Geri Ungurean

Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light :: by Geri Ungurean

Published on: by RR2

I asked the Lord during prayer time why it is that the world hates Christians more than any other faith.  I heard Him in my heart confirm this passage of Scripture to me:

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

I knew it was Him telling me this. It completely explained the hatred, the killing, and the total intolerance of the message of the Gospel to those who reject it.  The message of the Gospel is that we are sinners and are in darkness. Jesus asks that we acknowledge that we are sinners, and that we need Him as our Savior. Repent and believe – that is it. But men loved darkness rather than light.

The left wing tolerance of radical Islam

I have wondered for a very long time why liberals are so accepting of Islam, even when they see what fundamentalist Islam causes people to do. Even after the most grisly attacks by Islamic terrorists, I read in left leaning articles how we should respect the “prophet” Mohammad, and how we should not antagonize Muslims. Instead of outrage at the senseless killing, they attempt to explain it away!

They would rather embrace a barbaric religion, in which the slaughter of people is accepted and expected , than to accept Christianity – a relationship with Jesus Christ to be made acceptable to our God (the TRUE God) in heaven.

The Bible is on a list of books to be removed from libraries

The Holy Bible, the most read book in the world, is being considered for removal by many libraries across America. The Qur’an is not on that list. The Book of Mormon is not on the list. Books on witchcraft are safe. But our Holy Bible is on shaky ground.

“Let no man deceive himself.  If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain” (1 Corinthians3:18-20).

When I read “If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a  fool, that he may be wise” I think of academia, and how puffed up many of them are in their ‘book knowledge’; and how rejecting they are of the things of God. In essence, God is saying: Those who are held in high esteem because of their schooling and degrees, but reject My words, let him become what the world considers a “fool” and trust in Me to gaintrue wisdom.

Colleges, professors and other Christian haters

I have written articles about college campuses, and how the professors are determined to reprogram the heart and mind of any students who profess to be Christian. It is happening all over this country and the world. These people consider Bible believing Christians to be fools, and in dire need of a large dose of their “truth.”

We know that what they have to offer is toxic and contrary to everything the Bible teaches. Some students stand their ground and fare well despite the atheist teachings. Others succumb to the lies, and walk away from the truth of the Bible.

Many young people who fall away from the faith, decide to explore other religions.  I’ve noticed in my research that many of these prodigals find Hinduism very appealing.  They love the idea of reincarnation and being able to reach higher plateaus as they return to earth after death. They serve many gods, not realizing that these so-called gods are demons.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). (Emphasis mine)

Yoga

Many immature Christians practice Yoga and argue that it is innocuous to their faith in Christ. What they do not understand is that every “pose” in Yoga is submission to a Hindu god. They leave themselves open to the Kundalini spirit, which enters them though their spine. I wrote a piece about this:

Christian Yoga: Bringing the Kundalini Spirit Into the Church

Truly, the only religion that makes a person accountable for their sins is Christianity.  It is also the only religion which offers a way for a person to be made right with God; forgiven of their sins by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, and His glorious resurrection!

But men loved darkness rather than light.  How dreadfully sad. But no one is beyond the reach of our God. Nothing is too difficult for Him.  Continue to pray for the lost among your family and friends. Share Christ boldly. You may not see the results after you plant the seed,  but don’t forget Who is Lord of the harvest!

“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).

MARANATHA!

grandmageri422@gmail.com

God’s Grace Responds :: by Tucker Whitaker and Andy Coticchio

Published on: by RR2

Excerpted from Things Which Become Sound Doctrine – J. Dwight Pentecost (1965).

There is a vast difference between being a God of grace and being gracious. Grace refers to the essential character of God and tells us what kind of God He is. Graciousness or graces come to an individual because of what the One gracing is within Himself. God is, first of all, a God of grace, and from a God of grace come multitudes of graces that meet our need. We might define grace as that intrinsic quality of God’s being or essence by which He is spontaneously favorable in His disposition and actions. God is kindly disposed toward the sinner!

