Contend for the Faith

"I found it necessary to write to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." ( Jude 3 ) 

Hi Friends, 

A couple of things are on my heart to share this morning. I haven't watched the entire memorial service for Charlie Kirk yet, but I have watched some of it. I do plan to take the time to watch the entirety. Overall, I am saddened that Charlie Kirk was the exception and not the rule. I pray this knowledge affects us in our urgency as Christians to share our faith more boldly and also "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope, yet do it with gentleness and respect." as the Apostle Peter taught us in his epistle.  ( 1 Peter 3:15 ) 

What I saw and what made my heart glad was Tucker Carlson explaining that the Gospel of Jesus Christ means to repent and believe! It must be both. James tells us that the demons believe. R.C. Sproul used to say that the devil could get an "A" in his theology classes. What makes us different as believers in Jesus from satan and his minions who also believe, and tremble, I might add!? ( James 2:19 ) 

Repentance. That's the difference. A turning away from our sin. Knowing we are poor in spirit, bankrupt, desperately in need of Christ because we have fallen short of the glory of God in our sin and rebellion and are separated from him forever with no way back. Broken over our sin against God. Humbled. Throwing ourselves on the grace and mercy of God in Christ alone. 

Tucker I felt conveyed this truth clearly, and Erika Kirk fleshed it out for the world to hear when she said that she forgave the young man who killed her husband. 

Beautiful. That's the Gospel. We forgive because God in Christ has forgiven us. 

"Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors." ( The Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:12 ) 

Forgiveness is a mark of a true believer. 

The other thing I want to share is this: Friends, please don't think everyone attending Charlie Kirk's memorial service was a sheep. I am not referring to unbelievers who are curious about the Christian faith through Charlie's life or even just wanted to get in on the action. I hope there were many of them there, what ever the reason, and that they came to faith in Christ or at least were given much to ponder on about our Lord Jesus. 

I'm talking about wolves in sheep's clothing. False teachers and false prophets. 

Jesus told us that they will be in our midst until he returns. ( Matthew 13:24-30 ) 

The aftermath of this terrible tragedy seems to have the makings of a revival or renewal for our country, I don't know, maybe a mercy from God for all of our wanderings to repent, to get back on track and be about our Father's business in the Great Commission and contending for the faith. Let's please be more vigilant than ever. 

Don't think for a second that the devil is going to sit idly by and watch this all play out with a tub of popcorn and a Red Bull. 

No, he had his ministers in place in that arena. And in this movement all along. 

This is not a time to sit around the campfire singing Kum ba yah. Listen to Paul: 

He is addressing the elders! The leadership. 

"I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them." ( Acts 20: 29&30 ) 

And again to the Corinthian church:

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." ( 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ) 

There are many other passages. 26 of the 27 New Testament books warn of false teachers and false prophets coming to lead sheep astray and make merchandise of them. In fact, some of the strongest language in the Bible is reserved for false teachers and false prophets, wolves in sheep's clothing preaching their false gospels to Christ's sheep.

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." ( Galatians 1:8 ) Accursed is the Greek word "anathema" meaning accursed, condemned, or damned. Let them who preach a false gospel be damned, Paul is saying. That's sobering, to say the least. 

Jesus told us time and again to beware of them! Because they are dressed like sheep and talk like sheep, we must be discerning!! Pray for discernment! Jesus said that we will know the wolves by their fruits. Look at all leader's theology and their character. These are the fruits. Examine what they are teaching against the Scripture! ( Acts 17 ) 

Before we can test their theology, we must be grounded in sound biblical doctrine ourselves. We must know our Bibles. This can't be said enough. Read it and sit under pastors and elders who are taking you through the whole counsel of Scripture, not just teaching shallow, topical points or self help or your best life now. If you're visiting a church, ask them if they preach through the entire Bible. Don't be shy; ask them. This is crucial for us and our children. We need all of it. The Scripture is what grows vulnerable lambs into strong, mature rams and ewes and what the Holy Spirit uses to transform the whole flock into the image of Christ! 

Okay, I didn't mean to be so long, but I just wanted to encourage you this morning along with myself and my family to be more vigilant than ever! The enemy hates what's going on. He knows his time is short, and I just bet he's doubling down with his servants as Paul warned. 

Because of all of this I've shared above, it is also on my heart to post some of J.I. Packer's "Knowing God" in future blogs. Yesterday I posted section one of his chapter "The Heart of the Gospel." Dr. Packer does a beautiful job of explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping us through the Bible to know the God who created us and the Redeemer who saved us and the Holy Spirit whose fellowship we enjoy better. 

I hope and pray it encourages us to read our Bibles and let the Word transform us. 

I think this is what Charlie would want, but more importantly, I think this is what God desires from his people. Let's guard our hearts and not miss this opportunity of the open hearts around us. It may not come this way again. 

💜