Not Of This World

As I've grown older, I've grown bolder in my faith. There are things I want nothing to do with that I may have entertained years ago; and while I will not judge those who do partake, it is important I be ready to share my reasons for any opportunity that may arise. And those opportunities are always happening when I say no to something else.

John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world." And in John 17:16, John speaks of Jesus' followers: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it."

With Christ not being of this world, this has led me to ponder the things that the world loves (and what it doesn't).

The world hates Christianity. We are treated as though we've missed something developmentally, educationally, and critically. I see that as Satan working overtime to ensure that Christianity gets as much prosecution as possible. Jesus said that we would be hated for following Him.

John 15:18-25,   “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

And the world did hate Jesus. They killed him.

So, if Jesus is not of the world, who is? That's right- the devil. This is satan's playground, ensuring that all things good, right and true, such as Christ, get pushback. Persecution. Cancelled. When people are frolicking through the list of 'likes', the devil is very happy. Because none of these things are of God. As hard as the devil is working in keeping people from the right Jesus, he is offering immorality and false religions. (Because Christ is King!) The world seems to be on autopilot; while people are searching for meaning, satan has planted the idea we can only have happiness and contentment if we mutilate, change and conform ourselves into a mold that he approves. (While Jesus is the Prince of Peace!)

If you've found yourself ensnared by the world,

and you are you ready to turn your life to Christ,

will you pray this prayer with me?

Dear Lord,
I no longer want to live my life for myself, but rather, for You. Please forgive my past sins and show me the way, and I will follow. I put my faith in You, Lord. I seek you; I need you, and I ask that you come into my life completely.
In your name,
Amen

These days, if we seek spiritual connections, we are given the stamp of approval for anything other than Christianity. (Because the devils goal is to lead us astray from God!) The devil's favorite tool is to make sure people don't find the true Jesus of the bible. He's been working on this since Adam and Eve were in the garden. And he knows once people are born and raised, married and baptized into a certain belief, it's very hard for someone to see the way, especially when it looks, feels and sounds like the right way. But it is still possible. So, what are the signs of the wrong gospel?

If you are following any other book than the Holy Bible,
(because Jesus taught nothing can be added or taken away. There is no other holy book or doctrine that should be given weight.- Revelation ¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. ¹⁹ And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.)

If you are asked to give an inappropriate amount of loyalty or respect to leaders,
(because mankind cannot give you salvation, nor should they be looked upon as gods. Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”)

If you are in a church that claims to be the only way to God,
(because the bible teaches us over and over that anyone can have the free gift of salvation- John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.")

If you are following a religion created by man who received the doctrine spiritually,
(because the bible warns us of rampant deception, 1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,")

If you are taught that salvation can only be earned by works,
(because salvation is a FREE gift from Christ- Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.")

will you please pray this prayer with me?

"Dear Heavenly Father,
I wish to find the truth. In 1 Timothy 4:1, You taught us that there will be many false prophets who will deceive us, but they will be teaching the doctrines of demons. Lord, please guide me into your true word, and give me the wisdom to see the difference. If this is not the way, I pray you open the right doors for me to find it.
In your holy name,
Amen

Keep your eyes on Jesus and pray that we do not fall prey to the temptations and deceptions of this world.