by David Brenneman
"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:5-10.
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes."1 John 2:1-11.
We can often go for walks in the daytime or the evening. Depending on where you are, sometimes we walk during the night. But regardless of where, a certain degree at least, light of some kind is always welcome.
Many in this world, and it's increasing at an apparently exponential pace, are showing their true colors, true love of the darkness. They want nothing to do with the Light.
Indeed in this they are proving the Word of God in the book of John correct. People loved the darkness rather than the Light of Jesus Christ.
I have on audio book format a different series than "Left Behind" which Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye wrote. This series follows a man who is a teacher of Biblical Archeology...and is the "good guy".
The series is one of a couple that LaHaye wrote of lead into the events of end times.
The series was written quite a while ago yet what I found astounding is the degree of evil that is described is much of what is seen in the world today.
Things indeed are proceeding from bad to worse. Walking in the Light of Jesus Christ is imperative in the world we find ourselves in. If Believer's don't, then how WILL others see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven?
We are to be the ones who are different in this world. Ambassadors who represent the coming King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Watch any earthly Ambassadors and they are under a microscope. They are under scrutiny for their behavior in public as well as private life.
Jesus does not want those who have called on His Name to be saved to be hiding the Light under a basket.
We may not think we are on the front lines of the Spiritual battles of this world but we all are.
We come to Christ for salvation and we are essentially enemies of the state. Our status is secured in Christ Jesus. We represent Him to this fallen world regardless of how the world wants to receive it...regardless of how the darkness wants to run from the Light of Christ.
Yesterday I was doing as I know to do in helping a coworker with a computer problem. I help people regardless of what I might or might not think concerning them personally because that's what being the Light is about. Yet an unbeliever over me made comments that I felt were out of line. To me, it doesn't matter who's job it is, someone was in need and I have the ability to help, I will help.
Those in the darkness are not going to always leave those in the light alone. They certainly are not going to understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. This coworker over me is never going to understand my reasons for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
We are to do whatever is right in the sight of God. Whereas it be possible to be at peace with all men. Doesn't mean that it will always be possible. We are called to do whatever is right in the sight of God.
These days before us are moving at an incredible pace. People indeed are proceeding from bad to worse.
I am often astounded by the new forms of evil seen in the world.
Someone captured a neighbors cat who was an emotional support animal for someone with a mental disorder. Drove it from Columbus, Ohio to Wooster, Ohio and dumped it.
Have seen stories of abuse on levels I never knew possible between people. We see people being prosecuted with absolutely no regard for truth to be revealed.
Rather than dealing properly with the evil in regards to thefts, states raise the dollar amount of what constitutes a felony so that fewer people clog up the system being arrested. In a few states you literally can fill a cart up to $900 worth and walk out of the store without being arrested. Store policies prevent employees from stopping you.
Jesus said this would be like the days of Noah. In those days, much as it is now, everyone was doing whatever was right in their own eyes.
It's written that those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted.
It's happening for those who are.
Pray for protection for yourself and those around you who are Believer's. We know not when our Savior is going to appear. We are called to be ready. Several times we read of stories in the Bible of being ready for His return.
Maybe today? Nobody knows but God.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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