By Ray Gano Joshua 24:14 -15 (KJV) Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
When Joshua stated these words, he was on his deathbed. He called all of Israel together to speak to them one last time.
You see, he feared for Israel. He started to see Israel become lazy and choose the apostate ways of the Canaanites, the false ways, the ways of the world.
Like Joshua, we too must choose this day, who we are going to serve. Once we have chosen, we must take action on it.
Too often we see people making excuses so that they can indulge in the ways of the Canaanites, the ways of the world, the ways God has told us to stay clear of.
Oh, we put fancy words to it and all. We get all warm and fuzzy by slapping the name “Christian” on it to fool the ignorant. In reality all this does is dilute what God has said and in turn we excuse our indulgence with the ways of the world.
Before I get into this, I want to make sure you understand that I am not refuting the doctrine of eternal security. I believe once saved always saved. What I do have a problem with are those who are claiming the title Christian thinking that they are saved and living an open life of sin that is not according to God’s word. But instead they are indulging in the many ways of the world and making excuses for it.
Looking at the world today we see MANY people claiming the title “Christian” but I do not see them living the life worthy of a Lord who personally died for their sins.
Matthew 7:15-16 (KJV) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:18-20 (KJV) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
I get a lot of emails telling me “who are you to judge me, your not God.” I agree, I am not God, but in the verse above I am told how we are to know who is NOT of God. This is also echoed again in Ephesians 5 talking of good fruit and worldly fruit. It is by their fruits that we shall know them.
It is through their fruits they identify themselves as to who they really serve.
In the days before Joshua’s death, Israel had many victories and won many battles over those who lived in the land. But we also learn that it was the tribe of Dan that led to the ultimate fall of Israel. You can read about this in Joshua 19. Because Dan dwelt among the Canaanites and Philistines they became exposed to the ways that were not of the Lord. They were introduced to their false gods, worldly ways and wild women. This in turn spread like a cancer, which Joshua saw in Israel.
In Joshua 24, it is seen that a covenant was made between Joshua, the people and God. They said that they would not turn away from the Lord and that they would turn away from the ways of the Canaanites and not worship their gods.
But when Joshua died, excuses came into play. Apostasy went to work and cancer spread throughout all of Israel.
This is exactly what we are seeing in Christianity today
Matthew 7:14 (KJV) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
This should be a very sobering verse to those who are claiming the title and not living the proper life for the Lord.
It amazes me what people are doing today all in the name of Christianity and thinking that Grace gives them a license to sin.
Here is a short roadmap in which the ways of the world which have entered the church…
The Avenue (Wide Road)
- Watered down modern versions of the bible, NIV, The Message, RSV, Living Bible, NASB pretty much anything based upon the Westcott and Hort school of thought.
- Christian contemporary, Heavy Metal, Death Metal Rock
- Co-mingling of worldly beliefs and biblical beliefs
The Actions (Compromise)
- Christian Yoga; Yoga for kids
- Healing and practicing Reiki (wizardry)
- Feng Shui (occultic lay lines and earth magic)
- Walking the Labyrinth
- Contemplative prayer – (Transcendental Meditation - TM)
- Tai Chi and other forms of “Christian” martial arts
- The return of the Liturgy
- The return of candles, icons and incense
- The return of the worship of saints, mother Mary and of Angels
The Results (False Gospel)
- Salvation without the Blood of Christ, death burial and resurrection
- Salvation by works
- Rejecting the Bible as the infallible word of God
- Rejecting of doctrine and the tenants of the faith
- Complete acceptance of new age thought and belief along with the occult and pagan practices
I can go on, but I think you get the idea.
NOW… if something in this list has “ticked you off” or is a point of contention, you need first need to ask yourself “WHY?”
Why are you getting upset that your pet sin, belief or practice is listed here?
If you are a child of God, there should be some conviction going on as well as recognition that you have been indulging in the world’s ways.
Now if you refuse to accept the conviction in your heart, the next thing that usually happens, one usually lashes out at the messenger, which is me at the moment. This usually consists of calling me some name, attacking my intelligence, calling me a Pharisee, judgmental, stiff necked, fanatic, fundamentalist, ect. Saying that I have no idea what I am talking about.
Next the excuses come as to why we are allowed to wallow in some of these sins and pagan ways and working to discredit the messenger.
I point back to what Joshua said..
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve”
Often people think there is grey area with God. This is a major mistake. God is a YES / NO, binary, black or white God.
He is also a God who does not change His mind or ways to suit modern day man. Many would have us to believe that just because it was not ok for the Israelites doesn’t mean He holds us to the same standards of obedience today. It seems as if today’s thought in Christian circles is God does not care how I live, what I do or how I act as long as I am “working” for Him.
This is just not true. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Now, some of you out there may be involved in some of the things I have mentioned and not know it is living in the ways of the world. That is because you have been deceived. But, now that you know, you have a choice to make. Do you continue living in disobedience (sin) or not?