This is the quality of the being of our God. All that comes to us from a God of grace, comes to us because He is a God of grace. God is kindly disposed within Himself, and this kind disposition spontaneously manifests itself apart from the desert of the one upon whom this grace is showered. God is a God whose disposition is such toward a sinner that, spontaneously, mercy flows out from Him to meet man’s miseries. And because God is a God of grace, what He is causes Him to be favorable in His disposition and His works. God is a God from whom grace pours forth upon the sinner and the graces or the graciousness that come to us from God, because of what He is, are called mercies in Scripture. There is mercy for our misery.

When the apostle writes, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16), he is presenting three concepts within the word “grace.” We, first of all, come to the throne of grace; the quality of God’s being is imparted to the throne from which He rules the universe. Second, we may come with boldness unto the throne to obtain mercy and find graces to help in time of need. Third, because God is gracious, when we come to Him with our need God replies, not because of our merit, not because of the persistence with which we plead, not because of anything other than the need represented by the suppliant. Grace responds to our need.

Words of Grace for Strength

While reading this passage there are two short thoughts which can evoke the greatest of joy in believers, and should saturate the Christian with the strength that God so graciously wills for us: “God is kindly disposed toward the sinner!” and “Grace responds to our needs.” Yes, it is true that God is a God of grace, and how unbelievable that He should direct that grace toward the sinner. And in doing so, He meets our every need when we have given our lives to Him. How can such a thing be? It is only by the grace of God, it is only by a God of grace that it comes to pass in the life of each and every believer.

We who are of the true Church may struggle daily with sins, temptations, trials and suffering placed in our paths by a world set on defying God—all thrown at us by an enemy that seeks to sit on the Lord’s throne, stopping at nothing to achieve his satanic goal. Yet we have a God of grace, and He responds to our needs. We have been given the Holy Spirit as an indwelling evidence of God’s grace to us and in us. We may be sorely tempted and troubled but in Christ we can stand any and all trials. Our faith will hold strong in His grace. We will hold strong, securely in the grasp of our Lord, our God of grace. Why? Because the indwelling grace of God is active. It leads us and influences us and it causes transformation within us. The grace that results in salvation should continue to have a profound effect upon our hearts.

While eagerly looking forward to the Christ’s return we are to turn away from ungodliness. We are to turn to holiness, and we are to be obedient to the will of God. This is the result and evidence of saving grace.

Read through the gospels and you will see examples of the grace of God as Jesus patiently instructed the apostles, knowing as He did that it would take the indwelling of His Holy Spirit to embolden these men (who would desert Him at the hour of His trial and crucifixion). Yet Jesus loved them, as He loves us—unconditionally, and we have to know that in their place we would have fled just as the disciples did. Yes, we need the same measure of grace which was given to them, and by trusting in Jesus alone for our salvation, it is poured out to fill us completely.

When reading through the book of Acts, one can see the grace of God which led a small band of believers on a journey, which would cause them to turn the known world upside down with power and love through faith in Christ. What can be accomplished when one walks by the grace of God within the path of His will for our lives? Just as it happened to the ordinary men and women of the New Testament church in Acts, it can happen in our local church bodies in His remnant Church (in whatever little corner of the world you have been called to serve), by the grace of God for those who are in Christ and living in His will.

God is first and foremost a God of grace. His grace as our strength is sufficient for us and is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), as it was for Paul. And for the same reason, for God loves all His children and His grace responds, meeting our needs. His grace is sufficient and will sustain us, for His plans, purposes and timing are perfect.

God’s grace has indeed responded to our needs. In Christ we have been given grace and graces. Are they evident in your life? Are you in Christ? Examine your life, your mind, and your heart to see if there is truly evidence of change because of God’s gift of saving grace. Are you eager to live for Him? Are you willing to suffer for Him? Are you looking forward to His return? Will you receive a crown of righteousness because you “Love His appearing”? (2 Timothy 4:8)

Be ready! Get Ready! Because:

Jesus is Coming Soon!

Dr. Tuck Whitaker and Andy Coticchio
Rafter Cross Ministries