Taking sides v24n24

Taking sides!

Part 3

V24 n24

Many years ago, Joshua put a question to the chosen people of God: he told them plainly that they had to make a choice to serve the gods of their fathers, those gods that were before the flood, when the carnal and fleshly nature ran rampant, and was only evil continually: or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land they now lived and dwelt: or, they could follow the path Joshua had chosen, to follow the living and Eternal God, who had delivered them from the bondage in Egypt, and was bringing them to the promised land. (Joshua 24:14-26)

The instructions that Joshua gives to the children of Israel, does not sound much different then many of the epistles that Paul scribed to the early churches. One is able to see and hear in the book of Galatians how quick the people were to leave behind their relationship with God that was established by and through His Spirit and the truth of His Word, and reverted to or changed sides to and with those that were operating in the flesh, teaching doctrines that were contrary to grace, and thus taking sides in opposition to the living God. They began their journey as a new creation, operating and living in the Spirit of God, but by listening to seducing teachers and doctrines of devils, they were soon reverting to the old fleshly ways, and we know from the Word, then that the later state is then worse then the previous.

Before a person became that new creation in Christ, the god of this world had blinded their eyes and mind from seeing, accepting, and then following after the glorious gospel of Christ, and thus preventing the image of God from being restored in them and to them. This is the choice or decision that faces the true believer each and every day of their life, while they are yet here on this earth. (Although, many suppose that they only have to make this choice or decision once in their life. While still others are under the assumption that this is only required of them to make this choice or decision on special occasions or special days that man has set aside.) God’s Word is clear to tell us, and warn us, that it is today, this day, which the Lord has made. That one needs to hear intelligently His Word today, and then become obedient to His Word today, so that their heart will not become hardened against His instructions and counsel, today. We are to be living in now faith.

Romans 13:11, And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. KJV

Romans 13:11 Carry out these injunctions because you know the critical period at which we are living, and that it is now high time, to rouse yourselves from sleep; for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first became believers. (Weymouth's New Testament)

[And that, knowing the time] Dr. Taylor has given a judicious paraphrase of this and the following verses: "And all the duties of a virtuous and holy life we should the more carefully and zealously perform, considering the nature and shortness of the present season of life; which will convince us that it is now high time to rouse and shake off sleep, and apply with vigilance and rigour to the duties of our Christian life; for that eternal salvation, which is the object of our Christian faith and hope, and the great motive of our religion, is every day nearer to us than when we first entered into the profession of Christianity." (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

Are you closer to the kingdom of God, and the promised inheritance then when you first believed? Whether one knows it or not, (or will admit it), that in each and every decision or choice that one makes today, they are taking sides with and for God, His Word, and His promises; or they are in total and complete opposition to Him, and all that He stands for. Yet, how often does one consider this, and all of the ramifications that go along with each and every choice and decision that they make, no matter how large or small the decision may seem or appear to be. For all of the issues that proceed out of the heart and mouth are either life or death, blessing or curse, there is no middle or neutral ground. We are to be growing up into Him in all things!

Matthew 12:30, He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. KJV

Matthew 12:30 Whoever is not in partnership with me is against me, and whoever does not gather in partnership with me scatters.( William's New Testament)

[He that is not with me is against me] In vain do men seek for methods to reconcile God and mammon. There is no medium between loving the Lord and being his enemy-- between belonging to Christ or to Satan. If we be on the side of the Devil, we must expect to go to the Devil's hell; if we be on the side of Christ, we may expect to go to his heaven. When Christ, his truth, and his servants are assaulted, he who does not espouse their cause is not on Christ's side, but incurs the guilt of deserting and betraying him. There are many (it is to be feared), in the world who are really against Christ, and scatter abroad, who flatter themselves that they are workers together with him, and of the number of his friends! (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

He that is not with me is against me. In the conflict with Satan, neutrality is impossible. (from Wycliffe Commentary)

Now, what most people often forget, is that Jesus Christ is the senior partner in this relationship. Yet, how often is it that a person will try to dictate to Him, or make the decisions for Him? How often do you try to act as the senior partner in this relationship? His kingdom is not of this world, He has told us this plainly. Yet, how often does one try to set up, and maintain His kingdom here, rather then realizing that we are just passing through? So then, if one is not working in full agreement with the senior partner, then they must be operating against Him.

Where exactly is it that you are building up your kingdom? Is it in the same location as His is established at? We are either in agreement with Him, or we are working against Him. Just as Joshua stated, that he and his house will serve the living God, regardless of what everyone else is doing. Who is it that you will take sides with this day?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka