Living Close to God

Beloved saints, in a time of overwhelming contention over politics, racism, the handling of Covid-19, reopening of public schools and the anger of having to wear face masks, we must contend for the faith. Jude the brother of James found  it necessary to write to the beloved community exhorting them to “contend earnestly for the faith” which was entrusted to the saints. —Jude 3

Contention: point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument

Beloved, for those of us who are have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ, I also feel compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that has been entrusted to God’s holy people. America is in a crisis of which many of us have never experienced.

Contend: strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties

I get that some people may feel their rights are being trampled upon because they are being asked to practice social distancing and wear face coverings to help counteract the pandemic, but for the believer our hope and freedom are found in Christ. My belief is safety first!

America’s Constitution gives all Americans the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but as Christians we are not to take our freedom as an occasion to the flesh, but rather use this opportunity to serve one another knowing that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. –Gal. 5:13; Eph. 6:8

I also find it somewhat hypocritical that after over 50 years when African Americans assert their right to the same pursuit they are condemned as hating America. Although the protesting should be peaceful and done in nonviolent way. The truth and reality is that we were all created in the image of God. God doesn’t see race or color, He sees the blood.

I would say that God is exposing the unrighteous mess lurking in the hearts of humanity in this and other nations. Christians must be mindful during this time of upheaval that there are ungodly people, who pervert the message of God’s grace into a license to commit immorality and other sins by watering down the full gospel message to make it palatable, seeker friendly and alluring for their purposes. The end result is a powerless people.

The spirit of religion is subtle. It will trap and deceive many into “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5). We must beware of those peddling a false gospel for their own selfish gain. These people are always complaining and never satisfied—finding fault with everyone. They follow their own evil desires and their mouths speak scandalous things. They enjoy using seductive flattery to manipulate others.

The Church is called to remain faithful at this time in human history, remembering the prophecies of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed One.  They taught, “In the last days there will always be mockers, motivated by their own ungodly desires.” These people cause divisions and are followers of their own natural instincts, devoid of the life of the Spirit.” –2 Peter 3:3

To counteract this, we must constantly and progressively build ourselves up on the foundation of our most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. Attach your hearts to the love of God in this hour and receive the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone gives us eternal life.

“Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts, and snatch others out of the fire to save them. Be merciful over and over to them, but always couple your mercy with the fear of God. Be extremely careful to keep yourselves free from the pollution of the flesh.”

“Now, to the one with enough power to prevent you from stumbling into sin and bring you faultless before his glorious presence to stand before him with ecstatic delight, to the only God our Savior, through our Lord Jesus Christ, be endless glory and majesty, great power and authority—from before he created time, now, and throughout all the ages of eternity. Amen!” –Jude 1:22-25

The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is worth fighting for. Never forget Christ laid down His life for this very purpose.

Mercy, peace and love be your in abundance!

Dr. A