cchrisholland

Today, another story broke of a Christian leader stepping into the darkness of apostasy. Former pastor Joshua Harris (“I Kissed Dating Goodbye” fame) publicly renounced his faith (Fox News). As a stand-alone story, it’s a tragedy, but as part of a bigger trend, it’s a wake-up call. To be honest, I write this post reluctantly, because I have no desire to point a finger. However, I do feel compelled to speak of what’s true. I’ve never witnessed so many faith leaders piling onto the bandwagon of cultural acceptance. At this rate, several wagons will be needed to handle the crowd, but then again, crowds don’t define truth…God does. If you’re interested, here’s a reminder of something Paul fearfully pointed out to the Corinthians. He wrote, “as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Cor. 11:3)

There are four elements of the enemy’s deception and they’re always important to remember:

• First, the enemy patiently waits for moments of opportunity (Eve by the tree) – when we’re down, the enemy comes along with whispers and suggestions
• Second, the enemy subtlety questions God’s instructions (Has God said..?) – with sophisticated sounding logic, simple truths are questioned as old-fashioned, out-of-date and irrelevant
• Third, the enemy denies the clear meaning of God’s warnings (You will not surely die.) – the readily understandable scriptures are denied on the basis of hidden wisdom, secret knowledge and enlightened thought
• Fourth, the enemy substitutes a lie for the truth (you will be like God) – “half-truths” are crafted into phrases made for easy consumption

There will always be those trying to cheapen, add-to, twist or deny the gospel. In these changing times, may we hold onto the hope of the biblical truth with every ounce of our being; not only for our own sake, but for those we influence too.

It’s been said, “What’s true in the light is true in the dark.” and it’s a timely reminder. Not only is there a push now to accept immorality, but an increasing demand to celebrate it. Even some prominent church leaders have compromised and embraced various lies being sold as enlightenment. We must hold fast to the standard of God’s word, even as the light dims around us. Yes, there will be those who call us judgmental, discriminatory or backward. There may also be some who say we lack love for others, but it’s just an effort to bully us into submission. The rhetoric can be loud, obnoxious, personal and vindictive, but we must remember, “What’s true in the light is true in the dark”. If you’re experiencing this in your circle of life, remember you’re not alone. Hang in there and remember this verse:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV