Fear Not

I am speechless.  Or should I say, I have been wordless.  And this blog has suffered because of my inability to properly express myself.

There certainly isn't a shortage of things to write about.  The headlines from the mainstream media and what I glean from Christian websites could fill volumes here, if I chose to join in the fray and add my two cents.  But I refuse to become one of those bloggers who grabs a topic out of the plethora of available topics, then goes off on a tangent of condemnation and scathing rebuke, especially since I am not intimately familiar with the people involved and every detail that makes the story newsworthy.

Since the internet became the go-to place for news, people have a tendency to believe everything that is written there, including the conspiracies and propaganda permeating it.  Far too many secular and Christian bloggers and readers fall into that trap which ends up destroying the validity of legitimate bloggers as the rumors and innuendos continue to circulate this sphere.  Social media is probably the greatest offender.  Those who spend time on Facebook, for instance, rarely read anything more than the headline which is cleverly written to grab their attention and not truly reflective of the article's content.  I can't count the times when I have actually read the article, only to discover this truth.  And I truly wish my friends would do the same before "sharing" it with expressed outrage and condemnation.

I am in full agreement that there is plenty to be angry about: the recent SCOTUS decision on gay marriage; our President's foolish attempts to negotiate with Iran; the wholesale slaughter of babies in the womb; the crumbling social and family structure; race-baiters who perpetuate hate and encourage lawlessness; the evil brutality occurring in the Middle East and spreading around the globe...the list is endless.

The problem, as I see it, is that far too many professing Christians are also fearful, forgetting that the Most High God is no less in control of this world than He was when He created it.  Yes, I do believe that not only is God going to pour out judgment on our nation, but He has been doing so for some time.  He can't nor won't ignore rampant in-His-face sin without it causing a reaction from Him.  Evil and wickedness have been present since the serpent deceived Eve, God has poured out His judgment time and time again, and He will continue to do so until Jesus Christ returns to bring final judgment upon this earth.  But the promise God made to Israel in Isaiah 41 is also intended for His adopted children, as well, especially verse 10:  "...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  And Christians across the globe need to cling to that promise.

Charles H. Spurgeon's morning devotion reminded me that God's Word is faithful.  For those who put all of their trust and all of their faith in Almighty God who is sovereign in all things on earth and in heaven and whose righteousness and justice is perfect in all ways, there may be moments of fear, but it is short-lived.  We are endowed with the Holy Spirit who brings great peace in the midst of trials, turmoil, and godlessness.  And if the world comes completely against us with great violence, even then we know that we are still safe in His hands, for a life beyond our ability to express awaits us.

I am able to thank God for giving me these few words of encouragement to pass onto you.  I hope Mr. Spurgeon's are even more encouraging as we watch events unfold, continue to witness to those in unbelief, and wait for the ultimate and eminent return of our Savior, our King, our LORD Jesus Christ.

 

"Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Proverbs 1:33

Divine love is rendered conspicuous when it shines in the midst of judgments. Fair is that lone star which smiles through the rifts of the thunder clouds; bright is the oasis which blooms in the wilderness of sand; so fair and so bright is love in the midst of wrath. When the Israelites provoked the Most High by their continued idolatry, he punished them by withholding both dew and rain, so that their land was visited by a sore famine; but while he did this, he took care that his own chosen ones should be secure. If all other brooks are dry, yet shall there be one reserved for Elijah; and when that fails, God shall still preserve for him a place of sustenance; nay, not only so, the Lord had not simply one "Elijah," but he had a remnant according to the election of grace, who were hidden by fifties in a cave, and though the whole land was subject to famine, yet these fifties in the cave were fed, and fed from Ahab's table too by His faithful, God-fearing steward, Obadiah. Let us from this draw the inference, that come what may, God's people are safe. Let convulsions shake the solid earth, let the skies themselves be rent in twain, yet amid the wreck of worlds the believer shall be as secure as in the calmest hour of rest. If God cannot save his people under heaven, he will save them in heaven. If the world becomes too hot to hold them, then heaven shall be the place of their reception and their safety. Be ye then confident, when ye hear of wars, and rumours of wars. Let no agitation distress you, but be quiet from fear of evil. Whatsoever cometh upon the earth, you, beneath the broad wings of Jehovah, shall be secure. Stay yourself upon his promise; rest in his faithfulness, and bid defiance to the blackest future, for there is nothing in it direful for you. Your sole concern should be to show forth to the world the blessedness of hearkening to the voice of wisdom.

The "Noah" Movie: A Word From Me In Defense of God and His Word

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." ~ Gal. 6:7

I am seeing on Facebook a number of professing Christians who have thrown their hard-earned money into Jewish atheist Darren Aronofsky's pocket and visited their local theater to partake in viewing this abomination he directed, which is exactly what Aronofsky had predicted would happen and, I am confident, is extremely delighted that they have.

