Many of the things our teachers and preachers have told us have been, for the church in the USA especially, theoretical. We know them in our heads and we quote them and we do believe them... but not for real. We have not been tested so we don't really know.
I was reading the Gospel of John, chapter 12 and came to these verses:
Nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed on Him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43, NKJV
In this age, we are drawing near the end of things, if not the world itself, then nations. Critical changes in nations are beginning to happen with godless men and women forcing their way into our cultures and systems. There seems to be no room for common politeness or good manners as people curse each other, scream and lie and carry on like demons themselves.
I don't have to tell you all of this, but the point is that there will very likely be a time in your life time and possibly very soon now, that you will have to decide. Do you love the praise of men more than the praise of God? For real, I mean.
If you are in a meeting and you know you should speak up but you know that no one will believe you when you speak of God, will you speak anyway? If you're having a fun, comfortable get together with your family but the talk has turned to subjects Christians don't agree with, will you speak up, or keep silent?
Things to think about. The curtains are beginning to come down and we must hold out until the end.
