“Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much dispute…” Acts 15:6, NKJV
Controversy continues to rage around us, as people of all walks, cultures, nationalities and spiritual beliefs just can’t get along. Disputes happen.
You can read the rest of it here: Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 1.
In Part 1 of this message I began with, “Controversy is nothing new. Neither are the battles that have raged within the population of mankind. From the beginning of recorded history, as we know it, brother has been against brother. The first two, Cain and Abel, certainly proved that.
One thing is certain as we consider controversy. It happens. Because sin continues to work in the hearts of men (and women, ladies!) we will always be surrounded by contentions, judging of one another, and battles within and without our families, friends, and nations. That’s just the way it is. Or as a pastor friend of mine said decades ago, “It is what it is.”
In the Acts of the Apostles it is written that when Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem after their long journey across the Mediterranean area (Acts 15) they too faced controversy once they arrived, as disagreements arose. How were Gentile believers to respond and do according to some strongly held beliefs, after they too were believing on Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah, for their salvation?
You can read the Scriptures for yourself as to how they arrived at a reasonable conclusion. This is one example; but not my focus in this message.
When Jesus walked the earth for over 33 years, He was not one to shy away from controversy. In fact, on one occasion He prophesied, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:8, NKJV
He also said this, which can seem rather outspoken by many, and simply outstanding to others. Jesus said that, you ask?
“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth — how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything right side up — how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be — Three against two, and two against three; father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against bride, and bride against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:489-53, THE MESSAGE
He came to move hearts, to change hearts, to get us to the place acceptable to Him.
But wasn’t Jesus (Yeshua) all love, full of compassion, accepting of all, having the “live as you each want, as anything goes” attitude, so as not to offend anyone?
Being God in the flesh, He not only was all loving, for He is Love, but He was, and always will be, also just, and full of righteousness. “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30, NKJV
The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. Let the truth be properly taught. We can’t throw out the Old because we think we know it all now.
Adonai, Hashem, Jehovah, Yeshua, Jesus, Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) are One. Three in One. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – Three in One – maintain the same character and actions from the beginning to the end in all of Scripture.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5, NKJV
When God the Father waged war upon His enemies in the Old Testament, Torah, Tanakh, He also will do so in the New Testament, as Yeshua (Jesus) proclaimed, and as He revealed to John in the Revelation of Jesus. He is not afraid of controversy. He does what it takes.
As controversies rise and fall, know that the One in charge permits them to happen, for ultimately His perfect plan and purpose is worked out. As He uses humans to do His work, we must be aware that the battles that rage aren’t necessarily just because we have a devil warring against us. The Lord will cause all things to work out His good pleasure.
Just be sure that you walk in humility, love and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in all that you do. and practice having the full armour of God on when you do.
The Lord is willing for all to come to repentance, and for His Name’s sake, He will see to it that above all, He will have His way. That may be war, both in the natural and the spiritual.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21, NKJV
Now think on this and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
Thank you for reading!
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Now Think On This #455 – in the year of our Lord 09.02.19 – “Controversy. Let the Battle Rage. Part 2.” – Monday, 8:40 am
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