Christian Living

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My Christian Response
23 May 2006

Once upon a time a book was written. In this book many imaginations and thoughts were poured. The motivation behind the book is not readily known, but what it has become is widely known. The human author of this book started off writing a fiction novel, but soon fell into a trap. Snared as a bird in a net, he was snatched up by deception and the father of deception. The force behind this book is the enemy of God. The person who penned the book is a lost soul.

There is something frightening about the powerful deception and doubt created by this simple piece of writing. Something else is even more frightening, the reactions to this book.

This is not a judgment or criticism. This is a word of caution to believers and followers of Jesus Christ. How we as Christian react and respond to the world events around us is a powerful testimony to our beliefs. More importantly it is viewed as a direct reflection of Jesus, on Whom our beliefs our based. Wisdom is called for in this situation and all situations. Not the wisdom of men, but the wisdom given only from God, Our Father. In all things “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Matt 6:33. This is first and foremost in all things in the life of a Christian.

You’ve seen the letters “W.W.J.D” or heard it quoted in one situation or another. It is really a great concept and habit to adopt. What would Jesus do when confronted with this situation or that? How would He react to someone mocking Him? How would Jesus react to insults slung at Him? Thank God we don’t have to speculate on how Jesus would react. It is written in black and white (sometimes red) in the Living Word of God. Now the question to be asked is “how Brother Chris or Sister Jane going to react to worldly confrontations?” I pray the answer is to do what Jesus would do.

What is the root of these worldly or fleshly conflicts? Is it a persons actions or thoughts to which we must respond? Is it really about words or thoughts put down on a piece of paper or sexual or immoral acts committed by people? No! The issue is the same today as it was in Eden…Sin (disobedience to God)! It is written “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph 6:12 NKJV. We do not fight against the Dan Browns of the world. We war, as always, in the Spirit against Satan and his demons. We battle sin.

As I fast and pray, meditating on the Word of God, it is revealed to me that these happenings have already been foretold in prophesies written in the Bible. If you would read from the books of the New Testament in regards to the end times you can draw your own conclusions. I draw my conclusions from my personal studies of Scripture using the wisdom and discernment given to me from God through prayer and petition.

In 2 Peter 2:1-3 you will see that “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”

Also 2 John 7-11 confirms the deception foretold. “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist (note it does not say The Antichrist, but an antichrist). Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do no receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

You can find further documentation of the deceptions and heresy foretold as they are coming about today in 1 John 5:18-20 and also in the book of Jude. Therefore it is not a surprise that books and articles similar to the Da Vinci Code are being written and believed. Armed with the knowledge of Scripture aligned with prayer for wisdom and discernment you can draw your conclusions that we are indeed living in the end times. As we progress closer to the return of Our Lord and Savior we will see more and more decline in morality as well as an increase in the rejection of the Gospel of Christ and persecution of Christ’s followers.

It is pre-ordained by God that these things should come to pass as it is written through the prophets of the Bible. Though we cannot stop or change God’s end-time plans nor should we desire to do so, we are not excused from not doing our duty. The point I am trying to make is this. We are unable to change what is happening, but we still have a job to do as believers. The books, articles, laws, and such are happening as planned, but they are also a warning sign for those who are watching that the end times are on us and that we must hasten to spread the Gospel of Christ which is salvation through grace by faith. Time is running out and there are many souls that need to hear about the redeeming Blood of Christ and the Grace of God.

So What Would Jesus Do if he read deceiving media that leads many astray? Would He battle the false Shepherd or would He search and save the lost sheep? That is something we need to consider as we get ready to sign our petitions and organize our rallies. In Gethsemane we see both reaction displayed by Jesus and Peter when the guards came to arrest Jesus. All too often we reach for the sword on our hip instead of the Sword which is the Word of God.

Let me point out a Scripture that might help. It is found in Gal 6:1, 2 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” And also in Jude 21-23 “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

I have used the conflict and controversy surrounding the book Da Vinci Code to illustrate my point that there are deceptive articles, teachings, and prophesies out there and more to come. These spiritual conflicts will continue growing as we near our Lord’s return. Yes, we need to do something as believers, but I beg that we focus our energies in the right direction. We are to reach and battle for the lost souls involved. Christians are obligated to battle against these deceptions but for the sake of love and fear for souls. My advice to you is this:

1. Read, study and meditate on the Word of God
2. Fast and pray on situations asking for wisdom, discernment and courage.
3. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit for your reaction to fleshly and worldly conflicts.
4. Maintain the meekness of Christ
5. Love! Love as God has commanded through Christ, His Son. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Remember the world is watching you and how you react. Christians will remain under the microscope of the world because the world cannot accept us because we are not of the world. If you are moved to voice your thoughts on a subject remember to do so out of love. It is our motivations or hearts that are shown in our reactions. I will sign petitions; I will send emails with meekness and love. To ensure your actions and motives are right surrender to the Holy Spirit and He will never lead you wrong. May God’s blessings and mercy be upon you and your household.


© Christian Coutts

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