What is the definition of a believer in the Son of God today? Well, that depends on a personal point of view and private interpretations according to the many dealings I have had with those of the faith. And many of those views are hinged upon their chosen Bible versions, their pastor’s leanings, and their conclusions as they cherry-pick their way through their Bibles. But to stand firmly upon every word that proceeds from the mouth of God is a rarity in these shallow days of arbitrary faith.
It seems as though the people are grasping at the newest revelations gleaned from ancient garbage dumps, the most thrilling novels from well-known authors, the top media consultants, the newest Bible revisions, and the popular social conversion encores designed to elicit a favorable response from non-committed believers. Anything that tickles the ear, dazzles the eyes and numbs the senses while turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to the words of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Is the world flat or round? Did fallen angels cohabit with women? Are the laws of God done away with? Should men keep their hair short? Are we living on the third earth? Can I create with my words? I am a God because I am a son of God. And so much more whimsical nonsense has overtaken the hearts and minds of many foolish people as they deny the power and authority of godliness and choose to live out the faith according to their interpretations and desires. This generation has very little in common with the early believers; in fact, early believers would be deeply grieved at the compromised lifestyles and sowed lies that pass for the truths of Christ.
What good does it do to have the “best” of the best regarding a Bible translation when the discipline required to obey the commands of God is no longer relevant in the eyes and hearts of post-modern believers? When on every Bible map, the publishers deny the Red Sea Crossing, which is denying the truth to accept the lie, and almost all pastors support that lie because they do not believe the Bible is authoritative. And yet the silly ones flock every Sun-day, a pagan day in honor of the Sun god, to listen to more fabricated lies behind the pulpit from hearts rebellious to God’s words through their disbelief.
God’s word is the absolute standard by which we are to live, but millions have supplanted that word by the use of their own versions, and why? Because of a cultivated system of disbelief from rebellious hearts unwilling to conform to the truth. Did God really say that? Here, let me explain what God meant! It is as if God needs a man to interpret Him! And because man is unwilling to become subjected to God’s authority, he subjects the words of God to personal effrontery and abuse. And pride carries the believer, not humility, into the earthly kingdom of the saints. Pride demands recognition, demands acceptance, expects acknowledgment, denies humility, desires the eminent seat within the body, and seeks the accolade of admirers. To express the opposite of the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus and the early believers. What a contrast of faith and actions, such an open denial of the Son of God and His words and those of His chosen apostles and disciples.
And then some cling to the law in part while denying the words of the Lord wholesale. Indeed, such do as the Lord commented upon, speaking of them as straining to capture the gnat while allowing weightier matters to pass through. Go ye into all the world and make disciples of all men. But no, they will deny those words to avoid persecution and stay hidden safely within their bowls of fortified cherries. Again, they will faithfully keep the Sabbath but avoid the Passover in complete disobedience to His commands. Do you think such believers will be rewarded for their wilful disobedience? Do not be deceived in your hearts, and stop acting in such a presumptuous manner that goes against the Lord you claim to serve.
The wicked doctrine, known as the Trinity, states that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three gods in one person. The Bible says no such thing, and as a matter of fact, Jesus calls God his Father and speaks with Him daily in prayer. And even now, He sits at His right hand, awaiting the command to return and making intercession for the saints on their behalf. But in the evilness of their hearts and complete ignorance of the word, they have accepted a doctrine that is not of God but of demons and has made a mockery of the Father and Son. Or will you ask which of the seven spirits before the throne of God is the Holy Spirit? Or to whom is Jesus bowing as He places all things at the Father’s feet? God has given us intelligence, but it seems to have foundered upon the shoals of ignorance in matters pertaining to the majesty and power of God, for the Lord shall not share His glory with another. There is a glory to the Father and a glory to the Son. Learn to know the difference. And the Holy Spirit is the power of God to accomplish His will. Learn discernment, seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to prove yourselves faithful to the one who has called you in the sobriety of truth, and stop learning and accepting as truth the doctrines of demons and men.
Many religious groups call themselves the faithful flock of Christ and being small in numbers and tightly controlled by their doctrines and leaders, they seem to have some air of truth about them. But do not be led aside into thinking that a particular group or organization has a monopoly on the power of God. He has his people scattered across this planet in every corner, every crevice, every town, every desert, and upon every sea and waterway. You will find them where you would least expect them to be seen. Are we to take the place of God and say here or there and nowhere else? Let such evil hearts be not found among the saints of God!
Many speak of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but few indeed put into practice the claims made. When we are offended, do we offend in turn? Do we demand apologies instead of trusting in the tender mercies of our God, who has shown us mercies? When wrongs have been committed, are we forgiving or planning on retribution, forgetting that God is the avenger of His saints? Do we love those who hate and despise us, and do we pray for those who abuse us? Judge yourselves in this matter. Do we honor God by honoring our parents? Do we despise the brethren and divide them by the fiery tongue? Are we doers of the law or merely glancing in the mirror as we pass? We call upon God to love, but do we cultivate that love or disseminate discord?
It is hard to be a genuine believer in this world today, and tomorrow will prove to be more trying as our faith is put to the fires to become purified. Don’t think to yourselves that persecutions won’t come because they are certainly on their way in these last days. Will you stand firm in the Lord with the truth about your loins or run with the jackals? Will you practice love and mercy or cherish violence and fear? Will you wield the sword or the gospel of peace? Do you seek an earthly kingdom or the city of God? Are your possessions of more value than the soul? Is money in the bank better than food on the table? The newest acquisitions in your yard reveal the coldness of your heart when the neighbor is in need. Take heed to what you sow and where you have cast your seeds.
The faith practiced today by many has become arbitrary, and the word love is ambiguous and misused. But hold firm to the word of God in truth and humbleness of heart and stand against the prevailing winds sweeping many away into perdition. Your home will be that eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem, and your days as a pilgrim will be over. Study His word, be faithful in all things, hold firm to sound doctrine, and walk in godly love, practicing mercy and compassion on all, even upon the enemies of Christ.
I remain a brother to those in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Edward L Ordway