Some of my friends and family said they wanted to make their own determination on its accuracy.   Others were merely curious.  And the worst excuse, they just wanted to be entertained.  But it's my humble opinion that there is no excuse, simply because all were warned about its blatant misrepresentation and abuse of Scripture long before the movie was released.  I might also impress upon them that God's Word should not be seen as "entertainment."

$130 million was spent to produce this movie and its opening weekend box office take was estimated at $44 million. In other words, far too many Christians took the bait dangled in front of them by their so-called pastors who encouraged them to go and to succumbing to grave deception, and it won't be long before Aronofsky and his producers begin to realize a very hefty profit.

But at whose expense?

I'll answer that question:

God's expense.  His glory and honor.  His Holy Name.  His covenant He made with Noah.  His WORD.

Equally as dire is the thought that a Christian could use this ill-conceived tripe to evangelize an unbeliever.   That particular encouragement was pressed upon congregations all across the country.  But tell me, how do you use a lie to express the truth of God?  (A genuine Christian can only answer, "you can't.")

Atheists are jubilant over the reconstruction of Scripture's account of Noah and the flood.  They understand that their fellow atheist, Aronofsky, has just provided them with another good laugh at God's expense.  In one offensive and profane article written for the God-hating crowd, five reasons are given why atheists should watch the movie.  The list is ended with, "So get out there, enjoy the film and lap it up like the deity that you’ve always wanted to be!"

Does it sound logical that the use of this movie in your Christian witness would actually convince an unbeliever, let alone an atheist?

Pastors.com writer, Phil Cooke, lists many reasons why Christians should go see the movie, and not one of them is legitimate.

Here are a few more articles about Christians "leaders" encouraging a viewing:  this one ... this one ... and the most telling, this one.

In a recent interview, Christianity Today spoke to Aronofsky about his movie, but not once brought him to task by correcting his gross errors and his taking far too much creative license with the Biblical account.  But that shouldn't surprise those of us who view Christianity Today as a secular rag unworthy of our perusal.

I could post more, but the point should be clear:  men who openly profess and even teach Jesus Christ have no problem with misrepresenting the Word of God, and far too many weak professing Christians believe anything they are told by their "shepherds."

To those of you who are thinking of enriching Aronofsky and gleefully helping him succeed at maligning the Word of God, please reconsider.    God will not be mocked, and this is nothing but overt, blatant mockery in its worst form.  Don't be a party to sin.

If you want to know the true account of Noah, the ark, and the flood, save your money and your heart, stay at home and open your Bible, and begin reading through Genesis chapter 6 to chapter 9.  God will be greatly glorified, Jesus Christ will be revealed, and the truth will be preserved.

Here For Such A Time As This

"For You formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are Your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
when I was made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in Your book were written, every one of them, 
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them."
 
Psalm 139:13-16, ESV


"God has ordained the battle, which means He has raised up the enemy so that we, His bride, could be a help suitable to the second Adam as He destroys all His enemies for His glory; for the glory of His Namesake, for the glory of His Father.  We are here for such a time as this, so that Jesus will win." ~ R.C. Sproul, Jr.

For me to add anything else in the way of introduction to this post, other than what the psalmist and R.C. wrote, would pale in comparison.

Please take 54 minutes to watch this documentary.  After you do, I hope you will share it with your church and others, and that you will see that you may have also been raised up by God for a time such as this.

What If?

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”   God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 3:13-14 

What if...

You hang on doubt and refuse to hear

the still, small voice whispering in your ear;

the gentle call from womb to death

that tells of glory and blissful rest?

Your heart is hard and refuses to budge

when those who know Him tell of His love;

you turn your back with scorn and spite

from those who offer His glorious light?

What if...

You believe those who say it is not so;

there is no God to whom you can go

for relief and rest from toil and strife,

Who offers His peace and eternal life?

You build your life on things and self,

refusing the mighty hand of help'

until that day all men come to,

death stands at your side and summons you?

What if...

At that moment you suddenly see;

the question rises, "Could it be?

Have I been so blind and stubborn of heart

that now from mercy I must part?"

You now know that you were wrong;

all your life you refused the song

that swelled from heaven midst love divine,

that spoke the words, "Come, be Mine"?

And before the God you chose to deny,

you stand before Him, eye-to-eye,

with no one left to defend your cause,

exposed and naked, knowing your loss?

But, what if...

You choose just now, upon this day,

to seek the road and be shown the way

to mercy, forgiveness and boundless grace

that's written upon His beautiful face?

You come and meet the Great I AM

Who waits to take you by the hand

and bring you into His blessed fold

to give to you true life foretold?

And angels sing and saints rejoice,

"All glory is His!" they say with one voice.

"He's brought another who answered His call,

and made our God his all in all!"?

What if?

(© Karen L. Brahs, April 22, 2006)