By Rev. Carmen RizzoI made it a point the other night to do something that I am not in the habit of doing. I had decided that I was going to watch Larry King Live. It's not a program that usually grabs my attention, but on this evening the program was going to focus on the “Christian” perspective on the subject of war. Five men, Christian leaders representing a cross section of professing Christendom, were going to give to Larry King and the American people their personal views concerning the subject of war. The subject matter was really in my estimation a non-issue, because the primary focus was on trying to resolve whether or not the Bible condones the use of national force at times to protect it's citizens and restrain evil. I say that this is a non-issue, because in my estimation this question is simply and clearly answered in the Book of Ecclesiastes:
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.”
Ecc 3:1-8
The Hebrew word for “season” in verse 1, actually means “appointed time”. The corresponding Greek word from the Septuagint translates as “set time.” The question that those who dispute that at times in human history God has not only allowed for war, but commanded it, must answer for themselves the question of who is the one who “sets or appoints these times?” It was troubling to see that 2 of the five Christian leaders found no Biblical justification for war.
I must confess though, that what really disturbed me was that at a certain point during the discussion, Larry King started asking some very direct questions concerning the validity of the claim of Islam and other religions as being paths to God. I can honestly say that in my opinion the only one on the panel that answered the question of the truth of the claims of Jesus Christ versus the falsehood of all other religions was Doctor John MacArthur. The other three ranged from evasive to outright denial of the claims of Christ.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”John 14:6
I sat in absolute amazement as one of the leaders, the head Bishop of national denomination, in not so shrouded terms actually expressed his opinion that God was “Large enough to allow for different ways of coming to Him.”
Immediately my mind engulfed the prophetic words of Paul:
“But know this,that in the last days perilous times will come”2 Timothy 3:1
This phrase actually comes to us from the word of God as a command in the imperative. “
Know this” — Keep this foremost in your mind, Always remember what I am about to share with you, “
In the last days” — as the end of days approach, at the time of the end, “
perilous days” — that is dangerous, troublesome times are coming. Versus 3:2-6 details not what the actions and character of men in the world would be, but rather the actions and character of men in the Church!
Three terms in these verse really speak to the behavior and words of two of those supposed “Christian leaders” who had denied Christ’s claims of being the only way to salvation.
- Blasphemers — Slanderous and insulting speech concerning God.
- Traitors — One who betrays their calling,oath and God.
- Having a form of godliness but denying it’s power — Appearing to be religious and godly, but by word and deed denying the very One whom they claim to represent.
Beloved, what makes these days that we find ourselves in so very dangerous and disturbing, is not that we stand on the brink of war, and the possibility of chemical or biological attack. Rather, what makes these days so dangerous is that it is no longer a given that one may trust in the vast majority of “Christian spiritual leadership” in this country. There have arisen among us in these days many false prophets who walk among God’s people not for the purpose of guiding and protecting them, but rather with the motive of deceiving and leading them astray. My advice to God’s people, whoever or wherever you may be:
- Listen closely to what you are being taught and don’t be afraid to ask questions so that you clearly understand what is being said to you.
- Take notes and check out every word and assertion using the only completely reliable source which we have, the Holy Bible. It is the one place, the only place we need, to check out and measure the truth or falsehood of what is being said to us. God has blessed us with His written word. It is there to protect us, to guide us, to instruct us. Hundreds of years ago there were men who proclaimed that God's word was dead. God’s word however still lives and Bibles are now being printed in the houses were these foolish men once lived. They themselves have long since returned to dust.God has preserved His word for us.
- Build yourself up in the Faith. If you do not belong or attend a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching Church, find one and start attending. If you need help locating one, just e-mail me, and I will help you to locate one in your area.
- Pray — that God would open their eyes, that they would see the error and turn to the truth.
- Confront — You are required by God to lovingly confront those who either teach or are entrapped in error with the truth. Realize that because of the prevalence of False Teachers that there are many genuine believers who have been taught error.You guide them to the truth.
- Turn Away — It is a sad truth that there are many who profess to know Christ, but are in fact false teachers and disciples. If having tried loving guidance and correction, repentance is refused. You must turn away, or separate from them.
We are indeed living in dangerous times. They are also exciting times as well. Millions are seeking answers during these difficult days. God has given us the answers to share with them. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ protect you and guide you as you share the truth with all men and oppose those who would seek to preach “Another Gospel.”
