FIRM CONVICTIONS MAY COST!

FIRM CONVICTIONS MAY COST!

Eph 6:11-13

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Luke 21:14-17

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

           We live in a day when doctrinal anomalies are tolerated in many places. It is now fashionable to applaud the cooperation of those of varying beliefs. Those who demand adherence to doctrinal purity are strongly resisted. Jude indicated that there would be contention and struggle for orthodox faith. Struggle assumes opposing parties.

           The temptation to make essential things inconsequential is great. Perhaps a pastor will be tempted to install a talented leader who holds deviant doctrines because he needs the talent. He hopes that the doctrinal damage will be minimal and that the talent will help him to build his church. This is seldom the result.

           Firm resolve to adhere to doctrinal purity and godly character comes with a price. Friends and acquaintances may walk away from you branding you as intolerant and this age will tolerate anything but intolerance. Refusal to recant or ignore essential doctrines and moral principles may bar you from the highest associations but you will be in good stead with God.

Stand therefore because it will matter greatly at the judgment! You will not be asked regarding your popularity but your purity.

2 Cor 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Dear Lord, give me the courage to hold firmly to my convictions that I may be well pleasing to you. AMEN