IF there is one thing that saddens me personally, aside from all the sin and darkness in the world, it is the lack of interest young folks show in the Bible.
It appears that many enjoy the fellowship, the issue discussion, the music, the camaraderie of "church," yet they are unwilling to get to the nitty-gritty of the deeper aspects of God and His dealings with mankind.
It must be reckoned with.
Sin. Repentance. God's Character. Prophecy. Judgement. Power.
When one grapples with these things one can focus on love, compassion, and good. It flows naturally out of an understanding of God's heart, at least what humans are capable of!
Because God is beyond our comprehension in all ways. As Paul suggested in his writings, things unspeakable...
When one gets caught in the mire of human reasoning, theology, and spiritual distraction the devil knows he has won the battle. There is a lack of understanding that leads to fruitlessness.
That, my friends, is a the real test of Christ's love. You will be known by your fruits.
What is the root that grows the fruit?
A good understanding of Scripture (mind you, not even complete understanding!) will set you on the path to fruitfulness. When you question the Word, when you reason it away from its stated meaning, you lose your fruitfulness.
When you read and meditate on the Word you are tapping into the life-giving sustenance that drives your spiritual effect on others.
When you read the Bible you are immediately struck by the prophecies, what is still to come. So many prophecies have been fulfilled already, even ones in our day and age. (ISRAEL!)
Knowing Biblical prophecy gives a grid to your worldview, to your sanity, to your mental health. As things unfold you are fully aware of the implications, you have perfect peace in the hands of the God who has planned this all out from the beginning of time.
It's powerful. It's truth, and everyone, every young person NEEDS this to live fruitfully.
Alas. It's not been predicted that everyone will believe God. Actually there have been indications that 2/3rds of mankind will eternally perish. One third of the angels fell, but two thirds of mankind will.
That is not in Scripture, but in traditional writings. It would make sense. So many have already perished without the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
So many (it seems almost overwhelming sometimes!) are perishing in their sin, unrepentant, lost. Some actually believe their sin is completely acceptable on all levels.
Signs of the times, "as in the days of Noah"...another prophecy for our times being fulfilled.
What can we do?
We can share the Gospel. We can assure young believers that studying prophecy will greatly help them navigate their lives. We can minister lovingly to anyone who crosses your path. We can live this day, moment by moment, in surrender to the God who made Creation. We can affirm life, love, and righteousness. We can love one another. We can humble ourselves before the Judge of the Universe.
Come on, young people! Study to show thyself approved UNTO GOD! Get into the Word and find your purpose for living.
It will battle suicide, depression, sin, heart-ache, aimlessness, poverty, rebellion. It will bring pure joy.
What are you waiting for?
Olive Tree Ministries, with Jan Markell, holds their annual prophecy conference this weekend in Minneapolis. It's all day on Saturday, 8:30am to around 5:00pm. Consider attending this wonderful event, and find your reason for living.
Soli Deo Gloria!
It appears that many enjoy the fellowship, the issue discussion, the music, the camaraderie of "church," yet they are unwilling to get to the nitty-gritty of the deeper aspects of God and His dealings with mankind.
It must be reckoned with.
Sin. Repentance. God's Character. Prophecy. Judgement. Power.
When one grapples with these things one can focus on love, compassion, and good. It flows naturally out of an understanding of God's heart, at least what humans are capable of!
Because God is beyond our comprehension in all ways. As Paul suggested in his writings, things unspeakable...
When one gets caught in the mire of human reasoning, theology, and spiritual distraction the devil knows he has won the battle. There is a lack of understanding that leads to fruitlessness.
That, my friends, is a the real test of Christ's love. You will be known by your fruits.
What is the root that grows the fruit?
A good understanding of Scripture (mind you, not even complete understanding!) will set you on the path to fruitfulness. When you question the Word, when you reason it away from its stated meaning, you lose your fruitfulness.
When you read and meditate on the Word you are tapping into the life-giving sustenance that drives your spiritual effect on others.
When you read the Bible you are immediately struck by the prophecies, what is still to come. So many prophecies have been fulfilled already, even ones in our day and age. (ISRAEL!)
Knowing Biblical prophecy gives a grid to your worldview, to your sanity, to your mental health. As things unfold you are fully aware of the implications, you have perfect peace in the hands of the God who has planned this all out from the beginning of time.
It's powerful. It's truth, and everyone, every young person NEEDS this to live fruitfully.
Alas. It's not been predicted that everyone will believe God. Actually there have been indications that 2/3rds of mankind will eternally perish. One third of the angels fell, but two thirds of mankind will.
That is not in Scripture, but in traditional writings. It would make sense. So many have already perished without the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
So many (it seems almost overwhelming sometimes!) are perishing in their sin, unrepentant, lost. Some actually believe their sin is completely acceptable on all levels.
Signs of the times, "as in the days of Noah"...another prophecy for our times being fulfilled.
What can we do?
We can share the Gospel. We can assure young believers that studying prophecy will greatly help them navigate their lives. We can minister lovingly to anyone who crosses your path. We can live this day, moment by moment, in surrender to the God who made Creation. We can affirm life, love, and righteousness. We can love one another. We can humble ourselves before the Judge of the Universe.
Come on, young people! Study to show thyself approved UNTO GOD! Get into the Word and find your purpose for living.
It will battle suicide, depression, sin, heart-ache, aimlessness, poverty, rebellion. It will bring pure joy.
What are you waiting for?
Olive Tree Ministries, with Jan Markell, holds their annual prophecy conference this weekend in Minneapolis. It's all day on Saturday, 8:30am to around 5:00pm. Consider attending this wonderful event, and find your reason for living.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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