John 16:1 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.
This warning from Jesus is spot on and Paul the Apostle lived these very words. Paul made a priority of going to the synagogues (churches) first when he came into a new area and got rejected and kicked out of those synagogues because of one thing. Paul said Jesus was the only way to heaven and Jesus was the resurrected Messiah, and they hated Paul because of that message. It is strange that this message was rejected, but the hope of our resurrection is a foundational truth in modern day Christianity, for now.
There are storm clouds on the horizon when it comes to those who follow Jesus. It is important to remember that Christianity is not a philosophy. Philosophy (def) is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered an academic discipline. Our faith is NOT an academic exercise in human reasoning. Our faith is a belief built on the adherence to the teachings of the Word of God. Our "faith" takes a dangerous turn when it strives to be understood through academic exercises that can cause it to be deconstructed in the thinking of lukewarm Christians. Jesus writes these words to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
When believers begin to waffle in their faith, they allow almost anything to be their reasoning, and human devised philosophies take on a whole new light and value. It is important to be diligent in our faith and grow in that faith to keep empty philosophies from drawing us away and into a lifestyle of indifference. One of the biggest problems Christians face today is the evil spirit of apathy. Apathy (def) - lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. The definition for indifference is the exact same definition as the one for apathy. In the above verses in John 16 Jesus is telling His disciples to keep strong and don't abandon their "faith." This is a word of advise for each of us to "pursue" our faith through the study of God's Word and pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten and enlarge our faith to the point of not straying after those empty philosophies. Knowledge is good, but Godly wisdom is best, so don't let that order get out of line. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking,
and God will come through. Waffle (def) - fail to make up one's mind.
If you are waffling in your faith, it is time to repair your faith by Spirit-led praying and Spirit-led Bible Study. No more messing around and letting evil, worldly teachings cause you to waffle in your faith. Know WHAT you believe and WHY you believe. Human reasoning won't show you the way, but the Word of God will show you the way. Remember, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Follow Him and His teachings, and you won't abandon your faith because you will be too busy growing in it!!
As I write this, I sometimes waffle in my faith, and God supports me when I call out to Him. There are many times I have seen things happen in our world and in the church and I have said the following words. "God. What is going on?" His answer gives me the shot I need to keep on and His perfect truth from His Word answers my questions. In the above verse in John 16, Jesus said that those who were against those of the faith really weren't even believers. We do not need to follow those who sow doubt and try to tear apart our faith. Don't give them the "time of day." Avoid at all costs!! I praise Jesus for telling me in His Word that I would have to deal with these wicked people to the point they would want to kill me. Why? I will now do everything possible to draw from God's unlimited resources to fight them. Why warn me if there isn't anything I can do to deal with it? This shows I CAN do something about it because God is on my side and His power is real power.
Keep in mind, Jesus says YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! James 4:7-10 says it best and it is as follows. James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. Nuff said by me.
Today's Message,
David Warren
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