Rejecting God
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Rejecting God
by John E. Werhan
tinyurl.com/7tmtbae
There are individuals who are organizing a concerted
effort to remove religion from our nation. It is a sad
reality that a multitude of people will follow these
individuals into their ideology. Yet, this is nothing
new. People throughout the ages have denied God for
their own lust and desires.
The apostle Paul, writing to the preacher Timothy,
encouraged him to stand strong in his faith.
"This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my
son, in accordance with the prophecies
previously made concerning you, that by them
you fight the good fight, keeping faith and
a good conscience, which some have rejected
and suffered shipwreck in regard to their
faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and
Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan,
so that they will be taught not to
blaspheme" (1 Timothy 1:18-20).
In this context, Paul encourages Timothy to "fight the
good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience."
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
Behold, the devil is about to cast some of
you into prison, so that you will be tested,
and you will have tribulation for ten days.
Be faithful until death, and I will give you
the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
Paul knew the importance of standing firm in the faith
and not allowing anything to lead us astray. The
ultimate reward for the faithful will be the "crown of
life" (eternity in the heavenly abode).
Yet, some like Hymenaeus and Alexander will reject God
and his truth. Because of their rejection, they have
fallen from grace (1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Timothy 4:1-
3, Matthew 13:41, 2 Peter 2:20-22).
In essence these individuals have chosen the way of
Satan over the truth of God. Because of this they are
left wanting. Note the concluding words in verse 20,
"so that they will be taught not to blaspheme." Truly,
God wants all to come to repentance and to receive the
promise of heaven (2 Peter 3:9).
Today, it is imperative that the righteous hold fast to
their faith and reject those who choose to reject God
and his truth. It is imperative that we reach out to
those who have fallen prey to unrighteous ideology by
snatching them from the fires of Hell!
"And have mercy on some, who are doubting;
save others, snatching them out of the fire;
and on some have mercy with fear, hating
even the garment polluted by the flesh"
(Jude 1:22-23).
___________
John preachers for the The Northeast church of Christ
in Sentinel, Oklahoma.
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