The World Is a Thorn- Part 1

-->

The World Is a Thorn- Part 1

The Bible often mentions the word “World” and it can be referring to different things. It can simply mean “World” as in; Land, country, earth or nations. Or it can mean worldliness/spirit of the age. Obviously when Jesus says;

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

“Therefore the world hates you” here Christ is using the term “World” to mean spirit of the age. We know as Christians we are called to not be of “The World”, meaning we don’t get our identity, we don’t get our morals and understanding of what is true from what is culturally acceptable or culturally  not acceptable. We are shaped and defined by God and His word, which never changes. Because we submit ourselves to the authority of scripture over human logic and emotional whims we are going to be at odds with the culture I.E the world. The bible constantly affirms that we will be at odds with the majority, and most of us understand this, though it is hard to accept, because we don’t want to feel like an outcast, we want to be socially accepted and apart of the world/culture. So as a believer it becomes easy to adopt worldly standards and let the culture shape our world view, rather than letting scripture shape our world view, because if we let the bible shape our world view than the current culture will hate you just as Jesus said.

It is easy when the Spirit of the age or current culture happens to embrace biblical standards to live out our faith and proclaim Christ, but what happens when it doesn’t? The culture changes like the seasons, and what is right or wrong is based on human standards, not moral accountability to God. This can become frustrating, disheartening, overwhelming, even though we are warned that we are not of this world, even when we have scripture that confirms this is what it is going to be like. It is so easy to disengage from the world, to shut off, become bitter letting our differences cause us to become hateful. It causes us to build up our walls to become isolationists, and instead of showing what makes us different by our love we show what makes us different by our separation and judgment.

Do not get the wrong idea, we are suppose to stand firm on Gods word, and defend it at all cost, and we are suppose to be very different from the world, we are not to adopt their standards to be more acceptable by any means. However, if we let the bitterness of the way the world is divide to the point we stop living our Christian duty to serve, to the point where we isolate ourselves to only be with people that agree with us, Oh… than we have in the end let the world shape us, we have let the world deflate us, we have let it corrupt us, we have let the world rob us of hope of our Christian duty to be a witness. How are we a witness of light if we let the darkness over take us? Do not be fooled, Satan will get you off course by any means he can, and if he cant make you love the world and adopt its standards than he will make you become so bitter and full of anger that you start to loose your heart for the lost. This is exactly how you find out if you have become bitter… do you have a care and concern for the people who are of the world? Those who are so lost and deceived and far from God? Or do you look at them with anger, pride, and hate

Just begging for the wrath of God to come, that Jesus would return quickly because you can’t stand the decay and state of the world.

I know, that sounds ridiculous, who would think like that? But if we are honest with each other…haven’t a lot of us become like that? Its hard not to, when what we stand for has been so trampled over, when we feel so alone with our ideals and we see such moral decay. We can’t loose heart, no matter what, we can’t loose our identity as Christians, we can’t loose our heart to serve and our purpose of being a witness to the world, because if we become hateful and full of bitterness than we are no different than the world itself.

Why do you think Jesus said;

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Do you think He said that so He can prepare us to hate back? Or do you think He said it so we are prepared for the response the world would have towards us? Obviously it is the latter and the reason for this is so that we do not become bitter, so that we do not loose hope In the response of the world to the gospel, for it is the natural response, and if it wasn’t for the grace of God we would still be responding as the world does. Jesus, before He makes the statement that the world will hate you, tells the disciples to love one another, that there is no greater love than to lay ones life down for his friends. We are called to live a life of sacrifice, a life of servitude, not just to those who agree, but to those who we don’t. I think of the martyrs who lived their faith in the opposition of it, the world hated them but they didn’t try to be accepted by the world, nor did they become bitter to the world and stop preaching the gospel because they were faced with opposition…they lived their faith to death.

This world is disheartening, to see how the culture is shaping our Christian faith, to see how some are letting it shape their faith…drives us to righteous anger, and in some aspects it should. To see what American Christianity has become is disgusting, and we need to speak against it, we need to stand against it and not be defined by it. The state of this world should break our hearts, to see what is accepted should cause us to be ashamed. What we can’t let it do is drive us to bitterness, The world is definitely a thorn and we can’t be shaped by it….but don’t let it cause you to loose hope, do not let it cause you to not pray, do not let it cause you to not weep for the lost and do not let it stop you from serving at all costs.

