Christian Living

JUST HANGING OUT

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
09/27/16
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:1-4)

As a child of God, how do you spend your time? What do you read? What do you watch on TV? What do you read on social media? What do you search for on the internet? In other words, where and with whom do you hang out?

Since my retirement, I now have ample opportunity of spending time searching the various religious broadcasts and in particular the ones appearing on television. Some I sense sincerely preach or teach the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Others appear to present a social gospel (Galatians 1:8). And in watching these religious variances, God's Spirit seems to direct my thinking (Romans 5:5) as to whether or not this form of media is scriptural, and based on the Holy Spirit's leading is whether or not I continue to watch or just turn the channel (Proverbs 13:20).

In (1 Cor 15:33) we see how we can easily be influenced by a false gospel, even as unbelievers are slaves to sin (John 8:34). In other words, these false teachers are simply "wolves in sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15). And we will surely know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16-20).

Nonetheless Christians are slaves to God (1 Cor. 7:22). So, if we are led by the Spirit not to continue into these type messages, we are not go there (2 Cor. 6:14).

You see, God loves the non-Christians as much as He loves the Christians. And for all those who preach and teach the social gospel, He loves them and wants to transform their thinking. (2 Peter 3:9)

I do understand however, that oftentimes we Christians become so 'heavenly minded", that we are no "earthly good". In other words we may take on a falsely pious attitude. It’s a mistake to compare ourselves to others. We all need God's love (Romans 5:8).

I am certainly not suggesting that we take on an arrogant attitude, regarding others of the ministry with disdain, cultivating an “I am better than you” psychology. This is not about being “holier than thou.” It's simply following God’s guidance by adhering to what the scriptures tell us regarding our relationship with other believers, especially those who populate the airwaves.

Nonetheless, I must mention that there is a total difference between one giving an ear to a false religious presentation and one being a personal witness for Jesus. As Christians, we are commanded to reach out with the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, we should not turn our backs on unbelievers (2 Timothy 2:24-26), for it may just be the Holy Spirit leading us to an all-important contact (James 56:16). This is totally different than being influenced by the teaching of a false gospel.

However, you will never be an effective witness for the gospel by joining the crowd (Matthew 7:23), so to speak. If you resolve to become a member of the gang, you will never be in God's will (2 Cor 6:14-17).

Yes, God really cares who we hang with. That's what the first church was all about. That's why the first church grew so rapidly (Acts 2:41-47). And that is what we as a body of Christ are all about today (Hebrews 10:25).

Author's Postscript:

Why did I feel led to write this blog? You see, in the United States of America, the polling data seems to suggest that about 70% of the citizenry claim to be Christian. And yet, in this all-important upcoming presidential election a good number of these so-called Christians will probably vote contrary to God's principles.

You see, when the populace develops different views of politics versus Christianity, sharp differences arise. Families are torn apart, friendships diminish and oftentimes churches will split over these issues. God did not intend for this to happen, and yet society has become split on these all important issues, due to an evil-controlled world (Ephesians 6:11-12).

We should never try to twist the Bible to fit in with society. It has been tried in the past, and is now being tried again. It will never work; it never has and never will. Instead, twist yourself to fit in with the Bible (Romans 13:1-7).

You see, the authorities are established by God (Romans 13:1). They are instituted by God (Romans 13:2), as His servants (Romans 13:4,6). Therefore, we believers are to submit to authorities (Romans 13:1, 5) by paying our taxes (Romans 13:6), and by giving the authorities the appropriate respect (Romans 13:7).

We must change our lives to fit in with God’s will. It is impossible to twist God’s word so as to make it compatible with today's society’s mores. (2 Timothy 3:1-9, 13) (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

As Christians, we not only have a responsibility, but also a command, to pray first, then vote the Bible’s principles. I realize there is probably no one candidate who will adhere to all of these principles. However, we must vote for the one who we feel will further God's plan, by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their administration.

You see folks, we have to be realistic. We have to first cover the candidate with prayer, then give God a chance to work in the candidate's administration according to God's sovereign will (Daniel 2:19-23).

Yes, we must also pray that God will work a work within these many preachers as they promote and advance their social gospel message through the many available media. We must pray for a realization of God's command and promise, as given in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

And we must pray that Christians will wake up and vote to bring the gospel back to its roots. You see, Christianity cannot afford to lose this election battle to Satan (Proverbs 12:26) (Proverbs 22:24-25).

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR, AMERICIANS, AND VOTE 11-8-2016 

http://ccrobey.wixsite.com/themessage