Tag: 2021

EXPEDIENT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, the Apostle Paul declares, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable (expedient). All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” The Greek root word “sumphero” used here, translated as expedient, might also be profitable or useful in your biblical text, depending on the version/translation.

We understand that in the principle/Truth of spiritual freedom and liberty, our activities are not regulated by religious law, but by one’s desire to please the Lord (see Ephesians 5:7-10). Obviously, “pleasing the Lord” is of great benefit in our lives, thus making it a profitable (expedient) venture. However, the verse goes on to include engagement with other individuals, as the focus of the verse emphasizes things that edify. This is actually a very constructive concept if fully grasped … implying that as believers, we have some obligation to involve ourselves … actively engaging (intentionally) in that which promotes the building up (Gk root – oikodomeo; edification; emboldenment) of others (in context, believers in the body of Christ, but not exclusive of other humans)!

In addition, things that are not profitable and not good for edification should actually be avoided!  Paul acted … apparently living his life for the welfare and benefit of Christ’s church. His object was to save individuals, make disciples, and assist in the establishment of Christ’s  Church in various areas as the selected vehicle to accomplish the Great Commission of our Lord. (see Matthew 28:19-20). Anything that would promote that objective was proper; anything which would hinder it, though in itself it might not be strictly classified as sinful or unlawful, was in his view … to be avoided/evaded.

At the outset (initially), this seems to be a relatively simple guideline for believers, and we would probably all agree to its importance.  However, within the realities of life, particularly in 2020/2021 and COVID-19, this becomes a difficult proposition.

At the forefront of most of our thinking and activities, we ultimately, if given the opportunity, pursue what makes us feel good, happy, fulfilled, etc. 

However, if an individual truly has their mind/heart set upon the conversion of others and their spiritual development, when and where do our personal desires, wants, etc. take a back seat?  How do we regulate our conduct in reference to many things concerning life to which there may be no exact biblical directive? 

Certainly, we, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, already do much to regulate our lifestyles – dress, methods/types of entertainment; modes/styles of speech, expenses, values, and behavior as we fellowship with believers and interact with others in our world. However, at times (perhaps due to our culture or pure selfishness) it is quite difficult to say that this or that article of clothing is improper; that this or that piece of furniture is absolutely forbidden because it’s just too expensive; or that this or that activity is improper, because it interferes with life’s objective of accomplishing that which is “expedient” (profitable) from our Lord’s perspective! Nonetheless, such a Holy Spirit-directed, Truth-guided purpose for living is a much better controller than any and all legalistic concepts of religion’s law! 

Therefore, that which is actually spiritually “expedient” (profitable) in this life is only birthed and refined to maturity through a genuine relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The more one knows Him, and interacts with Him, the more one is apt to become like Him!    

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:29

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

1 John 3:2

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.… Not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:31, 33b

Help me (us) Lord!  HIS & yours, Pastor Frank

SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to “test the spirits” so one can determine/know their origin. The reasoning for this instruction is pretty clearly distinguished … “because many false prophets have gone out into the world!”  Then additionally, most essential, instructions are provided for us in 1 John 4:2-3

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

While one might fully agree with the idea of testing the spirits simply because it’s GOD’s WORD/TRUTH, have you ever asked, “In what way and where, have the false prophets (spirit of antichrist) gone out into our world?”

1.   The False Prophets of Science (antichrist’s pseudoscience) – particularly in connection with the study and interpretation of nature. There are three (simplified/summarized) points in the scientific world that appear to be dominate/prominent.

A.   Nature — in relation to this present life — is supreme.

B.   Natural and/or physical law is uniform and has been somewhat consistent since the creation of the universe.

C.   Humanity developed from the basis of nature, and in accordance merely with natural laws.

Now, if those be true, one can, without hesitation, claim that the position and claims of Biblical Christianity are quite incompatible and our worldview must be eradicated!  There is no place for Divine Revelation and/or God’s miraculous powers, thus humanity’s only hope rests in obedience/compliance with what has been determined as the directives of natural law. These may even claim that our faith has been a misfortune to the world, so that when plagues/crisis/etc. come, this spirit declares the uselessness of prayer, and that the only thing that can save us is to perfect our science.  This is a spirit of antichrist, for it is the denial of any moral responsibility to the Creator!

2.  The False Prophets of Secularism (antichrists in the kingdoms of the world). Kingdoms/governments are necessary to maintain order, to suppress violence, and maintain independence/borders which are unquestionably the ordinances of God.  Nonetheless, they perpetuate injustice, display blatant disregard for human life, promote the pleasures of wickedness/sin/evil/corruption, and deny the very God that originally established them and allows their continued existence.

3.   The False Prophets of Literature/Music/Media (antichrist musicians, writers, producers, publishers). Undoubtedly, we live in an era of great thinkers and extremely skilled writers/movie producers, etc. While we do not judge them individually, their works must be judged in contrast to GOD’s WORD/TRUTH.  The spirit of their works must be examined/tested as to whether it is of God or not. We know that some of the greatest works in the world are written in defense of Christianity; but it is also true that some skilled writers/producers of considerable influence have taken up bold positions against Christianity, and have sufficiently demonstrated that they do not believe that, “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.”

4.  The False Prophets of Religion (ecclesiastical antichrists). A system of worship that focuses on the existential and ethereal leads to blind hero worship (celebrity pastors/leaders), greed, prideful self-exaltation, deceiving tales, and false/unbiblical doctrine/beliefs.  It’s unfathomably cunning with a name and appearance that’s alive while in essence is actually destructive, lifeless/dead.

The “spirit of antichrist” is inventively at work in the everyday life of every individual. There we find its most lethal venom! (remember the very nature of our enemy in Genesis 3:1) This work professes great respect for Christianity, but promotes and thrives upon being in continual opposition to its principles. We can no longer simply shut our eyes to the fact that for a great amount of professing Christians in our churches and country, their walk of faith in Christ Jesus and this world, is merely a verbal profession. While America may have once been called a “Christian” nation by some, a look at the woes that are festering in our midst speaks volumes.  Just think of all the rampant worldliness and heartlessness that has been baptized in the name of GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT!

While the ANTICHRIST (Gk – antichristos; meaning either “against Christ” or “instead of Christ,” or perhaps, combining the two, “one who, assuming the guise of Christ, opposes Christ”) is a significant individual in the end-time events of our world (connected closely to the Beast and False Prophet), this spirit is alive and well on planet earth (1 John 2:18-23) … therefore, we, Christ’s faithful, must determinedly “test every spirit” in 2021! 

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

2 John 4-8