It is so easy to lose hope, to become bitter, when what is in our face is opposition, when we see the state of this country and those who are running politically, when we see movements of racism (BLM), or movements of ridiculousness (Transgender rights) when we see heresy from those claiming to be Christians. We cannot lose hope, lose faith, do not let the world build in you a fearful bitter heart or you will ironically become what you’re suppose to be set apart from.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15

Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:8-12

Vote for the lesser of Evils?

**WARNING***

What you are about to read will offend,

and will upset your "apple cart".

I will get political while remaining biblical (imagine that)

I will call out falsehood

I will not allow "emotionalism" or "fear" to sway me. 

May the Holy spirit convict, and speak through this blog

and that goes for myself too.

***WARNING***

Yes, you will leave him too, 

with your hands on yours heads(in shame).

For Adonai rejects those in whom you trust;

from them you will gain nothing.

Jeremiah 2:37

Good Ol' Jeremiah, my favorite book of the bible. 

The time of Jeremiah and backsliding Israel,

reminds me of western christianity, specifically speaking

it reminds me of America, who considers itself a christian nation but is far from it. a verse that always is in the back of my mind is "They turned their backs to me but not their faces" that's Jeremiah, Jeremiah 2:27 and I think it's found elsewhere in Jeremiah too.

Tell me, have we as a country and culture stood by God and His principles? His commands? are we even seeking to? We've completely snubbed our noses at God, turned our backs to what He commands us to be, and at the same time have our hands out asking for His "blessing". It's abhorrible, we want God on our side but in no way shape or form want to live for Him.

I'm talking about "Christians", those who claim to follow, but have more concern for themselves and their lively hood than they do about God Himself, you know, those who refuse to die to themselves, but still want to claim to be united with Yeshua(Jesus). I'm not calling out unbelievers in America, that's not my job, after all unbelievers are just being what they are suppose to be. I'm calling out those who claim to be of the body of HaMashiach(The Messiah). Thought I'd clarify such before I get into this can of worms..

As we all know In America the elections are coming upon us, It's almost November already, and while some of us have lost hope and have chosen not to even vote, I've noticed an alarming trend amongst those who claim to be followers of Yeshua(Jesus). This trend I am speaking of is "FEAR", now obviously fear is nothing new, it's as old as creation, and political fear or the popular "Vote for the lesser of evils" is as old as politics. My question is, have we even really thought about "Vote for the lesser of evils"? 

(this is where the apple cart upsetting starts)

What do you think God thinks about your choice to "vote for the lesser of evils" do you think He thinks its noble? Let me answer that for you…NO! God looks at evil as…well...EVIL! there is no distinction between "evils", it's like saying you told a "white lie"..God still looks at it as a lie, and it's like saying being a homosexual is wrong and at the same time saying it's ok to heterosexually sleep outside of marriage, to God both are a sin and both are equally wrong.

But wait…wait…wait..this is politics..right? what does God have to do with politics? we are not voting for a rabbi/pastor we are voting for a president..

Woe to those who call evil good

and good evil,

who change darkness into light

and light into darkness,

who change bitter into sweet

and sweet into bitter!

Isaiah 5:20

We may not be voting for a rabbi/pastor but the fact of the matter is God isn't for evil(sin) He is abhorrently against it, the bible makes that crystal clear, The Son was crucified because of sin(our sinfulness), not to tolerate sin but to fundamentally ABOLISH IT! To answer the question of what does God have to do with politics? what doesn't He have to do with it? Is He not in control of all things? He's the one who puts people in positions of power, and we as a "free" country our privileged to be able to vote for the leader of the country.

Now some may say, if God's in control and puts people in power, then why even bother voting?

To me that's like saying "God's the one that heals and feeds the poor, why even bother trying to help?"

The fact is I know whoever wins the election will win because God has a purpose and a plan in it(It could very well be to pour out His wrath), but that doesn't mean that I don't get involved and vote for someone who stands by God and His word. My conscious before God will be clean in who I vote for, because I sought to stand by His word and not compromise with evil out of fear of the other party.

