Difference?

What Difference Can It All Make?

Robbie L. Rogers

I am appalled at the things happening to all of our national church leadership; however I know only to well that all leadership, except as when dictatorial or totalitarian, in reality is simply is a reflection of that of our own moral values, collectively as a society.

Colossians 2:8. says see to that no one takes you captive through shallow or deceptive philosophy. We are seeking a new president, what kind do we need during the coming time? We have answered questionnaires and participated in many polls, but do the politicians really mean all of the grandiose statements they are making?

How many of you read the articles written by infamous former Bishop Spong? This is the same guy that was "surprised" when the homosexual he ordained spoke out in favor of same sex marriages. Spong wrote a book called "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalist." In it he claims to be suggesting a complete rewrite to remove most if not all of the objectionable words and areas which speak against the things which God specifically speaks against. He says he believes Paul was homosexual, and that was what he continually wrestled with.

"Don’t you know that someday we Christians are going to judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we Christians will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disagreements here on earth. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why do you go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But instead, one Christian sues another—right in front of unbelievers! To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? But instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your own Christian brothers and sisters. Don’t you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers—none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you." 1 Corinthians 6:2-11.

Don't worry about other folks we are told, only keep yourself proper in His sight. For we are being groomed to sit on the judgment seat with Christ! Not only that, we are to judge the angels! Do you hear what He is saying. How can we worry, for rebellious Bishops and ordinary persons will not prevail against Christ, even though at times we might think it so, our job is to keep on keeping on in faith, isn't it?

Nevertheless, the end times are imminent, although none of us know when? Do you feel that way too from your own understanding, or from that of others? Who do you listen to? Do you feel woefully inadequate to sit in judgment of men much less the angels?

"If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can’t make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do." James 1:5-8.

Could such a man, who is being blown in any direction, be able to sit on the judgment seat? We must have an abundance of God's wisdom to help us. If any of you lacks wisdom, and who doesn't? What does God promise? You will receive and in Galatians 6:7-10 and Isaiah 55:11 He says He will not be mocked nor will His word come back void.

"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don’t brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere." James 3:13-17.

If any one lacks let him ask! For the wisdom that comes from heaven is pure! Always remember that!

"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." James 1:2-4

"And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself. For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." James 1:22-25.

Have you ever tried to remember what you look like? Try it some time, it will surprise you.

God gave me a word a long time ago, I have used it not only in my life but in the businesses we have had and I have tried to apply it to everything, it is important. God simply said, "See yourself as others do." Now if you take this to heart, applying it to all areas of your life, it will make a difference.

So then, if our leadership be bad then we need only look in the mirror of society to see why; and as in ancient times when ungodly men are ruled by ungodly rulers, their lot was destruction and all manor of evil captivity; conversely when good leadership came forth from the bosom of a prayerful few, God always granted prosperity according to the extent that the people became righteous.

It is proven time and time again through a study of the old testament that any country will only last according to how righteous the people are collectively. Pockets of righteous are important to God and He will bless them, but unless we pray fervently and place action where our mouth is, nothing will change.

We cannot accept that the defeat of Iraq, or any other evil leader, as meaning God is still on our side, for it only means He, or someone else who is in control of this world, wanted to see to it that they were defeated. America must still turn as a society from the direction it is moving, or the prophecy from many will come true. Destruction.

Of course if it is to be before the coming degradation and throning of Lucifer, then it shall happen; but never let it be said we took part, rather let it be said we fought the good fight until we heard the door open and the good shepherd's voice saying "Come up here."

"Look here, you people who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise you will be boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 4:13-17.

Okay, what do you intend to do about it?

You should be living in the promises now, not waiting for tomorrow.

I placed a sign on the mirror in the bathroom where we would see it when my wife and I are grooming ourselves for the days chores. "What difference would it make in your life if you knew Jesus were coming back tomorrow?"

What difference would it make in your life if you knew Jesus were coming back tomorrow?

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil." Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!" 1 Peter 3:8-17.

Col 3:23,24. says whatever you do, work will all your heart as for the Lord not men, without grumbling or complaining and we shall receive our just reward.

"Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten." For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. So two good things will happen—the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God. You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you. Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words!" 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

When you get a chance read all of Isaiah 55.