The Blindfold of Satan - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

    It has been truthfully revealed to us that in the flesh we can do nothing to approach God. Our flesh is merely the outward sign of death, both physical and spiritual. This is the result of being born with “the sin nature.” Thanks to Adam’s failure to obey God’s command in the Garden of Eden we, as his descendants, all share one thing in common as human beings. It isn’t our language, our race, our ethnicity or any other physical human trait: it is the sin nature. So we are all born into this worldly life as equals . . . in sin. Unless we are quickened by the Holy Spirit we will all die in that sin. Why?
    First, as I stated , we all share the sin nature from birth. But there is another factor that stands in the way of our coming to Christ - the blindfold of Satan! Satan uses everything in his power to keep us from seeing the light of God’s grace. The devil knows that if he can keep us distracted with things of the flesh we will remain disinclined to seek God, and his plan has worked well since the dawn of time. “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” - John 1:5.
    So we run from the glory that is God because Satan has blinded us to “the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) When the holy Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached to us we hide our eyes and close our ears and our hearts just as the devil has taught us. “Give me the world and the things that are of the world; things I can understand! We cry. Why? Because Satan has blinded us. We are born with no desire to see God and Satan reinforces that commitment to the flesh! “How then,” you ask, “is anyone saved?” - by the grace of God and only by the grace of God.
    Since we are dead in sin we cannot possibly do anything to save ourselves. God chooses to save us and accomplishes His heavenly will through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit quickens us and regenerates us into faithful believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Unless the Holy Spirit steps in to change our sinful hearts there can be no salvation.
This is the only way to salvation: the regeneration of the heart so that we come to believe and have a living faith in Jesus Christ. God chooses us; the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts; Christ pays the price for our blindness and we are then free to see the glory of God! God - the Holy Spirit - Jesus Christ: this is grace. We don’t have to do anything; we can not do anything; we are powerless to do anything. The Holy Spirit, acting on God the Father’s behalf will open our eyes and our hearts to the saving act of self-sacrifice that Jesus Christ, God incarnate, provided for our eternal salvation.
    “How does this happen,” you ask? If your question comes from your sincere desire to know God . . . it has begun. The Holy Spirit has begun His work in you. Praise God for His love and grace! Others will walk away when you stay to hear that subtle voice in your heart. They will follow the flesh and blindly seek all the world has to offer. The blind of this world will walk unwittingly in darkness toward the pit, the lake of fire, but you walk in the light of Jesus Christ.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),  finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10.
    May we all walk as children of light; it is both pleasing and acceptable to the Lord.
   

A Godly Civilized Life - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

    Recent events reveal an America that no longer cares to work for its own bread. Street riots, violence for the sake of violence, destruction of other’s property, and the pillaging of other’s goods are earmarks of a society which no longer cares about the Godly ideas of living an orderly life, earning their own bread, or walking in Christian humility. And any man or woman bearing the Christian title, "Reverend" who supports such violent civil disobedience is no Christian, but merely a false teacher!
    Detractors of the above statement will be quick to insist that the law enforcement officers in the lead-up to such instances routinely overstep their authority and are prejudicial in serving justice. But if those citizens most often engaged in such disorderly conduct were to follow Paul’s straightforward and clearly understandable commands would such violent confrontations still occur? How? How could they possibly occur if people followed the simple rules Paul set forth in his letters to the Thessalonians.
    “ . . . that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:11 -12. Let’s take Paul’s message in its natural order: “aspire to lead a quiet life” - Paul is simply advising us that conflict and uproar do nor serve God’s ultimate purpose for our lives. “mind your own business” - more trouble is caused by people who tend to place their attention everywhere but where it belongs. We need to exemplify the Christian life by attending more to the Godly things in this life and less to the worldly! “work with your own hands” - every man or woman who is capable of working should be working, not making excuses why they can’t or won’t work. There is a  twofold result that comes from putting Paul’s advice to the test: first, not only do you show those around you that the Christian lifestyle is marked by responsible behavior including dutiful employment. Secondly, such a civil behavior and work ethic results in a man or a woman being able to “eat their own bread” as well as glorify God in the process. I’m sure that the smashing of windows and the pillaging of buildings has never glorified our Almighty God . . . and it never will! There is no social gospel at play in the world. There is no Black Liberation Theology. There is no Feminist Theology. There is no Gay Theology. God has never ordained such heresies. There is only the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us pray that all those who seek heaven take 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 to heart so that we can be what we should be in the eyes of our neighbors, but most  importantly in the eyes of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Positive Gibberish - James 4:15

