A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


June 29, 2014

James 3:1 and 2 Timothy 4:3

Not many [of you] should become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].


 For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold

     These words have such meaning for us in these days.  I have especially experienced the truth of them this week.  I want to make it clear that I do not consider myself worthy of being called a "teacher"; I believe that is reserved for those who have a sanctified calling on their lives to train and instruct and edify.  I merely have a passion for knowing my God and speaking from my heart.  I do not claim that my words are more important than anyone else's.  Every person has the ability to educate themselves in the Holy Word.
      That being said, I can say that I know what it feels like to be condemned by those who do not wish to hear what I have to say about my faith; by those who do not revere the Bible, as I do.  It is tiring and upsetting to hear committed Christians accused of "tap-dancing" around our apologetic arguments, or our Holy God referred to as "that crazy Jehovah".  
     But just as the writers point out, people do not want to consider what the Bible says as truth because it doesn't harmonize with what makes them feel good, or it doesn't agree with the accepted cultural opinion.  And these opinions, by the way, are encouraged by people who have never taken any serious time to study the Word of God.  They don't know the history, let alone what God actually has to say, and why He says it.  They don't have a clue how the Old Testament and the New Testament are actually one covenant between God and those who believe in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.  They just know that it says what they are doing is wrong.
     Rather than exploring why Jehovah might warn against their behavior, and any benefits they might derive from this information, they choose to make themselves and their desires higher than Him.  And they will look for guides, and instructors, and authors, and mentors, and professors, and, yes, even pastors that will support the misguided and grandiose view of their own judgments. 
     In the end, the more uncomfortable a Biblical view makes them feel, the more they must condemn and ridicule it.  The alternative is to admit there might be some truth in our faith, which would undermine everything they stand for.  So, I can see why Scripture warns us that not too many should put themselves in the position of standing up to the culture.  It's a thankless job and you are sure to be mocked and scorned.  But what greater service can you give to the Lord?  Whatever we have to endure for Him, is nothing compared to what he suffered for us.  It is a privilege to defend my faith in the face of derision and contempt.  And what an honor to promote the Truth to a fallen world.


4 comments:

  1. I personally want to say thank you for all that you do in sharing the Gospel and Truth of our Lord. It helps me daily to look deeper into what God is wanting us to know of His Truth and how to live our lives. We are living in difficult times and what you bring to light helps those of us who love the Lord to move forward.

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    1. I honestly wish I knew more of how to encourage us to live in these times. All I can do is fall back on my faith and the knowledge that God is Sovereign. He is in control of what will happen and it is never His plan to harm those who belong to Him. That being said, we will not suffer His judgment, but He warns us that we will suffer persecution in the name of our Savior. We must be ready in both body and spirit. Now is the time to encourage each other through prayer and service.

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  2. Belle Ringer you are right. I, likewise do not want to be called a teacher, for fear of teaching my personal understanding of Gods word as fact. I have not had divine instruction to teach but have studied hard to achieve my understanding of what I believe God has revealed to me. If I feel called for anything, it is to be a watchman. I think God has prepared me my entire life for these times. Being an orphan, I grew up quick, becoming "streetwise" very early. I went down the wrong road a long ways, learning a lot about Satan and his ways, before finding Christ. I was twenty three, sitting in jail, facing twenty years for selling drugs, carrying a concealed weapon as well as a group of other charges. At that point I quit blaming God for my life and admitted I had made those choices and had failed miserably. I prayed to God to bail my but out of this mess I'd gotten myself into. He did, I received three years of probation and only had to report for two years! No fines, court costs, probation fees or prison! My PO just happened to be the judges son, who asked me who I knew, as he could count on one hand the number of drug offenders who got off with probation with his father, who was the strictest judge in Cincinnati. I was happy to smile and say there really is a God! My upbringing taught me to always be aware of my surroundings and recognize evil very quickly. I do not claim to have been called and have chosen to follow, willingly to be of any service to my Lord. I see Christians of today desiring to twist Gods word and select only portions of his teachings to make a new religion that conforms to societies desires. This sounds like the false religion of the end times, Mars Hill comes to mind. I do not care if people call me names, or ridicule me, for I am no stranger to this. God blessed me with broad shoulders. I will stick to what I believe to be true. God bless you for standing up!

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    1. Isn't our God amazing? You, personally, know His power and mercy. What a blessing! Because of the trials you have been through, you need never doubt His existence again and know that you can call upon Him to deliver you and protect you. I fear that too many American Christians have fallen for Satan's deception that this Christian life is to be easy and comfortable, so that when the persecution comes, they will not be able to endure. They have also embraced his lies that the culture is more important than God's Word. I am just so thankful that Jesus pursued me until I stopped running, and that I know who He truly is. And I praise Him for rescuing you and setting you upon your righteous path. God bless you and I know you will be beside me when the hard times come.

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