It seems that the whole of Christianity is drowning in death. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but is it not true? Christ is the Life, yet still so much death. How can one claim to be born of that Spirit of Resurrection yet be filled with so much death, depravity, and demonic influence? Then there is some with sin, selfishness and self-righteousness. But praise God there are some with holy living, holy love, and are Holy Ghost endued. Is it not grieving to God that so many seek wisdom without worship, happiness without holiness, and forgiveness without forsaking? The eyes that look down from His throne upon this earth do they not run down with tears as rain? God help us! We say we love God as much as every generation past yet spend less time with Him than every generation past. So many want the resurrection power to come upon them, yet so little want to pray as in Gethsemane and endure the cross. Oh my heart breaks for this wicked land! The world may go to hell, but the church shouldn't! I believe it's more grieving to God to see the one who names the name of Christ and does not depart from iniquity than the outspoken atheist. They are enemies of the Cross! God help us if we can't weep over them! Phi 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Phi 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Let's look at those verses. What are the characteristics of these rebels? You can see 4 things here. 1. The end is destruction. This word could also be translated damnable or able/worthy to be damned. Should that not strike fear in each and everyone of us and bring us to a place where we hate the garment spotted by the flesh and want to pull them out of the fire? (see Jude 23) 2. They are ran by their flesh. If their flesh craves it, they feel that they must fulfill it. No self-control. 3. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of. Things that should be despicable, they glory in.4. The mind earthly things. Strong's puts this word "mind" as " entertain or have a sentiment." Are we entertained by the world? Do we substitute joy for earthly entertainment?Lets look at 3 characteristics of Paul here.1. He speaks this truth often. He is not swayed by what men might call "harsh" or unneeded. 2. He is so filled with compassion that he cannot keep the tears back.3. He speaks slicing truth. Purity will bring passion. The purer you life is the purer your love towards the One who gave you life is. The more you pray, the more you want to pray. The more you worship, the more you want to worship. The more you preach, the more you want to preach. Our God is a consuming fire! It seems that everyone wants to get angry, yet few will anguish. What many would call "holy anger" is probably nothing more than "unholy pride." How do you know the difference? If its "holy" is will be aimed in the direction that God is being robbed. If its "unholy" then its aimed in the direction of man.
