Threshing Floor Tabernacle

We are at a crossroad – a place where two or more roads cross – as the Body of Christ and the choice of road(s) we take, have eternal consequences. We have become so embolden in our personal views that it no longer matters what the Word of God has to say anymore. While on the one hand we understand that we are saved by grace (not works of the law) through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, then on the other hand many assume that because we are saved we’re free to do as we please. The call to live a holy (consecrated, sanctified) life in the Lord Jesus means for some that He did it for us now we don’t have to, either because we can’t (some say) or it means we’re trying to justify ourselves by our works. We are not under the law, we are under grace. Herein lies a problem – how do we live?

 

A quick biblical answer would be that, “the just shall live by faith.” But faith in what or Whom? Hebrews 6:1 says, “faith towards God!” Jesus says, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). What does that mean and what does that entail? I believe many in this generation of the church are confused about this as it applies to the life we live after receiving Jesus. Key words such as “grace”, “godliness”, “holiness”, “authority”, “submission”, “accountability”, as well as, “liberty”, “worldliness”, “legalism”, “self-righteousness”, “conviction”, and “order” are so often misunderstood. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has an excuse, and very few actually follow Jesus. Even that statement itself might be seen as “well, that’s just your opinion.” An individual actually made a comment like this, “don’t place your personal convictions on others.” I truly wonder what Bible they are reading. When the Church looks more and more like the world, we are in big trouble with God.

 

Jesus, the One who actually went to/through the cross, to the grave, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father, said concerning the last days and His return, do not be deceived; that the hearts of many would wax cold; it would be like the days of Noah and of Lot; and to remember Lot’s wife (see Mt 24 & Lk 17). These are warnings from Jesus and He’s trying to help us, not scare us. What believers of this age and any age for that matter should be doing is looking into what Jesus warned us to do and that is to be prepared so that we don’t miss out on Him! We even have those who are redefining why God poured wrath out on Sodom and Gomorrah. They say it’s because the people were full of pride, wealth and neglect of the poor, which is correct according to Ezekiel 16:49. But it doesn’t stop there. The next verse (v. 50) says this, “And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.” To be haughty is to soar or be lofty which means they lifted themselves up, even in the face of God with their abominations which means something disgusting (morally), an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol. They didn’t care about what God said or thought about something. They’ve exalted their views and standards above God and His Word. That’s the idolatrous part.

 

And this continues in our day as well! Not only have homosexuals used Ezekiel 16:49 as the reason God poured out His wrath on Sodom and Gomorrah, but prominent preachers have bought into it also as if it’s the reason. The former use it as a cloak to say same sex marriage is okay because they are not like those that God described in verse 49 (i.e., they give and do charitable good deeds). The later do it out of ignorance (that’s the best way I can put it) or trying to raise money for a project. Proverbs 14 verse 12 says this, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Selah.