Stand For the TRUTH

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men [don't be cowards], be strong. - I Cor. 16:13


Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand... - I Cor. 15:1


In the last few days I have had the privilege of getting to know a little bit better the stand two Christians are taking for Christ and for the truth’s presented in the Bible, and also over the past few months I have had discussions with many who have made a stand for truth as presented in the Bible.


The one Christian, Madeleine McAulay who I learned of (this week) took a firm, but loving standing for moral truth. This is not always easy in a world that is digressing more and more with time, calling evil good and good evil. (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! - Isa 5:20). You stand for the truth get ready to be considered a hate-monger, etc. Now that’s one situation in the World.

At same time as this God honoring stand was going on,

there was the pastor full of hate for those in the world.

He is such a false example.

Whereas, most Christians have compassion for those who have bought in to lies about morals, life, etc.
We should wish no evil upon them, but speak the truth in love.

The second Christian, Yasmeen Suri, this week (who I was blessed to chat with) has also taking a stand against those who are living, experiencing, teaching error in the supposed Church leadership in our nation. Her is a woman who has had her eyes open to many false beliefs and teaching among Christian leaders (sadly so-called). Her stand may cost her in some ways, but I believe God will reward her stand.

 Part One

  Part Two
So let’s look at ourselves are we standing for truth! If not why not. We may vary on beliefs in some areas but let’s not fall hook, line, and sinker for the many lies being perpetrated as truth. I am not even talking what I consider minor differences between denominations, but major truths that really can’t be taking in all but one way. As they are no where representative of the God of Christianity.

Again examine your beliefs based of the Word of God (BIBLE) and keep to your biblical convicts.
Step forward Christians in the boldness and compassion of Christ.

I’m proud of both, and hope I would have the same boldness and compassion to speak for the truth.

Two things stick out to me. First, doing this in boldness for the Lord and secondly with compassion for those on the other side of truth.

 They (boldness/compassion) work great together.   Amen!

“What Happened?” - Moral Decline

Today we will look at our MORAL decline in SOCIETY.

In my lifetime (50 years), I am amazed at what has happened to the morality in the USA and many parts of the world. Compromise and turning our heads away from things that needed to be confronted (as sin) has resulted in a sick church and an even sicker society.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa. 5:20

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. Proverbs 17:15

What was called sin just a few years ago is now acceptable and even honored. In years gone by, moral sins would never have been openly talked about. Now, not only do we talk about them with no shame or conviction, but we no longer call immorality sin. We say it’s okay or call it an “alternative lifestyle.” Examples: Fornication (any sex without marriage ), adultery (sex with other than your marriage partner), lesbianism, and homosexuality to name a few…

Now, it’s hard to find a couple (unmarried) on TV (or real life) who are not in fornication, or married who are not in adultery – It’s no big deal is the attitude. The same with lesbianism and homosexuality, more and more we are told we must accept it, if not embrace it.

Wow! Could I be accused of a hate crime for hating sin!!! Hating sin, NOT sinning people. If you were to get to know me, you would know that I have a real compassion for many in these categories, and have been there for them even when others weren’t, and I would venture to say I care more about them than the typical person in this world.

I do desire and pray that they would come out of their sin (which in most cases is a deception and/or a bondage to them), just like any one in any other sin. Jesus has better for them!!! In NO way do I look at them with anything but LOVE (God’s Love). I humbly write this devotion knowing – Except for the Grace of God so go I!

God’s Word is clear on the subject:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were (past tense) some of you (that includes ME). But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
I Cor. 6:9-11

This scripture gives quite a list here!!! Call it a “lifestyle OR alternative lifestyle” if you like, I believe the Bible calls it SIN.

There is the blood of Jesus that will cleanse ANY repentant sinner of a life that is displeasing to God, and bring FREEDOM from the power of sin, behaviors, habits, addictions, etc.

Highly recommended reading on addictions of any kind:
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave : Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel http://tiny.cc/v06j7

Closing passage:
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit,according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world,and NOT ACCORDING TO CHRIST.
Colossians 2:8

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your amazing grace, help us see MORALITY is possible in YOU, not in our strength. Lord may your Word in today’s devotion speak to hearts, and bring not condemnation, but conviction, followed by repentance, followed by change to all who read this today. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

To go along with this devotion please watch - Amazing Grace video approx. 2 minutes: http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/amazing-grace-0/inspiration

In His Service,

Pastor Jim Mazzulla (jim@biblefood.org)

http://www.biblefood.org/

http://www.facebook.com/jim.mazzulla