are some examples of what I would call a "Sin-Free Church."

One that ignores sin.

One that denies sin.

One that glorifies sin.

One that ignores sin.

Have you ever been to a church that gives you half a message? God loves you. He created you. He wants nothing but the best for you. You are good. You are loved. You are perfect the way that the loving God made you. Think of people like Joel Osteen. He is not the only one. Sadly, there are many, many more, and also sadly, it is a growing trend: preachers who get in the pulpit and do nothing but give you affirmations.

One that denies sin.

They claim that sin is not truly sin. We are cautioned about these individuals, as well as those who condone or celebrate sin.

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,

who put darkness for light and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

One that glorifies sin.

If your church or the church you are visiting has a Gay Pastor or a Transgender Pastor. Leave. Get up and walk out. Why?

“By this, it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:4-10

The time is coming. I would say it is here. In Second Timothy 3

“But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,”

Here is where even we, as children of God, must be cautious.

“having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7

This is why it is so important to tell people about Jesus. Today is the day, now is the time. If they say, or perhaps you are saying, “I will look into this stuff tomorrow.” The sad truth is that tomorrow may never come.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near;

let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

Neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts more than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9

What are you going to do when you go to sleep here and wake up standing in the presence of the LORD of Lords, and the KING of Kings? “But I didn’t know.” Not true. “I did not understand.” Not true. “But I did not want to believe it.” Sadly, this is true. “Give me a chance.” I did. I came and died for you. All you had to do was accept my free gift. 

“But I did not believe I had to give up those things I loved. Besides, I did not believe they were sins.” I gave you a life manual. You heard from my Word what is sin and what is not. “But I was offended when they told me, and what makes them right?” I do. My Word does. “But I hate religion.” So do I. Too many man-made doctrines substituted for mine. I wanted a relationship with you. I could not care less if you eat meat on Fridays or take that extra step on the Sabbath. I wanted you. 

“But I did not believe it.” Did you not, though? I gave you every chance. I sent people into your life. I put my Word in front of you in many ways. Inside, that tug, that was me. The desire to stop doing what you knew was wrong was me calling you out. I gave you every chance, you left me no choice but to give you up to your debased mind and hardened heart. Now? Now it is too late. Join them on the left. “But Lord, please. I believe.” Sorry, child, it is too late. You made your choice. ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Do not wait until it is too late. 

Simply "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

Remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!