THE BATTLE FOR FAITH

There was a time when a Christian who believed the Bible, believed the Bible. Not so today! While many professing Christians may not realize what has happened, they’ve been seduced. They may believe they believe – but instead, they’ve been deceived. Why is this?

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When I first came to the realization that Jesus Christ was my Creator and my Redeemer my whole world view was suddenly and radically altered. There is no other way to describe the change that occurred to my life. It was profound!

Since that moment when Jesus Christ became a reality to me, I have never been the same. Of course, there have been times when I have failed and been duped by Satan and his devices. The struggle that goes on between our flesh and the Spirit is a daily battle. Each believer has a decision to make. Will we continue to follow Jesus and His Word? Or will be allow ourselves to be misled by the wiles of the devil and become ineffective members of the body of Christ?

There is something I have learned in the thirty some years I have been following Jesus I would like to share with you. When we get off track or out of focus, all is not lost. There is a way to come back and get things right.

It is apparent the God of the Bible understands the dilemma we frail fallen humans find ourselves in. A large portion of the New Testament provides instructions for correction and re-dedication for those who have been misled. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, Paul wrote. [1] Surely, it is apparent from the Scriptures that we should be willing to evaluate our ways when we have been misled. Jesus is constantly speaking to us through His Word. The question is, will we listen?

Based on current seductive trends and the paradigm shift that is presently underway in the name of Christ, it would be wise from a spiritual perspective if all professing believers took time to re-evaluate the direction they are presently headed. Perhaps, it would be helpful to be reminded of the following important questions. What does the Bible mean by faith in God? Can biblical faith change from generation to generation? How do we come to faith? Can faith be re-invented for the 21^st century and still be faith?

We can find the answers to these questions in the Bible. Faith is about trusting and believing in God and His Word. Satan hates those who have believed and trusted in what God has said. The great deceiver will use every devious trick possible to seduce those who once believed. He wants to take them out of the battle so they will be ineffective soldiers for Jesus Christ.

Finally, there is another important point that needs to be made with regard to biblical faith. The messenger with a message that warns God’s people to return to the Word of God is nearly always rejected. However, the Bible is clear! Whether the people of God want to hear it or not, the message must be proclaimed.

Faith in God and His word is under attack because the god of this world knows his time is short. The grand delusion is underway and the return of Jesus Christ is at hand. Will we respond to the challenge and become Bible believing Christians once again?

I am Roger Oakland. This has been a biblical perspective to help understand the times.

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