Surviving A World in Crisis

“Jesus knew times of crisis would come upon our world, so in a spirit of wisdom He sought to prepare people for what was ahead.”

Hardly a week goes by without some national or worldwide crisis leading the news headlines. And too often fear and anxiousness grip our hearts as we watch the news or are directly affected by the events ourselves.

Near the end of Jesus’ ministry, His disciples asked some questions about the future. In response, Jesus spoke of troubling conditions that would descend upon the world. However, He wove into His message words of assurance, saying, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6)

Jesus’ prediction of the future included disturbing events like wars, famines, persecution, increased crime, disease, natural disasters, as well as the degradation of the hearts of men and women, becoming more calloused and ruthless toward one another.

Jesus knew times like these would cause people to be greatly disturbed, to the point of being captured by worry and fear. Therefore, in a spirit of wisdom He sought to prepare them for what was coming. He also knew that when future events unfold, it will appear chaotic, giving the appearance that evil is triumphing, while God is seemingly nowhere to be found. His teachings were to assure people that God is present and in charge, so their hearts can abound with peace. For Jesus not only predicted what will be taking place, but that He will be working in the midst of it all to achieve His purposes.

We live in a chaotic world where sometimes there is the sense of organized chaos, where godless influencers plot evil together at national and international levels. Daily the truth is attacked and lies rewarded. Immorality is glorified. Wars and rumors of wars persist. It is easy to be disturbed at all we see and wonder where the world is headed, becoming worried for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. Jesus knows the evil one will take advantage of such times. He will attempt to deceive people in the church, within families and throughout society. Jesus keenly understood this was a spiritual battle between good and evil. For the Scripture says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

He told His disciples how the light of the gospel will bring hope into the world in such times and push back against the forces of darkness. He taught how the good news will be proclaimed throughout all the earth and rescue the souls of men and women who are enslaved by the deceptive promises of their generation.

The disciples were told they will need to endure to the end, during this time of global trial. He did not say they will escape from it but will need to persevere through it. And how could they do that when the pressure will be so immense? The Scripture says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) They will do it, not in their strength, but through the power of their resurrected Lord.

Let us not be filled with alarm at the troubling events swarming around us. Rather, read God’s Word and see how times like these were predicted to come. Respond by being vigilant to protect yourself from deception. Pray at all times. Take up the gospel and share it with someone who is trapped in sin. Love one another. Do not be anxious. Flee from immorality. Persevere. Keep pressing forward. And lastly, be filled with optimism and hope, by placing your full faith in Jesus, who is the King of kings and overseeing it all.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray that people will not be alarmed when seeing what is happening in the world. Instead, bring them to turn from fear and worry and place their trust in you alone. Lift their eyes above the chaos to see you high and lifted up above it all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Should Pastors Speak on Social Issues?

“When we choose silence because of fear, apathy or busyness, we unknowingly become a partner in the advancement of evil.”

Abortion. Homosexuality. Gay marriage. Transgenderism. Sex before marriage. Regardless of one’s position on these, they are all hot topics and often labeled as social, cultural or political issues.

What is the role of the church with these, and should pastors address them? Some respond by telling church leaders to “stay out of politics and keep their eyes on Jesus,” or “Keep the main thing, the main thing,” while others strongly advise “Do not get sidetracked from the gospel.”

Many church leaders are affected by these deep sentiments. According to one religious study, over 50% of pastors surveyed admitted they were hesitant to speak on moral issues, because of how it may offend some in their congregation.

Cleary, this is a very complex and sensitive topic. So where do we go for guidance? The Bible. And specifically, John the Baptist.

John lived in Israel during the rule of King Herod, who was appointed to that role by the occupying Roman Empire. When John began his ministry, he quickly became the most influential religious figure throughout Israel. His phenomenal ministry rocketed upward. Herod had taken interest in John’s rising popularity, and conversely, John had taken notice of Herod’s immoral choices. In particular, John was deeply troubled by Herod’s recent marriage. For John boldly stepped into a cultural issue and took on adultery, divorce and remarriage, in the personal life of King Herod.

When Herod was previously married, he went to visit his brother and had an affair with his sister-in-law (who was also his niece). Consequently, she divorced his brother and Herod’s wife divorced him. Then Herod and his sister-in-law married, and none of this was done in secret. The whole nation, including all the religious leaders, knew what happened. Yet, because Herod was a ruthless leader -- punishing, even killing, anyone who opposed him; no one spoke up. That is, except for one man. John.

