As In The Days of Noah...

After some time listening to many responses to the events of the past week or so, I have felt led to simply share from my observations of the current events that face the Body of Christ.  Over the course of three weeks, or so, we have seen a continual debate grow concerning a particular event in the history of man.  I guess, really this has been going on for far longer than the past few weeks but it has clearly come to the mainstream stage of media and debate recently.  Yes, I agree with many out there, the validity of the story of Noah is a critical element of faith that cannot be avoided or brushed aside!

The story of Noah has profound impact on the Christian community in our culture.  This single event is a polarizing event that divides those who believe the Word of God to be truth and those who believe it to be allegory or simply stories about topics not real historical events.  Yes, it is that simple...its either truth or its not!

The unique aspect of this amazing event that took place is that it has been referred to in the New Testament by Jesus in a comparison to the days of the end times, (Matthew 24:36-51; Luke 17:26, 27.)  This comparison is what we all need to take note of as we engage the discussions around us.  Just as in the days of Noah, we face a culture around us that is not following the Ways of God or His teachings.  No matter what we may strive for in our own circle of family and friends, the majority of the cultures we live in today are against the God of the Bible.  There are many who will speak a language or tag themselves with a title that indicates an allegiance to the God of Christianity.  Yet, it is a form of godliness, (2 Timothy 3:1-9.)  The power that comes from a life surrendered to the Savior and controlled by the Holy Spirit looks far too "radical" for todays cultural christian.

A very critical issue that has developed gives clear indication that the form of godliness has become the accepted status quo for "Christians" in our culture.  This critical issue is the integrity of marriage and the family.  Although many seem to support a broad description or definition of marriage the Bible has a very specific and narrow definition.  In Malachai 2:14 marriage is referred to as a holy covenant before God.  In Genesis and a few other places we read of how a man is to leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7; Ephesians 5:31.)  This issue has been slowly but most definitely eroding away into an area of great compromise within the church.  As a result the Body of Christ is becoming divided on this issue.  This division is a simple yet, very effective tool of the enemy!  Just a little compromise within the Christian community has caused great skepticism and desputes over what once was a non-negogiable.

In addition to the effects of this issue within the church, we see today the effects of this issue in our society.  The confusion that our children are having to endure is often times too much for them to carry.  As they develop and clarify their view of this world and those who live around them, our children are faced with decisions about issues that once were not even openly discussed much less supported by anyone in the church.  However, now the topic of alternative lifestyles, acceptance of those who choose to marry others of the same gender, and rights of those who have two dads or two moms as their parents have become normal elements of teaching and training within even our Christian homes.

As in the days of Noah, these things that clearly are not of God are becoming accepted even within the "religious" community.  Why?  Because as God declared in Genesis 8:21, "...even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood..." Yes, the root of the problem is sin!  It is because man is sinful at heart, that we see the whole of culture moving away from God and choosing to do what "seems right in his own eyes."  Isaiah 55:8-9 declares this truth clearly that God's thoughts and ways are so much higher than our thoughts and ways.  As a result, when He allows man to act according to his own thoughts and his own ways behavior once seen clearly as disobedience soon becomes acceptable in the eyes of the majority.

Are we seeing cultural behavior similar to the days of Noah?  Are there clear signs of known disobedience among the leaders of our society and even churches?  Do we see a slow fade away from the Biblical view of marriage and family?  Are we witnessing a definite shift in culture toward a way of acting that is against God's Word?

As we answer yes to these questions I would challenge you to look up!  Regularly check out the sky and pay close attention to the heavens.  Daily seek the righteousness of God and His Kingdom.  For soon and very soon we are going to see the KING!  The day is quickly approaching that Jesus will step out on a cloud and call His bride home!  That hour that no man knows is near and the days of the Son of Man are upon us.  Will you be ready for the coming of the King?  Will your family be ready?  Will those around you be ready?  Will those who know you know Him as a result of knowing you?

It is time...Let us REACH THE WORLD AND TEACH HIS WORD to all who will listen for soon the door will be closed up and the "ark" will be full of His precious cargo to be carried safely through the "flood!"

In His Grip,
JT Turner