Romney is considered the lesser of evils compared to the democrat runner Obama, I suppose I could see how some people could think that…but the truth is there isn't much difference between the two. Asking me to choose between Romney and Obama is like asking me to drink either cyanide or nuclear waste…

Which is why I find it alarming that Christians in this country are supporting Romney, mainly it is out of fear of having another four years of Obama. First of all, like I just said if you honestly look at Romney and Obama they are not that different, second why don't you go read your bible and see what happens when you put FEAR ahead of God. That's the problem with people now adays, they run around with chickens like their heads cut-off basing their whole life on FEAR and not the good kind of FEAR…like the FEAR OF THE LORD, that's the only FEAR you should have. If Christians aka followers of Yeshua(Jesus) in this country actually had a fear of the LORD then they certainly wouldn't be voting for a mormon, and they would also be seeking to stand by Gods commandments, but thats a whole other story. Or maybe come to think of it it's not another story at all, this country is going to get what it deserves for mocking God, for claiming to follow Him but ignoring His commands.

Romney puts on a front that he's pro-life but he's far from it, he's also for homosexual marriage and the very "god" he worships isn't the one true God of Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob. But yet, you'll vote for him because he's not Obama? because he's white and maybe a little less socialistic? What is with Christians who just vote Republican  and think they are doing God's will? they don't do their research…they don't check the fruit…they just vote R and think they are good christian Americans for doing so. I respect someone who chooses not to vote more so then one who just votes for one party because they put the party before the standards of God. Not that my respect means a thing, but seriously when are those who claim to be of  Meshiach(Christ) going to start living like it? When are you going to wake up from your westernized entertainment driven selfish mind-set….and….

DIE TO YOUR SELF!(Matthew 16:24,Mark 8:34, Galatians 2:20)

For my people have committed two evils:

they have abandoned me,

the fountain of living water,

and dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns,

that can hold no water!

Jeremiah 2:13

Just like Israel at the time, I'm sure you will ask;

"How have we abandoned God?"

We are in a moral decline, God and His word is being mocked by those you support. Murder of babies has become just another "issue" same with gay marriage.

You sacrifice TRUTH for the sake of tolerance, because you think tolerance is love, wake up you have been infiltrated and you don't even realize it! 

You may claim politics is a useless issue, but sitting

back and doing nothing is condoning the evil you are suppose to abhor. You let the world shape your biblical view when it is suppose to be your biblical view shaping your world view! I expect such from those without GOD but if you proclaim to be apart of the body... then where is the biblical shaping!? where is the change?! where is the love for God and His word?! the love of His TORAH!

You want this country to be better, you cry about the economy, and your wealth & prosperity, and you will seek anyone and everything to better that for you, except GOD. Because God has standards, because GOD sent the Son Yeshua(Jesus) to die for sin and make us Holy, not out of pity, but to make us HOLY… but you westernized American Christian just want His death for forgiveness and prosperity! not for Holiness, because your god isn't the GOD of the bible! your god is success and wealth…your god is money…

So you ignore what He abhors, and live contrary to His word making for yourself broken cisterns, like in Jeremiah's time. you live like the whore that Ezekiel 16 talks about and yet... still claim to be on God's side,

you walk on the proverbial fence/line when God says choose a side!

Woe to you who settle for less then God's standards!

Woe to you who don't FEAR the LORD GOD!

God wont be mocked!

 I am voting independent. Tom Hoefling to be exact…I suggest you do your own research, instead of blindly following the media and wolves in sheep's clothing christian leaders.

Oh, and for the record…I don't HATE Obama or Romney, I abhor their policies yes, and the fact that people can't see through the bull, but I understand they don't have GOD so their actions don't surprise me, and all I can do is pray for GOD to open their eyes, before it's to late. God will have His way, His will… it will be done, all I can do is seek to stand by His word.

Solomon and Worldliness

Let's take a little history trip, a biblical history trip…come on,

it will be fun! It'll be quick, I promise..after all what is that saying again?

"You can't make an Omelet without breaking a few eggs…"

oh wait…that doesn't apply here.. oh yeah it's

"If you don't know history you are doomed to repeat it"

I want to talk about King Solomon, son of David. Most of us know Solomon is credited as the wisest man that ever lived, all to the glory of God of course. God gave him this wisdom(1 Kings 3:10-12) Solomon asked and he received. We see his wisdom in use throughout the life of Solomon in his judgments and his rule over Israel. More popularly we see it when we read "Proverbs" and even "Ecclesiastes"

both being credited to Solomon. We know that Solomon made Israel a beacon of light showing the glory of GOD, and Solomon in his early years was a fantastic and humble God honoring servant.

