LIFE IN THESE "TIMES"!

How shall we, the followers of Jesus, be living in these times? What do I mean by "these times"? I am talking about the culture; the belief system and the world order of the days we are NOW living in. Examples . . . our American culture is swimming in the word "WOKE", which is defined as "to become AWARE of the systemic injustices and oppression in society which needs to be addressed and uprooted." Our society has become enthralled with the false idea that there are an unlimited number of genders. Our world order is in chaos and turmoil; wars and rumors of war are taking place currently on a wide spectrum around the globe. Christianity is disrespected nearly everywhere; thousands of Christians are persecuted, dragged from their families and put to death in many countries. Societal, political and religious pressures abound. Many suffer from poverty, hunger, and homelessness. In the midst of all of these issues, it is the followers of Jesus that should be bringing truth into culture. Unfortunately, we find that where there is affluency, the church is for the most part very anemic and in serious need of spiritual renewal and revival. On the other hand, having read extensively about this, I see that the church is thriving in places where severe persecution and even execution of Christians are happening regularly. Followers of Jesus who pay a hugh price - even with the knowledge that their very lives are in danger - are deeply committed to Jesus and boldly proclaim His Good News (The Gospel) to family and friends. I also see it was that way in the New Testament Church. Following Jesus' death and resurrection, His followers were persecuted, arrested, put to death and scattered everywhere. But as these things happened and intensified, the early Christians spread the Gospel and the church grew in numbers and in spirituality!

So, in our day, how shall believers in Jesus live? What characteristics should we be demonstrating? What should our faith in Jesus act like? These are important questions for us to ask, ponder and answer!

Many of us have heard about Francis A. Schaeffer. As one of the foremost evangelical thinkers of the 20th century, a philospher, theologian, and pastor, he long pondered the fate of declining Western Cultures and Christianity. He embarked on a journey to uncover the movements that had given rise to our modern culture and resulted in the grave decline of the Christian Worldview we now find ourselves in. In 1976, his classic book "HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE" was first published. It is as relevant today as it was then! In his book, Schaeffer argues that the erosion of society and of the church began with a shift away from Biblical Truth. Still this is true today! He walks readers through history from the fall of Rome, through the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment and up to the 20th Century. Schaeffer discusses the reasons for modern society's state of affairs and presents the solution for that and for the decline of the church. He concludes with the solution being three-fold: 1) living by the Christian Ethic, 2) fully accepting God's revelation, and 3) affirming the morals, values, and meaning of the Bible!

In light of all this, we should be asking the question, "How Should We Then Live" in 2025 and sincerely ponder the answer. In fact, God Himself asked and answered that very question, when speaking through the prophet Ezekial to Israel. He said, "And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: 'Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then shall we live?' " The answer God gave Israel was akin to the solution Schaeffer presented. ". . . As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways. . . ." (Ezekiel 33:10-11) There it is! God's answer to the question!

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul helps us in setting our course of living in these very critical days. He gives us 5 specific/commands to guide us in answering the question, "How Shall We Then Live?"

Let's look at Paul's admonition found in I Corinthians 16:13-14!

First, Paul says, BE WATCHFUL! We shall then live by being on our guard! The word "watchful" means alertness, vigilance ad preparedness to avoid being taken unaware by danger, temptation, or sin, both spiritually and physically. This is particularly important in anticipation of the Lord's return, and judgment against the schemes of the devil and evil. A vehicle driver keeps his eyes on the road ahead of him, a baseball player up to bat maintains watchfulness on the ball, a hunter watches carefully for the big game he's hunting, and a doctor performing surgery is alert to every thing pertinent to the patient's well-being!

As Christians, we too must be alert, on guard and vigilant like the men of Issachar, "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." (I Chronicles 12:32) We must be AS the "Watchmen On The Wall" that God Himself appointed over Jerusalem as described in Isaiah 62:6-7 and Ezekiel 33:1-9!

