The USA is at a crossroad

Matthew 7:15-16

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?”

It could be said that the church in the USA is at a crossroad, a time where the people are use to being entertained, they want the bells and whistle sermons, but many never apply the teachings of the Scriptures; we live in one of the most dangerous times, and yet most Christians have no clue to that fact.  The foundation of the family and marriage is under assault, Christian values are being removed from the culture, and yet few give little thought to a deceiver and spend more time on things of no eternal importance.  Why did Jesus tell us to “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves?”  It is so important to ask these questions, is the message I’m being fed based on making me feel good, making me comfortable, or is it based on Scripture that often addresses my lack of faith and makes me uncomfortable at times.

This writer has come to this conclusion; my flesh cannot be trusted, it desires to be in charge, it likes to do what it wants to do, when it wants to do it, and that is a formula for rebellion and failure.  As I’ve studied Scripture, it has become apparent that I’m not the only one with this problem, in fact, it is problematic of mankind, flesh desires to be in charge, to rule, to be the authority.  So has God spoken in His handbook on life about such flesh and the answer is yes and often.

If we look back to the children of the promise coming out of Egypt after 400 years of being slaves, they would rebel every time things did not go their way.  And what did they want, Egypt, and it mattered not that Egypt meant being a slave.  They had become familiar with its ways and its culture, it was a pagan culture, a culture of false worship, and false gods, but it was what the flesh longed for.  This is the end game of a rebellious people found in Isaiah 30:8-11, “And now, go, write it before them on a tablet

and inscribe it in a book that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever.  For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

Many in the church have no understanding of Scripture, they have no understanding of the voice of the enemy who mask their voice, so they are easily deceived by the one Jesus calls the thief.  Jesus said; “I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)  A question I ask often is, whose voice am I hearing?  You will recognize them by their fruits.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice