We will not be shaken

We will not be shaken

"You are my witnesses, says the Lord,

and my servant whom I have chosen,

so that you may know and believe me

and understand that I AM He." (Isaiah 43)

I almost weep when I read Philippians. Christ had barely ascended to heaven and the Church was already in schism. The Church is growing in the work and power of God the Holy Spirit just as promised by Jesus yet men are springing up everywhere to lead God's children astray. The Truth is so precious and powerful that the powers of darkness must respond; not able to overcome it, they surround it and conceal it in layers of lies and heresy! And sadly - there are always people who are more than willing to cooperate in darkness for worldly gain.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits 

to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets 

have gone out into the world." (1John 4)

"But false prophets also arose among the people,

just as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies" (2Peter 2)

It almost seems unbelievable! But then we realize, the hearts of people have not changed - we remain fallen to sin. The Truth remains concealed and distorted and disguised among the clutter of our sin. The Word of God made flesh, who walked among us is still being denied and contradicted. Who is bearing WITNESS of Jesus? Sadly too many (if not most) of us treat the Word as a mere philosophy, anthropology or ideology - we are not theologians shaped by the Cross rather we are philosophers, anthropologists, and ideologues shaped by the world.

Today can we pray for reformation? Can we pray for a returning to clear precise truth of God? 

When we hear Scripture explained through the lens of me and my problems, my desires and my concerns; when we hear preaching promising wealth, health, fame and fortune we are not hearing the teaching of the Christ pierced and murdered on a Cross. If those teachings are true, why was Paul beheaded and Peter crucified and John banished to Patmos?  Ask why Apostles and Martyrs must bear witness even in torture and death? In the shadow of the Cross how is it that we in the blessed west live quietly secure in comfort and prosperity while our brothers and sisters shout the Gospel in poverty and persecution? Let us pray for reformation!

"honor such people, because he came close to death

for the work of Christ"

Today hear the prophet calling Israel to witness. Today we hear the apostle calling the Church to witness. Today, hear your commission to go. God has called out across the ages for His people to bear Him witness. How do we respond? Is it yes or is it no? Even when it hurts, is it yes or is it no? When we lay down our lives we find life. The Church will not be shaken because God is true:

"you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; 

and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, 

and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1)