Be Sober Be Vigilant

As I began to write this newsletter I feel like Saint Jude. We are in a time where we must earnestly contend for our faith. The world has given itself wholly over to the pleasures of the flesh and mind. They have sought for and found preachers who have justified them. I have known Godly parents who would never compromise their faith.  then their child will  come out as a homosexual and they do an about face accepting their sin.

1 Timothy 4:1 The Holy Spirit speaks clearly saying that in the last days many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

The devil is rewriting the Bible and Christians are exchanging God’s Holy Word for the revelation of belial. Folks are finding that the Bible is too restrictive, in other words, they want the pleasures of the flesh with no consequence. The devil has gathered a large following of people who believe they will not be judged for having a “little” fun. Preachers do not like preaching about sin all the time, they would rather talk about the fruit of righteousness. However, if we don’t deal with sin and put it under  the Blood of Jesus, there will be no fruit of righteousness. How strong are the seducing spirits? Jude warned us of them explicitly but despite his alarm. The doctrine of “greasy grace” is sweeping through the churches. The doctrine is simple and erroneous, do whatever feels good and grace will cover you unconditionally.

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

If we are instructed to avoid being overwhelmed with evil it means we have more power to resist evil than the evil has to overcome us. If we choose to surrender to doing good then evil has no power over us. We overcome evil by doing what is right. If you are a born-again Christian and you do something evil, you’re not going to hell. God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for faithful people. God does not want to lose anyone so He gave us the ministry of repentance. When we repent of our errors we are, in essence, cleansing our temple. God needs clean vessels to dwell in and to flow out of.  Repentance insures us a clear path for His supernatural power to flow out of. I am familiar with a church where the Pastor and  congregation engage in the consumption of alcohol. These people are all saved but the presence of God and manifestations of the spirit are quite rare.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Filthiness of the flesh is all immorality; things that Jesus would never do. It’s all those things Jesus died for to break the power over our lives. You’re as righteous as you will ever be, but you must perfect your holiness which is your commitment to honor God and His Word.