June 3
2 Sam 20:14-21:22 | PS 121:1-8| Prov 16:18 | Acts 1:1-26
We can point our fingers at one sin or another as to which ones we deem worst. Often those sins are the ones that we believe we don't struggle with personally. But, as you go through the judgments of the nations, as read prophetically as the burdens or oracles recounted in the books of the prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, many would be surprised that the sins which led to judgment were pride and idolatry. Now, many sins are offshoots of these two, but may we never dismiss the severity of these two. How many in our churches are viewed as pillars in our churches who lift up their children and grandchildren in blatant idolatry. Many have openly stated that they hope the Rapture is delayed so that they can spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Sorry, that means they are choosing their loved ones over the Lord Jesus. If that is not recognized as idolatry that is a problem. Theological positions can become a source of pride. Calvinism, Dispensationalism are “ism’s”. Like all philosophical ism’s such as secularism, etc., being cloaked under the banner of theology doesn’t make it any less of an ism. We should beware of ism’s. Expositional studying and discussion of God's Word should echo throughout church buildings and in fellowship. But much of what is lifted up in seminary and many of the strong stances taken draw attention to self, not God. As smart, wise, or enlightened as some like to deem themselves, we are sheep. The moment we forget that, we are taking a path that God never intended us to take.
We read in Acts 1:6-8, "Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” You can't blame those assembled with Jesus just before He ascended. There were so many questions they had and so many answers they wanted, Jesus, instructed them to stop concerning themselves with that which is of lesser importance than why they were chosen. They were to be His witnesses, plain and simple. When they interacted with others, the Holy Spirit would empower them. The gospel message is simple, they were to move forward in that simplicity.
We read in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." Digging deeper into His Word is a good thing. Commentaries are fine as long as they never replace the actual reading of His Word. Analogies and making Scripture more relevant is a good thing, as Jesus, Himself, was an expert at the use of Parables, using story to illustrate Biblical principles. But we should beware of anything else which pulls one's eyes from the purity of Scripture, even if done in the name of theology. May we also never forget, Jesus didn't accidentally choose a group of fisherman and others to be His followers. He didn't go to the Jerusalem seminaries to find the best students. Likewise, may we lift up God and God alone. May we seek guidance from His Word. May we recognize idolatry and pride when it rears it's head. If someone asks you about a theological “ism” answer him or her, but avoid debates over these lesser things. Instead bring the conversation and the attention back where it belongs, away from ourselves and on the Lord Jesus.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: