Satans deception is in convincing an individual that they can be racist and christian at the same time.
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. And if you are Christs, then you are Abrahams seed, and heirs according to the promise. ( Galatians 3:28-29 NKJV ) It is to be expected of a nonbelieving world that it would have racial strife and cultural division, though when such problems can be said of believers in Christ as well then the type of Christianity one is thus practicing has sadly more to do with the failed Adamic expectations of this world, rather than the victorious hope of the one to come.
Obviously there are many problems in life that are essentially unavoidable and at the same time conveniently used by the Lord in His plan for our lives. Some external problems in fact can become so serious that it is best to deal with them lawfully for the good and safety of all. On the other hand an individual can have internal problems within their soul that are unquestionably a result of the fallen man and at times even reinforced by likeminded fallen individuals. In some cases such problems can even be a result of, or reinforced by a so-called christian pulpit that conveys a message that only succeeds in strengthening the problematic ways of such troubled souls.
In Galatians chapter 5 and verses 19-21 while referring to behavior(s) in life that suggest one will not inherit the kingdom of God the apostle Paul in verse 20 mentions,” idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions ,jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, dissensions, and heresies”. Now let us be clear that once a sinner receives Jesus as their savior his or her sin ,past, present, and future are thus paid for by the blood of Christ and not even the sin they have yet to commit can keep them from a heavenly destiny. Nonetheless, it is also possible to think one belongs to the Lord ( religiously speaking ) yet that not be the case. Matthew 7:21-23 refers to ones who have supposedly prophesied in Christs name, cast out demons in His name, as well as having done wonders in His name yet are referred to as those who “practice lawlessness” and were thus prevented from inheriting the kingdom of God.
If as a preacher my preaching is often weighed down with a message overly concerned with social ills ( politics ? ) though I may be well intentioned I unfortunately may be misled as to how much this world ( the cosmos ) can change. Thats not to suggest that christians should not voice their convictions, or even become public servants, but one must first realize that in Adam there is simply no eternal light capable of changing things for truly good. In fact, according to Romans 8:7, ” the carnal mind ( Adam ) is at emnity ( opposed ) to God, and is not subject to the law of God nor can be “. Consequently, if I consider myself a believer in Christ then I will not be so “easily” drawn into Adamic affairs to the extent that I become hateful and even jealous of others more or less fortunate than myself. I will not be easily contentious and as a result prone to outbursts of wrath. And lastly according to the previously mentioned verse in Galatians I will not let selfish ambition “rule” my soul causing dissension and heresies all of which mislead believers and nonbelievers alike. At the end of Johns gospel, Peter, having been told by the Lord about a seemingly dissapointing portion of his future inquires as to Johns future as well, to which Jesus replies haltingly that Peter should instead be more occupied with following his Lord!
As we continue our journey through The Old Testament we once again find ourselves in the Book of Numbers the 10th chapter. And as the children of Israel depart Moses finds out that his father-in law ( a Midianite ) has decided to return home rather than take the journey. In verse 32 in an attempt to convince his father-in law otherwise he then tells him that whatever good the Lord shows the children of Israel they will extend the same to him. For in doing so, Moses, a true heir of the promises of God, seeks to assure through the faith of Abraham that all are one in the family of God.
O.N.RIDER is seminary educated and living in Baltimore MD
Personal encouragement: Read more books rather than watching to much television!
All devotionals of The Hour Glass by O.N.Rider can be found at http://bc3f86.wordpress.com/
