October 4, 2006 - Isaiah 20-22 and Ephesians 6
Isaiah 20-22 leads us to one sad conclusion. God's people became just as sinful as the countries around them, so God had to punish them in the same way as the pagans. This is a terrible indictment of the leaders and the people of Judah, but it is the truth. How could this have happened? God's people turned from God, and when believers neglect God or rebel against Him, they are subject to the same sins as unbelievers. We need to learn this same lesson today. We may be looking at the sad state of the unbelievers in the USA and in the world, but how are the Christians doing? In many cases there is little or no difference between Christians and unbelievers. When this happens, God has no choice, but to remove the sinful leaders and to punish His people, until they return to Him. I pray that we will not allow that to happen to us or to our churches.
Ephesians 6 shows us more reasons why there should be a difference between believers and unbelievers. Christian families should be different because the fathers should be the spiritual leaders, who are training their children in the Lord. The children should be obeying their parents, instead of rebelling. Christians should make the best employees for every company. Christian bosses should be the best and fairest bosses. We should be able to stand against sin, because we have the whole armor of God. We have the power of prayer. In short, everyone should be able to see the difference between us, as believers, and the unbelievers around us. Is that the case with you and with your family? If not, you are giving the wrong testimony to those around you, and if you don't repent of this sinful lifestyle, God will have to punish you as He did Judah.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 23-25 and Philippians 1.
Ephesians 6 shows us more reasons why there should be a difference between believers and unbelievers. Christian families should be different because the fathers should be the spiritual leaders, who are training their children in the Lord. The children should be obeying their parents, instead of rebelling. Christians should make the best employees for every company. Christian bosses should be the best and fairest bosses. We should be able to stand against sin, because we have the whole armor of God. We have the power of prayer. In short, everyone should be able to see the difference between us, as believers, and the unbelievers around us. Is that the case with you and with your family? If not, you are giving the wrong testimony to those around you, and if you don't repent of this sinful lifestyle, God will have to punish you as He did Judah.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 23-25 and Philippians 1.