In the Explanation and Defense of All the Articles, Martin Luther exclaims, “It seems I must have liars and villains for opponents. I am not worthy in the sight of God that a godly and honorable person should discuss these matters with me in a Christian way. This is my greatest lament.”
When considering his statement, it precisely expounds upon my heart in recent years, when, so-called well meaning brethren have made it their intent to disarm the people of God and His gospel by slander, murder and remorseless counsel. (James 4:11) While much attention has been given to speculation, lies and the like, little attention has been given to the care and affection of God’s people, His holiness, and the Gospel of His Son and certainly no argument has been given for the sake of correction and unity of the faith. (Titus 1)
I want to encourage the Body of Christ to listen to His word, see it and quit being slaves to fodder, pundits, and the puke of offense given from the mouths of sinful men, but rather exult in the lovingness of God and His mercy in our souls. (1 John 4) Let us all arise to the occasion to place holy things and God’s affection toward the lost as the utmost of our existence and let us be known for our humility, truth, biblical fortitude, true worship and most of all, the glory of the name of our Father from our lives.
Remember we are either the body, or we are cancer among the body. Which is it? Beware the sounding bells of seemingly Godly men. Be a lover of truth, not an idiot of words.
Peter’s words summarize a familiar REALITY of God’s children. Test yourself as I test myself and carry the burden of the call to test everyone who speaks in the name of Christ by His measure: His holy word.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-11 ESV)
Be blessed in His glory of His amazing grace!
Pastor James Tippins