by Wally Fry
John 12:42, 43
“ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” John 12:42,43
We sure like to throw rocks at those lousy Pharisees, don’t we? We like to sit back and judge them for their legalism, hypocrisy and rejection. Here is the bad news; we can very much be them. Atheism, the simple lack of a belief in any god or gods, has been replaced by the New Atheism. Rather than simply resting in their state of disbelief, the New Atheists have a plan and an agenda; that plan is the eradication of faith in general and the Christian Faith in particular. The tools of this are mockery, name calling, cultural pressure and even legislation. They want to put us out of the Synagogue so to speak.
As non-believers, we fall prey to this pressure and reject Jesus ourselves. Even as saved children of God, we fall prey to this and wander away under the pressures of this world. We too love the praise of that world more than the praise of God.
Friends, Jesus has this. Some 2000 years ago God made Himself in the form of the man Jesus Christ and walked this Earth for the specific reason to save us from ourselves and offer us a place eternally with Him. Jesus IS God and has all the power of God. The praise and approval of men today may satisfy us at the moment, but our eyes need to be on the praise of God in the forever.
December 4, 2018 at 08:13
Amen. The truth is, atheism is losing ground as a percentage of the total population, according to Pew Research. The combative New Atheism had its day in the sun but that’s waning, too. Its message was never very compelling. But people aren’t really interested in their combative extremist polemics anymore. The culture may be leaving traditional churches but they’re seeking out spiritual things. I think Jesus has things well in hand if we will just follow Him. 🙂
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December 4, 2018 at 08:20
I agree Mel. Of course i hate to see any decline in local churches because I believe that to be the model Jesus set. On the other hand the remnant that remains is likely truer in faith rather than just nominal and actually more prepared to go to those folks. For sure though Jesus has this….if we will follow
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December 4, 2018 at 08:22
I think the decline in churches is temporary. However, the dynamics of the local church may undergo change, and it may take some time. But Jesus building His church, too. 🙂
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December 4, 2018 at 08:27
Well. I don’t think the dynamic in the local church changing would hurt any of us, Mel. Heck, I hate to admit this, but in our church which I love, we are sometimes just “doing stuff,” so to speak, and have lost sight of some things. I fear we are becoming like the church at Ephesus…punching all the right tickets and saying the right things, but the first love is faded and forgotten by some.
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December 4, 2018 at 08:30
Yup, other-centered love (God’s love for us, our love for God, which translates into loving others) IS the dynamic. Everything else works from there. Maybe, we’ll eventually get that. 🙂
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December 4, 2018 at 08:18
Sadly, many who cry Lord, Lord are not true believers. Jesus said it would be this way. They worship “g”ods are their own creation. We are called to be light, may we be found faithful.
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December 4, 2018 at 08:21
No we should not be shocked. Be blessed
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December 4, 2018 at 10:13
True believers are gaining in countries that perscute them. Hardship will bring many to search for an anwser. 🙂
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December 4, 2018 at 10:30
Indeed. Look at the churches in China
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December 4, 2018 at 18:52
I was told Iran has a large underground believers.:)
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December 4, 2018 at 19:30
Really now that’s very cool
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December 4, 2018 at 11:02
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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December 4, 2018 at 11:18
Thanks brother Vincent!
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December 4, 2018 at 13:10
You’re very welcome Brother Wally
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December 4, 2018 at 14:52
Reblogged this on BibleProphecyWatch.
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December 4, 2018 at 14:58
Thank you
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December 4, 2018 at 14:59
Your welcome.
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December 5, 2018 at 03:54
May we keep our eyes on Jesus!
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December 5, 2018 at 04:40
Always I pray
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December 5, 2018 at 04:46
Praise God
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