Dear Fellow Christian,
This morning I implore you to beware of mainstream media. It is often a tool of Satan meant to lead people away from the One True God. Satan has blinded the minds of many in America, and the media outlets are one of his strong arms of influence. If a person is watching CNN, MSNBC etc. they are at risk of becoming sheep to the wrong shepherd. When one drum is beat, day after day, with a message of fear, blame and anger, the mind no longer thinks critically or logically, it merely becomes a parrot of what it is being fed continually. When the Bible is not read day after day, and a believer has isolated themselves from regular discourse with other believers, the influence of God fades and the 'wisdom' of the world takes over.
As Christians, we are here to represent God. We are to think, respond, love, defend, and act like God as much as we are able. This is a challenge, so God tells us to guard our minds if we are to succeed. The Holy Spirit is within us to help us, but we must not stifle hearing from Him.
The wisdom of this world is proclaimed day and night on mainstream media channels like ABC, CBS, CNN....coupled with other internet sites that distract us, if we are not careful, we can be steadily digesting messages that are not in line with God, His values, or His will for us. God tells us that friendship with the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4) Is this true during a global pandemic? Was it true during Hitler's reign? You better believe it.
What the Bible calls the world are the world forces, the worldview, the thoughts and actions of the world we live in, which are OPPOSED to God. If we have not read the Bible or been in a Bible preaching church consistently, we may not be aware of this reality, but Scripture is clear that there are opposing forces among us. There is not a middle ground for those who don't wish to be involved. God tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together because we need each other to continue to stay on the right path. (Heb 10:25)
During this global pandemic, far too many have shut themselves away from other believers, and this lack of fellowship, coupled with continual watching of TV has led former believers who walked with God down the wrong path, away from Him. Those who may have thought they were believers, who had deceived themselves, look just like the unsaved after months of digesting mainstream media. I wish this was a speculative commentary being made, but it is not.
Please read on to see what God says about this world, the ruler of this world, and how those who belong to Him can thrive in today's culture.
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.
1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Luke 4:5-8
And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory, for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I want. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus replied to him, “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
Ephesians 6:11-13
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
John 8:44-47
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I say the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? The one who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
John 14:27
Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
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