Hi friends! Have you noticed the closer we get to end times prophecy, the crazier our messed up world becomes? Lines between courage and rebellion can be fuzzy at times and there is a growing need for us to discern between the two, then have the courage to stand! Join me over the next two or three days as we focus on standing courageously in our crazy, messed up world!

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he warned that perilous times will come, characterized by lovers of money and self; prideful, rebellious and ungrateful people; and brutal despisers of good (among other things). (2 Timothy 3:1-5) In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he warned of apostasy and lawlessness. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

I think we would all agree that those things are present in our world today. We live in a world messed up by sin! Yet, lest we begin to point fingers at Adam and Eve, we should remember that each believer is trapped in an earth suit (earthly body) with a deceitfully wicked heart! (Jeremiah 17:9) Only through the blood of Jesus Christ are we redeemed from the curse of sin.

Having been forgiven of sin, we still live in a world in which unrighteousness reigns, and it is important for us to take a stand on Godly principles and values. But, how do we stand, and where is the fine line between courage and rebellion? Everything seems so politicized these days, so should we avoid the fray or stand our ground?

To be clear, God hates rebellion, so it is important to discern the difference between rebellion and courage. Jesus infuriated religious leaders, yet never acted in rebellion. Consider the Sabbath laws. Jesus never violated God-given laws, but He did take a stand against Rabbinic tradition. Fact of the matter, it was the law of Moses, given by God, that determined Sabbath laws! But it was interpretations by scribes and Pharisees that placed unbearable, unlawful burdens on people. (Matthew 23:1-4) Jesus did not come to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them! Jesus’ obedience to Jewish law (not the religious leaders) enabled His death on the cross to redeem sinful man!

Thus, we get a picture of God’s intent for us to honor the pure law of the Lord, but not to be entangled in interpretations by others. Tomorrow we’ll examine when to take a stand. Stick with us the next couple days as we seek to make application of God’s principles while living in a messed up world! See you tomorrow!