JUST BECAUSE

JUST BECAUSE

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away” Matthew 24:35

I am astonished and amazed how the Word of God is discarded, and no longer held to be true, effective and absolute. I am astonished and amazed how the majority opinion or the group that makes the loudest noise trumps the truth of the Divine Word. I am astonished and amazed that people listen to other people than the truth taught in Scripture.

But in reality, I should not be astonished and amazed, since the Apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son Timothy saying: “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” (2 Timothy 4:3). We are seeing this first hand more and more each day. The focus falls on what brings joy and immediate pleasure in the here and now rather than serving others. Passion rules the day rather than Christ ruling their hearts.

You have witnessed the changes of how God’s Word has been discarded and disregarded. People no longer attend worship service on a regular basis. It is not important to be in His house to feed on His Word, be nurtured and strengthened in the service to God and neighbor. What is right is viewed as wrong, and what is wrong is held as truth. And it is getting worse all the time.

In the past two weeks the number of states recognizing same-sex marriages has risen from nine to 12, with new marriage bills signed into law in Rhode Island, Delaware, and – on Tuesday (5/14/2013) – our neighboring state—Minnesota. Public polls in recent weeks confirm that more Americans than ever before accept the idea of same-sex marriage. Just because polls or people think it is right; it is not. God’s true and changeless Word said so. We, Christians, are held to a higher authority than our consciences.

Sin is no longer viewed as damning or destructive to the soul. Living contrary to God’s Word is accepted by the majority. Having a sexual relationship before marriage is no longer viewed as sinful or wrong. It is easily accepted as just another choice, as in deciding what kind of soda to reach for and open. Living together before marriage is viewed in the same way. It is not considered wrong or shameful. Abortion is held in the same way as my right to do what my passion desires; my circumstances determines right and wrong, and not God’s Word and promise.

Just because the government, Supreme Court, or the majority declare it is ok to practice unbiblical life-style, it is not right. This is a clear violation and disregard to the truth of Holy Scripture. We as Christians, can’t join the voices of the majority, but must hold on to the truth as taught in Holy Scripture.

Paul, in his letter to the Church at Corinth stated: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Here are the warnings of what will happen when we disregard and discard the precious Life-Giving Word of Christ that is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. This Word helps us realize what is true, and guides us in the journey of life to live for Him as His sanctified people. This Word in faith makes us His people. As His people, we live differently.

We are a unique people. We are sanctified by His blood shed on the cross of Calvary for us. This redemptive act makes us different from the world! The world may say it is permissible for you to practice all of these sinful activities, but we must hold on to the Living Word and what it states is true and right. Not everything that is permissible for you is profitable for your eternal soul!

Paul in 1 Thessalonians wrote: Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you (4:1-8).

These words inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by Paul, are the shining light for us as Christians as we walk humbly before Him all the days of our lives. This is not only against the sins mentioned above but against all sins; because sins damns destroy and leads to death.

Just because certain groups think this life-style is right by the eyes of people, it doesn’t make it correct in the sight of God. For the Savior Himself has stated: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35) and again Jesus taught, “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18). Notice the emphasis from the lips of Christ, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law… No matter what others say, it doesn’t make it right or acceptable in the sight of God.

I recently saw a sign that stated: “Minnesota: Where all the WOMEN are strong, the MEN are good- looking, and the MARRIAGES ARE EQUAL.” How blatantly wrong is that statement! Many have elevated and are holding on to the word of man instead of the Word of God. Christ have mercy on our nation for the way we disregard and discard His Word. Lord, have mercy.

Just because the majority opinion approves it, doesn’t make it right. What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right. Repentance is the order of the day. This repentance will lead us to confess and cling to the Holy Truth that marriage is one man and one woman for life. This is defined not by a legislature or legal system. It is the truth of the One who designed the whole system in eternity, God Himself!

It is the right time to get down on our knees and pray to God to open the eyes of the blind, soften the hearts of unbelievers to come to His grace and receive forgiveness. Forgiveness received ONLY through Christ, the power to resist sin; and peace and contentment in Him. Then our nation will be healed. We will find the answers to our society’s problems.