Truth.

We live in a day and age where relativism has run rampant to the point that many people consider it an intellectually ‘higher’ position to not be dogmatic about anything….anything whatsoever. People want to be considered as a peacemaker and remain ‘above the fray’ as they seemingly find a comfortable middle ground between obviously contrary views. From a peaceful fellowship of Christianity and Islam all the way to a centrism on the teachings of Joel Osteen and John MacArthur. In the name of peace, absolutely nothing proves worthy of standing unwaveringly on.

Is this what Jesus taught?

Here’s The Word;

Matthew 15: 7 – 9 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

First of all, notice the language. Now, I never think of Christ as the type to try and purposefully hurt someone's feelings. It's all about the deeper truth being revealed. I believe that there's the identification of just how dangerous and destructive it is to live and teach opposing messages. The take away from this is - what do you take away? Do you sit in pity and mope about name-calling? or do you re-embrace your calling for Truth in His Name? Without a doubt ‘hypocrite’has got to be one of the most painful words someone on their high-horse can ever hear.

Secondly, notice why. In the earlier verses of Matthew 15, Christ calls out the scribes and Pharisees on one of their pious traditions. They had come up with a method to get out of taking care of, honoring their parents; if they would simply ‘proclaim’ over their wealth “It is a gift” – meaning, their riches are now purposed for God, that made them exempt from the monetary care that they would afford their parents in either old age or other times of need.

Is that just human nature? To always search for the escape clause to continue to seek our own way? Jesus makes it clear that even in the midst of those you would expect to Christ-like, you still need to know your Bible for yourself and be careful of the things you’re being taught. He points out that these religious pursuants actually get ‘close’ and give an appearance that would probably convince most onlookers. But you see, God is looking at the heart and therefore proclaims that their worship is useless as it is detached and lacking in sincerity. Fact of the matter is this: Close is never close enough. The goal is to walk IN truth, not close to it.

So please accept this as an encouragement. Know you’re Bible and pray for its truth to be revealed to you. There’s a big push these days to be ‘tolerant’ of people’s interpretation, but all interpretations are not created equal. And Scripturally, it seems to be very easy to wind up being a blind person following a blind leader.
Also, be diligent to wholeheartedly search the Scriptures. And lastly, not every dichotomy presents an easy place to stand. Commit to truth, stand there and be prepared to denounce contrary views as the dangerous lies that they really are.


In Him, Cros

Do You Pray for Me?

What do you ask the Ruler of Heaven
When you consider my needs?
Is my comfort and care at the top of the list?
Is my peace among the things you plead?
For an ease unfettered, and a path unhindered
That I’d feel only His presence abound?
That my company would be exclusively among the saints
No deceit or worldliness around?
That the time that I spend bent down on my knees
Would result in clear insight and truth?
And those insightful answers, given a chance, will
Stand as my ‘righteousness’ proof?
Do you pray that the troubles that comes to my life
find me strong and able to bear?
While knowing steadfastly to cling to the Light
Casting upon Him every care?
Well as much as is proper, I pray that you’re thoughtful
To pray God’s true will for my heart.
Even though He be lenient, I’d be more obedient
As my soul sings “How Great Thou Art”.
Pray that I be useful in love and longsuffering
evidence of a desire SO real.
Of His will I'd declare it, not that any should perish
that His stripes show His desire to heal.
Pray for me that the time I spend in His Word
Would push me to be found like Him.
That I’d seek to go out in boldness of spirit
And do those things that delight Him.
That compassion unfeigned and ‘old life’ estranged
Motivated to embrace every day.
As an opportunity to better and never forget
The prayers of those that pave my way.
Pray that my bravery in the face of danger
Would be found in His strength, not mine.
That I would serve the stranger, and sin not in anger
And bare witness to His Light that shines.
That I’d boldly claim, and ne’er be ashamed
Of The Gospel as I seek my God’s face.
Emphasizing just this; His great love and justice
Proclaiming His mercy and Grace.
An absolute promotion for His Richness and Word
My anchor in all storms a-brewin’!
That I’d persevere as a doer who acts
And be found blessed in my doing.
So as I journey on, I’m deeply concerned
At how God comfortably settles for few.
That you’d also be found wholly righteous in Christ.
Yes, these are also my prayers for you!

Here's The Word;

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

In Him,
Cros