A nonsense society

 by David Long

We live in a nonsense society. What do I mean by that? People believe nonsense.

1.     People believe something came from nothing, it’s called evolution. That’s nonsense.

2.     People believe a person is born “gay.” That’s nonsense.

3.     People believe a man can identify as a woman and a woman can identify as a man. That’s nonsense.

4.     People believe that two opposite statements can be true. That’s nonsense.

5.     People believe that 2+2 could equal 5. That’s nonsense.

“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you," says the Lord GOD” (Eze. 13:8).

Does sin bother you?

 by David Long

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness" (Eph. 4:17-19). The phrase "past feeling" refers to their calloused hearts and minds. Sin didn't bother them anymore. They had gotten used to sin. They had been "desensitized" to sin. That's true of many today. Does sin bother you? "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush..." (Jer. 6:15).

Don't like it either way

 by David Long

"But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children" (Matt. 11:16-19). Notice the contrast between John and Jesus in their delivering the message. John did not go to the people, they went to him (Matt. 3;1-4; 11:7). Jesus went among the people. John did not go to people's houses but Jesus did. John did not eat and drink among the people but Jesus did. The amazing thing is for the most part the people took issue with both. They said John had a demon and that Jesus was a gluttonous man and a winebibber. Sometimes no matter what approach you take in preaching and teaching the word of God, people won't like it. All we can do is do what God says and let the chips fall where they may. 

Don't talk about religion

 by David Long

Are you searching for the truth? Do you question what you believe? Do you question what you are being taught. "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Most people today do not question and don't want to be questioned what they believe. They won't give an answer (1 Pet. 3:15). 

I will build my church

 by David Long

"And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18).

Notice Jesus said, "my church." Whose church? Yours? Nope! Mine? Nope. The church of Christ belongs to Jesus. Why do you think it's called the church of Christ (Rom. 16:16). Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). He is the builder, buyer and owner. It is His body (Eph. 1:22-23). 

The devil quotes Scripture

 by David Long

"Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Matt. 4:5-7). Isn't that amazing, the devil quoted Scripture (Psa. 91:11-12). But he didn't fool Jesus. Jesus knew the Bible better than the devil did. If you don't know the Bible you will fall for his "quotes." 

Dustless feet

 by David Long

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet" (Matt. 10:14).

"But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium" (Acts 13:50-51).

"We cannot shake the dust off our feet if there is no dust on them" (From a devo given by Mike Minks).  What does that mean? Prejudging people on whether or not they will obey the gospel before we go to them with the gospel, is like trying to shake dust off our feet that's not there to shake off. You gotta have dust on your feet before you can shake it off.