In the World Not of the World

As I suggested my Sunday topic will be filled far into the future. I am writing of living in the world and not of the world. This is a concept that many who profess to be Christians either do not understand or they justify their reasoning behind their actions. The Bible is very clear as to how we are to live. The Bible is very clear on whether we should be of the world or not. Now to the big question, are you clear on where you are as a Christian?

I am not trying to be harsh or as some shall think legalistic, but rather sound. Did you know that the word Laodicea means people ruling, or human rights? Did you know that this is the state of our church today…whether it is a home church, large community center, or the quaint little church on the corner. We are a church that is lukewarm. Now I know that some who read this are shaking their heads saying no, not my church, we are on fire! Friends- we Americans have no idea. We are a materialistic, self centered society that thinks that we are just fine. In fact we believe that we need no one.

So how are we to live in this world and not be of the world? I mean if I turn from the world I will be considered a freak! People will look down upon me. In fact my friends, coworkers and family may think that I am psychotic and in need of therapy. You see that is because we are a church of human rights…validating behavior and labeling behaviors based on man’s interpretation, and not of God’s interpretation. If you are not being persecuted even in a tiny degree, perhaps you are not in God’s will.

Let’s see what should you think on? Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.(Philippians 4:8)

Where do you fit in? Are you denying self and taking up your cross daily, or are you fulfilling self through self help activities either through the church or independently?

Do you avoid correcting another that is clearly out of the will of God, for fear of appearing to judge? Do you skirt truth to fit in? I know that these are some tough questions, but Revelation is very clear as to the condition of the church. Sadly being lukewarm means that many refuse to acknowledge that they are out of His will.

Here are some things that we as Christians must understand, although we are to heartily await His call for His church; we should also be burdened with the lost. We should be burdened with how similar our times resemble the days of Noah, and we should fear Him, and not those who may laugh or giggle because you are in His Word, dress modestly and yes, are adhering to His ways, and not of mans.

Friends judging and anger and feeling superior are characteristics of being a legalist. But, avoiding the very appearance of evil, not blending with the non Christians and being a follower of Christ are who you should be.

What about your priorities for your children? Do you desire that they attend college and have a good career or are you burdened with the child’s eternal future, not being unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14), and then praying for the next generation? This is where we can determine truly where you are. And yes, education and the child’s career are worldly (1 Cor. 2:5).

So are you living in the World or just visiting? This is an eternal question as Jesus will spit out those who are lukewarm, and the church in America plugs in exactly to lukewarm….You know appeasing to rights of man(women’s rights =pastors; gay rights; the humanistic agenda) instead of obedient to His word…a pastor(bishop) shall only have one wife…sodomy is an unnatural act… evolution…and even believing that God used evolution to have His Will done.

What should you do? Repent and turn from your sin, and leave your sins. Get in His Word. Receive Jesus as your personal Saviour. Wondering how to do that? Email mcbenningministries(at)yahoo(dot) com.