There is a very interesting event recorded in the 16th chapter of Acts; Paul & company are ministering in the city of Philippi and they attract the attention of a young girl. Now, the Bible tells us that this girl is actually possessed of a demon, and because of that, she has unusual powers- much like some of those who would be called a "psychic" today. Also, it is stated that she brought her masters "much gain" through the marketing of this demonic ability.
As she follows the messengers of Christ around, she begins to proclaim: "These men are servants of the most high God, who show unto us the way of salvation." What is this? the devil preaching the Gospel?
This is a passage that I think of whenever I hear of of the celebrities of this world giving their "testimony" of how they have found the Lord. One young singer was recently reported to have attended a large conference at an Australian mega-church. He was, according to reports, afforded "celebrity status" by the church. (I do wonder what the Apostle James might have said about that. See James 2). This young man has spoken of his relationship with Jesus, been written up in Christian magazines, etc.; all because of his "testimony!
During the same time, he makes headlines for outrageous behavior, posts naked pictures of himself, is recorded behaving in ways that are decidedly contrary to Bible teaching- but he, as well as many other in the entertainment world, are held forth as "Christian" because they "say so"!
Notice i this Acts 16 passage, that this demoniac girl's words, or lyrics, are factually true. Paul and his companions were God's servants, come to tel the way of salvation!
However, "the messenger can taint the message!" God does not desire certain kinds of advertisement! Isaiah 52:11 holds forth a command to those who will carry the things of the Lord- the message is to be holy! It is deadly self-deception to believe that we can be a saved worldling!
Regardless of when Jesus return, our days on earth are short! We need to be serious about our pursuit of holiness and guard against the enticements of the world which would cause us to compromise Biblical standards and to expand the way which Jesus proclaimed to be strait and narrow!
It takes more than the right word to make one right! It requires right living, which we can do through Christ!
Welcome!
My prayer is that you will find something here that will encourage you to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. In this day of cheap grace and easy and crossless discipleship, I have a sense of urgency to challenge Christians to make their calling and election sure by examining their life in light of the teachings of God's eternal word.
These entries are not intended to be strictly of a devotional nature, rather, my burden is to issue a challenge, or a wake-up call, if you will, to a Church that is, at present, more closely aligned with the world than with the teachings of the Lord.
I invite you to contact me via email with questions or comments that you may have
web-rev@sbcglobal.net
God bless you as you seek and serve Him.
These entries are not intended to be strictly of a devotional nature, rather, my burden is to issue a challenge, or a wake-up call, if you will, to a Church that is, at present, more closely aligned with the world than with the teachings of the Lord.
I invite you to contact me via email with questions or comments that you may have
web-rev@sbcglobal.net
God bless you as you seek and serve Him.
