DISBELIEVING, GOSSIPING, FOOLS
Disbelief is not a new problem and will continue to be a problem for Christians. We saw this even within the Apostles with Jesus addressing the matter in Luke 9:40-41 by saying “You faithless and crooked generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you?” We often look for signs that can prove our belief and ways to strengthen our faith. We look for things such as gifts like speaking in tongues, the holy spirit manifesting in one’s body, or observing a deliverance in our presence. But we must be careful not to be persuaded by theatrics or people performing a “show.” We so often forget that even after 1,993 years ago we are experiencing a true miracle. We Christians believe without a doubt that we will be saved through Jesus Christ. This miracle is called faith. Faith does not require any proof, theatrics, or “show.” The miracle is simply believing… for Jesus said in John 20:29 “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” I implore you brother and sister to stop looking for what is already right in front of you.
Anonymous
5/31/20233 min read
Disbelief is not a new problem and will continue to be a problem for Christians. We saw this even within the Apostles with Jesus addressing the matter in Luke 9:40-41 by saying “You faithless and crooked generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you?” We often look for signs that can prove our belief and ways to strengthen our faith. We look for things such as gifts like speaking in tongues, the holy spirit manifesting in one’s body, or observing a deliverance in our presence. But we must be careful not to be persuaded by theatrics or people performing a “show.” We so often forget that even after 1,993 years ago we are experiencing a true miracle. We Christians believe without a doubt that we will be saved through Jesus Christ. This miracle is called faith. Faith does not require any proof, theatrics, or “show.” The miracle is simply believing… for Jesus said in John 20:29 “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” I implore you brother and sister to stop looking for what is already right in front of you.
In 1 Timothy 5:13 and 2 Thessalonians 3:11 gossiping is defined as “busybodies” who “speak about things not proper to mention” which can cause division within the church. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul addresses this issue by saying “Now I encourage you, brother, and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose. In addition, Luke 17:3 challenges us by saying “Watch yourselves! If your brother and sister sins, warn them to stop. If they change their hearts and lives, forgive them.” Furthermore, we often observe our brothers and sisters commit a wrong and not address the issue. But 2 Timothy 4:2 tells us that we must “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.”
We are fools if the message of the cross is not enough, and in our walk, we continue to look for signs and wisdom. 1 Corinthians 18:25 “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved. It is written in scripture: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will reject the intelligence of the intelligent.’ Where are the wise? Where are the legal experts? Where are today’s debaters? Hasn’t God made the wisdom of the world foolish? In God’s wisdom, he determined that the world wouldn’t come to know him through its wisdom. Instead, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching. Jews ask for signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, which is a scandal to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those who are called – both Jews and Greeks – Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom. This is because the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
Brothers and sisters consider one last thing. Throughout the word Jesus only answered three direct questions but offered 307 questions as a response. We now come to understand that questions have many different functions in conversation. Questions elicit information, inspire people to discover something new, to unearth new knowledge, and along with many other reasons, it persuades. So, while you are contemplating on the above disbelief, gossip and foolishness answer this question:
Why do you go to church?