SUNDAY January 5, 2020
The Danger of Apathy
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:20
People will say they are true believers in Christ, but do they have a faith that will bring forth true works? Understand, our salvation is secure as long as we abide in Christ (John 15). There are Christians who think they can live a life of sin and still go to heaven. That is not true, my friends. Read through the Epistles with the understanding that they were written to Christians. Paul spoke of sin’s consequences:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Believers in the Church can become like the Pharisees––self-righteous. They will judge and point fingers at others, and yet they are guilty of the same things. Some Christians are guilty of compromising in areas of their lives. I believe there is a great need for a renewed fear of God in the lives of Christians. Imagine what will happen at the Rapture––when the Church is taken to heaven. Those Christians living a life of sin will be left behind. Only true Christians will be taken in the Rapture (Matthew 24:40-42).
As a pastor, I am concerned for the Church. Christians need to obey the Word of God. They should not be gossiping, lying, cheating or robbing God by not giving tithes (Malachi 3:8). Christians have the Holy Spirit, and they are responsible and accountable for their actions. May God wake up the Church from its apathy to be obedient and serve the Lord.
What make us Christians shrug our shoulders when we ought to be flexing our muscles? What makes us apathetic in a day when there are loads to lift, a world to be won and captives to be set free? Why are so many bored when the times demand action?
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!