Now, If you continue living in disobedience this tells me one of two things.
- You really are not saved
- You are living in rebellion
If this is you, which one are you?
What sort of fruit are you producing in the eyes of God? Is this fruit godly and good - or wicked and corrupt? The Word of God has much to say about this issue, and anyone who claims Jesus Christ as their personal Savior should have no problem accepting the Bible as the final authority. Knowing this, we are called to submit to Him 100%. Again if you choose not to, you then serve your father the devil as stated in John 8:44. The other option is you are His and choose rebellion.
Personally, I would not want to be in ones shoes who choose to live in rebellion.
Here is how God will deal with those who choose to serve the world when they are His.
2 Chronicles 7:19 - 22 (KJV) But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; 20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. 21 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? 22 And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshiped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.
Now, I can hear it already. If you are one of these people you are going to say to yourself, “well what I am doing is good, it isn’t hurting anyone and through it I am being a good Christian example and have even talked about God and shared the gospel, so I guess that it is ok and I can keep doing what I feel is right.”
Do you see what went on in that excuse? It is pretty much the same argument that Eve had with herself regarding the apple.
They went against God’s Word. Here is what God says…
Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 16:25 (KJV) There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Isaiah 8:20 (KJV)"to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Romans 12:2 (KJV)"and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of god."
“Yea, hath God said??” said the snake to the Eve.
Are you leaning upon your own understanding, your own beliefs, your own wants, desires, lusts?
Are you ignoring what God’s word clearly says?
Here is what God’s word says…
Matthew 7:18-20 (KJV) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
1 Corinthians 10:21 (KJV) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
Like the verses in Matthew 7; 1 Cor 10:21 is very clear in that you can not serve two masters. Either you serve the devil and produce the fruits of the world, or you serve Christ and produce fruits of the spirit. There is no mixing the two.
Going back to Mat 7:14 we KNOW that there are not many who will go to heaven.
Matthew 7:14 (KJV) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
We also know that many will claim the title but God will not know them.
Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We also learn that many claim the title, but the roots did not take hold. If one is not producing the good fruit of the Lord, then there is a good chance that they are not one of His.
Matthew 13:3-9 (KJV) And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Being a Christian is not easy, Christ told us that himself. But because we are His, we have the strength to continue on daily in His will. Paul tells us that our strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
It is when we submit 100% to him and His will, then the Lord does great things in our lives.
Living a life of sin, even when you claim the title seems easy, but in the long run, will lead to destruction.
Matthew 7:13 (KJV) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
The church has lost its way. Many people claim the title, but in reality many are not His. Many choose the ways of the Canaanites, ways of the world, their father the Devil and not the ways of the Lord. This is just another sign of the last days.
Here is what God’s word says…
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
If you are one of those who got upset at me when you read this, you need to reexamine your life and get right with the Lord. If you are not a Christian, but claiming the title, you too need to get right with the Lord or choose you this day who you will serve.
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Who Do You Serve?
Jesus stated the following…
John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If you do not have Christ in your life, you will spend eternity in hell. This is a fact. It does not matter if you believe this or not, it is the truth spoken by Jesus himself. If your name is not written in the Lambs Book of Life you will go to hell for what you have not done and that is accepting Christ as your personal savior. To be placed in the Lamb Book of Life, you need to turn your life completely over to Him. Having “head” knowledge or “just believing in Christ” is not the same as having “heart” knowledge with Christ living in your heart. We know that even the devils believe in Him, where are they spending eternity?
James 2:19 (KJV) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
We work hard at Prophezine to show that Bible Prophecy is coming to pass. Because of this fact, the Bible is true. Since the Bible is the true and inerrant word of God, there is a heaven and there is a hell.
If you claim the title of “Christian” then take account of yourself this day. Many claim the title, but we read in God’s Word that the title does not get you into heaven.
Matthew 7:21(KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:22(KJV) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Matthew 7:23(KJV) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Who you serve will determine where you will spend eternity. If you are not serving Christ and a true child of God, then you are serving Satan and a child of the enemy.
If you are not 110% sure, then take account of yourself, your very life depends upon it.
1John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
About the Author:
Ray & Tracye Gano are the Executive Directors of Prophezine. Prophezine deals with Bible Prophecy and World Events from a Pre-trib, pre-millennial, dispensationalist stand point. They currently serve close to 70,000+ (and growing) people world wide with a weekly newsletters, daily news updates, community based website and Internet radio shows. Ray recently released his latest project “Escape The End Time Money Snare – The CD a multimedia CD co-authored with Wilfred Hahn focusing on how to escape the trappings of mammon and learning how to live simply in God’s abundance.
Please visit Prophezine by going to http://www.prophezine.com
visit their new daughter ministry Wisdom Farms at http://www.wisdomfarms.com
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment