I’m haunted by these words in the Bible… “Neither were they thankful…” and the tragic consequences of that attitude and action (Romans 1:21… but read the whole sad passage… verses 21-32!) It starts a slippery slide downward into every possible destructive consequence!
So today I purpose, with the reminders that God is faithful to provide, never to be guilty of that sin! How about you?
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!! (And never let it be said of you, “Neither were they thankful”)
“In the last days…”
For Christians who believe the prophetic accuracy of the Bible, this is a phrase filled with both foreboding (i.e. increasing evil, trouble, and tribulation) and hope (fulfilled prophecy, promises, and a bright future because of the Lord’s return).
Here’s how Apostle Paul phrased it… “You should know this
that in the last days there will be very difficult times! …” (2 Timothy 3:1ff) Apostle John in Revelation watched as God pulled “the eschatological drapes” and gave him a glimpse of the future – both the bad and the bright, the frightening and the fulfillment of the believers eternal hope. Apostle Peter warned, “Don’t be surprised at the fiery trials that are coming upon you as though something strange were happening to you!” but also went on to say, “These trails make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world!” (I Peter 4:12-13)
So we live in the tension between increasing evil and bright hope!
Here’s what I read this morning in the Bible that Peter advised in light of that reality…
“The end of the world is coming soon! Therefore…
1) Be earnest and disciplined your prayers!
2) Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other!
3) Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay [In times of severe persecution, you never know who will show up at your door!]
4) “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of ‘spiritual gifts’… Use them to serve one another! [Let the rich variety of giftings given by the Spirit turn the fellowship of believers into “the body of Christ” – 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:1-8]
5) Let “everything you do bring glory to God through Jesus Christ”
(From I Peter 4:7-11 The New Living Translation)
Seems to me to be great advice for living “in the last days” – between times of increasing evil and trouble and the promised hope of a bright future through the Lord’s coming!
There is a tendency among Christians to value being a “powerful Christian” – evidencing “signs and wonders’, spiritual manifestations and what some call evidence of “authority.” The problem is, sometimes the kinder, gentler elements of the Christian faith – “the fruit of the Spirit” – evaporate in the quest for “power.” Its tragic because, according to Apostle Paul, “If I speak in then tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [i.e. I’m just a lot of noise]. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing… in fact, I gain nothing!” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
So you see, it’s not enough to be a “powerful Christian” – we also need to be “nice Christians” as well! That’s when our lives will have maximum impact for the cause of Christ! Power and Christ-like persona – Charisma and character – are what is needed!
This morning in my Bible reading during “coffee with the Lord” I was reminded of the need, to be a “nice Christian”… And believe it or not, the inspired comments come from a crusty old fisherman, Simon Peter, who had been transformed by God’s grace…
He said (1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT)… “All of you :should be of one mind [unity among Christians is needed!]! Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when others insult you. Instead pay them back with blessing. That is what God called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing! In fact, the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Remember, the eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers.’ [quoted from Psalm 34:12-16]”
I don’t know what you want to do today, but I want to be both – genuinely a Holy Spirit empowered Christian AND a loving Christian – I want to give evidence both of God’s power and His character!
