We are living in a time when many things are going to come to light—things we must prepare our hearts for, because if someone does not persevere and keep their eyes fixed on Christ Jesus, they will be disappointed.
*Be very careful about trusting man.
*Beware of idolatry!
*Beware of the twisting of the word.
*Be very careful of double-mindedness.
*Watch out for people who are all talk and no action.
*Watch out for false prophets; many people think they are just now appearing, but Christ Jesus mentioned this more than two thousand years ago.
There are things that must happen to open people’s eyes, so that people become strong in the Lord and reject the lies of the devil, because the time is approaching when all masks will fall and everything crooked will come to light.
But let us remember the following:
Paul said in Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
No one can do anything about their past; that is why the word of God says in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
A person cannot have a new life and keep walking around in old clothes; you cannot put new wine into old wineskins. Once you are in Christ, let old things go; everything that is tradition, culture, idolatry, things that God rejects, set them aside and fix your eyes on Christ Jesus, our only Lord and Savior.
If someone is well aware that in the culture they grew up in—for example, things their ancestors practiced that are not the will of God—now that their eyes have been opened and they know Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, it is time to set aside culture and customs of myths and fantasies, and remember that flesh and blood do not enter heaven. Everyone must die to stand before God and be judged.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because once he has passed the test, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
But let perseverance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4).
In every goal in a person’s life, a person must persevere in order to value what they are going to receive. Do not worry about the one who does not believe, the one who belittles, and the one who mocks; make sure you stand firm in your faith, and God will bless you richly, because you believed that God is able to do everything He said.
Let us persevere and continue doing good to everyone. Let us be available at all times for good works, to reach out a hand and help, to preach the complete word of God as it should be, without changing anything, because Christ Jesus is our foundation, the rock upon which our lives are anchored.
Sincerely,
Pastor Marcel Balootje