Solomon however started to turn away from God to other gods, which his many wives turned him to, not that I am blaming the wives at all. For Solomon is to blame for his wickedness, and for turning away from the one true GOD who gave him his wisdom in the first place! It is amazing to me that a man who was so humble who wrote things like…

The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 8:13

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Proverbs 8:17

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

FEAR GOD, and Keep his commandments! Solomon didn't do that when he took wives that he should never have taken in the first place. Solomon wasn't fearing

God and putting God first when he started worshipping false gods and Idols. You know what Solomon's problem was? He took the gift GOD gave him, which again was wisdom and put his trust in that, aka he put his trust in himself and not GOD.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 is a warning from Solomon to fear the LORD GOD, and to keep His commandments. Ecclesiastes is considered by most to be Solomons repentance for his wickedness against God, as some of the Psalms are contributed to Davids repentance of his sins. You may be asking my point, and where exactly am I going with this…

Solomon wisest man that ever lived, and ever will live, wasn't an innocent man, as none of us are. He was a man that you could very much so compare in a sense with

popular christianity today; which very much so is consumed with worldliness

…….

Did I lose you?

let me explain, many "Christians" or those who claim to be so, the people I call FAKE and the people Christ Himself would say are lukewarm, and he will spew them from His mouth, Do what? well, they conform to the pattern of this world all the while still claiming to be a follower…. right? They may have had a genuine experience, a softening of the heart, but somewhere down the line, like Solomon, they strayed away from GOD.

Like Solomon who wanted to appease his wives, these lukewarm unbiblical false christians try to appease the world. Solomon was suppose to be the LIGHT to

the darkness! he was suppose to lead his wives by example and lead them to the only GOD there is, instead he was lead astray by them into darkness.

Following me now?

The church now adays is trying to appease the world,

we are conforming to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2) when we shouldn't be! we should be the light in the darkness, God blessed us and called us to be Holy and be the change in the world NOT BE CHANGED BY IT!

This is where someone i'm sure would quote Ghandi and say something like..

"Be the change you want to see in the world"

yeah that's nice and all, but change doesn't come unless you realize how to change you, and guess what? you can do all the meditating and introspective self therapy you want, even go find some far east mystic eastern philosophy about "finding the inner you" and "enlightenment"

go ahead i'll wait…

..

……..

Back now?

The fact is YOU…can't change…YOU! this is what the word of God is about! it's about utter reliance on HIMSELF! all for His GLORY, not yours!

Only Christ saves and only through Him are you saved and only by HIM can

you be CHANGED! You are either light or darkness, you are either following

Christ or you are following the world. If you take your eyes off of Him, if you start to stray from the path, If you don't ultimately rely on GOD, then you are going to fall! everything has to be laid to rest in Christ all thoughts and all deeds! EVERYTHING! all worry and stress,your body, and everything you are! on your knees at the foot of the throne!

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:5

Only by grace, and only in this way are you saved. Repentance and ultimate faith and reliance on CHRIST. If you seek to appease the world or appease your self for whatever reason, and you're not willing to surrender all to Christ then all the wisdom in the world wont SAVE YOU…and YOU WILL FALL and be LED astray just like Solomon! REPENT and turn to CHRIST!

Do not be LUKEWARM…! sure nobody will claim to be lukewarm but you are either on fire or you are not! FEAR THE LORD CHURCH! what are we doing?

What are we teaching? This world is corrupt and fallen a wicked generation unashamed of being so!

It's like we are Adam & Eve in the garden all over again. We stand naked and bare

with sinfulness we can not hide, only unlike Adam & Eve we are far from ashamed, we don't even try to hide our sins…in fact we don't even acknowledge it,

there's no weeping, no brokeness, no understanding of punishment and Holiness.

We have become what those without Christ have always been…SELFISH,

we stand naked in sin and we love it! token prayers and half hearted relationships with a savior we don't even try to understand.

"Justice and wrath you say? But I'm saved! even though I don't even understand from what exactly….BUT I believe in JESUS! that's it right? I'm finished,

I mean, I read the words in red! I accept Him for his death so I can go to heaven! now don't be so judgmental…Jesus Himself said not to judge, you know!

let me just go on liven for the world because I'm forgiven!"

"Lord I pray for prosperity, I pray for blessings."

Even though you deserve absolutely nothing?

"Your son died for me? cool, think you could hook me up with a little more money? my pocket's kind of seem to be running on empty"

The church has become like a bunch of deadbeat children who treat the father like crap all the while with their hands held out begging to get what they don't deserve.

Want to be of this world?

Want to be wealthy and rich?

claim to know ME, but live for your glory?

AWAY FROM ME I NEVER KNEW YOU! (Matthew 7:23)

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9