The Way of the World or The Way of the Word?

I want to offer up a big thank you to all the women in my Tuesday morning bible study.   Most of the women with the exception of the new ones, who have joined us these past couple of weeks, know how much I love watching and discussing current events as well as biblical prophecy.

Last week they were so gracious and willing to put aside our study of John and focus on some current events.  Believe it not we ended up looking at some passages in the book of Ezekiel.  Lots of good stuff in Ezekiel.   Talking about current events and the book of Ezekiel were not what I planned on doing; however, God had different plans.  It was such a blessing to be led by the Spirit and cover current events that are happening worldwide and to see that all fifteen of us share that same interest.  It was because of this discussion about current events that I was able to get my thoughts down on paper and put them the blog.  I have had the title for this blog for some time but just could not get anything down in writing.   I think a big part of that is because there is so much happening so quickly that it is overwhelming and quite difficult to try to keep it short. 

As I thought about our discussion, I was thinking about why pastors do not teach about the second coming of Christ.   Most churches every year teach about the first coming of Christ but not the second.   Why is that?  Why not teach from the book of Revelation where we are told in Chapter 1 verse 3 - "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."  Why do most churches not teach about the coming judgment of Christ?   I believe it is because of what the Word of God says that in the end days people will not want sound doctrine but will want to have their ears tickled.   In other words, they will only want to hear the easy and uplifting things.  Why aren't most pastors teaching their flock how to prepare and be ready for the more difficult times that are sure to be coming?  Is it because they don't want to offend anyone?  Is it politically incorrect to do so?  Could this lack of teaching be why the church is so powerless today because we have stepped back from teaching the full council of God for fear of offending and being politically wrong by doing so? 

As we know things are rapidly deteriorating.  Sin is rampant worldwide. Sin is no longer a word that is used or taught about in most churches today. It seems that almost nothing is considered sin any longer.   REALLY???  Hmmm! 

Economies around the globe are collapsing, cities are declaring bankruptcy, and countries including the US are trying to force Israel to divide their God-given land.  If you are a student of God's Word, you know, that is a big "NO NO".  In Zechariah 12:9, we are told - "And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."  The bible is very clear that a nation that blesses Israel will be blessed and a nation that curses Israel will be cursed. The more the US tries to force Israel to divide her land, the more America will suffer the consequences. 

There is fear and panic is everywhere.   Unemployment is still high.  The unemployment rates rose in 90% of US cities the Labor Dept. said on Tuesday, July 30, 2013.

The housing market is still in the slump and rentals are at an all time high. The "American Dream" is slipping, as home ownership is at an 18 year low.  US rents hit record highs according to the latest quarterly homeownership data released by the Census Bureau.

The focus of the meeting with John Kerry and the Israelis and Palestinians is about the land of Israel and Israel building homes on their God given land.  Compare that to what is happening with the Americans and their homes.  The economic meltdown in America is hurting the young.  It is this generation that for the most part, not all, are for abortion, homosexuality, drugs and have no use for Jesus in their lives.  Many cannot find jobs and make it on their own.  They have no choice but to live with their parents after college. 

Here's another example of what happens to a country that comes against Israel.   An article came out a week or so ago entitled EU Tightens Economic Restrictions on Israel.  A week later another article comes out entitled Europe is Cracking Apart...Are You Ready for a Crash?   As a country does to Israel, so God does to that country.  Don't mess with God's people or be prepared to suffer at the hands of the Almighty God.

People are searching for peace and hope and yet find neither in the things this world offers.   Many have chosen the "Way of the World" instead of the "Way of the Word" only to find out the world truly offers no hope nor does it offer peace.    

I cannot help but think of the words from book of Daniel 12:8-11 -"I (Daniel) heard, but I did not understand. (He heard a conversation between someone and the man clothed in linen...this is in his vision.)  Then I (Daniel), said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?  He said, Go your way Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.  Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly.  And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand."

I want heed the words of Titus 2:11-14 which say - "For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

It is my prayer that the Church, the Bride will purify herself and will make herself ready to meet her Bridegroom.

I want to note the words that Joshua presented to the Israelites in Joshua 24:14-15 - "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness (The Way of the Word).  Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt (The Way of the World), and serve the Lord.  And, if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your father served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Choose this day - The Way of the World or the Way of the Word!  It is your choice.