October 26th, 2023
by Ray Jones
by Ray Jones
How you view the world and the events that have transpired over the past two weeks makes a big difference in how you respond. There are many culturally woke voices spewing a twisted narrative, and frankly there is a great deal of worldly misrepresentation, misinformation, and propaganda all with the intended purpose of undermining the truth of what happened and is happening in Israel. For example, just this past Tuesday the secretary-general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres stated that “the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum” as if to suggest that Hamas had some justification for its actions. Unfortunately, many in our culture, especially among the younger generations, have bought into this kind of passive defense of Hamas in an attempt to ignore the atrocities committed by their unprovoked attack on Israel. That’s why having the right lens through which to see our world is so important… that lens is scripture, which gives perspective to both the world and age we live in.
So, how should we view these things? Let me suggest four Biblical filters to help you.
DON’T BE NAÏVE
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” And Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:1,7 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty… [characterized by people who are] always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” Don’t be like those who operate on the basis of “if you ignore it, it will not affect you”. Don’t be naïve, be a student of the Word of God so that you are fully aware of what is happening in light of what God says.
DON’T BE AFRAID
There is so much anxiety these days. Political anxiety, financial anxiety, COVID anxiety continues, and of course anxiety from “Wars and rumors of war” with the possibilities of international escalation and World War III looming. These things are real and, if it isn’t now, the Bible teaches that there is coming a war unlike any we’ve ever seen… Recently (Sept. 10) the deputy director of defense, Dmitry Medvedev said that America needs to prepare for its next 9/11, but this time it will be nuclear. That said, we must not live by fear knowing that we have the promise of God to His children. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Be wise, be smart, be aware, but do not live in fear, rather walk by faith.
DON’T BE DECEIVED
There is so much deception being propagated under the guise of truth. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
(2 Corinthians 11:14–15) Be careful where you get your news from these days. For example, unless it has changed since I wrote this column, the most common elite news sources on television and in print media have still refused to refer to Hamas as terrorists. Many major academic institutes have also either advanced or allowed the advancement of antisemitism under the pretense of freedom and truth. The fact is, when it comes to much of today’s higher education, I can’t help but think of Romans 1:22 that says, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools,” So, don’t be deceived by worldly false wisdom that is simply foolishness.
DON’T BE ASHAMED
In this “woke” age, the enemy of your soul wants to intimidate you into silence about the truth, and silence about Jesus, who the scripture proclaims as “The Way, The TRUTH, and The Life…” (John 14:6) Be like Paul who said, “… But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.”
(2 Timothy 1:12) Silent believers in the home and in the culture are part of the reason that the darkness has increased—don’t be a part of the problem, instead be a light for God in the world.
These four filters will help you see the world and the events within it clearly. And they will keep you sane in an insane world.
And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray
Photo by Stephen Kraakmo on Unsplash
So, how should we view these things? Let me suggest four Biblical filters to help you.
DON’T BE NAÏVE
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” And Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:1,7 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty… [characterized by people who are] always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” Don’t be like those who operate on the basis of “if you ignore it, it will not affect you”. Don’t be naïve, be a student of the Word of God so that you are fully aware of what is happening in light of what God says.
DON’T BE AFRAID
There is so much anxiety these days. Political anxiety, financial anxiety, COVID anxiety continues, and of course anxiety from “Wars and rumors of war” with the possibilities of international escalation and World War III looming. These things are real and, if it isn’t now, the Bible teaches that there is coming a war unlike any we’ve ever seen… Recently (Sept. 10) the deputy director of defense, Dmitry Medvedev said that America needs to prepare for its next 9/11, but this time it will be nuclear. That said, we must not live by fear knowing that we have the promise of God to His children. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Be wise, be smart, be aware, but do not live in fear, rather walk by faith.
DON’T BE DECEIVED
There is so much deception being propagated under the guise of truth. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
(2 Corinthians 11:14–15) Be careful where you get your news from these days. For example, unless it has changed since I wrote this column, the most common elite news sources on television and in print media have still refused to refer to Hamas as terrorists. Many major academic institutes have also either advanced or allowed the advancement of antisemitism under the pretense of freedom and truth. The fact is, when it comes to much of today’s higher education, I can’t help but think of Romans 1:22 that says, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools,” So, don’t be deceived by worldly false wisdom that is simply foolishness.
DON’T BE ASHAMED
In this “woke” age, the enemy of your soul wants to intimidate you into silence about the truth, and silence about Jesus, who the scripture proclaims as “The Way, The TRUTH, and The Life…” (John 14:6) Be like Paul who said, “… But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.”
(2 Timothy 1:12) Silent believers in the home and in the culture are part of the reason that the darkness has increased—don’t be a part of the problem, instead be a light for God in the world.
These four filters will help you see the world and the events within it clearly. And they will keep you sane in an insane world.
And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray
Photo by Stephen Kraakmo on Unsplash
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1 Comment
Thank you for the wisdom of this word. I am not afraid of what may be coming. Perhaps I will be in Heaven when it all happens, but if not, I will trust God to take care of me. Your recent messages have brought me much hope and peace. God is truly in control. Than you for keeping us informed and encouraged. God bless you.