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” - James 4:15

    If you do any communicating on the social media I’m sure you have encountered something like this uncountable times: some computer enhanced photograph of a butterfly with iridescent wings and an elegantly written message overlaid upon the photo saying, “I am a good person.” Aside form being just one of thousands of inane ramblings the example represents what is known a as “positive affirmation.” Seems innocent enough . . . doesn’t it? But once again - the devil is in the details!
    The notion goes something like this: never utter anything negative and nothing negative can ever come into your life. Always think and speak positive thoughts and your life will always be positive . . ad nauseam.
    From a purely human point of view people who adhere to such nonsense are not only annoying but truly difficult to interact with in an adult manner. For example, they say “We don’t dwell on negative things.” The truth is - they never even consider the negative side of life . . . at least not openly, so a serious adult-oriented conversation is out of the question. They prefer to avoid conflict rather than to take a position and defend it. Their condescension usually precedes them into the room. And if, God forbid, you hold a different opinion than they do they will give you the impression they are merely tolerating your presence. Sound like anyone you know?
    Here’s the primary problem with these “New Age Thinkers” - and that’s what they are - these folks are the very ones who most often choose a “designer god” that they find appeals to them the most! “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”  -  Exodus 20:2-3. In addition to being a New Age product these positive affirmations are spiritually crippling and lead to more desperation when the desired results fail to materialize. Of course, the proponents of this satanic nonsense from Phineas Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy at the turn of the 20th Century to the modern Word Faith Movement - Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn - all subscribe to the erroneous notion that you can “speak” prosperity and health into your life.  The concept is also known as “The Law of Attraction” and has been spuriously promoted through people like Rhonda Byrne and her book, “The Secret”. From positive mental attitudes to mantra-like mindless repetitions, people are lured away from the only real source of truth and contentment: Jesus Christ.
    Those of us who believe in God’s Word know that regardless of our circumstances the will of God for us will triumph. “ . . . in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18. And why, as believing Christians would we not want God’s will to supercede our own worldly desires? Your kingdom come. Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven. - Matthew 6:10.
    A young acquaintance of mine posted a “positive affirmation” by none other than Joyce Meyer the other day. I responded by suggesting that she pay a bit more attention to the belief systems of those she esteemed worthy of quoting: we are no longer “friends.”
     For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13. May we always place our trust in God to see to our needs. Pray and accept that His will for us is part of His plan and His plan will not be thwarted regardless of any “affirmation” - positive or otherwise.

