Most people are addicted to the validation of others. Fear of the loss of love and acceptance often causes those who know truth to become silent when they should speak.
There is constant intimidation by others to conform to their ways when those ways are not Biblical. Non-believes expect us to conform to society and believers expect us to conform to their version of Christianity that may not be Biblical.
When we are determined to be accepted by others we will lack the strength to think on our own, out side of the box that others have constructed for themselves based on cultural belief systems. Not only do the general populous stay in their box, they expect everyone else to stay in their box too.
When we say what everyone else is saying, do what everyone else is doing and change our views to fit with those who intimidate, we will lose ourselves and the principles of God.
Those who despise truth and love their traditions live in a world of bondage. Those who love Christ and can think outside the cultural box will be free, joyful and blessed by Christ.
Mark 7:12-13 "12 he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so” in many such matters."
John 8:36-37 "36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you."
Those who speak truth freely without reservation can expect many people to come against them, even attempting to shape how others see you by their gossip and lies.
When we see this happening do not fear them. The devil is using these people and he has no power over our soul or our Spirit.
Matthew 10:27-29 "…27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.…"
Christ is our advocate, our protector and our Truth! Let no cultural norms or pressure interfere with the path Christ has for you. He is the only One Who matters.
When we hate our sin so much we can no longer stand to ever do that sin again, then we have repented. Our mind has been changed which resulted in a change of behavior.
Luke 15:10
"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The system of "church attendance and governance" that we see today is not Biblical. There are no one man pastors described in the Bible. Also, The word "pastor" is not a title we call someone or a position, its a calling and several men in the gathering should have this calling. No one is over anyone else, they teach and lead by example, not by authority over others.
This is the hardest concept to get into the minds of others. Once the wrong teaching has been in the minds of people for many years, its impossible to get them to understand and accept the truth.
Yes and he often contradicts himself! They are called "double minded men", God says; "they are unstable in all their ways."
Since our children's generation is walking in superficial worldly Christianity there remains a great deal of rebellion in their hearts. Their religion is based on emotions far more than rational thinking.
Watching this generation indulge themselves in arrogance based on fantasy feelings has been agonizing. Their attempt at appearing superior has led them down a path of self righteousness.
The resistance to truth and teaching has left them spiritual infants. Those who are not born again we expect that from, but it is hard when those who claim to be Christians act more like the world than they do like authentic believers.
When the Bible is not very important to them, they claim it is, but follow little of it. They will even say they are "Bible believing", but their lives and actions are not evidence of what they say.
These self righteous ones make rash judgments about people, the reason being that they do not listen long enough or with enough interest to hear anyone. Their own thoughts and ideas are all that matter to them.
When self is the focus, personal superiority is the goal there is no learning possible.
Acts 7:51 "51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you."
Romans 2:5 "5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing."
Psalm 81:11-12
“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels."
Those who continually rebel against sound teaching will eventually be turned over to their rebellion without a chance of ever changing.
Just remember the longer one resists God, the stronger the dilution and the less likely one will be able to think rationally with the mind of Christ.
Quote from the Milk and Honey publication: by Stephen Hulshizer
"When God will return "with" His bride to establish His kingdom on the earth, and just as the first's man's wife was with him in his rule, so shall the Church rule and reign with the Second Man, Jesus Christ. (Rev. 5:9-10; Col. 3:4; Matthew 24:29-31")"
Proverbs 1:8-9 "8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. 9 For they are a garland of grace on your head, and a pendant around your neck."