On occasions, as John preached to the people of the nation, he addressed Herod’s moral failure. He pointed out how it was lawless, having violated God’s standard. Herod and his wife became aware of the influential preacher publicly condemning their immoral behavior. This especially angered Herod’s wife, which led her to conspire for John’s eventual arrest, imprisonment and execution.

Why did John speak up when he could have kept silent? Because he had to. He was driven by God and His Word, which denounced what Herod did. John knew that unless Herod submitted to God’s ways, he would come under divine judgment. He addressed the issue out of love for God, love for Herod and love of the people of his nation, who were influenced by the King. John felt he had no choice but to speak up. The Word of God burned in his bones with great conviction.

However, when he addressed the issue, he understood the potential consequences. John was aware of Herod’s brutality, but even so, he knew he had to do what was right. John understood he was ultimately accountable to only One. And what did his Lord say about him? Jesus said, “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.” (Luke 7:28)

The Scripture says, “…try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:10-11) This is exactly what John did. Whether you are a pastor or parent, young or old, you must not be silent in the face of sin. When we choose silence because of fear, apathy or busyness, we unknowingly become a partner in the advancement of evil. Let us never be guilty of such a thing! With wisdom, love and humility, courageously speak up. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus, John the Baptist and other great Christian leaders in church history. Dare to be different. Do what is right, not what is safe and comfortable.

A prayer for you - Lord God, raise up men and women like John the Baptist, people that have your Word burning in their bones. Bring them to speak your truth no matter the consequences. Let them speak for an audience of one and for the love of their neighbor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

How to Know What is True or False

“How can we know what is true, and protect ourselves from believing lies?”

One day while I was reading the news, a major national story appeared, written about a friend of mine. I was deeply troubled by what I read, as it detailed many illegal things he had done. But as I read, I thought to myself, “Something just doesn’t seem right. This doesn’t sound like David.” So I picked up my phone and gave him a direct call and walked through the story with him. Then I did my own research afterwards, and in the end, I found the news story about him to be filled with many lies. (Photo by Matt Walsh on Unsplash)

How do we know if the information we come across is true? Maybe some will say, “It sounds believable” or “It comes from a reliable source.” Since we live in a time of so much creative deceit how do we protect ourselves from believing lies? How can we know what is true so we can make decisions or accept certain beliefs on things?

We need wisdom.

Let us call out for wisdom and seek it like a valuable hidden treasure in our backyard. The Bible speaks of people who “…have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) Discernment is a form of wisdom. It gives a person understanding and good judgment.

When what is true could be false, and what is false could be true, we need discernment. When the pressure is on from family or friends to make decisions, we need discernment. When our job, health, finances, or our very lives are at stake we need discernment. It helps us see more clearly what is true, so we can wisely respond to what is before us.

How do we practice godly discernment? 1. Pray. Ask God to provide you with discernment in your situation so you can make a wise decision. 2. Read the Scriptures. It is the source for wisdom, where God will show you something in His Word to give you needed guidance. 3. Identify the costs. There are consequences to decisions, so identify what they are before you decide. 4. Identify pressures. List out the various pressure points you are feeling, and where they are coming from. 5. Research. Take time and effort to read, ask questions, learn and gain as much information as you can. 6. Get advice. Search out for a few people you would consider to be wise and get their input. 7. Trust God and act. After you have done all this, there comes a time to stop dithering, place your complete faith in God and take action.

Godly discernment is a faithful guard, protecting us against lies, deception and manipulation. It can literally save our life and the lives of those whom we love. But there is a high cost. It means we question things when we are discouraged from doing so. It means we may have to separate from the crowd and go a different way. Though the cost is great, the benefits are worth it. There is a peace that abounds, knowing we have chosen to do what is right. There is also a peace that comes from obeying God as best as we understand, and believing He will take care of the unknown.

How do we obtain such wisdom, that the Bible calls more valuable than silver or gold? It comes through a covenant relationship with Jesus. He is the very embodiment of wisdom. When we turn from our disobedience, and call upon Him with all our heart, He will save us and give us the gift of Himself, and His wisdom.

A prayer for you - Lord God, open the eyes of the confused, frustrated, fearful and anxious. Give them godly discernment in the situations they face. Turn them toward yourself, for you are the wisdom they so desperately need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.