The Most Offensive Name - Acts 4:12

  “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

    There is a word, a name, which the world finds so repugnant that it will seldom be tolerated anywhere in the public realm. It is a name that will get you removed from restaurants if you use it too often or too loudly. Castigation, rebuke, and ridicule will ultimately follow he who dares use the name without apology. Use this name at a social gathering at your own risk; you will soon find yourself carrying on a soliloquy rather than a conversation. It is a name so offensive that school boards have forbidden its use in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies. It is a name that is forbidden to be used in college debates. No politician today dares infuriate even a portion of his voter base by using it. State legislatures have been warned not to invoke this name prior to opening sessions. Military chaplains have been directed to refrain from using it as an invocation to our service men and women. What word, what name could possibly be so offensive as to be forbidden for use in the public and private sector?  There must be power and strength in this name for it to draw the ire and fear of those who oppose it’s use. What is this name which raises the hatred of the world at its mere mention? The name is JESUS!
    But why does the world hate the very name of Jesus? What is it about the name Jesus that raises the world’s animosity toward those bold enough to use it? In a word? Exclusivity!  “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” - Mark 16:16. How dare believers in the holy name of Jesus Christ suggest they have an exclusive engagement with salvation! “You shall have no other gods before Me.” - Exodus 20:3.
    In this post-modernist age which promotes tolerance of anything, multi-culturalism, and “diversity at any cost” the mere notion that there is only one way to do anything, especially one path to eternal salvation, is enough to start a riot among those who profane the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Christianity is far too exclusive for the modern mind-set. How dare we suggest that there is only one way to heaven!  “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14. This is one of the lynch-pins to the offense of Christ’s name: it is HE who declares the exclusivity of the one path to salvation. We Christians merely echo it. In this lies the fundamental source of the world’s hatred for Christ and His believers. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” - John 15:18.
    One might question the world’s hatred for Christ. “Why would the world hate Jesus, whose message was one of peace, love and forgiveness?” It is because of Christ’s underlying message that salvation comes by Him and Him alone! What about Buddhists and Muslims and Mormons and Wiccans? See the title verse for the explanation - there is no salvation except through Jesus Christ . . . period! If in doubt, review Exodus 20:3.
    Do not misconstrue the message: you may believe what you like. You may worship as you please, but without belief in Jesus as your Lord and Savior you will not spend eternity in heaven. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” - John 14:6. Herein lies the blackened heart of the enmity between the world and Jesus Christ: the refusal to believe in Him!
    May those of us who do believe in the exclusivity of Christ’s assurance for our salvation pray that others also come to believe!

Listening For God - Isaiah 30:21

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. - Isaiah 30:21

    The soundtrack of the 21st Century is a cacophony of vileness; it’s refrain is mediocrity. And amid this abhorrent and toxic background noise we strain to listen intently for the voice of God. But listen we must because it is there; it is always there!
    Hamas using “human shields” as they attack Israel - ISIS terrorists beating Muslim women for merely going outside without a man - Russian separatists shooting down passenger planes - Women in India being attacked, tortured, raped and murdered - “Honor killings,” acid attacks, and stoning of women in Pakistan - the North Korean and Iranian nuclear threat - rampant and uncontrolled abortion in the U.S. - the media/ dept. of education/federal govt.  suppression of the Christian’s right to worship publicly - a popular culture that routinely denigrates God in thought, word, and deed, etc. This is the world we live in! Is it any wonder that for some, the voice of God is barely audible?
    To hear God’s voice requires but three things from us - (1) we must “tune out” the world. I’m not suggesting that we close our eyes to what is happening around us but we need to place our focus primarily on God. We do this by:(2) Prayer. God hears our prayers and will not fail to speak to us. And (3) The Word of God. We must immerse ourselves in the Word. Tune out the world, pray fervently, and read the bible daily. Let God’s revealed words speak to our every concern.
    We must seek our Shepherd and we will find Him and hear Him.  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. - John 10:27-28.   
    The world is a terrifying place here in the 21st Century but by concentrating on God and His word we will hear Him speak to us daily, and the hearing of His word will be like music to our ears. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments. - Psalm 119:105-106.
    May we always hear the word of God over the discord of the world.

