No. You won't find Frank Ocean's lyrics on here but if I may, let me share what I believe will be one of the most important topics I will ever share on my blog-story and what may be the state of christianity in todays world.
Can the CHURCH ( YOU and I ) be slowly losing it's grip on reality? When I say reality, I'm referring to the reality of GOD. We always have had the back and forth debates regarding evolution and the big bang theory with the WORLD, but I want to go a bit deeper than that. I want to touch on the subject of SIN. Are Christians becoming numb to SIN?
Paul says in the book of Romans chapter 12 verse 2, "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this WORLD, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your MIND". I have a problem when someone says they are a BELIEVER but yet, live a life that is totally opposite of what that actually means. You can't say, "I'm a Christian" but yet partake in every impure act out there. It's like, "Oh, you're a CHRISTIAN.." but your FACEBOOK, TWITTER / TUMBLR / INSTAGRAM / or whatever other social media networks are out there, DEPICTS something totally different. God will not, and can't stand for that. Let me put it this way. Paul, again, in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 17-19 says, "... you must NO LONGER live as the Gentiles (WORLD) do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their UNDERSTANDING and SEPARATED from the life of God because of the IGNORANCE that is in them due to the HARDENING of their hearts. HAVING LOST ALL SENSITIVITY, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to INDULGE in EVERY kind of IMPURITY, with a CONTINUAL LUST FOR MORE". What are you LUSTING for? Another word for lust is DESIRE. Are your desires lining up with Gods desires? If you're hanging out, chilling, clubbing, drinking, engaging in impure talks, is that something you think God would approve of? How does that DISTINGUISH you from the WORLD? How many drinks are you having? Are you getting buzzed? What type of music are they playing? What are the conversations you are having consisting of? Are you talking about Godly things, or does that only take place when you are in church settings or surroundings?
When someone SINS, it should cause a reaction of PAIN. When Eve sinned in Genesis chapter 3 verse 16, God said, "... with PAIN you will give birth to children". Mind you that EVERY human being after that was born a "sinner". SINNING should be PAINFUL to EVERY believer. If it isn't, then it may just be that you are losing or have LOST ALL SENSITIVITY to the effect of SIN. Especially if after committing a sin, you find yourself LUSTING FOR MORE. It's you choosing to do what you know you shouldn't even after you already have done it. It's become a lifestyle and not just a trip here and there. The enemy would want you to believe it's ok for you to do this since God is gracious and merciful, but do not be deceived. Living such a lifestyle may take you to a place where your heart may become HARDENED and you'll find yourself SEPARATED from UNDERSTANDING what the life of GOD really consists of. Paul continues to say in Ephesians chapter 5 verse 1 (MSG), "WATCH WHAT GOD DOES, AND THEN YOU DO IT". I highly doubt you would catch God in a club sipping out of a bottle looking around for whoever is looking "hot" at the moment to spend some "quality" time.
PAIN is an important safety feature of the human body because without it, no one would have any warning of injury. There are people that have a rare genetic disorder that make them feel no pain, and every story on them state how DANGEROUS this actually is. Here is just one article:
http://articles.cnn.com/2006-01-27/health/rare.conditions_1_roberto-salazar-tongue-autonomic-nervous-system?_s=PM:HEALTH
There have been many moments in my own life where I struggled with a sin and for the most part, I thank God that when I did, I would feel such a hurt and guilt that would cause me to turn back to him. There were also times, as a believer, that I felt no guilt or conviction what so ever, and God, by his mercy would check me as to wake me up, and when I did realize and my eyes became open once again to my sinful nature, I would ask for his forgiveness and grace, and like the loving God he is, he would embrace me once again. No one is immune to this. This is why we must strive to live a life like the one David did. No matter how many times David sinned, he would always turn back to God with a desire to forever be found in his presence. To have a heart after Gods own heart and acknowledging that even though we are sinners, his grace and mercy is not something we should take advantage of, instead cause us to live a life that will be HOLY and PLEASING unto him. After all, you are the "SALT OF THE EARTH".
MATHEW 5:13 (MSG) "LET ME TELL YOU WHY YOU ARE HERE. YOU'RE HERE TO BE SALT-SEASONING THAT BRINGS OUT THE GOD-FLAVORS OF THIS EARTH"
PSALMS 51:10-12 (NIV) "CREATE IN ME A PURE HEART, O GOD, AND RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME. DO NOT CAST ME FROM YOUR PRESENCE OR TAKE YOUR HOLY SPIRIT FROM ME. RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION AND GRANT ME A WILLING SPIRIT , TO SUSTAIN ME".
Let David's prayer be our prayer today and for days to come.
Love you all,
RalphyO