I believe it is vital for Christians to be "WOKE" to some very important matters! Let us not allow the world to take this word and twist it, rather let us be reminded of its significance for our time. For followers of Jesus, it means to be aware of and alert to: 1) the TRUTH of God's Word, 2) the desires, lies and schemes of the devil; 3) the danger of anemic faith, 4) the opportunities God gives us to share the Gospel with yet unbelievers, and 5) our need to keep up the spiritual disciplines necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity. We must know "how to live" for Jesus in 2025! A good knowledge and understnding of Biblical prophecy and of how things will play out at the end of times is extremely beneficial to know at what stage we are now living in and then to know what relevant action we need to take. We also need to regularly request the Holy Spirit to help us be aware of what things in our future, the future of our nation and of the world that we must be alert to so that we can act accordingly. "When the Spirit of Truth comes . . . He will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13) "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8) Be on our guard always "so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." (II Corinthians 2:11)

Second, Paul commands us "TO STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH"! We shall then live firmly stationed on the foundation of Jesus Christ, who is the "Cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:20 and I Peter 2:6) It means to be steady and sure; not wavering, stumbling or moved about. Our foundation, as believers in Jesus, is found in the Word of God (the Bible). It is the Gospel of Jesus, the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the church of redeemed people with whom we worship and fellowship. We must know Biblical Truth, believe it whole-heartedly and be obedient to it! It is only as we live this way that we can reside in a turbulent world with obstacles, winds of afflictions, troubles, chaos, danger, uncertainty, and our own personal weaknesses, triumphantly standing on solid ground spiritually!

Third, Paul tells us to ACT LIKE MEN! This admonition has nothing to do with growing up, being mature rather than acting like children. It has everything to do with acting courageously and in a bold manner. In the Greek (original language of the New Testament) "act like men" is rendered as "conduct oneself in a courageous way." Other Scriptures affirm this meaning. "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord," (Psalm 27:14) "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord," (Psalm 31:24) Words similar to "Do not fear, do not be afraid, take courage" appear in Scripture repeatedly. The teaching is clear! Being courageous in these times means to embrace God's empowerment, celebrate a triumphant victory, accept God's presence in everything we do, and be fully in Christ Jesus in these challenging times. This truth leads to Paul's fourth command.

Fourth, Paul reminds us that we shall then LIVE IN STRENGTH! He says, "BE STRONG." We dare not live in spiritual weakness. Physical strength comes as a result of healthy eating and exercise. Spiritual weakness comes because we neglect prayer, reading God's Word, avoid worship with other believers and relax our spiritual disciplines. This formula for spiritual weakness is like sitting on the couch eating donuts all day. That may be "fun" but it leads to weakness and illness. The word "strength" means the inner resilience, fortitude and resolve to face life's challenges with courage, perseverance and a deep sense of purpose. It means to draw our power from God, allowing us to overcome obstacles, our personal weaknesses, outward spiritual attacks, and maintain stability in extremely difficult situations; to endure hardship and remain steadfast in our faith in Jesus! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength (power) of His might." (Ephesians 6:10) Since followers of Jesus are engaged in an on-going spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12-13) with the powers of darkness (evil), we can only be victorious by the power and strength that God gives!

Fifth, we shall then live DEMONSTRATING LOVE! Paul said emphatically, "Let ALL you do be done in love." (verse 14) Note, it is not a few things, some things, convenient things or even the majority of things. Rather, IT IS ALL THINGS! The word "love" here is the Greek word "AGAPE"! This is the unconditional, sacrificial love that only comes from and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is spiritual in nature, rather than human or physical. So, living in these days demonstrating God's love in all we do means the following:

• Be Motivated by Love - Let love be the primary reason for all that we do, rather than for personal gain or ambition.

• Be Imitating Christ - Let's follow Jesus' example of selfless love by serving others, forgiving all others, and being kind and generous.

• Be Loving Consistently - We must show unconditional, sacrifical love in ALL our relationships with both fellow believers and non-believers in Jesus. What did Jesus teach about this demonstration of love? "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that your are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35) Who do you struggle to really love? Jesus said loving others in His new commandment. It is not just a good idea! Loving all others is the commandment of Jesus! And He went on to say that it is by loving all others that all people will know we are His disciples! What an awesome responsibility!

• Be Loving in Truthfulness - "Speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) means communicating honestly the truth, with kindness and with the aim of building up rather than tearing down. It truly involves our personal integrity in life.

• Be Reflecting God's Love - Since love is God's nature and character, let's be LIKE HIM!

To conclude, the instructions given us in Holy Scripture clearly answer our question of "HOW THEN SHALL WE NOW LIVE" in such a turbulent, chaotic, ungodly and dangerous culture and world in which it appears that the very foundations are crumbling all around us! It also begs the question? Are we indeed following the commandments and principles as commanded in the Bible?