A Sermon We’ll Never Hear - Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. - Romans 12:18

    I call this verse a foundational Christian doctrine that we will probably never hear expounded upon from any pulpit. I know I never have. But I could be wrong - I certainly have been in the past. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you . . . .” Exactly what is the apostle saying to us?
    Living peaceably with others is a broad-based command which runs throughout holy scripture. It harmonizes with the command to “turn the other cheek,” among others. Yet I see this conditional aspect of the command - “If it is possible . . . .” Why wouldn’t it be possible? Why wouldn’t living in peace under all circumstances involving interactions with others depend on us? Where in the world is Paul taking us?
    As usual, I have brought out a contentious verse in hopes of clearing up any confusion that exists regarding this line. So I paraphrase - “If it is possible, as much as depends on you . . . arrive at work on time.” Is there ever any real excuse (reason) for being late then? Is there any reason that will ever mitigate your tardiness? Let’s see: I was in my car and on the road with plenty of time to spare when . . . I was stalled in traffic due to an accident; I had a flat-tire; etc. No reasonable person would hold you liable for your lateness under either of those circumstances, nor should they. It would be unreasonable and unrealistic, as well as unfair to expect you to be on time . . . under those circumstances. Circumstance can be defined as a condition relevant to an action or event. So what circumstance could alter the possibility of us living in peace with others? What could possibly alter our intention to live peaceably with other men. What would peace depend upon? But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ - Ezekiel 33:6. The sword is coming yet we do nothing to defend against it?
    Nowhere in God’s word are we called upon to be punching bags or targets for those who would kill! In fact, we are called upon to defend the widow and the orphan. Are we to assume that the defense of our own lives is somehow excluded from consideration? When read  in context, I don’t think that we can extrapolate the command to voluntary self-destruction from any verse in the bible.
    Solomon, in the great wisdom granted to him by God, expressed the idea that sometimes conflict is simply unavoidable  - A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. - Ecclesiastes 3:8. To sit idly by when we know that conflict is inevitable is not only irresponsible but foolish. So should we seek confrontation? Conflict? A fight?  Of course not, and our referenced title verse declares that left to our own resources we should always seek peace. But we would be remiss were we to walk into all situations and circumstances with a blind eye.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16. May we always seek peace with all men but let us also understand that it may not always be possible.

One Gospel and Only One Gospel - Galatians 1:6-9

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. - Galatians 1:6-8.

    Most virologists will tell you that the most dangerous thing about a virus is its ability to morph or change to make itself resistant to anti-viral medicines. What we used to prevent the flu 20 years ago doesn’t prevent the flu today. Liberation gospels are like a virus: they work themselves into an otherwise healthy host and sicken it to death, spiritual death!
    Liberation gospels, liberation theologies exist under the heading of “Contextual Theologies.” Such forms of theology (i.e gospels) are contextual because they deal with a particular demographic’s perceived “need”, as though the Gospel of Jesus Christ were not enough! And like viruses these Liberation Gospels come in a variety of profiles and colors. There is the Feminist liberation gospel, the Black Liberation gospel, the Black-feminist Liberation gospel, The Latino Liberation gospel, The Korean Liberation gospel et. al. And why stop there? What about a “Gay liberation gospel” or a “Trans-gender Liberation gospel.” Where does it all end? No, the poisonous message that such contextual  gospels send is that somehow God has a special revelation for these particular demographics. He does not!
    There is but one true Gospel - the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it was brought to Jew and gentile alike, regardless of our racial, gender, or ethnic backgrounds. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28.
    In Genesis 11: 1-9 God dispersed the world’s population and “confused the language of all the earth.” It has been suggested by biblical scholars that the diverse races of man also arose at this time. A careful reading of the remainder of the bible reveals that on no subsequent occasion did God ever “undo” this divine separation of mankind.  It was not until Acts that we see the healing or reunification of man, but only within the context, if you will, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Act 2:5-12 describe in detail the commonality of Christ’s gospel to all men from all lands. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the one thing that should unite all men again. Any other “contextual gospel” does nothing to bring unity to mankind; it merely furthers the already divisive nature of intra-human relationships, suggesting that somehow God has saved a portion of His revelation for some particular demographic based on their perceived need for both spiritual and social liberation. We need not muddy the living waters of Jesus Christ with the confusion of Babel.  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:31-33. May we always see through our differences to what we all share in Christ Jesus.