ADVANCING THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS A BATTLE FOR THE TRUTH

Our pastor from Brave Church, Jeff Schwarzentraub, left no doubt in his sermon today that we as Christians are embroiled in a Battle For Truth and we are Required to Stand Up For It, and Battle those who would silence it or oppress those who seek it. When we look at The Word Of God, one must decide if they believe it to be true, and if so, is it RELEVANT IN OUR LIVES IN THIS MOMENT ? There are many who think the Bible is simply a mythological series of stories. An embellished historical account filled with impossible miracles. A philosophy of living with a “ King and Creator” thrown in for significance and mystery. A series of writings that were good in their time but have outlived usefulness for our culture today. WHAT IS THE TRUTH ? When I look at the Word Of God, I personally believe that it is REAL, INERRANT, AND RELEVANT FOR EACH OF US TODAY ! It should be OUR GUIDING LIGHT AND FOUNDATION ! IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME AND WE SHOULD SHOUT ITS TRUTH AND IMPORTANCE TO THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINTOP !

FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE, SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD, PIERCING TO THE DIVISION OF SOUL AND OF SPIRIT, OF JOINTS AND OF MARROW, AND DISCERNING THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS OF THE HEART. Hebrews 4:12

LEAD ME IN YOUR TRUTH AND TEACH ME, FOR YOU ARE THE GOD OF MY SALVATION; FOR YOU I WAIT ALL THE DAY LONG. Psalm 25:5

THE SUM OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH, AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR RIGHTEOUS RULES ENDURES FOREVER. Psalm 119:160

FOR EVERY WORD OF GOD PROVES TRUE; HE IS A SHIELD TO THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM. Proverbs 30:5

Our worldly leaders and culture today have no ability to discern The Word Of God, and they have no interest in Gleaning The Wisdom that they might learn from spending time in it. What we receive from the world is an out of context viewpoint of Christian values and things we seek to exemplify in our lives, but without Clarity, Truth, or Conviction. These worldly viewpoints are not only “False”. they are also “Deadly” for Humanity. Do the following statements sound familiar when Truth is actually expressed from God’s Word ? “ That isn’t very loving”; “ How can you be so judgemental “; “ You can be right, but you won’t have relationship”; “ Who made you God”; and even “ Truth is an individual choice and determination”. Is it any wonder why we are so morally bankrupt and divided as peoples and nations today ? Our Truth in the world is thought out and manipulated in the moment for whatever purpose or agenda one needs. History is full of the manipulation and downright fabrication of things to promote an illusion of reality. Lies and untruth often devolve into control, brutality, coercion, and evil. Untold millions have suffered and perished under these evil circumstances. I often wonder why so many people are unwilling to stand up for the truth and battle evil ? Is it too difficult ? Is it too hard to face the opposition ? Is it just easier to remain unseen and be an island unto oneself. IF WE ARE TO SERVE GOD AND ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM THEN WE MUST STAND FOR TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS ! WE MUST BE WILING TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING FOR JESUS TO FOLLOW AND SERVE HIM.

“CRY ALOUD; DO NOT HOLD BACK; LIFT UP YOUR VOICE LIKE A TRUMPET; DECLARE TO MY PEOPLE THEIR TRANSGRESSION, TO THE HOUSE OF JACOB THEIR SIN. Isaiah 58:10

BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO REMAINS STEADFAST UNDER TRIAL, FOR WHEN HE HAS STOOD THE TEST HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH GOD PROMISES TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. James 1:12

TAKE NO PART IN THE UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF DARKNESS, BUT INSTEAD EXPOSE THEM. Ephesians 5:11

Where are we standing today as followers of Jesus ? Are we standing for TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS or are we caving in to Culture and the Loudest voices ? Are we standing up as a Community and Church, seeking righteous pastors and leaders to follow God’s Truth, and admonishing them if they are not, or are we silent ? The Kingdom Of God advances when we as believers battle for right ! The Kingdom advances when we bring Truth into the light ! The Kingdom advances when WE GLORIFY GOD AND HIS LOVE FOR US IS REFLECTED IN ALL WE DO AND WHO WE ARE ! Get serious and recognize we are in a battle against Satan and his evil agenda. ENGAGE YOUR HEART IN GOD’S WORD AND SEEK JESUS AS YOUR LORD, SAVIOR, AND KING :) Share the Gospel. Share God’s Truth. Engage the Battle. ADVANCE THE KINGDOM ! TRUTH/JAA

HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU ? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED AND DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO. Joshua 1:9